Semi Truck Accident Law
Accidents with semi-trucks could result in devastating consequences. There are many parties that could be accountable for your injuries, such as truck drivers, trucking companies and third party brokers, or manufacturers.
You are entitled to compensation for economic and non-economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages. A NYC lawyer for compensation can assist you in getting what you deserve.
Seek help from the police
In the event of a truck crash, it is no laughing matter. These huge vehicles can weigh more than 30 times the weight of an automobile for a single person, and they are able to cause catastrophic collisions that can leave victims with serious injuries and significant damage. Every 16 seconds, there is an accident involving a truck in the United States. These crashes result in thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of injuries.
Truck drivers must be safe and adhere to traffic laws, however their duties can be demanding and cause them to become exhausted and distracted. This can lead them to make poor decisions made while driving. It only takes one second for a driver to fall asleep behind the wheel or lose control. The consequences of such mistakes can be severe and often leave families struggling to cope with the aftermath.
If a truck collision occurs, it is important that the authorities investigate the crash site and take down all of the relevant information. This includes the name of the truck driver, his or her employer, and the trucking firm that owns the truck. It is also essential to get contact information from witnesses that you can get, including their names and telephone numbers. This information is crucial when it's time to file a suit.
Semi trucks are also equipped with "black box" devices which can offer valuable information in the event of an accident. These devices can capture the details of the truck, including its speed, brakes used and other data that could prove useful in determining the person responsible for the accident. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are knowledgeable about this technology and know how to access and analyze the data to present a convincing case for our clients.
In buena park semi truck accident lawyer , to truck driver negligence and the possibility that the city or governing body where the incident occurred could be liable for the crash. If the road was not maintained in a timely manner or there were signs that were blocked on the road, it could be a cause for an action. Our lawyers will determine who is accountable and hold them accountable for the injuries caused by their negligence.
Collect evidence
One of the key elements of a successful truck crash claim is establishing that the other party owed you the duty of care and negligently violated that duty, causing your accident. A negligence claim that is successful will result in a compensation claim for your financial and non-economic losses. These include medical expenses, lost wages emotional distress, property damage, and pain and suffering.
To establish your case you'll need evidence that can prove each element of negligence. Take pictures and videos at the accident scene. They could include car damage as well as tire tracks, the location of the crash, and weather conditions. You might also want to document your injuries. Also, gather the contact information of all witnesses so that your attorney can later contact them to record their witness testimony and their statements.
Another important source of evidence is the trucking company's logbooks and other documents that detail the driver's hours, cargo loads, and maintenance activities. These documents can be useful in determining the extent of fatigue or drug usage, which are frequent causes of car accidents with trucks. Federal regulations require trucking companies to retain these documents. Your lawyer can get the documents via an official request if they do not want to provide them in a voluntary manner.
A third type of important evidence is the inspection report for a truck, which can be used to show that the trucking business may have slashed corners to save money. Moreover, these shortcuts may have resulted in a dangerously defective or unsafe truck. Your lawyer will also attempt to get black box information and other high-tech equipment, and any other information you have on the driver's past, including previous traffic convictions. Your lawyer can also obtain copies of your medical documents, receipts from medicines or treatments that you have received, scans, results of tests, and other documents relevant to your case. All of these documents are vital to establishing damages. Without it, there is no way to receive the compensation you deserve.
Hire an Attorney
You may be entitled compensation when family members have suffered serious injuries in a truck accident. A lawyer who is knowledgeable can assist you through the legal procedure for filing an action for damages caused by the negligence of the driver who is at fault. They can also bargain with insurance companies, and make the necessary arrangements to secure an equitable settlement.
A professional lawyer with experience can gather and analyze crucial evidence from the accident. This includes police reports and medical records. They may also look into other factors that may have contributed to the accident, like road conditions or weather conditions. They can also inquire about the status of the truck driver and his company, as well as any certificates of training.
Truck accidents are typically more complicated than crashes involving two passenger cars because of the size and weight of these vehicles. In addition, there are a variety of different people who could be responsible for the incident like truck drivers, trucking companies, and even truck manufacturers.
It is important to employ an attorney who is familiar with the regulations for trucking and the trucking industry. This will improve your chances of receiving compensation. They should also be willing to fight on behalf of their clients with large corporations and their legal teams.
It is important to select an attorney who can communicate with you and keep you updated 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 reply to your emails or calls quickly, it's an indication that they are not trustworthy and you should stay clear of them.
The best way to determine if or the attorney you choose is suitable for you is to ask about their experience handling trucking cases. They should be able to provide you with case examples from previous cases and specifics about their success rate. They should also disclose their fees in advance and whether they are inclusive of additional costs, such expert witnesses or accident reconstruction services.
Anyone who has lost a loved one in a truck crash may be able to file a wrongful death claim. Under EPTL SS5-4.1, survivors are entitled to compensation to cover funeral costs as well as the loss of companionship. In addition, they can be awarded monetary compensation to help cover medical expenses as well as lost income.
Negotiate with the Insurance Company
The bills start piling up quickly following a semi truck accident, and the injured victim is often pressured to find the funds required. Insurance companies will profit from your desperate circumstance and offer low-cost offers that cover only a fraction of your expenses.
A lawyer for a truck accident can protect you from this kind of manipulation. An attorney can assist in negotiating an agreement with the responsible party or insurance companies that will be involved in your case. He will also be able to take over any phone calls from insurance representatives and ensure you don't get swindled or taken advantage of.
Your attorney will start the negotiation process by mailing an insurance company a letter of demand that will describe the losses you have suffered and demand an exact amount of compensation for each. This may require a exchange of information between the two parties because it is typical for there to be disagreements over certain sections or elements of your claim.
It is important to recognize that medical bills as well as other economic damages could take a long time to settle, especially the more severe your injuries are. It is crucial to work with your physician and hospital to set up payment arrangements that allow you to continue receiving treatment while waiting for an acceptable settlement.
An experienced attorney will be able to assist you in determining the root of your accident, regardless of whether it was caused by a jackknife or a loss of load, or some other issue. He can determine whether the accident was the result of the negligence of the truck driver, or if there were other parties involved.
You could hold a variety of parties responsible for your injuries. These include the trucking company and their drivers, the truck maker, third party shippers, and even the manufacturer of the product. Working with an experienced lawyer can help you identify all potential defendants, and to seek the maximum amount of compensation from them.