Semi Truck Accident Law
If you're involved in an accident with a semi truck and suffer injuries, the result could be devastating. Truck drivers, trucking firms as well as third-party brokers and manufacturers, as well as trucking companies themselves, could all be held responsible for the injuries you sustain.
You may seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages such as medical expenses and lost wages. A NYC compensation lawyer can assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve.
Find Help from the police
In the event of a truck crash, it is no laughing matter. dallas semi truck accident lawyer can weigh up to 30 times the weight of the average passenger car and can be a cause of catastrophic collisions that can leave victims with serious injuries and severe damage. Unfortunately every 16 seconds, a truck crash occurs somewhere in the United States, and these crashes have been blamed for thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousand of injuries.
While truck drivers are expected to obey traffic laws and drive in a safe manner however, their work is often demanding and can cause them to become exhausted and distracted. This can lead to negligent choices while driving and it takes only one second for a driver who is not paying attention to become sleepy or lose control of their vehicle. The consequences of these errors can be severe and often leave families struggling with the aftermath.
It is essential that, when there is a crash involving a truck, the authorities investigate the crash scene and document all pertinent details. The name of the driver, his company that employs him or her, and the trucking firm who owns the vehicle all crucial. It is also crucial to get contact information from witnesses with their names as well as phone numbers. The information you have will be valuable when it comes time to file a lawsuit.
Semi trucks are also equipped with "black box" devices which can provide valuable data in the event of an accident. These devices can be used to record many details about the truck, including speed, brake usage and other data that could prove useful in determining who's at fault for an accident. Our NYC truck accident attorneys are well-versed in the technology and are able to access and analyze it to create a solid claim for our clients.
In addition to truck driver negligence It is also possible that the city or governing body in which the accident took place could be liable for the crash. For instance, if a roadway was poorly maintained or had signs that were blocked, this may be cause for a claim against the city. Our attorneys can determine the person responsible and make them accountable for any injuries caused by negligence.
Collect evidence
One of the main components of a successful truck accident claim is proving that you owed someone else an obligation of care, and negligently violated that duty, causing the crash. A successful negligence claim will result in a payout for all economic and non-economic losses you've suffered, including medical expenses, lost income property damage as well as pain and suffering and emotional distress.
You'll need to provide evidence for each element of negligence in order to establish your case. While at the scene of your accident, take pictures and videos of the damage to your vehicle as well as tire marks, the accident site, weather and road conditions including your injuries, and any other information you can think of that might aid in the case. Also, obtain the contact information for any eyewitnesses, so your attorney can reach them later to record their statements as well as witness testimony.
The logbooks of the trucking companies and other records detailing the hours worked by the driver and cargo loads as well as maintenance activities are also essential. These records can aid in determining the extent of fatigue or drug use, which are the most common causes of accidents involving trucks. Federal regulations require trucking companies to retain these documents. Your lawyer can request the documents through formal requests if they refuse to do so in a voluntary manner.
A third type of important evidence is the inspection report for a truck that can be used to show that the trucking company may have slashed corners to save money. Moreover, these sloppy practices could have resulted in a unsafe or defective truck. Your lawyer may also attempt to obtain black box information, other high-tech devices, and any other information you have about the driver's history, including prior traffic convictions. Your lawyer will also be able to get copies of your medical records and receipts for any medication or treatments you've received, scans of test results, and other documents that are relevant to your case. All of this evidence is essential in proving your case for damages. Without it, you have no chance of receiving the compensation you deserve.
Hire an Attorney
If you or someone close to you suffered serious injuries as a result of a truck accident you could be entitled to compensation. A lawyer who is experienced can guide you in the legal procedure to file a lawsuit for damages caused through the negligence of the at-fault driver. They can also bargain with insurance companies, and make the necessary arrangements to secure an equitable settlement.
A reliable lawyer can gather and analyze crucial evidence from the accident. This includes police reports as well as medical records. They can also research other factors that may have caused the accident, such as weather conditions or road conditions. They can also investigate the status of employment of the driver of the truck and his company, as well as any training certificates.
The causes of truck accidents are usually more complex than crashes involving two vehicles due to the size and weight of these vehicles. There are a variety of individuals who could be at fault in the incident, including truck drivers, trucking firms, and even truck manufactures.
It is important to hire an attorney who is knowledgeable with the regulations for trucking and the industry. This will maximize your chances of receiving compensation. They should also be willing to represent their clients against large corporations and their legal teams.
It is also essential to choose a lawyer who is open to communication and keeps you informed on the progress of your case. They should answer all your questions and be able for a face-to-face meeting if required. If they don't reply to your emails or calls quickly, this is an indication of danger and you should steer clear of them.
The best way to determine if or an attorney is the right one for you is to inquire about their experience with handling trucking cases. They will be able to provide you with case examples from previous cases and details about their success rate. They should be able to explain their fees and whether or not they charge additional fees such as expert witness services or reconstruction of an accident.
Anyone who has lost loved ones in a car crash might be able to file a wrongful-death claim. Under EPTL SS5-4.1, survivors are eligible for compensation to cover funeral expenses and loss of companionship. In addition, they are able to receive compensation in the form of money to cover medical expenses and loss of income.
Discuss your options with your Insurance Company
The bills begin to pile up quickly following a semi truck accident, and the victim is often under pressure to find the funds required. Insurance companies can take advantage of your desperate circumstance and offer low-cost offers to cover only a small portion of your injuries.
A seasoned truck crash lawyer at your side can protect you from this kind of manipulation. An attorney can assist you negotiate a settlement with any insurance companies or other parties involved in your case. He will also be able to take phone calls from insurance agents and ensure that you are not misled or swindled.
Your attorney will begin the negotiation process by sending an insurance company a letter of demand, which will detail the losses you have suffered and demand a specific amount compensation for each. This may require a back-and-forth between the two parties, since it is common for there to be some disagreements regarding certain sections or elements of your claim.
It is important to be aware that the settlement of your medical bills and financial damages can take a long time, especially in the case of serious injuries. This is why it is essential to collaborate with your doctor and hospital to arrange payment plans that allow you to receive medical treatment while being able to wait for an equitable settlement.
A reputable attorney will be able to assist you in determining the root of your accident, regardless of whether it was caused by a jackknife or a loss of load, or another issue. He can also help to determine if the truck driver was negligent or if other parties were involved in the accident.
You can hold a variety of entities responsible for your injuries. This includes the trucking company as well as their drivers, the truck manufacturer, third-party shippers, or even the manufacturer of the product. Working with an experienced lawyer will enable you to find all potential defendants and to seek the maximum amount of compensation from them.