Semi Truck Accident Law
If you're involved in an accident with a semi truck and suffer injuries, the result could be devastating. Truck drivers, trucking firms, third-party brokers or manufacturers and trucking companies themselves, could be held responsible for the injuries you sustain.
You may be eligible for compensation for non-economic and economic damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and suffering and pain. A knowledgeable NYC compensation lawyer can assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve.
Get Help from the Police
A truck accident isn't something to laugh at. These huge vehicles can weigh up to 30 times the weight of an automobile for a single person, and they can be a cause of catastrophic collisions that usually result in victims suffering serious injuries and extensive damage. Every 16 seconds, there is an accident with a truck in the United States. These crashes cause hundreds of thousands of injuries.
Truck drivers are required to drive safely and obey traffic regulations, but their work can be extremely demanding, causing them to get tired and distracted. This can lead to negligent decisions made while driving. It takes only a split-second for a driver to fall asleep behind the wheel or lose control. These mistakes can have devastating consequences and families are often left to deal with the consequences.
If a truck collision occurs it is imperative that authorities investigate the crash site and collect all the relevant information. This includes the name of the truck driver, his or her employer, and the trucking company that operates the truck. It is also essential to get contact information from witnesses that you can get, including their names and phone numbers. Knowing this information will prove invaluable when it comes time to file a lawsuit.
Semi trucks are also equipped with "black box" devices which can offer valuable information in the case of an accident. fontana semi truck accident law firm can record the details of the truck, including its speed, brakes used and other data that may be helpful in determining who was at fault for the incident. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are familiar with the technology and know how use it and analyze it to build a strong claim for our clients.
In addition to the truck driver's negligence and the possibility that the governing body or the city where the incident occurred could be responsible for the crash. For instance, if a road was not properly maintained or had obstructed signs, this may be cause for a claim against the city. Our lawyers can identify who is responsible and be able to hold them accountable for injuries caused by negligence.
Collect evidence
One of the essential elements of a successful truck crash claim is to prove that you owed someone else a duty of care and negligently breached the duty, causing your crash. A negligence claim that is successful will result in compensation for your economic and noneconomic losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, property damage, and suffering and pain.
To establish your case you'll need evidence to show each element of negligence. While at the scene your accident, take pictures and videos of the vehicle damage as well as tire marks, the crash site along with road and weather conditions as well as your injuries and anything else you can think of that might aid in the case. Also, collect the contact details of any witnesses to your case so that your attorney can later contact them to record their witness testimony and statements.
The logbooks of trucking companies as well as other documents detailing the hours worked by the driver as well as cargo loads and maintenance tasks are also vital. These records can be helpful in establishing the driver's use of drugs or fatigue as it is a major reason for truck accidents. Trucking companies are required by federal law to keep these documents, and your lawyer can obtain them by filing an official discovery request if the company refuses to hand the records over on a voluntary basis.
Another crucial evidence is the report on truck inspections that can be used to show that the trucking company could have taken shortcuts in order to save money. Moreover, these cuts could have led to a defective or unsafe truck. Your lawyer will also attempt to get black box information and other high-tech devices that will help you construct your case, and any information you may have regarding the background of the truck driver including prior traffic convictions. Your lawyer will also be able obtain copies of your medical records, receipts for any medications or treatments you've received, scans of test results, and other documents that pertain to your case. All of these documents are essential in establishing damages. Without it, you'll have no way of obtaining the compensation you deserve.
Hire an Attorney
You could be entitled to compensation when a family member has suffered serious injuries as a result of a truck crash. A lawyer who is knowledgeable can guide you in the legal process of filing a lawsuit seeking damages incurred through the negligence of the at-fault driver. They are also able to negotiate with insurance companies and take the steps to get a settlement.
An experienced attorney can gather and analyze the most important evidence from an accident. This includes police reports, medical records as well as witness statements. They can also investigate other factors that led to the accident, such as road conditions or weather conditions. They can also look into the status of employment of the truck driver and his company, as well any training certificates.
Due to their weight and size truck accidents are more complex than accidents involving two cars. There are many individuals who may be at fault for the accident, including truck drivers, trucking companies, and even truck manufactures.
To increase the odds of receiving compensation, it is crucial to work with a lawyer who is familiar with the trucking industry and regulations. Additionally, they must be willing to defend the rights of their clients against large corporations and their teams of lawyers.
It is also important to find a lawyer who is a good communicator and will keep you informed on the progress of your case. They should answer all your questions and be willing to meet in person if required. If they don't respond promptly to your calls or emails, this is a red signal and should be avoided.
Inquiring about the experience of an attorney in handling cases involving trucks is the best method to determine if they're the right fit for you. They will be able to provide you with examples of previous cases and details about their success rate. They should also disclose their fees in advance and whether they include any extra costs, such as expert witnesses or accident reconstruction services.
A wrongful death claim is a possibility for anyone who has lost a loved one in a car accident. EPTL SS5-4.1, survivors are entitled to compensation for funeral costs and loss of companionship. They may also receive compensation for medical bills as well as lost wages.
Negotiate with your Insurance Company
After a semi-truck crash, the bills pile up quickly and the injured victim feels pressured to get the money he needs. Insurance companies will profit from your desperate situation and make low-ball offers to only cover a portion of your medical expenses.
An experienced truck crash lawyer on your side will safeguard you from this kind of manipulation. A lawyer can help you negotiate a settlement with any insurance companies or parties involved in your case. He will also be able to take over all phone calls from insurance companies and ensure that you are not misled or taken advantage of.
Your lawyer will begin the negotiation process by mailing an insurance company a demand letter detailing your losses and demand a specific amount compensation for each. The process could involve exchange of information between the two parties because it is typical for there to be disagreements regarding certain sections or elements of your claim.
It is crucial to know that your medical bills and other economic damages will probably take some time to settle, particularly the more severe your injuries are. It is important to work with your doctor and hospital to create payment plans that allow you to continue receiving treatment while waiting for an appropriate settlement.
A reliable lawyer can assist you in determining whether your accident was caused by accident with a jackknife or loss of the load. He will be able to determine whether your accident was caused by the negligence of the truck driver or if there were any other parties involved.
You could hold a variety of entities responsible for your injuries. This includes the trucking company and their drivers, as well as the truck manufacturer, third-party shippers, and even the product manufacturer. When you partner with a seasoned lawyer, you will be able to identify all potential defendants and seek the maximum amount of compensation from each.