Semi Truck Accident Law
Accidents involving semi-trucks can have devastating results. There are many parties who could be liable for your injuries, such as truck drivers, trucking companies, and third party brokers or manufacturers.
You can claim compensation for your economic and non-economic injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. A skilled NYC compensation attorney can help you get the settlement you deserve.
Get help from the police
A truck crash isn't a laughing matter. These huge vehicles are capable of causing devastating collisions that can leave victims with serious injuries or severe damage. Sadly every 16 seconds a truck accident occurs in the United States, and these crashes have been blamed as the cause of thousands of fatalities and hundreds of thousand of injuries.
Truck drivers must follow traffic laws, but their jobs can be very demanding and lead them to become tired and distracted. This can lead them to make poor decisions made while driving. It takes just the span of a second for drivers to fall asleep behind the steering wheel or lose control. These mistakes can have devastating consequences, and families are often left to deal with the aftermath.
It is vital that if a truck accident occurs authorities investigate the crash scene and record all relevant details. This includes the name of the truck driver, his or her employer, and the trucking firm that owns the truck. It is important to obtain contact information, including names and phone number, from witnesses. Having this information will be important when it comes the time to make a claim.
Additionally, semi trucks are equipped with "black boxes" that can provide crucial evidence in the event of a truck accident. These devices record a vast amount of information about the speed of the truck, brake usage, and other information that can be useful in determining the cause of the crash. Our NYC truck accident attorneys are well-versed in the technology and know how use it and analyze it to create a solid claim for our clients.
It is possible that in addition to the truck driver's negligence, the city or governing body that caused the accident occurred could be held accountable for the crash. For instance, if the road was not maintained properly or had signs that were not properly maintained, this may be cause for a claim against the city. Our lawyers can determine who is responsible and hold them liable for the injuries caused by their negligence.
Collect evidence
A successful truck accident claim will establish that someone else was in breach of their duty to care negligently, causing the accident. A successful negligence claim can result in the payment of all economic and noneconomic losses you've suffered, including your medical bills, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
You'll need evidence for each element of negligence to prove your case. When you are at the scene of the accident, capture photos and videos of the vehicle damage, tire marks, the crash site, weather and road conditions including your injuries, and anything else you are able to think of that could help in making your case. Also, collect the contact information of all witnesses so that your lawyer can later contact them to record their testimony and their statements.
Another important source of evidence is the logbooks of the trucking company and other documents that record the hours of the driver of work, cargo loads, as well as maintenance activities. These records can aid in determining the extent of fatigue or drug usage, which are frequent causes of car accidents with trucks. Federal regulations require that trucking companies keep these documents. Your lawyer can obtain the documents by submitting a formal request if they refuse to do so by choice.
A third type of important evidence is the report on truck inspections that can be used to prove that the trucking company could have slashed corners to save money and that these cuts could have resulted in a unsafe or defective truck. Your lawyer will also attempt to obtain black-box information and other high-tech devices that can help you build your case, along with any information you have regarding the truck driver's background, including prior traffic violations. Your lawyer can also get copies of any medical records, receipts from medications or treatments that you have received or received, scans, the results of tests and other documents that are relevant to your case. All of these documents are crucial to establish damages. You will not be able to receive the compensation that you are entitled to without it.
chino semi truck accident attorney
If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries as a result of an accident with a truck, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced lawyer can assist you with the legal procedure of filing a lawsuit to seek compensation for damages resulting from the at-fault party's negligent actions. They can also negotiate with insurance companies and take the necessary steps to secure an equitable settlement.
A trustworthy lawyer can collect and analyze vital evidence gathered from the accident. This includes police reports and medical records. They can also look into other factors that could have contributed to the accident, such as weather conditions or road conditions. They can also examine the status of the truck driver and his company, as well any certificates of training.
Due to their weight and size truck accidents can be more complicated than accidents that involve two cars. There are many individuals who could be at fault for the accident, such as truck drivers, trucking firms, and even truck manufactures.
To maximize the chances of obtaining compensation, it is crucial to find a lawyer who is familiar with the trucking industry and the regulations. In addition, they must be prepared 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 open to communication and will keep you informed on the progress of your case. They should be able to answer all of your questions and be able to meet face-to-face if needed. If they don't respond to your emails or calls quickly, this is an indication of danger and you should avoid them.
The attorney's experience in handling cases involving trucks is the best way to determine if they are the right fit for you. They will be able to provide you with previous case examples as well as details on their success rate. They should also be able of explaining their costs and if they charge additional fees like expert witness services or reconstruction of an accident.
A wrongful death claim is a possibility for anyone who has lost a loved one in a truck accident. Under EPTL SS5-4.1 survivors are eligible for reimbursement for funeral expenses and loss of companionship. In addition, they may be awarded monetary compensation to help pay for their medical bills and loss of income.
Discuss your options with your Insurance Company
The bills begin to pile up quickly after a semi-truck accident, and the victim is often under pressure to find the funds required. A smart insurance firm will be aware this and could use your desperate situation to your advantage, offering low-cost offers that do not cover the full cost of your injuries.
A truck accident lawyer will protect you against this kind of manipulation. An attorney can assist you in negotiating settlements with the responsible party or insurance companies that will be involved in your case. Attorneys can also take phone calls from insurance agents and ensure that you're not lulled or misled.
Your lawyer will begin the negotiation process by sending a demand letter to the insurance company. This letter will detail the losses you have suffered and ask for an exact amount of compensation for each one. It is possible that the two parties could need to go back and forth during this process, as there may be disagreements on certain aspects or parts of your claim.
It is crucial to realize that medical bills and other economic damage will likely take a long time to settle, particularly the more serious your injuries are. It is essential to work with your doctor and hospital to negotiate payment arrangements that allow you to continue receiving treatment while you wait for an appropriate settlement.
A professional lawyer with a good reputation can assist you in determining whether your accident was caused by a the jackknife, or a loss in load. The lawyer will also be able to determine if the driver of the truck was negligent, or if other parties shared in your accident.
You can hold a variety of parties responsible for your injuries. This includes the trucking company as well as their drivers, the truck manufacturer, third-party shippers, or even the product manufacturer. Working with an experienced lawyer can help you find all potential defendants and get the most compensation from them.