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on June 21, 2024
semi truck accidents Truck Accident Law
Accidents involving semi trucks can result in catastrophic consequences. Truck drivers, trucking firms, third-party brokers or manufacturers, as well as trucking companies themselves, could all be held accountable for injuries.
You can seek compensation for both economic and non-economic losses such as medical expenses and lost wages. A knowledgeable NYC compensation attorney will assist you to receive the settlement you deserve.
Seek help from the police
Getting into a truck accident isn't something to joke about. These massive vehicles can cause devastating collisions, and can cause serious injuries to victims or damage that is significant. Unfortunately every 16 seconds truck crashes occur in the United States, and these crashes have been blamed for thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousand of injuries.
While truck drivers are required to obey traffic laws and operate their vehicles safely, their jobs are often demanding and can cause them to become tired and distracted. This can lead them to make poor decisions made while driving. It takes just the span of a second for drivers to fall asleep behind the wheel or lose control. These mistakes can result in devastating consequences, and families are often left to deal with the consequences.
It is essential that, when an accident with a truck occurs, authorities investigate the crash scene and record all pertinent information. This includes the name of the truck driver, his or her employer, as well as the trucking firm that owns the truck. It is also crucial to get contact information from any witnesses with their names as well as phone numbers. Knowing this information will prove invaluable when it comes time to make a claim.
Semi-trucks are also fitted with "black box" devices that can provide valuable information in the case of an accident. These devices can record a massive amount of information about the truck's speed and brake usage, as well as other data that could prove helpful in determining fault for an accident. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are well-versed in this technology and are able to access and analyze this data in order to make a convincing case for our clients.
In addition to truck driver negligence and the possibility that the governing body of the city in which the crash occurred could be responsible for a crash. For example, if the roadway was poorly maintained or had obstructed signs, this may be an excuse to file a claim against the city. Our lawyers can determine who is accountable and hold them liable for the injuries caused by their negligence.
Collect evidence
One of the most important aspects of a successful truck crash claim is to prove that the other party owed you an obligation of care, and negligently violated that duty, causing your accident. A negligence claim that is successful will result in a payout for your economic and non-economic losses. These include medical expenses, lost wages emotional distress, property damage, and suffering and pain.
You'll have to prove for each element of negligence to establish your case. While you're at the scene of your accident, take photos and videos of the vehicle damage and tire marks, the scene of the crash, weather and road conditions including your injuries, and anything else you can think of that might be useful in supporting your case. Also, collect the contact information for any witnesses, so that your attorney can contact them later to record their statements as well as witness testimony.
Another important source of evidence is the logbooks of a trucking company and other documents that record the hours of the driver in the workplace, cargo loads, and maintenance activities. These records could be helpful in establishing the driver's use of drugs or fatigue as it is a major reason for truck accidents. Trucking companies are required by federal regulations to keep these documents, and your lawyer can request them through the formal discovery process if the company is unwilling to turn them over voluntarily.
The inspection report for trucks is a further type of evidence that could be used to show that the trucking company could have taken shortcuts to save money and these shortcuts could have resulted in a truck that was dangerously in danger or unsafe. Your lawyer will also try to obtain information from black boxes and other high-tech equipment, and any information you have about the driver's previous history, including previous traffic convictions. Your lawyer will also be able to obtain copies of your medical records including receipts for any medications or treatments you've received, scans of tests results, and other documents that pertain to your case. All of this evidence will be essential to prove your claim for damages. Without it, you have no chance of receiving the compensation you're entitled to.
Hire an attorney
If you or someone close to you was injured severely in an accident with a truck you could be entitled to compensation. An experienced attorney can assist you with the legal process of filing a lawsuit to claim damages for the at-fault party's negligent actions. They can also negotiate with the insurance companies and follow the steps to settle.
An experienced lawyer can collect and analyze the most important evidence from an 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 inquire about the status of the truck driver and the company he works for, as well as any training certificates.
Truck accidents are typically more complicated than crashes involving two passenger cars because of the size and weight of these vehicles. There are a variety of individuals who could be at fault for the accident, such as truck drivers, trucking companies, and even truck manufactures.
It is important to hire an attorney who is knowledgeable with the regulations for trucking and the trucking industry. This will improve your chances of getting compensation. Additionally, they must be prepared to fight for the rights of their clients against large corporations and their teams of lawyers.
It is crucial to choose an attorney who will communicate with you and keep you informed about the progress of your case. They should be able to answer all of your questions and be able to meet face-to-face when needed. If they don't reply to your emails or calls quickly, it's a red flag and you should stay clear of them.
The attorney's experience in handling trucking-related cases is the best way to determine if they are the right fit for you. They are likely to be able examples of cases they have handled in the past and information about their success rate. They should also provide their fees in advance and whether they cover any additional costs, such expert witnesses or reconstruction services.
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 can claim compensation to pay for funeral expenses as well as the loss of companionship. In addition, they are able to be awarded monetary compensation to help pay for medical expenses and income loss.
Negotiate with the Insurance Company
The costs start to mount quickly following a semi truck accident, and the injured victim is often pressured to find the funds required. Insurance companies will profit from your desperate circumstance and offer low-cost offers to cover only a portion of your injuries.
A lawyer for truck accidents can protect you from this kind of manipulation. An attorney can help you negotiate a settlement with any insurance companies or parties involved in your case. He can also take over any calls made by insurance representatives and ensure that you do not get misled or cheated.
Your attorney will begin the negotiation process by sending a demand letter to the insurance company, which will detail the losses you have suffered and request a specific amount of compensation for each one. The process could involve debate between the two parties, because it is typical for there to be some disagreements on certain parts or parts of your claim.
It is important to realize that the settlement of your medical bills as well as economic damages can take a long time, particularly when your injuries are severe. This is why it is crucial to cooperate with your doctor and hospital to arrange payment plans that will allow you to get medical treatment while being ready to receive an acceptable settlement.
An experienced lawyer can help you determine the cause of your accident, whether it was caused by a jackknife, a loss of load, or another cause. He will also be able to determine if the driver of the truck was at fault or if other parties were involved in the accident.
You could hold a variety of entities responsible for your injuries. These include the trucking company and their drivers, the truck maker, third party shippers, and even the manufacturer of the product. A skilled lawyer will allow you to find all potential defendants and get the most compensation from them.