Semi Truck Accident Law
Accidents with semi-trucks could cause devastating injuries. Truck drivers, trucking companies as well as third-party brokers and manufacturers, as well as trucking companies themselves, could be held accountable for injuries.
You can seek compensation for your non-economic and financial injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages and suffering and pain. A skilled NYC compensation attorney can help you get the settlement you deserve.
Seek help from the police
A truck accident isn't something to take lightly. These massive vehicles are capable of devastating collisions that can leave victims with serious injuries or damage that is significant. Unfortunately every 16 seconds, truck crashes occur in the United States, and these crashes have been blamed as the cause of thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousand of injuries.
Truck drivers must follow traffic laws, but their jobs can be stressful and lead them to become exhausted and distracted. This can lead to rash decisions made while driving. It only takes a split-second for a driver to fall asleep at the wheel or lose control. The consequences of these errors can be severe, and they often leave families struggling with the aftermath.
It is vital that if there is a crash involving a truck authorities investigate the crash scene and take note of all relevant details. This includes the name of the truck driver, their employer, as well as the trucking firm that owns the truck. It is also important to obtain contact information from any witnesses such as their names and phone numbers. Knowing this information will prove invaluable when it comes time to make a claim.
washington semi truck accident law firm are also equipped with "black box" devices which can provide valuable data in the event of an accident. These devices record a vast amount of data about the speed of the truck and brake usage, as well as other details that could be helpful in determining fault for the crash. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are knowledgeable about this technology and are able to analyze and access this data in order to build a strong argument for our clients.
It is possible that, in addition to the negligence of the truck driver as well as the city or governing body in which the accident occurred could also be held responsible for the crash. For instance, if a roadway was poorly maintained or obstructed by signs, this may be reason to bring a lawsuit against the city. Our lawyers can identify the person responsible and hold them accountable for injuries resulting from negligence.
Collect Evidence
A successful claim for a truck accident will prove that someone else failed to fulfill their duty of care in a negligent manner, causing the crash. A negligence claim that is successful will result in a payout for your economic and non-economic losses, which include medical expenses, lost wages property damage, emotional distress and suffering and pain.
To establish your case, you'll need evidence to show each element of negligence. Take photos and videos of the accident scene. This could include vehicle's damage tires, the location of the crash, and weather conditions. It is also possible to document your injuries. Also, obtain the contact information of all witnesses so that your lawyer can later contact them to record their testimony and statements.
Another form of evidence is the logbooks of the trucking company as well as other documents that document the driver's hours in the workplace, cargo loads, and maintenance activities. These records can be helpful in establishing the driver's fatigue or drug use, which are common causes of accidents involving trucks. Trucking companies are required by federal law to keep these documents, and your lawyer may request them by filing the formal discovery process if the company refuses to hand them over voluntarily.
A third type of important evidence is the report on truck inspections, which could be used to prove that the trucking company could have slashed corners to save money. Moreover, these sloppy practices could have led to a unsafe or defective truck. Your lawyer will also attempt 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 convictions. Your lawyer will also be able to obtain copies of your medical records as well as receipts for any prescriptions or treatments you've received, scans, test results, and other records relevant to your case. All of these documents will be crucial to establish damages. You cannot receive the compensation you deserve without this evidence.
Hire an attorney
You could be entitled to compensation for you or family members have suffered serious injuries from a truck accident. A lawyer with experience will guide you through the legal process to file a lawsuit for damages caused by the negligent actions of the driver at fault. They can also bargain with insurance companies, and follow the necessary steps to negotiate a fair settlement.
A professional lawyer with experience can gather and analyze the most important evidence from the accident. This includes police reports as well as medical records. They can also look into other factors that may have contributed to the accident, such as weather conditions or road conditions. They can also investigate the status of the driver of the truck and his company, as well any training certificates.
Due to their weight and size truck accidents are more complicated than accidents involving two cars. There are many parties that could be accountable in the incident, including truck drivers, trucking firms, and even truck manufactures.
It is crucial to choose an attorney who is familiar with the regulations for trucking and the business. This will improve your chances of getting compensation. They should also be prepared to fight on behalf of their clients against large companies and their legal teams.
It is also essential to choose a lawyer who is open to communication and will keep you updated on the progress of your case. They should be able to answer your questions and be available to meet in person if required. If they do not respond quickly to your emails or calls This is a red signal and should be avoided.
The best way to determine if or the attorney you choose is suitable for you is to ask about their experience in handling trucking cases. They should be able to provide you with information about their success rate and previous cases. They should be able to explain their charges and whether they are able to include additional costs like expert witness services or accident reconstruction.
Anyone who has lost loved ones in a crash involving a truck may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. EPTL SS5-4.1, survivors are entitled to compensation for funeral expenses and loss of companionship. Additionally, they could be awarded monetary compensation to help cover medical expenses and lost income.
Make a deal with your Insurance Company
The bills begin to pile up quickly following a semi truck accident, and the victim is often pressured to get the funds needed. A shrewd insurance company will be aware of this and could leverage your situation to benefit themselves, by offering low-cost deals that do not cover the full cost of your injuries.
An experienced truck crash lawyer on your side will protect you from this type of manipulation. An attorney can assist you negotiate a settlement with any insurance companies or parties involved in your case. He will also be able to take over any phone calls from insurance representatives and ensure that you are not misled or cheated by.
Your attorney will begin the negotiation process by sending an order letter to the insurance company. The letter will detail the losses you have suffered and ask for an amount of money for each one. It is possible that the two parties will need to go back and forth throughout this process, as there may be disagreements on specific elements or parts of your claim.
It is important to understand that your medical bills as well as other economic damages could take a long time to settle, particularly the more serious your injuries are. It is important to work with your doctor and the hospital to negotiate payment arrangements that allow you to continue receiving treatment while you wait for an acceptable settlement.
A professional lawyer with a good reputation can assist you in determining if your accident was caused by a an abrasive or a loss of the load. He can determine whether your accident was the result of the truck driver's negligence or if there were other parties involved.
There are a number of different entities that could be held accountable for your injuries, including the trucking company and their drivers, the truck manufacturer, third party shippers, as well as product manufacturers. When you partner with a seasoned attorney, you'll be able to identify all potential defendants and seek maximum compensation from each of them.