Semi Truck Accident Law
Accidents with semi-trucks could result in catastrophic consequences. Truck drivers, trucking companies such as third-party brokers or manufacturers and trucking companies themselves, could all be held accountable for your injuries.
You can claim compensation for non-economic and economic injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages and suffering and pain. A skilled NYC compensation lawyer will assist you to receive the compensation you deserve.
Get help from the police
A truck accident isn't something to take lightly. These huge vehicles are capable of devastating collisions that can leave victims with serious injuries or significant damage. Every 16 seconds, there is an accident involving a truck in the United States. These crashes cause thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of injuries.
Truck drivers must follow traffic regulations, but their work can be very demanding and lead them to become exhausted and distracted. This can result in negligent driving decisions. It takes only one second for a driver to fall asleep at the wheel or lose control. These errors can have catastrophic consequences and families are often left with the aftermath.
It is important that when an accident with a truck occurs authorities investigate the crash scene and record all pertinent information. This includes the name of the truck driver, their employer, and the trucking company which owns the truck. It is also important to get contact information from witnesses such as their names and phone numbers. The information you have will be crucial when it comes time to bring a lawsuit.
Semi trucks are also equipped with "black box" devices that can provide important information in the event of an accident. These devices collect a huge amount of information about the speed of the truck and brake usage, among other information that could be useful in determining the cause of an accident. Our NYC truck accident attorneys are knowledgeable about the technology and are able to access and analyze it to develop a strong case for our clients.
In addition to truck driver negligence it is possible that the governing body or city in which the accident took place may be responsible for a crash. For instance, if the roadway was not maintained properly or obstructed by signs that could be reason to bring a lawsuit against the city. Our attorneys can determine who is responsible and hold them liable for any injuries resulting from their negligence.
Collect Evidence
One of the most important aspects of a successful truck crash claim is to prove that someone else owed you the duty of care and negligently breached that obligation, causing your accident. A negligence claim that is successful will result in a settlement for your economic and non-economic losses, such as medical bills, lost wages property damage, emotional distress, and pain and suffering.
You'll need evidence for each element of negligence in order to prove your case. Photograph and film the accident scene. They could include damage to the vehicle and tire tracks, as well as the crash site and weather conditions. You might also want to record your injuries. Also, obtain the contact details of any witnesses to your case so that your attorney can later contact them to record their statements and testimony.
Another type of important evidence is the logbooks of a trucking company and other documents that record the driver's hours of work, cargo loads, as well as maintenance activities. These records can prove helpful in establishing the driver's fatigue or drug usage, which are frequent causes of accidents involving trucks. Trucking companies are required by federal regulations to keep these records, and your lawyer can obtain them by filing an official discovery request if the company refuses to hand them over voluntarily.
Another important evidence is the inspection report for a truck that can be used to prove that the trucking company could have cut corners in order to save money, and that these sloppy practices could have led to a unsafe or defective truck. Your lawyer will also try to get black box information along with other high-tech devices as well as any information you have on the driver's past, such as previous traffic violations. Your attorney will also be able to get copies of your medical records and receipts for any medication 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. Without it, there's no chance of receiving the compensation you deserve.
Employ an attorney
You may be entitled compensation when a family member has sustained serious injuries from a truck crash. A lawyer with experience can assist you through the legal procedure for filing a lawsuit seeking damages incurred due to the negligence of the at-fault driver. They can also negotiate with insurance companies and take the steps to settle.
A reputable lawyer can collect and analyze the most important evidence from the accident. colorado semi truck accident lawsuit includes police reports, medical records and witness statements. They can also look into other factors that could have contributed to the accident, such as road conditions or weather conditions. They can also investigate the truck driver's employment status and company, as well as any training certifications.
Truck accidents are often more complicated than accidents involving two vehicles due to the size and weight of these vehicles. Moreover, there are many different people who could be responsible for the accident which include truck drivers, trucking companies and even truck manufacturers.
It is essential to find an attorney who is familiar with the regulations for trucking and the industry. This will maximize your chances of getting compensation. They should also be able to advocate on behalf of their clients with large corporations and their legal teams.
It is also important to select a lawyer that is a good communicator and keeps you informed on the progress of your case. They should be able to answer all of your questions, and even meet face-to-face with you when needed. If they don't respond quickly to your emails or calls it 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 you. They are likely to be able you with case examples from previous cases and information about their success rate. They should also be able to explain their fees and whether or not they charge additional fees such as expert witness services or accident reconstruction.
Anyone who has lost loved ones 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. In addition, they are able to receive financial compensation to pay for medical bills as well as lost income.
Discuss your options with your Insurance Company
Following a semi-truck collision the expenses mount quickly and the victim feels pressured to collect the money they need. A smart insurance firm will be aware of this and could leverage your situation to its advantage, providing low-cost options that will not cover the entire cost of your injuries.
A seasoned truck crash lawyer at your side will shield you from this kind of manipulation. An attorney can help negotiate an agreement with any insurance companies or other parties in your case. He can also handle phone calls from insurance agents and ensure that you're not lulled or misled.
Your lawyer will begin the negotiation process by sending an demand letter to the insurance company. This letter will list your losses and request an exact amount of compensation for each one. It is possible that the two parties could be required to talk back and forth throughout the negotiation process, since there may be disagreements over particular elements or portions of your claim.
It is important to be aware that the settlement of your medical bills and financial damages may take a very long time, especially when your injuries are serious. It is essential to work with your doctor and hospital to create payment plans that allow you to continue receiving treatment while waiting for an equitable settlement.
A reputable lawyer can assist you in determining the root of the accident, whether it was caused by a jackknife, an unloading issue, or another issue. He will be able determine whether the accident was caused by the negligence of the truck driver or if there were other parties involved.
There are a myriad of different entities that could be liable for your injuries, including the trucking company and their drivers, the truck manufacturer, third party shippers, and even manufacturers. By working with an experienced attorney, you will be able identify the potential defendants and seek maximum compensation from each of them.