Semi Truck Accident Law
Accidents involving semi-trucks can result in devastating consequences. There are many parties that are responsible for your injuries, such as truck drivers, trucking companies, and third party brokers, or manufacturers.
You are entitled to compensation for economic and non-economic damages such as medical expenses and lost wages. A skilled NYC compensation attorney can assist you in getting the compensation you deserve.
Find Help from the police
Being involved in a truck collision isn't a laughing matter. These massive trucks are capable of causing catastrophic collisions that could result in serious injuries or significant damage. Every 16 seconds, there's an accident involving trucks in the United States. These crashes result in hundreds of thousands of injuries.
Truck drivers must be safe and adhere to traffic laws, but their work can be extremely demanding, causing them to become exhausted and distracted. This can result in negligent driving decisions. It only takes a split-second for a driver to fall asleep at the wheel or lose control. The consequences of such mistakes can be devastating and leave families struggling to cope with the consequences.
It is important that when there is a crash involving a truck, authorities investigate the crash scene and document all pertinent information. The name of the driver, the business that employs him or her and the trucking company which owns the vehicle are all vital. It is also crucial to get contact information from any witnesses, including their names and telephone numbers. cambridge semi truck accident law firm will be invaluable when it's time to file a lawsuit.
Furthermore, semi-trucks are also equipped with "black boxes" which can provide important evidence in the event of an accident. These devices can capture a lot of information about the truck, including its speed, brake use and other information that can be useful in determining who is responsible for the accident. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are well-versed in this technology and know how to access and analyze this information in order to build a strong argument for our clients.
It could be that, in addition to the negligence of the truck driver as well as the city or governing body in which the accident occurred could be held accountable for the crash. For example, if the roadway was poorly maintained or had signs that were blocked and signs, this could be grounds for a claim against the city. Our attorneys can determine who is accountable and hold them accountable for any injuries resulting from 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 will result in a settlement for all economic and noneconomic losses you've suffered, including medical bills, lost income, property damage and pain and suffering and emotional distress.
You'll need evidence for each element of negligence in order to establish your case. Take photos and video at the accident scene. They could include damage to the vehicle as well as tire tracks, the crash site and the weather conditions. You might also want to record your injuries. Also, collect the contact information of all witnesses to your case so that your attorney can later contact them to record their witness testimony and declarations.
Another form of evidence is the logbooks of a trucking company and other documents that provide details of the hours of the driver, cargo loads, and maintenance activities. These records could be helpful in establishing a driver's drug or fatigue use which is a typical cause of truck accidents. Federal regulations require that trucking companies keep these records. Your lawyer can request the documents through an official request should they don't want to do so in a voluntary manner.
The truck inspection report is a further type of evidence that could be used to prove that the trucking company may have made a few sloppy decisions to save money, and that these mistakes could have resulted in the truck being dangerously hazardous or defective. Your lawyer may also attempt to obtain black box information and other high-tech equipment, and any information that you have on the driver's history, including previous traffic violations. Your attorney will also be able obtain copies of your medical records, receipts for any medications or treatments you've received, scans of test results, and other documents relevant to your case. All of these documents will be essential in establishing damages. Without it, you have no way of obtaining the compensation you deserve.
Employ an attorney
You could be entitled to compensation for you or a family member has sustained serious injuries as a result of a truck crash. An experienced lawyer can assist you through the legal process to file an action for damages caused through the negligence of the driver who is at fault. They can also negotiate with insurance companies and follow the necessary steps to secure an acceptable settlement.
An experienced lawyer can collect and analyze important evidence gathered from an accident. This includes police reports, medical records and witness statements. They can also research other factors that may have contributed to the accident, such as road conditions or weather conditions. They can also investigate the status of employment of the truck driver and his company, as well any training certificates.
The causes of truck accidents are usually more complicated than crashes that involve two cars due to the size and weight of these vehicles. There are many people who could be at fault for the accident, such as truck drivers, trucking companies, and even truck manufactures.
It is crucial to choose an attorney who is familiarized with the regulations for trucking and industry. This will increase your chances of receiving compensation. Additionally, they must be willing to fight for the rights of their clients against large corporations and their teams of lawyers.
It is important to select an attorney who will communicate with you and keep you updated about the progress of your case. They should be able to answer all of your inquiries and be available to meet in person if required. If they don't respond promptly 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 are right for you. They should be able provide you with details about their success rates and prior case examples. They should also explain their fees upfront and if they include any additional costs, like expert witnesses or accident reconstruction services.
A wrongful death claim is possible for anyone who has lost a family member in a truck crash. Under EPTL SS5-4.1, survivors can seek reimbursement for funeral expenses as well as the loss of companionship. They may also receive compensation for medical bills and lost wages.
Discuss the matter with the Insurance Company
The expenses begin to mount quickly following a semi truck accident, and the victim is often under pressure to get the funds needed. A smart insurance company will be aware of this and may use your situation's urgency to its advantage, providing low-cost options that will not cover the full cost of your injuries.
A knowledgeable truck crash lawyer on your side can protect you from this kind of manipulation. An attorney can help negotiate an agreement with any insurance companies or parties in your case. He can also take any phone calls from insurance agents and ensure that you're not lulled or misled.
Your attorney will begin the negotiation process by sending an insurance company a letter of demand detailing your losses and request a specific amount compensation for each. It is possible that both parties will have to go back and forth during the negotiation process, since there may be disagreements on certain aspects or parts of your claim.
It is important to understand that your medical bills and other financial damages could take some time to settle, particularly the more serious your injuries are. It is crucial to work with your doctor and hospital to set up payment arrangements that allow you to continue receiving treatment while you wait for an acceptable settlement.
A professional lawyer with a good reputation can help you determine whether your accident was caused by a jackknife or a loss in load. The lawyer will also be able to determine if the truck driver was negligent or if any other parties were involved in the incident.
You can hold a range of individuals accountable for your injuries. This includes the trucking company as well as their drivers, the truck maker, third-party shippers, or even the product manufacturer. Employing a knowledgeable lawyer will enable you to identify all potential defendants, and get the most compensation from them.