Semi Truck Accident Law
If you're involved in an accident with a semi-truck and suffer injuries, the result could be devastating. Truck drivers, trucking firms as well as third-party brokers and manufacturers, as well as trucking companies themselves, could be held responsible for injuries.
You can seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages such as medical expenses and lost wages. A knowledgeable NYC compensation lawyer can help you get the settlement you deserve.
Get Help from the Police
A truck crash isn't a laughing matter. These massive vehicles can weigh up to 30 times as much as a passenger vehicle and can cause devastating collisions that can leave victims with serious injuries and severe damage. Every 16 seconds, there is an accident involving a truck in the United States. These crashes cause hundreds of thousands of injuries.
Although truck drivers are required to follow traffic laws and operate their vehicles safely but their duties are usually challenging and can cause them to become exhausted and distracted. This can lead to negligent decisions made while driving. It only takes an instant for a driver to fall asleep at the wheel or lose control. These mistakes can have devastating consequences and families are often left with the aftermath.
When a truck accident occurs it is essential that authorities investigate the location of the crash and collect all the relevant details. This includes the name of the truck driver, the employer, and the trucking company which owns the truck. It is important to obtain contact information, including names and numbers, from witnesses. This information will be invaluable when it comes time to file a lawsuit.
Additionally, semi trucks are also equipped with "black boxes" that can provide crucial evidence in the event of an accident. These devices record many details about the truck, including speed, brakes used and other data that may be useful in determining who is at fault for an accident. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are well-versed in this technology and know how to analyze and access this data in order to create a compelling case for our clients.
In addition to the trucker's negligence and the possibility that the governing body or city where the incident occurred may be responsible for the consequences of a crash. If the road was not properly maintained or there were obstructed signs on the road, it could be a cause for a claim. gresham semi truck accident case can determine who is responsible and ensure that they are accountable for injuries resulting from negligence.
Collect Evidence
One of the most important aspects of a successful truck accident claim is proving that the other party owed you an obligation of care and negligently breached the duty, causing the crash. A negligence claim that is successful will result in a compensation claim for your financial and non-economic losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, property damage, emotional distress, and pain and suffering.
To establish your case you'll need evidence to show each element of negligence. Take pictures and videos at the accident scene. These could include damage to the vehicle, tire tracks, the accident site, and even the weather conditions. It is also possible to document your injuries. Also, get the contact information of any witnesses to your case so that your attorney can later contact them to record their testimony and declarations.
The logbooks of trucking companies and other documents that detail the hours of work of the driver and cargo loads as well as maintenance activities are also important. These records can aid in establishing the driver's fatigue or drug use, which are the most common causes of accidents involving trucks. Federal regulations require trucking companies to keep these records. Your lawyer can request the documents through an official request should they don't want to do so voluntarily.
The report of inspections on trucks is a third type of evidence that could be used to show that the trucking company could have made a few sloppy decisions to save money and that the methods could have resulted a truck that was dangerously in danger or unsafe. Your lawyer will also try to obtain black box information and other high-tech devices to help you build your case, as well as any information you have about the background of the truck driver including prior traffic violations. Your attorney will also be able get copies of your medical records as well as receipts for any prescriptions or treatments you've received, scans of test results, and other records relevant to your case. All of this evidence is essential in proving your case for damages. It is impossible to get the amount you deserve without this evidence.
Hire an Attorney
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries in a truck accident you could be entitled to compensation. An experienced lawyer can assist you with the legal process of filing a lawsuit to seek compensation for damages resulting from the negligent act of the party responsible. They can also bargain with insurance companies, and make the necessary arrangements to negotiate an acceptable settlement.
A reputable lawyer can gather and analyze the most important evidence from an accident. This includes police reports, medical records and witness statements. They can also examine other factors that could have caused the accident, such as road conditions or weather conditions. They can also investigate the status of employment of the driver of the truck and his company, and any training certificates.
The causes of truck accidents are usually more complicated than accidents involving two passenger cars because of the weight and size of these vehicles. Moreover, there are many different people who could be responsible for the accident which include truck drivers, trucking companies, and even truck manufacturers.
It is essential to find an attorney who is familiarized with the trucking regulations and the industry. This will maximize your chances of receiving compensation. Additionally, they must be prepared to defend the rights of their clients against large corporations and their teams of lawyers.
It is important to choose an attorney who will communicate with you and keep you informed about the progress of your case. They must be able to respond to all of your inquiries and be available for a face-to-face meeting if required. If they don't respond quickly to your calls or emails this is a red flag that should be avoided.
Asking about an attorney's experience dealing with trucking-related cases is the best way to determine if they're right for you. They will be able to provide you with previous case examples and information about their success rate. They should also be able to explain their fees and whether or not they are able to include additional costs such as expert witness services or reconstruction of accidents.
Anyone who has lost a loved one in a collision with a truck might be able to file a wrongful-death claim. EPTL SS5-4.1, survivors are entitled to compensation for funeral expenses and loss of companionship. They may also be eligible for compensation for medical bills as well as lost wages.
Negotiate with your Insurance Company
The bills start piling up quickly after a semi-truck accident, and the victim is often under pressure to find the funds required. Insurance companies can take advantage of your desperate circumstance and offer low-cost offers that cover only a fraction of your medical expenses.
A lawyer who handles truck accidents will safeguard you from this type of manipulation. An attorney can help you negotiate a settlement with any insurance companies or parties in your case. He can also take over any calls made by insurance representatives to ensure that you do not get misled or cheated by.
Your lawyer will begin the negotiation process by sending an insurance company a letter of demand that will outline your losses and demand a specific amount compensation for each. It is possible that the two parties will have to go back and forth during the negotiation process, since there may be disagreements on certain aspects or parts of your claim.
It is crucial to understand that the settlement of your medical bills and financial damages can take a long time, particularly if your injuries are severe. It is important to work with your doctor and the hospital to establish payment arrangements that allow you to continue receiving treatment while waiting for a fair settlement.
A experienced lawyer can assist you in determining if your accident was caused by the jackknife, or a loss in the load. The lawyer will also be able to determine if the driver of the truck was negligent or if any other parties shared in your accident.
There are a variety of different entities that could be held accountable for your injuries including the trucking company, their drivers, the truck manufacturer, third party shippers, as well as product manufacturers. If you work with a knowledgeable lawyer, you will be able recognize all the possible defendants and obtain maximum compensation from each.