Semi Truck Accident Law
Accidents with semi-trucks could result in catastrophic consequences. Truck drivers, trucking firms such as third-party brokers or manufacturers and trucking companies themselves, could be held accountable for your injuries.
You are entitled to compensation for your economic and non-economic injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A NYC lawyer for compensation can help you get what you're entitled to.
Get Help from the Police
In the event of a truck crash, it is no laughing matter. These massive trucks can weigh up to 30 times more than the average passenger car and are able to cause catastrophic collisions that can result in victims suffering serious injuries and significant damage. Unfortunately every 16 seconds a truck crash occurs somewhere in the United States, and these crashes have been blamed as the cause of thousands of fatalities and hundreds of thousand of injuries.
Truck drivers must drive safely and obey traffic laws, however their duties can be extremely demanding, causing them to be exhausted and distracted. This can lead them to make rash decisions behind the wheel and it can take one second for a driver who is not paying attention to fall asleep or lose control of their vehicle. The consequences of such mistakes could be disastrous and leave families struggling with the aftermath.
It is important that when there is a crash involving a truck authorities investigate the crash scene and document all pertinent information. The name of the driver, the business that employs him or her, and the trucking firm that owns the vehicle is all vital. It is crucial to get contact details, like names and telephone numbers from witnesses. This information will be valuable when it comes time to bring a lawsuit.
Semi trucks are also equipped with "black box" devices which can provide valuable data in the case of an accident. These devices record numerous details about the truck, such as its speed, brake use and other information that can be helpful in determining who was responsible for the accident. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are well-versed in the technology and know how use it and analyze it to create a solid claim for our clients.
In addition to the trucker's negligence and the possibility that the governing body or the city in which the crash occurred may be responsible for an accident. If the road was not properly maintained or if there were obstructions on the road, this could be a reason to file a claim. Our attorneys can determine the person responsible and make them accountable for any injuries caused by negligence.
Collect Evidence
One of the most important aspects of a successful truck accident claim is establishing that someone else was owed a duty of care and negligently breached that duty, thus causing your accident. A successful negligence case will result in a payout for all economic and non-economic losses you've suffered, such as medical expenses, lost income, property damage as well as pain and suffering and emotional distress.
You'll need evidence for each of the elements of negligence to establish your case. While at the scene the accident, capture photos and videos of the vehicle damage including tire marks, the crash site, weather and road conditions as well as your injuries and everything else you could think of that may aid in making your case. Also, obtain the contact information for any eyewitnesses, so your attorney can reach them later to keep their statements and witness testimony.
The logbooks of the trucking companies and other records that detail the hours of work of the driver along with cargo loads and maintenance activities are also essential. These records can be helpful in establishing the driver's fatigue or drug usage, which are frequent causes of car accidents with trucks. Federal regulations require that trucking companies keep these documents. Lawyers can request the documents via an official request if they refuse to do so at their own discretion.
The inspection report for trucks is a third kind of evidence that could be used to prove that the trucking business may have resorted to shortcuts in order to save money and these methods could have resulted an unsafely defective or unsafe. Your lawyer will also attempt to get black box information and other high-tech equipment, as well as any information you have about the driver's previous history, including previous traffic violations. Your lawyer will also be able to obtain copies of medical records, receipts from medications or treatments that you have received or received, scans, the results of tests and other records that pertain to your case. All of this evidence will be essential in proving your case for damages. You won't be able to claim the compensation you are entitled to without it.
Hire an Attorney
If you or someone close to you suffered serious injuries as a result of the course of a truck crash, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced lawyer can guide you through the legal procedure of filing a lawsuit to recover damages caused by the negligence of the party at fault. They can also negotiate with insurance companies and follow the steps to get a settlement.
An experienced lawyer can collect and analyze important evidence gathered from an accident. This includes police reports as well as medical records. They can also look into other factors that led to the accident, including weather conditions or road conditions. They can also investigate the status of the truck driver and his company, and any certificates of training.
Truck accidents are typically more complex than crashes involving two vehicles due to the weight and size of these vehicles. Additionally, there are many different parties who could be accountable for the incident like truck drivers, trucking companies, and even truck manufacturers.
To maximize your chances of receiving compensation, it is crucial to find an attorney who is well-versed with the trucking industry and regulations. They should also be willing to advocate for their clients with large corporations and their legal teams.
It is also important to select a lawyer that is a good communicator and who will keep you informed on the progress of your case. They must be able to respond to all of your questions and be available to meet face-to-face when needed. If they don't respond promptly to your calls or emails this is a red signal and should be avoided.
Asking about an 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 about their success rates and prior cases. They should also be able to explain their costs and if they charge additional fees like expert witness services or accident reconstruction.
A wrongful death claim is a possibility for anyone who has lost a loved one in a truck accident. Under EPTL SS5-4.1 survivors can claim compensation to cover funeral costs as well as the loss of companionship. In addition, they are able to receive monetary compensation to pay for their medical bills and income loss.
Talk to stamford semi truck accident law firm
Following a semi-truck collision the expenses mount quickly and the injured party feels pressured to collect the money he needs. A shrewd insurance company will be aware this and will use your desperate situation to its advantage, offering low-cost offers that do not cover the full cost of your injuries.
A seasoned truck crash lawyer on your side will safeguard you from this kind of manipulation. A lawyer can help negotiate a settlement with the liable 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 that you don't get swindled or taken advantage of.
Your attorney will begin the negotiation process by sending an order letter to the insurance company, which will list all of your losses and request an exact amount of compensation for each one. This may require a back and forth between the two parties, because it is common for there to be some disagreements about certain sections or aspects of your claim.
It is crucial to understand that the settlement of your medical bills and other economic damages could take a long time, especially when your injuries are severe. This is why it's crucial to work with your doctor and the hospital to establish payment arrangements that allow you to receive treatment but still be capable of waiting for an acceptable settlement.
A reliable lawyer can assist you in determining if your accident was caused by the jackknife, or a loss in load. He will be able determine if your accident was caused by the negligence of the truck driver or if there were any other parties involved.
You can hold a range of parties accountable for your injuries. These include the trucking company, their drivers, the truck manufacturer, third-party shippers, or even the manufacturer of the product. If you work with a knowledgeable attorney, you will be able to identify the potential defendants and seek maximum compensation from each of them.