Semi Truck Accident Law
Accidents with semi trucks can result in devastating consequences. There are many parties that are responsible for your injuries, such as truck drivers, trucking companies and third party brokers, or manufacturers.
You can seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages such as medical expenses and lost wages. A skilled NYC compensation lawyer can help you get the settlement you deserve.
Seek help from the police
Being involved in a truck collision is no laughing matter. These massive vehicles are capable of devastating collisions that can result in serious injuries or major damage. Every 16 seconds, there is an accident involving trucks in the United States. These crashes are responsible for thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of injuries.
Although kansas city semi truck accident case are required to obey traffic laws and be safe but their duties are usually challenging and can cause them to become fatigued and distracted. This can lead to negligent decisions behind the wheel and it only takes one second for a driver who is not paying attention to be asleep or lose control of their vehicle. The consequences of these errors can be catastrophic and leave families struggling with the aftermath.
If a truck collision occurs it is imperative that authorities investigate the site of the crash and collect all the relevant information. The name of the driver, the company where he or she works and the trucking company that owns the vehicle is all vital. It is important to get contact details, like names and phone number, from witnesses. This is essential when it's time to file a lawsuit.
Semi trucks are also equipped with "black box" devices that can provide valuable information in the event of an accident. These devices can record a massive amount of information regarding the speed of the truck and brake usage, among other details that could be useful in determining the cause of an accident. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are knowledgeable about this technology and know how to analyze and access the data to build a strong case for our clients.
In addition, to truck driver negligence, it is possible that the city or governing body where the incident occurred could be liable for an accident. If the road was not maintained properly or there were obstructed signs on the road, it could be a cause for an action. Our attorneys can determine who is responsible and make them accountable for any injuries caused by negligence.
Collect evidence
A successful claim for a truck accident will prove that someone else breached their duty of care in a negligent manner, causing the accident. A negligence claim that is successful will result in a compensation claim for your financial and non-economic losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages emotional distress, property damage and suffering and pain.
You'll need to provide evidence for each of the elements of negligence in order to prove your case. Take photos and video at the scene of the accident. These can include the damage to the vehicle and tire tracks, as well as the location of the crash, and the weather conditions. You may also wish to record your injuries. Also, obtain the contact information for any eyewitnesses, so your attorney can contact them later to record their statements as well as witness testimony.
Another type of important evidence is the logbooks of the trucking company and other documents that provide details of the hours of the driver as well as cargo loads and maintenance activities. These documents can be useful in establishing the driver's use of drugs or fatigue which is a frequent reason for truck accidents. Trucking companies are required by federal law to keep these records, and your lawyer may request them by filing an official discovery request in the event that the company refuses to turn the records over on a voluntary basis.
The truck inspection report is a third type of evidence that can be used to prove that the trucking business may have resorted to shortcuts in order to save money and that the mistakes could have resulted in the truck being dangerously unfit or unsafe. Your lawyer will also attempt to obtain black box information and other high-tech devices which can aid in the development of your case, along with any information you have about the truck driver's background, including prior traffic violations. Your lawyer will also be able to get copies of your medical records and receipts for any medication or treatments you've received, scans of test results, and other records that are relevant to your case. All of this evidence will be essential in proving your case for damages. Without it, there is no way to receive the compensation you deserve.
Hire an attorney
If you or someone close to you has suffered severe injuries in the course of a truck crash, you may be entitled to compensation. A lawyer with experience can guide you through the legal process of filing a lawsuit for damages caused by the negligence of the driver at fault. They can also negotiate with insurance companies and follow the steps to obtain a settlement.
A reliable lawyer can gather and analyze vital evidence gathered from the accident. This includes police reports and medical records. They can also research other factors that could have caused the accident, such as weather conditions or road conditions. They can also investigate the truck driver's employment status and the company's, as well the training certifications.
Accidents involving trucks are usually more complex than crashes involving two cars due to the weight and size of these vehicles. There are a variety of parties that could be at fault for the crash, including truck drivers, trucking companies and even truck manufacturers.
To maximize your chances of obtaining compensation, it is important to find an attorney who is familiar with the trucking industry and its regulations. They should also be prepared to advocate on behalf of their clients with large companies and their legal teams.
It is also essential to choose a lawyer who 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 meet with you face-to-face whenever needed. If they are not able to 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 suitable for you. They are likely to be able examples of cases they have handled in the past as well as details on their success rate. They should also explain their fees upfront and if they include any additional costs, such expert witnesses or reconstruction services.
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 are entitled to compensation to cover funeral costs and the loss of companionship. In addition, they are able to receive compensation in the form of money to pay for their medical bills and loss of income.
Negotiate with the Insurance Company
After a semi-truck crash it is common for the bills to mount quickly and the injured person is compelled to pay the money needed. A shrewd insurance company will be aware of this and may use your precarious situation to benefit themselves, by offering low-cost offers that do not cover the total cost of your injuries.
A knowledgeable truck crash lawyer at your side will safeguard you from this kind of manipulation. An attorney can assist you negotiate a settlement with any insurance companies or parties involved in your case. He can also take over any phone calls from insurance companies and ensure that you do not get misled or taken advantage of.
Your attorney will start the negotiation process by sending an insurance company a demand letter, which will detail the losses you have suffered and demand a specific amount of money for each. 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 parts of your claim.
It is crucial to know that your medical bills and other economic damages are likely to take an extended time to settle, especially the more serious your injuries are. It is essential to collaborate with your physician and hospital to negotiate payment arrangements that allow you to continue receiving treatment while waiting for an appropriate settlement.
An experienced attorney can assist you in determining the root of the accident, whether it was caused by a jackknife or an inability to load, or a different issue. He can also help to determine if the truck driver was negligent or if any other participants were involved in your accident.
There are a myriad of different entities that could be accountable for your injuries including the trucking company and their drivers as well as the truck manufacturer third party shippers, and even product manufacturers. If you work with a knowledgeable attorney, you'll be able to identify the potential defendants and obtain maximum compensation from each.