Semi Truck Accident Law
Accidents with semi-trucks could cause devastating injuries. There are many parties that are responsible for your injuries, including truck drivers, trucking companies and third party brokers or manufacturers.
You may seek compensation for economic and non-economic damage such as medical expenses and lost wages. A skilled NYC compensation attorney can assist you in getting the settlement you deserve.
Seek help from the police
A truck accident is not something to be laughed about. These huge trucks are capable of causing catastrophic collisions that could result in serious injuries or damage that is significant. Sadly every 16 seconds a truck accident occurs in the United States, and these crashes are blamed for thousands of fatalities and hundreds of thousands of injuries.
Truck drivers are required to be safe and adhere to traffic laws, but their work can be extremely demanding, causing them to become exhausted and distracted. This can lead them to make poor driving decisions. It only takes a split-second for a driver to fall asleep at the wheel or lose control. These mistakes can have devastating consequences and families are often left to deal with the aftermath.
It is crucial that when a truck accident occurs authorities investigate the crash scene and record all relevant information. This includes the name of the truck driver, their employer, as well as the trucking company which owns the truck. It is crucial to get contact information, such as names and numbers, from any witnesses. This information will be invaluable when it comes time to file a lawsuit.
Semi-trucks are also fitted with "black box" devices which can offer valuable information in the case of an accident. These devices record a tremendous amount of information about the truck's speed and brake usage, as well as other information that could be helpful in determining fault for an accident. new mexico semi truck accident lawsuit are knowledgeable about this technology and are able to access and analyze the data to make a convincing case for our clients.
In addition, to truck driver negligence it is possible that the governing body of the city in which the accident took place could be accountable for an accident. If the road was not maintained in a timely manner or there were obstructions to the signs on the road, this could be grounds for an action. Our lawyers can determine who is responsible and hold them accountable for any injuries resulting from their negligence.
Collect Evidence
A successful claim for a truck accident will prove that a third party did not fulfill their duty of care negligently, causing the crash. A successful negligence claim results in a settlement for all economic and non-economic damages you've suffered, including medical expenses, lost income, property damage and pain and suffering and emotional distress.
You'll need evidence for each of the elements of negligence in order to prove your case. While at the scene of your accident, take photos and videos of the vehicle damage, tire marks, the site of the crash, weather and road conditions and your injuries, as well as any other information you can think of that could be useful in making your case. Also, collect the contact information of any eyewitnesses so that your attorney can later contact them to record their statements and testimony.
The logbooks of trucking companies and other documents detailing the hours worked by the driver, cargo loads and maintenance activities are also important. These records can prove helpful in determining the extent of fatigue or drug use, which are the most common causes of car accidents with trucks. Trucking companies are required by federal law to keep these documents, and your lawyer may request them through an official discovery request in the event that the company is unwilling to turn them over in a voluntary manner.
Another important evidence is the inspection report for a truck that can be used to show that the trucking business may have taken shortcuts in order to save money and that these cuts could have resulted in a dangerously defective or unsafe truck. Your lawyer will also attempt to obtain information from black boxes as well as other high-tech devices and any information that you have regarding the driver's past, such as prior traffic convictions. Your lawyer will also be able get copies of any medical documents, receipts from medicines or treatments you've received scans, test results, results from tests, and other documents relevant to your case. All of this evidence will be crucial in proving your claim for damages. You cannot receive the compensation you deserve without it.
Hire an attorney
If you or someone close to you has suffered severe injuries in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation. A lawyer with experience can assist you through the legal procedure to file a lawsuit to recover damages caused due to the negligence of the driver who is at fault. They can also negotiate with insurance companies and take necessary steps to settle.
A trustworthy lawyer can collect and analyze the most important evidence from the accident. This includes police reports, medical records as well as witness statements. They can also investigate other factors that led to the accident, including weather conditions or road conditions. They can also check the status of the truck driver's job and company, as well as any training certifications.
Truck accidents are typically more complex than crashes involving two passenger cars because of the weight and size of these vehicles. In addition, there are a variety of different individuals who could be responsible for the accident which include truck drivers, trucking companies, and even truck manufacturers.
It is essential to find an attorney who is knowledgeable with the regulations for trucking and industry. This will increase your chances of getting compensation. Additionally, they must be willing to defend the rights of their clients against large corporations and their teams of lawyers.
It is essential to select an attorney who communicates with you and keep you informed about the progress of your case. They should be able and willing to answer all of your questions, and meet with you face-to-face when necessary. If they don't reply promptly to your emails or calls this is a red flag that should be avoided.
Asking about an attorney's experience in handling cases involving trucks is the best method to determine if they're the right fit for your needs. They are likely to be able examples of cases they have handled in the past and details about their success rate. They should be able to explain their charges and whether they include additional expenses like expert witness services or reconstruction of accidents.
A wrongful death claim is an option for anyone who has lost a loved one in a truck accident. Under EPTL SS5-4.1, survivors can claim compensation to cover funeral costs as well as the loss of companionship. In addition, they can receive monetary compensation to pay for medical expenses and loss of income.
Discuss the matter with the Insurance Company
After a semi-truck accident it is common for the bills to mount quickly and the victim is compelled to pay the money he needs. A smart insurance firm will be aware of this and could use your situation's urgency to your advantage, offering low-ball offers that do not cover all the costs of your injuries.
A lawyer who handles truck accidents will guard you against this kind of manipulation. An attorney can assist you negotiate an agreement with any insurance companies or other parties involved in your case. He can also take over all phone calls from insurance representatives and ensure you are not misled or cheated.
Your attorney will begin the negotiation process by sending an insurance company a letter of demand, which will detail your losses and demand a specific amount of compensation for each. The process could involve back and forth between the two parties because it is common for there to be some disagreements about certain sections or parts of your claim.
It is important to realize that the settlement of your medical bills and other economic damages may take a very long time, especially when your injuries are serious. It is crucial to work with your doctor and the hospital to negotiate payment arrangements that allow you to continue receiving treatment while waiting for an equitable settlement.
A professional lawyer with a good reputation can assist you in determining if your accident was caused by the jackknife, or a loss in load. He can also help to determine if the truck driver was at fault or if other parties were involved in the accident.
You can hold a variety of parties accountable for your injuries. This includes the trucking company, their drivers, the truck manufacturer, third-party shippers, or even the product manufacturer. When you partner with a seasoned attorney, you will be able recognize all potential defendants and pursue maximum compensation from each of them.