Semi Truck Accident Law
If you get into an accident with a semi truck and suffer injuries, the result could be devastating. Truck drivers, trucking companies as well as third-party brokers and manufacturers, as well as trucking companies themselves, could be held responsible for injuries.
You may seek compensation for economic and non-economic damage such as medical expenses and lost wages. A NYC compensation lawyer can help you get what you're entitled to.
Get help from the police
A truck accident isn't something to laugh at. These massive vehicles can weigh up to 30 times more than a passenger vehicle and are capable of devastating collisions that often leave victims with severe injuries and extensive damage. Sadly every 16 seconds a truck crash occurs somewhere in the United States, and these crashes are blamed for thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousand of injuries.
While truck drivers are expected to follow traffic laws and be safe however, their work is often demanding and can cause them to become fatigued and distracted. This can lead to impulsive decisions while driving and it only takes one second for a driver who is not paying attention to get sleepy or lose control of their vehicle. The consequences of these mistakes can be severe and often leave families struggling to cope with the consequences.
If a truck collision occurs it is crucial that the authorities investigate the scene of the crash and record all of the relevant details. This includes the name of the truck driver, the employer, and the trucking firm that owns the truck. It is also essential to collect contact information from witnesses such as their names and phone numbers. This information will be invaluable when it comes time to bring a lawsuit.
Semi-trucks are also fitted with "black box" devices which can provide valuable data in the case of an accident. These devices can record a lot of information about the truck, such as its speed, brake usage, and other information that could be useful in determining who is responsible for an accident. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are knowledgeable about the technology and are able to access and analyze the data to develop a strong case for our clients.
In addition to the truck driver's negligence and the possibility that the city or governing body in which the accident took place could be liable for a crash. If the road was not maintained in a timely manner or there were obstructions to the signs on the road, it could be grounds for a claim. Our lawyers can determine who is responsible and hold them accountable for the harm caused by their negligence.
Collect evidence
A successful claim for a truck accident will prove that a third party breached their duty of care negligently, causing the crash. A successful negligence claim can result in a settlement for all economic and non-economic damages you've suffered, such as medical bills, lost income, property damage as well as pain and suffering and emotional stress.
To prove your case you'll need evidence to prove each element of negligence. While at the scene of the accident, capture photos 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 be useful in proving your case. Also, get the contact information of any witnesses to your case so that your attorney can later contact them to record their testimony and statements.
Another crucial piece of evidence is the trucking company's logbooks and other documents that provide details of the hours of the driver, cargo loads, and maintenance activities. These records can prove helpful in determining the extent of fatigue or drug use, which are common causes of car accidents with trucks. Federal regulations require that trucking companies keep these documents. Your lawyer can get the documents through a formal request if they refuse to do so voluntarily.
A third type of important evidence is the truck inspection report that can be used to prove that the trucking company could have cut corners in order to save money and that these shortcuts may have resulted in a dangerously defective or unsafe truck. Your lawyer will also work to obtain black box information and other high-tech tools to help you build your case, as well as any information you have regarding the background of the truck driver, including any prior traffic convictions. Your attorney will also be able get copies of your medical records and receipts for any medication or treatments you've received, scans, test results, and other records relevant to your case. All of these documents will be vital to establishing damages. Without it, there's no way of obtaining the compensation you deserve.
Hire an attorney
If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries as a result of the course of a truck crash and you are a victim, you could be entitled to compensation. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal procedure of filing a lawsuit to claim damages for the negligent act of the party responsible. They can also bargain with insurance companies, and take the necessary steps to obtain a fair settlement.
An experienced attorney can gather and analyze important evidence gathered from an accident. This includes police reports and medical records. They may also investigate other factors that may have contributed to the accident such as road conditions or weather conditions. They can also examine the status of the driver of the truck and his company, and any training certificates.
Due to their size and weight truck accidents are more complex than accidents involving two cars. Additionally, there are many different individuals who could be responsible for the accident including truck drivers, trucking companies and even truck manufacturers.
It is important to employ an attorney who is familiar with the trucking regulations and the industry. This will increase your chances of receiving compensation. They should also be willing to fight on behalf of their clients against large companies and their legal teams.
It is also important to select a lawyer that is a good communicator and who will keep you informed on the progress of your case. They should be able to answer all of your questions and be available for a face-to-face meeting if required. If they don't respond promptly to your emails or calls this is a red flag and should be avoided.
The best way to determine whether or not an attorney is right for you is to inquire about their experience handling trucking cases. They should be able provide you with details regarding their success rates and previous case examples. They should also be able of explaining their costs and if they have additional costs like expert witness services or reconstruction of an accident.
A wrongful death claim is an option for anyone who has lost a family member in a truck accident. Under EPTL SS5-4.1 survivors can claim compensation to cover funeral expenses and loss of companionship. Additionally, they could receive monetary compensation to cover medical expenses and income loss.
Talk to the Insurance Company
After a semi-truck accident the expenses mount quickly and the injured victim is pressured to pay the money required. Insurance companies can profit from your dire situation and make low-ball offers that cover only a fraction of your injuries.
A knowledgeable truck crash lawyer at your side will shield you from this kind of manipulation. An attorney can assist you negotiate a settlement with insurance companies or other parties involved in your case. He will also be able to take phone calls from insurance companies 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. It will list your losses and ask for an exact amount of compensation for each one. It is possible that the two parties will be required to talk back and forth during the negotiation process, since there could be disagreements about particular elements or portions of your claim.
It is crucial to understand that the settlement of your medical bills and economic damages can take a long time, especially when your injuries are severe. It is essential to work with your doctor and the hospital to negotiate payment arrangements that allow you to continue receiving treatment while you wait for an appropriate settlement.
A reputable attorney can assist you in determining the cause of your accident, if it was caused by a jackknife or a loss of load, or a different issue. He will be able to determine if your accident was caused by the truck driver's negligence or if there were other parties involved.
There are a variety of different entities that could be responsible for your injuries, including the trucking company and their drivers as well as the truck manufacturer third party shippers, as well as product manufacturers. fort lauderdale semi truck accident law firm will allow you to determine the potential defendants and get the most compensation from them.