Semi Truck Accident Law
If you're involved in an accident with a semi-truck, the results can be devastating. There are many parties who 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 damages such as medical expenses and lost wages. A knowledgeable NYC compensation lawyer will assist you to receive the settlement you deserve.
Get help from the police
A truck accident is not something to be laughed at. These huge vehicles can weigh up to 30 times more than a passenger vehicle, and they can cause devastating collisions that often result in victims suffering serious injuries and severe damage. Every 16 seconds, there is an accident with a truck in the United States. These crashes cause thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of injuries.
While truck drivers are required to obey traffic laws and be safe Their jobs are typically stressful and can cause them to become exhausted and distracted. This can lead to negligent driving decisions. It takes just an instant for a driver to fall asleep at the steering wheel or lose control. These mistakes can result in devastating consequences, and families are often left to deal with the aftermath.
It is vital that if there is a crash involving a truck authorities investigate the accident scene and document all pertinent details. The name of the driver, his company that employs him or her, and the trucking firm which owns the vehicle are all important. It is also essential to obtain contact details from any witnesses such as their names and telephone numbers. This information will be invaluable when it's time to file a lawsuit.
Semi trucks are also equipped with "black box" devices that can provide important information in the event of an accident. These devices can capture many details about the truck, such as its speed, brake use and other information that could be helpful in determining who was responsible for an accident. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are familiar with the technology and are able to access and analyze this information in order to make a convincing argument for our clients.
In addition to truck driver negligence It is also possible that the governing body or city in which the crash occurred could be accountable for the crash. If the road was not maintained properly or there were obstructions to the signs on the road, it could be grounds for an action. Our attorneys can determine the person responsible and make them accountable for any injuries caused by negligence.
Collect evidence
A successful claim for a truck accident will prove that a third party breached their duty of care, resulting in the accident. A negligence claim that is successful will result in a settlement for your economic and non-economic losses. These include medical bills, lost wages emotional distress, property damage and pain and suffering.
To establish your case, you'll need evidence to establish each of the elements of negligence. Take photos and videos of the scene of the accident. These could include car damage tires, the site of the crash and weather conditions. You may also want to document your injuries. Also, get the contact details for any eyewitnesses. This way, your attorney can reach them later to record their statements as well as witness testimony.
The logbooks of the trucking companies and other records detailing the hours worked by the driver, cargo loads and maintenance tasks are also vital. These records could be helpful in establishing a driver's drug or fatigue use, which is a common reason for truck accidents. Federal regulations require trucking companies to keep these documents. Your lawyer can get the documents via an official request if they do not want to provide them voluntarily.
The inspection report for trucks is a third kind of evidence that could be used to show that the trucking company could have made shortcuts to save money and that the methods could have resulted an unsafely defective or unsafe. Your lawyer will also work to obtain black-box information as well as other high-tech devices that can help you build your case, along with any information you may have regarding the background of the truck driver including prior traffic violations. lakeland semi truck accident lawyer can also get copies of your medical records as well as receipts for any prescriptions or treatments you've received, scans, test results, and other documents relevant to your case. All of this evidence is crucial in proving your claim for damages. You won't be able to claim the amount of compensation you deserve without this evidence.
Employ an attorney
You could be entitled to compensation for you or someone in your family has suffered serious injuries from a truck accident. An experienced lawyer will 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 take the necessary steps to get a settlement.
A reputable attorney can collect and analyze important evidence gathered from an accident. This includes police reports and medical records. They can also look into other factors that contributed to the accident, such as weather conditions or road conditions. They can also look into the status of the truck driver and the company he works for, as well as any training certificates.
Truck accidents are typically more complicated than crashes that involve two cars due to the weight and size of these vehicles. Furthermore, there are many different parties that could be responsible for the incident like truck drivers, trucking companies, and even truck manufacturers.
To maximize the chance of receiving compensation, it is crucial to partner with a lawyer who is familiar with the trucking industry and regulations. They should also be able to advocate for their clients against large companies and their legal teams.
It is essential to select an attorney who can communicate with you and keep you informed about the progress of your case. They will be able to address all of your questions, and meet with you face-to-face whenever necessary. If they don't respond to your emails or calls quickly, this is an indication that they are not trustworthy and you should stay clear of them.
A conversation with an attorney about their experience in handling cases involving trucks is the best method to determine if they're suitable for you. They should be able to provide you with details about their success rates and previous cases. They should be able to explain their costs and if they charge additional fees like expert witness services or accident reconstruction.
Anyone who has lost loved ones in a crash involving a truck may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. Under EPTL SS5-4.1 survivors can seek reimbursement for funeral expenses and the loss of companionship. They also can receive reimbursement for medical expenses and lost wages.
Talk to your Insurance Company
After a semi-truck crash the expenses mount quickly and the victim feels pressured to get the money needed. Insurance companies will take advantage of your desperate situation and make low-ball offers to only cover a portion of your expenses.
A lawyer for a truck accident will guard you against this type of manipulation. An attorney can help negotiate an agreement with the responsible party or insurance companies involved in your case. He can also take over any phone calls from insurance representatives and ensure that you aren't misled or cheated.
Your attorney will start negotiations by sending an insurance company a letter of demand that will describe your losses and ask for an exact amount of compensation for each. This process may involve a exchange of information between the two parties because it is common for there to be some disagreements over certain sections or elements of your claim.
It is crucial to recognize that the settlement of your medical bills and economic damages could take a long time, especially when your injuries are severe. This is why it's crucial to collaborate with your doctor and hospital to set up payment arrangements that will allow you to get treatment but still be capable of waiting for a fair settlement.
A reputable attorney can help you determine the cause of your accident, if it was caused by a jackknife or a loss of load, or another issue. The lawyer will also be able to determine if the driver of the truck was at fault or if other parties were involved in the incident.
You can hold a variety of individuals accountable for your injuries. This includes the trucking company and their drivers, as well as the truck maker, third-party shippers, and even the product manufacturer. A skilled lawyer will help you identify all defendants that could be liable, and to seek the maximum amount of compensation from them.