Semi Truck Accident Law
Accidents with semi-trucks could result in devastating consequences. There are many parties that could be responsible for your injuries, such as truck drivers, trucking companies and third party brokers or manufacturers.
You may seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages such as medical expenses and lost wages. A skilled NYC compensation lawyer can assist you in obtaining the settlement you deserve.
Get help from the police
In the event of a truck crash, it is not a joke. These massive vehicles can weigh more than 30 times as much as the average passenger car and are able to cause catastrophic collisions that usually result in victims suffering severe injuries and extensive damage. Unfortunately, every 16 seconds, a truck crash happens in the United States, and these crashes have been blamed for thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of injuries.
Truck drivers are required to follow traffic laws, but their work can be demanding and cause them to become exhausted and distracted. This can result in negligent decisions made while driving. It takes only an instant for a driver to fall asleep at the steering wheel or lose control. The consequences of these mistakes can be catastrophic and often leave families struggling with the aftermath.
It is essential that, when a truck accident occurs authorities investigate the crash scene and document all pertinent details. This includes the name of the driver, his or her employer, as well as the trucking firm that owns the truck. It is also important to get contact information from witnesses with their names as well as phone numbers. This information will be crucial when it comes time to bring a lawsuit.
Additionally, semi trucks are equipped with "black boxes" that can be used to provide evidence in the event of an accident. These devices collect a huge amount of data about the speed of the truck and brakes, as well as other information that could be helpful in determining fault for an accident. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are well-versed in the technology and are able to access and analyze the information to present a convincing argument for our clients.
In addition, to truck driver negligence and the possibility that the governing body or the city in which the crash occurred could be accountable for the consequences of a crash. If the road was not maintained in a timely manner or there were signs that were blocked on the road, this could be grounds for a claim. Our lawyers will determine who is accountable and hold them accountable for the harm caused by their negligence.
Collect evidence
A successful claim for a truck accident will establish that someone else did not fulfill their duty of care, resulting in the crash. A successful negligence claim will result in a settlement for all economic and non-economic damages you've suffered, including your medical bills, lost income property damage and pain and suffering and emotional suffering.
To prove your case you'll need evidence to demonstrate each factor of negligence. While at the scene of your accident, snap pictures and videos of the damage to your vehicle as well as tire marks, the scene of the crash, weather and road conditions as well as your injuries and anything else you can think of that could be useful in the case. Also get the contact information for any witnesses, so that your attorney can contact them later to record their statements and witness testimony.
The logbooks of trucking firms and other documents detailing the hours worked by the driver, cargo loads and maintenance activities are also essential. These records can be helpful in establishing a driver's drug or fatigue use which is a frequent cause of truck accidents. Federal regulations require that trucking companies keep these records. Lawyers can request the documents via an official request if they refuse to do so voluntarily.
Another crucial evidence is the truck inspection report, which can be used to prove that the trucking business may have cut corners in order to save money and that these shortcuts may have resulted in a dangerously unsafe or defective truck. Your lawyer will also work to obtain black box data as well as other high-tech devices which can aid in the development of your case, as well as any information that you have on the truck driver's background, including any prior traffic convictions. Your lawyer will also be able to obtain copies of medical records, medical receipts, or treatments that you have received scans, test results, results from tests, and other documents relevant to your case. All of these documents will be essential to prove damages. Without it, there is no chance of receiving the compensation you deserve.
Employ an attorney
You may be entitled compensation when a family member has suffered serious injuries from a truck accident. A knowledgeable attorney can help you navigate the legal process of filing a lawsuit to claim damages for the negligence of the party at fault. They are also able to negotiate with insurance companies and take the necessary steps to settle.
A reliable lawyer can gather and analyze vital evidence gathered from the accident. This includes police reports and medical records. They may also look into other factors that contributed to the accident, including weather conditions or road conditions. They can also look into the status of employment of the truck driver and his company, as well any training certificates.
Due to their size and weight, truck accidents can be more complicated than accidents that involve two cars. There are many parties who could be accountable in the incident, including truck drivers, trucking companies and even truck manufacturers.
To increase the odds of receiving compensation, it is essential to consult with an attorney who is knowledgeable with the trucking industry as well as regulations. They should also be able to fight on behalf of their clients with large companies and their legal teams.
It is also important to select a lawyer that is a good communicator and will keep you informed on the progress of your case. They must be able to respond to all your questions and meet with you face-to–face whenever necessary. If they don't reply to your messages or calls promptly, it's a red flag and you should avoid them.
The attorney's experience dealing with trucking-related cases is the best method to determine if they're right for you. They should be able provide you with details regarding their success rates as well as previous cases. They should also be able to explain their costs and if they have additional costs such as expert witness services or accident reconstruction.
A wrongful death claim is a possibility for anyone who has lost a family member in a truck accident. EPTL SS5-4.1 survivors are entitled to compensation for funeral costs and loss of companionship. In addition, they may receive financial compensation to pay for their medical bills and income loss.
Talk to massachusetts semi truck accident attorney
After a semi-truck accident, the bills pile up quickly and the injured party is pressured to pay the money needed. Insurance companies will profit from your desperate situation and make low-ball offers to cover only a small portion of your injuries.
Having an experienced truck crash lawyer on your side will protect you from this type of manipulation. An attorney can help you negotiate a settlement with any insurance companies or other parties involved in your case. He will also be able to take over any calls made by insurance companies and ensure that you are not misled or cheated.
Your lawyer will begin the negotiation process by sending an demand letter to the insurance company. It will outline your losses and demand a specific amount of compensation for each one. The process could involve back and forth between the two parties since it is common for there to be some disagreements about certain sections or elements of your claim.
It is important to realize that the settlement of your medical bills and other economic damages can take a long time, particularly when your injuries are serious. This is why it's crucial to cooperate with your doctor and the hospital to establish payment arrangements that allow you to receive treatment while still being able to wait for an equitable settlement.
A reputable lawyer will be able assist you in determining if your accident was caused by jackknife or a loss in load. The lawyer will also be able to determine if the driver of the truck was at fault or if other parties were involved in the incident.
You can hold a variety of parties responsible for your injuries. This includes the trucking company and their drivers, the truck maker, third party shippers, or even the manufacturer of the product. When you partner with a seasoned lawyer, you will be able to determine all potential defendants and seek the maximum amount of compensation from each.