Semi Truck Accident Law
If you're involved in an accident with a semi truck the consequences could be devastating. Truck drivers, trucking firms such as third-party brokers or manufacturers and trucking companies themselves, could all be held responsible for injuries.
You can seek compensation for non-economic and economic damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. A skilled NYC compensation lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Find Help from the police
Getting into a truck accident isn't something to joke about. These massive vehicles can weigh as much as 30 times the weight of the average passenger car, and they can cause devastating collisions that often result in victims suffering serious injuries and extensive damage. Every 16 seconds, there is an accident with a truck in the United States. These crashes are responsible for thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of injuries.
Truck drivers must operate safely and abide by traffic laws, however their duties can be very demanding and lead them to get tired and distracted. This can result in impulsive choices while driving and it takes only a split second for a distracted driver to fall asleep or lose control of their vehicle. The consequences of these errors can be severe and often leave families struggling with the consequences.
It is important that when an accident with a truck occurs, authorities investigate the crash scene and record all relevant details. The name of the driver, the business in which he or she works and the trucking company who owns the vehicle crucial. It is important to get contact details, like names and phone number, from any witnesses. Having this information will be valuable when it comes time to start a lawsuit.
Furthermore, semi-trucks come with "black boxes" that can provide crucial evidence in the event of an accident. These devices can be used to record numerous details about the truck, including speed, brake usage and other data that could prove helpful in determining who was responsible for the accident. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are familiar with the technology and know how to analyze and access this data in order to build a strong argument for our clients.
In hillsboro semi truck accident settlement to the trucker's negligence, it is possible that the governing body or city where the accident occurred may be responsible for the crash. If the road was not properly maintained or there were obstructions to the signs on the road, this could be grounds for a claim. Our attorneys can determine who is responsible and hold them liable for the injuries caused by their negligence.
Collect evidence
A successful truck accident claim will prove that someone else failed to fulfill their duty of care, resulting in the crash. A successful negligence case will result in the payment of all economic and non-economic losses you've suffered, such as medical expenses, lost income property damage as well as pain and suffering and emotional stress.
To establish your case you'll need evidence that can demonstrate each factor of negligence. Take pictures and videos at the scene of the accident. They could include vehicle damage as well as tire tracks, the site of the crash and weather conditions. You might also want to document 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 statements and testimony.
Another crucial piece of evidence is the logbooks for trucking companies and other documents that provide details of the hours of the driver, cargo loads, and maintenance activities. These documents can be useful in establishing the driver's drug or fatigue use which is a typical reason for truck accidents. Federal regulations require trucking companies to keep these documents. Lawyers can request the documents via an official request should they are unable to do so at their own discretion.
Another type of crucial evidence is the inspection report for a truck, which could be used to prove that the trucking company could have slashed corners to save money and that these sloppy practices could have led to a defective or unsafe truck. Your lawyer will also attempt to obtain information from the black box, other high-tech devices, and any other information you have on the driver's history, including previous traffic violations. Your lawyer can also obtain copies of any medical records, receipts for medications or treatments that you have received, scans, results of tests as well as other documents that relate to your case. All of these documents will be crucial to establish damages. Without it, you have no way to receive the compensation you deserve.
Hire an attorney
If you or someone close to you suffered serious injuries as a result of an accident with a truck and you are a victim, you could be entitled to compensation. An experienced lawyer will guide you through the legal procedure for filing a lawsuit for damages caused due to the negligence of the at-fault driver. They can also engage with insurance companies and follow the necessary steps to secure an equitable settlement.
An experienced lawyer can collect and analyze important evidence from an accident. This includes medical records, police reports and witness statements. They can also examine other factors that could have contributed to the accident such as weather conditions or road conditions. They can also examine the status of the driver of the truck and his company, as well as any certificates of training.
Due to their weight and size, truck accidents are more complex than accidents involving two cars. Moreover, there are many different parties that could be responsible for the incident which include truck drivers, trucking companies and even truck manufacturers.
To maximize your chances of receiving the maximum amount of compensation, it's important to work with a lawyer who is familiar with the trucking industry as well as regulations. In addition, they should be willing to fight for the rights of their clients against large corporations and their teams of lawyers.
It is essential 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 your questions and meet with you face-to–face when needed. If they are not able to respond quickly to your calls or emails this is a red signal and should be avoided.
The best way to determine if or an attorney is the right one for you is to ask about their experience with handling trucking cases. They are likely to be able you with case examples from previous cases as well as details on their success rate. They should also disclose their fees in advance and if they include any extra costs, such as expert witnesses or accident reconstruction services.
Anyone who has lost a loved one in a truck crash may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. Under EPTL SS5-4.1, survivors can seek reimbursement for funeral expenses as well as the loss of companionship. In addition, they can receive compensation in the form of money to pay for their medical bills and lost income.
Talk to the Insurance Company
The expenses begin to mount quickly after a semi-truck accident, and the injured victim is often pressured to get the funds needed. A smart insurance company will be aware of this and may use your precarious situation to your advantage, offering low-ball offers that do not cover the total cost of your injuries.
A truck accident lawyer can protect you from this kind of manipulative. An attorney can help negotiate an agreement with the liable party or insurance companies involved in your case. He will also be able to take over any telephone calls from insurance representatives and ensure that you do not get misled or taken advantage of.
Your attorney will start the negotiation process by delivering an insurance company a demand letter, which will detail your losses and ask for an exact amount of compensation for each. The process could involve debate between the two parties, because it is typical for there to be disagreements regarding certain sections or aspects of your claim.
It is important to be aware that the settlement of your medical bills and other economic damages can take a long time, particularly when your injuries are severe. It is important to work with your hospital and doctor to create payment plans that allow you to continue receiving treatment while waiting for a fair 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 some other issue. He will be able determine whether the accident was the result of the truck driver's negligence or if there were other parties involved.
You can hold a variety of entities responsible for your injuries. These include the trucking company, their drivers, the truck maker, third party shippers, and even the product manufacturer. By working with an experienced attorney, you will be able recognize all the possible defendants and seek the maximum amount of compensation from each of them.