Semi Truck Accident Law
If you are involved in an accident with a semi-truck and suffer injuries, the result could be devastating. There are a variety of parties that could be liable for your injuries, such as truck drivers, trucking companies and third party brokers, or manufacturers.
You can seek compensation for your economic and non-economic injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. A NYC lawyer for compensation can assist you in obtaining the compensation you're entitled to.
Ask for help from the police
A truck crash isn't something to be laughed at. des moines semi truck accident lawsuit can weigh more than 30 times the weight of an automobile for a single person and can cause devastating collisions that often result in victims suffering serious injuries and extensive damage. Sadly every 16 seconds a truck crash happens in the United States, and these crashes are blamed for thousands of fatalities and hundreds of thousand of injuries.
While truck drivers are expected to observe traffic laws and drive in a safe manner but their duties are usually stressful and can cause them to be exhausted and distracted. This can lead to impulsive choices while driving and it can take a fraction of a second for an inattentive driver to become sleepy or lose control of their vehicle. These errors can have catastrophic consequences, and families are often left to deal with the consequences.
It is essential that, when an accident with a truck occurs, authorities investigate the crash scene and record all relevant information. This includes the name of the driver, their employer, and the trucking company which owns the truck. It is also essential to get contact information from witnesses with their names as well as telephone numbers. Having this information will be crucial when it comes time to file a lawsuit.
Additionally, semi trucks are also equipped with "black boxes" that can be used to provide evidence in the event of an accident. These devices collect a huge amount of information about the speed of the truck, brake usage, and other information that can be helpful in determining who is at fault for a crash. Our NYC truck accident attorneys are familiar with the technology and know how to access and analyze it to make a convincing case for our clients.
It is possible that in addition to the negligence of the truck driver as well as the city or governing body where the accident occurred could be held accountable for the crash. For instance, if a road was not maintained properly or had signs that were blocked, this may be grounds for a claim against the city. Our lawyers will determine who is accountable and hold them liable for the harm caused by their negligence.
Collect evidence
A successful claim for a truck accident will prove that someone else did not fulfill their duty of care and caused the crash. A negligence claim that is successful will result in compensation for your economic and noneconomic losses, including medical bills, lost wages property damage, emotional distress as well as suffering and pain.
To establish your case you'll need evidence to show each element of negligence. Take pictures and videos at the scene of the accident. These can include the damage to the vehicle, tire tracks, the crash site and the weather conditions. You may also wish to record your injuries. Also, get the contact information of any witnesses so that your lawyer can later contact them to record their testimony and their statements.
The logbooks of the trucking companies and other records detailing the hours worked by the driver along with cargo loads and maintenance tasks are also vital. These records could be helpful in establishing a driver's drug or fatigue use as it is a major cause of truck accidents. Federal regulations oblige trucking companies to keep these documents. Lawyers can request the documents by submitting an official request should they don't want to do so by choice.
The truck inspection report is a third type of evidence that could be used to show that the trucking business may have made a few sloppy decisions to save money, and that these methods could have resulted a truck that was defective or unsafe. Your lawyer will also work to get black box information and other high-tech devices that can help you build your case, along with any information you may have regarding the truck driver's background, including prior traffic convictions. Your lawyer will also be able obtain copies of your medical records, receipts from medications or treatments you've received or received, scans, the results of tests as well as other documents that relate to your case. All of these documents will be vital to establishing damages. It is impossible to get the compensation that you deserve without it.
Hire an Attorney
If you or a loved one was injured severely in the course of a truck crash and you are a victim, you could be entitled to compensation. A lawyer who is knowledgeable can guide you through the legal procedure for filing a lawsuit for damages caused through the negligence of the driver at fault. They can also engage with insurance companies and take the necessary steps to secure an acceptable settlement.
An experienced lawyer can collect and analyze crucial evidence from an accident. This includes police reports as well as medical records. They may also look into other factors that contributed to the accident, including road conditions or weather conditions. They can also investigate the status of the truck driver's employment and the company's, as well as any training certifications.
Due to their size and weight, truck accidents can be more complicated than accidents that involve two cars. Additionally, there are many different individuals who could be responsible for the incident, such as truck drivers, trucking companies, and even truck manufacturers.
It is important to employ an attorney who is familiarized with the trucking regulations and industry. This will increase your chances of receiving compensation. They should also be willing 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 will keep you informed on the progress of your case. They will be able to address all of your questions, and even meet face-to-face with you whenever needed. If they don't respond quickly to your calls or emails, this is a red flag and should be avoided.
The attorney's experience in handling trucking-related cases is the best way to determine if they're suitable for you. They should be able to provide you with previous case examples as well as details on their success rate. They should also be able to explain their fees in advance and whether they cover any extra costs, such as expert witnesses or reconstruction services.
A wrongful death claim is a possibility for anyone who has lost a family member in a truck accident. EPTL SS5-4.1, survivors are entitled to compensation for funeral costs and loss of companionship. They may also be eligible for compensation for medical bills and lost wages.
Contact the Insurance Company
After a semi-truck wreck it is common for the bills to mount quickly and the injured person feels pressured to get the money they need. Insurance companies will profit from your dire situation and make low-ball offers to cover only a portion of your injuries.
A lawyer for truck accidents will protect you against this kind of manipulation. An attorney can assist you negotiate a settlement with any insurance companies or other parties in your case. He can also take over any phone calls from insurance representatives and ensure that you are not misled or cheated by.
Your lawyer will begin the negotiation process by sending a demand letter to your insurance company. The letter will detail all of your losses and request a specific amount of compensation for each one. It is possible that both parties will have to go back and forth throughout the negotiation process, since there may be disagreements over specific elements or parts of your claim.
It is crucial to understand that the settlement of your medical bills and economic damages could take a long time, especially when your injuries are serious. This is why it is crucial to consult with your physician and hospital to create payment plans that will allow you to receive medical treatment while being able to wait for an acceptable settlement.
A reputable attorney will be able to assist you in determining the root of your accident, whether it was caused by a jackknife, an inability to load, or some other issue. The lawyer will also be able to determine if the truck driver was negligent or if any other parties shared in your accident.
You can hold a range of individuals accountable for your injuries. This includes the trucking company and their drivers, as well as the truck maker, third-party shippers, or even the manufacturer of the product. Engaging an experienced lawyer can help you find all potential defendants and to seek the maximum amount of compensation from them.