Semi Truck Accident Law
If you are involved in an accident with a semi truck the consequences could be devastating. Truck drivers, trucking companies and third-party brokers, manufacturers or and trucking companies themselves, could all be held responsible for injuries.
You are entitled to 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're entitled to.
Seek help from the police
Being involved in a truck collision is no laughing matter. These massive trucks are capable of causing catastrophic collisions that can cause serious injuries to victims or damage that is significant. Sadly every 16 seconds a truck crash occurs somewhere 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 are required to operate safely and abide by traffic laws, however their duties can be demanding and cause them to be exhausted and distracted. This can lead to negligent choices while driving, and it only takes one second for a driver who is not paying attention to become sleepy or lose control of their vehicle. The consequences of such mistakes can be severe and often leave families struggling to cope with the consequences.
It is essential that, when a truck accident occurs the authorities investigate the crash scene and record all pertinent information. This includes the name of the driver, his or her employer, as well as the trucking company that owns the truck. It is also important to obtain contact details from witnesses with their names as well as telephone numbers. This information will be invaluable when it comes time to file a suit.
Additionally, semi trucks are equipped with "black boxes" that can provide valuable evidence in the event of a truck accident. These devices can record a lot of information about the truck, including speed, brake usage, and other information that could be useful in determining the person responsible for an accident. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are familiar with this technology and are able to analyze and access the data to build a strong case for our clients.
In addition to truck driver negligence and the possibility that the governing body or the city where the accident occurred could be responsible for the crash. For instance, if the roadway was not maintained properly or had signs that were blocked or signs, it could be an excuse to file a claim against the city. Our attorneys can determine the person responsible and make them accountable for any injuries caused by negligence.
Collect Evidence
One of the most important aspects of a successful truck accident claim is proving that someone else was owed an obligation of care and negligently breached that duty, causing the crash. 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 have to prove for each element of negligence in order to prove your case. While at the scene the accident, capture photos and videos of the damage to your vehicle including tire marks, the scene of the crash the road conditions and weather, your injuries, and everything else you can think of that might aid in supporting your case. Also, obtain the contact information of all eyewitnesses so that your attorney can later contact them to record their testimony and declarations.
The logbooks of trucking companies and other records detailing the driver's work hours and cargo loads as well as maintenance activities are also important. These records may be useful in establishing the driver's drug or fatigue use which is a frequent reason for truck accidents. Trucking companies are required by federal regulations to keep these records, and your lawyer may request them by filing an official discovery request in the event that the company is unwilling to turn the records over on a voluntary basis.
The truck inspection report is a different type of evidence that can be used to prove that the trucking company may have resorted to shortcuts in order to save money and these mistakes could have resulted in a truck that was dangerously unfit or unsafe. Your lawyer can also help to obtain black box data and other high-tech tools that can help you build your case, and any information that you have on the truck driver's background, including prior traffic violations. Your lawyer can also obtain copies of any medical records, receipts from medications or treatments you've received scans, test results, results from tests, and other documents relevant to your case. All of these documents will be essential to prove damages. It is impossible to get the amount you deserve without it.
palatine semi truck accident attorney may be entitled compensation for you or a family member has sustained serious injuries in a car accident. A skilled attorney will guide you through the legal process of filing a lawsuit to get compensation for the damages caused by the at-fault party's negligent actions. They can also negotiate with insurance companies and take necessary steps to obtain a settlement.
A reputable lawyer can gather and analyze crucial evidence from an accident. This includes police reports as well as medical records. They can also examine other factors that may have contributed to the accident, like weather conditions or road conditions. They can also check the truck driver's employment status and company, as in any training certificates.
Due to their weight and size, truck accidents are more complex than accidents involving two cars. There are many individuals who could be responsible for the accident, such as truck drivers, trucking companies as well as truck manufacturers.
It is important to employ an attorney who is familiarized with the trucking regulations and the business. This will increase your chances of getting compensation. Additionally, they must be willing to defend the rights of their clients against large corporations and their teams of lawyers.
It is also essential to select a lawyer that is a good communicator and who will keep you informed on the progress of your case. They will be able to address all your questions and even meet face-to-face with you whenever necessary. If they don't respond quickly to your emails or calls, this is a red flag that should be avoided.
The best method to determine whether or whether an attorney is the right choice for you is to ask about their experience handling trucking cases. They should be able provide you with information about their success rate and previous cases. They should also provide their fees in advance and whether they cover any additional costs, such expert witnesses or reconstruction services.
Anyone who has lost a loved one in a collision with a truck might be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. Under EPTL SS5-4.1 survivors are entitled to reimbursement for funeral expenses and the loss of companionship. In addition, they may be awarded monetary compensation to help pay for medical expenses and income loss.
Negotiate with the Insurance Company
The expenses begin to mount quickly following a semi truck accident, and the victim is often put under pressure to find the funds required. Insurance companies will profit from your desperate circumstance and offer low-cost offers that cover only a fraction of your injuries.
Having an experienced truck crash lawyer on your side will safeguard you from 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 take any calls from insurance agents and ensure that you are not misled or exploited.
Your lawyer will begin negotiations by sending an insurance company a demand letter detailing your losses and request a specific amount of compensation for each. The process could involve a back-and-forth between the two parties as it is normal for there to be disagreements about certain sections or aspects of your claim.
It is important to be aware that the settlement of your medical bills and other economic damages may take a very long time, particularly when your injuries are serious. It is important to work with your doctor and the hospital to create payment plans that allow you to continue receiving treatment while you wait for an equitable settlement.
A reputable lawyer will be able assist you in determining whether your accident was caused by a jackknife or a loss in load. He will be able determine if your accident was caused by the negligence of the truck driver, or if there were other parties involved.
There are many different entities that could be accountable for your injuries including the trucking company, their drivers as well as the truck manufacturer, third party shippers, and even product manufacturers. Employing a knowledgeable lawyer will help you identify all potential defendants, and get the most compensation from them.