Semi Truck Accident Law
If you are involved in an accident with a semi-truck the consequences can be devastating. There are many parties who could be liable for your injuries, such as truck drivers, trucking companies and third party brokers or manufacturers.
You can seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages. A skilled NYC compensation attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Find Help from the police
A truck crash isn't something to laugh at. These massive vehicles 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 extensive damage. Every 16 seconds, there is an accident involving trucks in the United States. These crashes are responsible for hundreds of thousands of injuries.
Truck drivers must drive safely and obey traffic laws, however their duties can be very demanding and lead them to be exhausted and distracted. This can lead them to make poor decisions made while driving. It takes only an instant for a driver to fall asleep behind the wheel or lose control. These mistakes can result in devastating consequences, and families are often left with the consequences.
If a truck crash occurs, it is important that the authorities investigate the crash site and take down all of the relevant information. The name of the driver, the business where they work and the trucking company that owns the vehicle are all important. It is essential to collect contact information, such as names and numbers, from witnesses. Knowing this information will prove important when it comes the time to bring a lawsuit.
Furthermore, semi-trucks are equipped with "black boxes" which can provide important evidence in the event of a truck accident. These devices record a tremendous amount of information regarding the truck's speed and brakes, as well as other information that can be useful in determining the cause of an accident. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are well-versed in this technology and know how to analyze and access the information to build a strong case for our clients.
It is possible that, in addition to the negligence of the truck driver and the city or governing body that caused the accident occurred could also be held accountable for the crash. If the road was not properly maintained or there were obstructions to the signs on the road, this could be a reason to file a claim. Our attorneys can determine the person responsible and ensure that they are accountable for injuries caused by negligence.
Collect evidence
A successful claim for a truck accident will prove that someone else failed to fulfill their duty of care negligently, causing the crash. A negligence claim that is successful will result in a payout for your economic and non-economic losses. These include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, emotional distress and suffering and pain.
You'll need evidence for each element of negligence to prove your case. While at the scene of the accident, capture photos and videos of the vehicle damage including tire marks, the accident site as well as road and weather conditions as well as your injuries and any other information you can think of that might help in proving your case. Also, collect the contact information of any eyewitnesses so that your attorney can later contact them to record their witness testimony and statements.
Another crucial piece of evidence is the logbooks of the trucking company and other documents that detail the hours of the driver, cargo loads, and maintenance activities. These records can aid 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 records and your lawyer can request them through an official discovery request if the company refuses to turn the records over on a voluntary basis.
The inspection report for trucks is a third kind of evidence that could be used to prove that the trucking business may have resorted to shortcuts in order to save money and that the methods could have resulted a truck that was unfit or unsafe. Your lawyer will also try to obtain black box information and other high-tech equipment that can help you build your case, along with any information you have regarding the background of the truck driver including any prior traffic convictions. Your attorney will also be able to obtain copies of your medical records, receipts for any medications or treatments you've received, scans of test results, and other documents that are relevant to your case. All of this evidence is crucial in proving your case for damages. You won't be able to claim the amount of compensation you deserve without this evidence.
Employ an attorney
If you or someone close to you has suffered serious injuries in an accident involving a truck you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced attorney can assist you with the legal procedure of filing a lawsuit to get compensation for the damages caused by the at-fault party's negligent actions. They can also negotiate with insurance companies and take the steps to settle.
A trustworthy lawyer can collect and analyze vital evidence from the accident. This includes police reports, medical records as well as witness statements. They can also research other factors that could have caused the accident, such as weather conditions or road conditions. They can also examine the status of the truck driver and his company, as well as any training certificates.
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 people who could be responsible for the incident including truck drivers, trucking companies and even truck manufacturers.
It is important to hire an attorney who is familiar with the trucking regulations and the trucking industry. vermont semi truck accident lawsuit will increase your chances of getting compensation. In addition, they must be prepared to fight for the rights of their clients against large corporations and their teams of lawyers.
It is also essential to find a lawyer who is open to communication and keeps you informed on the progress of your case. They will be able to address all your questions and even meet face-to-face with you whenever needed. If they don't reply to your emails or calls promptly, it's a red flag and you should avoid them.
The best method to determine whether or not an attorney is right for you is to inquire about their experience with handling trucking cases. They should be able provide you with information about their success rates and prior cases. They should also disclose their fees in advance and if they include any additional costs, such expert witnesses or reconstruction services.
Anyone who has lost loved ones in a crash involving a truck may be eligible to file a wrongful-death claim. Under EPTL SS5-4.1, survivors can seek reimbursement for funeral expenses and the loss of companionship. In addition, they may receive financial compensation to pay for medical expenses and lost income.
Negotiate with the Insurance Company
The bills begin to pile up quickly after a semi-truck accident, and the victim is often pressured to pay the bills. Insurance companies will profit from your desperate situation and offer low-cost solutions that cover only a fraction of your injuries.
A truck accident lawyer will guard you against this kind of manipulative. An attorney can help negotiate a settlement with the liable party or insurance companies that will be involved in your case. He can also handle all phone calls from insurance representatives and ensure you don't get swindled or cheated.
Your lawyer will begin the negotiation process by sending a demand letter to
