Semi Truck Accident Law
If you are involved in an accident with a semi truck the consequences can be devastating. Truck drivers, trucking firms, third-party brokers or manufacturers and trucking companies themselves, could be held accountable for your injuries.
You can claim compensation for non-economic and economic damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and suffering and pain. A skilled NYC compensation attorney can assist you in getting the compensation you deserve.
Get Help from the police
A truck crash is no laughing matter. These massive vehicles can weigh more than 30 times more than a passenger vehicle, and they are able to cause catastrophic collisions that can leave victims with serious injuries and severe damage. Unfortunately, every 16 seconds, a truck accident occurs in the United States, and these crashes are blamed for thousands of fatalities and hundreds of thousands of injuries.
Truck drivers are required to be safe and adhere to traffic laws, but their jobs can be very demanding and lead them to be exhausted and distracted. This can lead them to make poor driving decisions. It takes only an instant for a driver to fall asleep at the steering wheel or lose control. These mistakes can have devastating consequences and families are often left with the aftermath.
It is crucial that when a truck accident occurs, authorities investigate the accident scene and document all pertinent information. The name of the driver, the business that employs him or her, and the trucking firm which owns the vehicle are crucial. It is also essential to get contact information from witnesses, including their names and phone numbers. compton semi truck accident law firm is invaluable when it comes time to file a lawsuit.
Furthermore, semi-trucks are also equipped with "black boxes" that can provide valuable evidence in the event of an accident. These devices record a tremendous amount of information regarding the truck's speed and brakes, as well as other details that could be helpful in determining fault for a crash. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are knowledgeable about the technology and are able to access and analyze the data to create a solid claim for our clients.
It is possible that in addition to the truck driver's negligence the municipality or governing body in which the incident occurred could be held accountable for the crash. For instance, if a road was not maintained properly or had signs that were blocked, this may be cause for a claim against the municipality. Our lawyers can identify who is responsible and be able to hold them accountable for injuries resulting from negligence.
Collect Evidence
A successful claim for a truck accident will prove that a third party did not fulfill their duty of care, resulting in the crash. A negligence claim that is successful will result in a settlement for your economic and noneconomic losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, emotional distress as well as suffering and pain.
To prove your case you'll need evidence to show each element of negligence. When you are at the scene of your accident, take photos and videos of the damage to your vehicle including tire marks, the scene of the crash along with road and weather conditions including your injuries, and anything else you can think of that might be helpful in proving your case. Also, get the contact information of any eyewitnesses so that your attorney can later contact them to record their testimony and statements.
The logbooks of trucking firms and other documents that record the time of work and cargo loads as well as maintenance tasks are also vital. These records can prove helpful in establishing the driver's fatigue or drug usage, which are both common causes of accidents involving trucks. Trucking companies are required by federal regulations to keep these documents, and your lawyer is able to obtain them through an official discovery request if the company is unwilling to turn the records over on a voluntary basis.
Another type of crucial evidence is the inspection report for a truck that can be used to show that the trucking firm may have slashed corners to save money. In addition, these shortcuts could have led to a defective or unsafe truck. Your lawyer may also attempt to get black box information, other high-tech devices, and any information that you have regarding the driver's history, including prior traffic convictions. Your attorney will also be able get copies of your medical records including receipts for any medications or treatments you've received, scans, tests results, and other records that pertain to your case. All of these documents will be vital to establishing damages. It is impossible to get the compensation you deserve without this evidence.
Employ an attorney
If you or someone close to you has suffered severe injuries in an accident involving a truck you may be entitled to compensation. A knowledgeable attorney can help you navigate the legal procedure of filing a lawsuit to recover damages caused by the negligent act of the party responsible. They can also discuss with insurance companies and take the necessary steps to obtain a fair settlement.
An experienced attorney can gather and analyze important evidence gathered from an accident. This includes police reports as well as medical records. They can also examine other factors that may have contributed to the accident such as weather or road conditions. They can also investigate the status of the truck driver's job and company, as any training certificates.
Due to their size and weight truck accidents are more complex than accidents involving two cars. There are also many individuals who could be at fault for the accident, including truck drivers, trucking firms as well as truck manufacturers.
It is crucial to choose an attorney who is familiar with the regulations for trucking and the trucking industry. This will increase your chances of receiving compensation. In addition, they must be prepared to defend the rights of their clients against large corporations and their teams of lawyers.
It is essential to select an attorney who will communicate with you and keep you informed about the progress of your case. They should answer all your inquiries and be available to meet face-to-face if needed. If they don't respond quickly to your emails or calls, this is a red signal and should be avoided.
The best way to determine if or the attorney you choose is suitable for you is to ask about their experience in handling trucking cases. They should be able to provide you with information on their success rates and prior case examples. They should also provide their fees upfront and whether they cover any additional costs, like expert witnesses or reconstruction services.
A wrongful death claim is an option for anyone who has lost a loved one in a car accident. Under EPTL SS5-4.1, survivors are eligible for compensation to pay for funeral expenses as well as the loss of companionship. In addition, they can receive financial compensation to pay for medical bills and loss of income.
Discuss your options with your Insurance Company
The costs start to mount quickly following a semi truck accident, and the injured victim is often pressured to find the funds required. A shrewd insurance company will be aware of this and could use your situation to benefit themselves, by offering low-cost deals that do not cover all the costs of your injuries.
An experienced truck crash lawyer at your side will protect you from this kind of manipulation. A lawyer can help you negotiate a settlement with any insurance companies or parties involved in your case. Attorneys can also take phone calls from insurance agents and ensure that you're not lulled or misled.
Your attorney will begin the negotiation process by mailing an insurance company a demand letter, which will detail your losses and ask for a specific amount of compensation for each. It is possible that both parties will have to go back and forth throughout this process, as there may be disagreements over certain elements or sections of your claim.
It is important to realize that the settlement of your medical bills as well as economic damages could take a long time, especially when your injuries are severe. This is why it is important to collaborate with your doctor and hospital to arrange payment arrangements that will allow you to get treatment but still be ready to receive a fair settlement.
An experienced attorney will be able to assist you in determining the cause of your accident, whether it was caused by a jackknife or a loss of load, or another issue. The lawyer will also be able to determine if the truck driver was at fault or if other parties were involved in the incident.
You can hold a range of individuals accountable for your injuries. This includes the trucking company as well as their drivers, the truck manufacturer, third-party shippers, or even the product manufacturer. A skilled lawyer can help you find all potential defendants and to seek the maximum amount of compensation from them.