Semi Truck Accident Law
If you're involved in an accident with a semi-truck and suffer injuries, the result could be devastating. There are many parties that could be responsible for your injuries, such as truck drivers, trucking companies and third party brokers or manufacturers.
You can seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages such as medical expenses and lost wages. A knowledgeable NYC compensation lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Get help from the police
A truck crash isn't something to be laughed at. These massive vehicles can weigh up to 30 times more than an automobile for a single person, and they are capable of devastating collisions that can leave victims with serious injuries and severe damage. Every 16 seconds, there is a truck accident in the United States. These crashes are responsible for thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of injuries.
While truck drivers are required to follow traffic laws and drive safely, their jobs are often challenging and can cause them to become tired and distracted. This can lead to negligent decisions while driving and it takes only a fraction of a second for an inattentive driver to be asleep or lose control of their vehicle. These mistakes can have devastating consequences and families are often left to deal with the aftermath.
It is crucial that when there is a crash involving a truck authorities investigate the accident scene and record all pertinent information. The name of the driver, the name of the company where he or she works, and the trucking firm that owns the vehicle is all crucial. It is also important to obtain contact information from any witnesses that you can get, including their names and telephone numbers. This information is invaluable when it comes time to file a lawsuit.
Semi trucks are also equipped with "black box" devices that can provide valuable information in the case of an accident. These devices record a tremendous amount of information regarding the speed of the truck and brakes, as well as other data that could prove helpful in determining fault for a crash. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are familiar with the technology and know how access and analyze it to make a convincing case for our clients.
It is possible that in addition to the truck driver's negligence, the city or the governing body where the accident took place could be held responsible for the accident. If the road was not properly maintained or there were obstructed signs on the road, it could be a cause for an action. Our attorneys can determine who is responsible and hold them accountable for any injuries resulting from their negligence.
Collect Evidence
A successful truck accident claim will prove that a third party breached their duty of care in a negligent manner, causing the crash. A successful negligence claim results in a payout for all economic and noneconomic losses that you've suffered, such as medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
To prove your case you'll need evidence to show each element of negligence. While at the scene of your accident, snap pictures and videos of the damage to your vehicle and tire marks, the scene of the crash the road conditions and weather and your injuries, as well as everything else you can think of that could help in proving your case. Also, get the contact information of all witnesses to your case so that your attorney can later contact them to record their testimony and declarations.
The logbooks of trucking companies as well as other documents detailing the hours worked by the driver and cargo loads as well as maintenance activities are also crucial. These records can be helpful in establishing a driver's use of drugs or fatigue which is a typical reason for truck accidents. Federal regulations require that trucking companies keep these documents. Your lawyer can get the documents by submitting formal requests if they do not want to provide them by choice.
A third type of important evidence is the inspection report for a truck that can be used to demonstrate that the trucking company could have taken shortcuts in order to save money, and that these sloppy practices could have resulted in a dangerously unsafe or defective truck. Your lawyer can also help to obtain black-box information and other high-tech tools which can aid in the development of your case, and any information you have regarding the truck driver's background, including prior traffic violations. Your attorney will also be able obtain copies of your medical records including receipts for any medications or treatments you've received, scans of tests results, and other documents that pertain to your case. All of this evidence will be essential to prove your case for damages. You will not be able to receive the amount of compensation you are entitled to without it.
Hire an Attorney
You may be entitled compensation for you or a family member has suffered serious injuries from a truck accident. A skilled attorney can assist you with the legal process of filing a lawsuit to recover damages caused by the negligent act of the party responsible. They can also discuss with insurance companies and follow the necessary steps to obtain an equitable settlement.
An experienced attorney can gather and analyze important evidence gathered from an accident. This includes medical records, police reports as well as witness statements. They can also examine other factors that may have caused the accident, such as weather or road conditions. They can also investigate the status of employment of the driver of the truck and his company, as well any certificates of training.
Truck accidents are often more complicated than accidents involving two passenger cars because of the weight and size of these vehicles. There are santa barbara semi truck accident law firm who could be accountable in the incident, including truck drivers, trucking firms and even truck manufacturers.
To maximize the chances of receiving compensation, it is important to work with a lawyer who is familiar with the trucking industry as well as regulations. In addition, they should be prepared to fight for the rights of their clients against large corporations and their teams of lawyers.
It is also essential to choose a lawyer who is willing to communicate and who will keep you informed on the progress of your case. They will be able to address all your questions and meet with you face-to-face when necessary. If they don't respond promptly to your calls or emails this is a red signal and should be avoided.
The attorney's experience in handling trucking-related cases is the best way to determine if they're suitable for you. They should be able to provide you with details regarding their success rates and prior case examples. They should be able to explain their charges and whether they include additional expenses such as expert witness services or reconstruction of accidents.
Anyone who has lost a loved one in a crash involving a truck may be able to file a wrongful death claim. EPTL SS5-4.1, survivors are entitled to compensation for funeral costs and loss of companionship. In addition, they can receive compensation in the form of money to pay for their medical bills and loss of income.
Negotiate with the Insurance Company
Following a semi-truck collision the costs mount up quickly and the injured party is compelled to pay the money they need. Insurance companies will profit from your dire circumstance and offer low-cost offers to cover only a small portion of your medical expenses.
A truck accident lawyer will guard you against this type of manipulation. An attorney can assist you negotiate a settlement with any insurance companies or parties in your case. He will also be able to take over all phone calls from insurance companies and ensure that you do not get misled or cheated by.
Your attorney will begin the negotiation process by mailing an insurance company a letter of demand, which will detail your losses and ask for a specific amount of compensation for each. It is possible that both parties will be required to talk between them during this process, as there could be disagreements about certain elements or sections of your claim.
It is crucial to know that medical bills and other financial damages could take an extended time to settle, especially the more severe your injuries are. It is important to work with your hospital and doctor to create payment plans that allow you to continue receiving treatment while waiting for an acceptable settlement.
A reputable lawyer will be able to determine if your accident was caused by a jackknife or a loss in the load. He will be able to determine if your accident was caused by the negligence of a truck driver or if there were other parties involved.
You could hold a variety of parties accountable for your injuries. This includes the trucking company as well as their drivers, the truck maker, third party shippers, and even the manufacturer of the product. By working with an experienced attorney, you'll be able to identify the potential defendants and obtain maximum compensation from each of them.