Semi Truck Accident Law
If you are involved in an accident with a semi truck the consequences can be devastating. Truck drivers, trucking firms and third-party brokers, manufacturers or and trucking companies themselves, could be held accountable for your injuries.
You may seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages such as medical expenses and lost wages. A NYC compensation lawyer will help you claim the compensation you're entitled to.
Seek help from the police
A truck crash isn't something to take lightly. These massive trucks can weigh up to 30 times the weight of a passenger vehicle, and they are capable of devastating collisions that usually leave victims with serious injuries and severe 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 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 get tired and distracted. This can result in impulsive choices while driving and it only takes just a few seconds for an unfocused driver to become sleepy or lose control of their vehicle. These mistakes can have devastating consequences and families are often left with the aftermath.
It is essential that, when an accident with a truck occurs, authorities investigate the crash scene and record all relevant information. This includes the name of the truck driver, his or her employer, as well as the trucking company which owns the truck. It is also important to obtain contact details from witnesses with their names as well as telephone numbers. Having this information will be crucial when it comes time to make a claim.
Additionally, semi trucks are equipped with "black boxes" that can provide crucial evidence in the event of an accident. These devices can record a massive amount of data about the speed of the truck and brakes, as well as other data that could prove helpful in determining fault for a crash. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are well-versed in the technology and are able to access and analyze the information to present a convincing case for our clients.
In addition to the truck driver's negligence and the possibility that the governing body or the city in which the accident took place could be liable for an accident. If the road was not maintained in a timely manner or there were obstructed signs on the road, this could be grounds for a claim. Our lawyers can identify who is responsible and be able to hold them accountable for injuries caused by negligence.
Collect evidence
One of the main components of a successful truck accident claim is establishing that someone else was owed the duty of care and negligently breached that obligation, causing your crash. A successful negligence claim will result in a payout for all economic and non-economic losses you've endured, including medical bills, lost income, property damage or injury, and emotional anxiety.
To prove your case you'll need evidence that can establish each of the elements of negligence. Take photos and videos of the scene of the accident. These can include the car damage as well as tire tracks, the site of the crash and weather conditions. You might also want to record 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 firms and other documents detailing the driver's work hours, cargo loads and maintenance activities are also crucial. These records can be helpful in determining the extent of fatigue or drug usage, which are frequent causes of accidents involving trucks. Trucking companies are required by federal law to keep these documents, and your lawyer may request them by filing an official discovery request in the event that the company is unwilling to turn them over in a voluntary manner.
Another important evidence is the inspection report for a truck that could be used to prove that the trucking business may have taken shortcuts in order to save money, and that these shortcuts may have resulted in a defective or unsafe truck. Your lawyer will also work to obtain black box information and other high-tech devices which can aid in the development of your case, along with any information you may have regarding the truck driver's background, including prior traffic convictions. Your lawyer will also be able get copies of any medical records, receipts for medications or treatments that you have received scans, test results, results from tests, and other documents relevant to your case. All of this evidence will be crucial to establishing your claim for damages. You will not be able to receive the compensation you deserve without it.
Hire an attorney
You could be entitled to compensation when a family member has suffered serious injuries in a truck accident. A lawyer who is experienced can guide you in the legal procedure to file an action for damages caused through the negligence of the at-fault driver. They can also discuss with insurance companies and follow the necessary steps to secure an equitable settlement.
A reputable attorney can collect and analyze important evidence from an accident. This includes police reports as well as medical records. They can also look into other factors that may have contributed to the accident, including weather conditions or road conditions. They can also check the truck driver's employment status and company, as the training certifications.
Accidents involving trucks are usually more complex than crashes involving two cars due to the size and weight of these vehicles. There are many parties that could be responsible for the accident, such as truck drivers, trucking companies as well as truck manufacturers.
It is important to hire an attorney who is familiarized with the regulations for trucking and industry. This will increase your chances of receiving compensation. They should also be able to fight on behalf of their clients with large corporations and their legal teams.
It is important to choose an attorney who communicates with you and keep you informed about the progress of your case. vista semi truck accident law firm should answer all your questions and be able for a face-to-face meeting if required. If they are not able to respond promptly to your calls or emails, this is a red signal and should be avoided.
A conversation with an attorney about their experience in handling cases involving trucking is the best method to determine if they are the right fit for your needs. They should be able provide you with details regarding their success rates and previous cases. They should also be able to explain their fees upfront and whether they are inclusive of additional costs, such expert witnesses or accident reconstruction services.
Anyone who has lost a loved one 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 costs and loss of companionship. They also can receive compensation for medical bills as well as lost wages.
Contact the Insurance Company
After a semi-truck wreck, the bills pile up quickly and the injured victim is compelled to pay the money they need. Insurance companies can profit from your dire circumstance and offer low-cost offers to cover only a small portion of your injuries.
A lawyer who handles truck accidents will protect you against this kind of manipulative. A lawyer can help you negotiate a settlement with insurance companies or parties involved in your case. He can also take any phone calls from insurance representatives and ensure that you're not misled or swindled.
Your attorney will begin the negotiation process by sending an order letter to the insurance company. This letter will describe your losses and request the amount you will receive for each one. The process could involve a back-and-forth between the two parties since it is common for there to be disagreements over certain sections or parts of your claim.
It is important to realize that the settlement of your medical bills and other economic damages can take a long time, especially when your injuries are severe. This is why it is crucial to work with your doctor and hospital to arrange payment plans that will allow you to get treatment while still being in a position to receive a fair 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 another issue. Additionally, he will be able to determine if the truck driver was negligent or if other parties were involved in the accident.
There are a number of different entities that could be responsible for your injuries, including the trucking company and their drivers, the truck manufacturer, third party shippers, as well as product manufacturers. When you partner with a seasoned attorney, you'll be able to identify all of the potential defendants and obtain maximum compensation from each.