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 a variety of parties that could be liable for your injuries, such as truck drivers, trucking companies and third party brokers or manufacturers.
You may seek compensation for economic and non-economic losses such as medical expenses and lost wages. A NYC compensation lawyer can assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve.
Get Help from the Police
Getting into a truck accident isn't something to joke about. These huge vehicles are capable of devastating collisions that can cause victims to suffer serious injuries or significant damage. Unfortunately every 16 seconds truck crashes occur in the United States, and these crashes have been blamed as the cause of thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of injuries.
Truck drivers must operate safely and abide by traffic laws, but their work can be extremely demanding, causing them to become tired and distracted. This can lead to impulsive decisions while driving and it takes only just a few seconds for a driver who is not paying attention to be asleep or lose control of their vehicle. These mistakes can have devastating consequences and families are often left to deal with the consequences.
If a truck crash occurs it is crucial that authorities investigate the scene of the crash and take down all of the relevant information. The name of the driver, the name of the company that employs him or her, and the trucking firm that owns the vehicle are crucial. It is also important to obtain contact details from any witnesses with their names as well as telephone numbers. This information is crucial when it comes time to file a suit.
Semi-trucks are also fitted with "black box" devices which can provide valuable data in the case of an accident. These devices record a tremendous amount of information regarding the speed of the truck and brake usage, as well as other details that could be helpful in determining fault for an accident. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are familiar with this technology and know how to analyze and access this information in order to make a convincing case for our clients.
peoria semi truck accident law firm is possible that, in addition to the truck driver's negligence, the city or governing body that caused the incident occurred could be held accountable for the accident. If the road was not properly maintained or there were obstructed signs on the road, this could be a cause for an action. Our attorneys can determine the person responsible and ensure that they are accountable for injuries caused by negligence.
Collect Evidence
One of the most important aspects of a successful truck crash claim is to prove that someone else was owed an obligation of care and negligently breached the duty, causing the accident. A negligence claim that is successful will result in a settlement for your economic and non-economic losses. These include medical expenses, lost wages property damage, emotional distress and suffering and pain.
You'll need evidence for each of the elements of negligence in order to establish your case. Take pictures and videos at the scene of the accident. This could include vehicle damage tires, the site of the crash and weather conditions. You might also want to record your injuries. Also, collect the contact details of any witnesses to your case so that your attorney can later contact them to record their testimony and declarations.
Another form of evidence is the trucking company's logbooks and other documents that provide details of the hours of the driver of work, cargo loads, as well as maintenance activities. These records can prove helpful in determining the extent of fatigue or drug use, which are common causes of car accidents with trucks. Federal regulations require trucking companies to retain these documents. Your lawyer can obtain the documents through an official request should they refuse to do so voluntarily.
The report of inspections on trucks is a further type of evidence that could be used to prove that the trucking company may have made shortcuts to save money and these shortcuts could have resulted in an unsafely unfit or unsafe. Your lawyer will also attempt to obtain black-box information and other high-tech devices to help you build your case, as well as any information that you have on the background of the truck driver, including any prior traffic convictions. Your lawyer will also be able to obtain copies of your medical records and receipts for any medication or treatments you've received, scans of test results, and other records that pertain to your case. All of this evidence is essential in proving your case for damages. Without it, there is no way of obtaining the compensation you deserve.
Hire an Attorney
You may be entitled compensation for you or family members have suffered serious injuries from a truck accident. A lawyer with experience can assist you through the legal process to file a lawsuit seeking damages incurred by the negligent actions of the driver at fault. They can also negotiate with the insurance companies and take the necessary steps to get a 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 investigate other factors that contributed to the accident, including road conditions or weather conditions. They can also inquire about the employment status of the truck driver and his company, and any certificates of training.
Due to their weight and size, truck accidents are more complicated than accidents involving two cars. Moreover, there are many different parties who could be accountable for the incident, such as truck drivers, trucking companies, and even truck manufacturers.
To increase the odds of receiving compensation, it is essential to consult with an attorney who is knowledgeable with the trucking industry and regulations. They should also be willing to represent their clients against large corporations and their legal teams.
It is also essential to choose a lawyer who is willing to communicate and keeps you informed on the progress of your case. They will be able to address all of your questions, and even meet with you face-to-face when needed. If they don't respond to your emails or calls quickly, this is an indication that they are not trustworthy and you should steer clear of them.
Inquiring about the experience of an attorney in handling cases involving trucks is the best method to determine if they are the right fit for you. They should be able provide you with details about their success rate and previous case examples. They should also be able explain their fees and whether they include additional expenses like expert witness services or accident reconstruction.
Anyone who has lost loved ones 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 also can receive compensation for medical bills as well as lost wages.
Negotiate with your Insurance Company
Following a semi-truck collision it is common for the bills to mount quickly and the injured victim is pressured to pay the money required. A shrewd insurance company will be aware this and could leverage your desperate situation to benefit themselves, by providing low-cost options that will not cover all the costs of your injuries.
A truck accident lawyer will protect you against this type of manipulation. A lawyer can help you negotiate a settlement with any insurance companies or other parties involved in your case. He can also handle phone calls from insurance agents and ensure that you're not misled or taken advantage of.
Your lawyer will begin the negotiation process by sending a demand letter to the insurance company. The letter will detail your losses and demand an amount of money for each one. This may require a back and forth between the two parties, as it is normal for there to be some disagreements regarding certain sections or elements of your claim.
It is crucial to realize that your medical bills and other damage will likely take an extended time to settle, particularly the more serious your injuries are. It is essential to collaborate with your hospital and doctor to establish payment arrangements that allow you to continue receiving treatment while you wait for a fair settlement.
An experienced lawyer can help you determine the cause of the accident, whether it was caused by a jackknife, the loss of load or a different issue. He will be able to determine whether your accident was the result of the negligence of a truck driver or if there were any other parties involved.
There are a myriad of different entities that could be held accountable for your injuries, including the trucking company, their drivers as well as the truck manufacturer, third party shippers, and even manufacturers. If you work with a knowledgeable attorney, you will be able to identify all potential defendants and seek maximum compensation from each of them.