Semi Truck Accident Law
Accidents involving semi trucks can result in catastrophic consequences. Truck drivers, trucking companies, third-party brokers or manufacturers, as well as trucking companies themselves, could be held responsible for injuries.
You are entitled to compensation for economic and non-economic damages such as medical expenses and lost wages. A NYC lawyer for compensation can help you get what you deserve.
Get Help from the Police
A truck crash isn't a laughing matter. These huge trucks can weigh up to 30 times as much as the average passenger car and can be a cause of catastrophic collisions that usually result in victims suffering serious injuries and extensive damage. Every 16 seconds, there's an accident involving a truck in the United States. These crashes cause thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of injuries.
Truck drivers must drive safely and obey traffic laws, however their duties can be stressful and lead them to become tired and distracted. This can lead to negligent choices while driving and it only takes just a few seconds for a driver who is not paying attention to be asleep or lose control of their vehicle. These mistakes can result in devastating consequences, and families are often left with the consequences.
It is important that when an accident with a truck occurs, authorities investigate the crash scene and record all relevant details. This includes the name of the driver, their employer, as well as the trucking company that owns the truck. It is also essential to get contact information from witnesses with their names as well as telephone numbers. Having this information will be crucial when it comes time to file a lawsuit.
Semi trucks are also equipped with "black box" devices that can provide valuable information in the case of an accident. These devices record a vast amount of data about the truck's speed and brake usage, as well as other data that could prove helpful in determining fault in an accident. Our NYC truck accident attorneys are familiar with the technology and are able to access and analyze it to build a strong claim for our clients.
In addition to the trucker's negligence, it is possible that the governing body or the city in which the accident took place could be liable for a crash. For instance, if the roadway was poorly maintained or obstructed by signs that could be cause for a claim against the city. Our attorneys can determine the party 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, resulting in the crash. A negligence claim that is successful will result in a payout for your economic and non-economic losses, which include medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, property damage and pain and suffering.
You'll need to provide evidence for each element of negligence to establish your case. Take pictures and videos at the accident scene. These can include the vehicle damage as well as tire tracks, the accident site, and even weather conditions. It is also possible to document your injuries. Also, obtain the contact information of any witnesses to your case so that your attorney can later contact them to record their statements and testimony.
The logbooks of trucking companies and other records detailing the driver's work hours along with cargo loads and maintenance activities are also essential. These records can aid in establishing the driver's 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 can obtain them by filing an official discovery request in the event that the company refuses to hand the records over on a voluntary basis.
A third type of important evidence is the report on truck inspections, which can be used to show that the trucking company could have taken shortcuts in order to save money. In addition, these shortcuts may have led to a unsafe or defective truck. Your lawyer will also work to obtain black box data and other high-tech devices that can help you build your case, as well as any information you have regarding the truck driver's background, including any prior traffic convictions. Your lawyer can also get copies of any medical records, medical receipts, or treatments that you have received scans, results of tests as well as other documents that relate to your case. All of these documents are essential to prove damages. Without it, you'll have no way to receive the compensation you deserve.
Hire an Attorney
If you or someone close to you has suffered serious injuries in a truck accident and you are a victim, you could be entitled to compensation. A lawyer who is knowledgeable can guide you in the legal procedure to file a lawsuit to recover damages caused due to the negligence of the at-fault driver. They can also engage with insurance companies and follow the necessary steps to get a fair settlement.
A trustworthy lawyer can collect and analyze vital evidence gathered from the accident. This includes police reports as well as medical records. They can also examine other factors that could have contributed to the accident such as weather conditions or road conditions. They can also investigate the employment status of the driver of the truck and his company, as well as any certificates of training.
Due to their size and weight truck accidents are more complicated than accidents that involve two cars. In addition, there are a variety of 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 compensation, it is crucial to find a lawyer who is familiar with the trucking industry and regulations. They should also be willing to advocate for their clients against large companies and their legal teams.
It is important to select an attorney who can communicate with you and keep you informed about the progress of your case. They will be able to address all your questions and even meet face-to-face with you whenever necessary. If they don't respond promptly to your calls or emails This is a red signal and should be avoided.
The best way to determine whether 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 previous case examples and information about their success rate. They should also be able of explaining their costs and if they charge additional fees like expert witness services or accident reconstruction.
A wrongful death claim is a possibility for anyone who has lost a loved one in a crash involving a truck. Under tuscaloosa semi truck accident lawsuit -4.1, survivors can seek compensation to pay for funeral expenses and the loss of companionship. In addition, they can be awarded monetary compensation to help pay for their medical bills and lost income.
Negotiate with your Insurance Company
After a semi-truck accident the costs mount up quickly and the injured party is compelled to pay the money they need. Insurance companies will profit from your dire situation and make low-ball offers that cover only a fraction of your medical expenses.
A lawyer who handles truck accidents will protect you against this kind of manipulative. An attorney can assist you in negotiating a settlement with the liable party or insurance companies that will be involved in your case. He will also be able to take over any telephone calls from insurance representatives and ensure you don't get swindled or cheated by.
Your attorney will start negotiations by sending an insurance company a letter of demand that will outline your losses and ask for a specific amount compensation for each. The process could involve back and forth between the two parties as it is normal for there to be disagreements regarding certain sections or elements of your claim.
It is important to understand that your medical bills and other economic damages could take a long time to settle, particularly the more severe your injuries are. This is why it is crucial to collaborate with your doctor and the hospital to establish payment plans that allow you to get medical treatment while being capable of waiting for an acceptable settlement.
A reputable attorney can assist you in determining the root of your accident, regardless of whether it was caused by a jackknife, an unloading issue, or another issue. He will also be able to determine if the driver of the truck was negligent or if any other parties were involved in the accident.
There are a number of different entities that could be held liable for your injuries, including the trucking company, their drivers as well as the truck manufacturer third party shippers, and even product manufacturers. By working with an experienced lawyer, you will be able to identify all the possible defendants and seek maximum compensation from each.