Semi Truck Accident Law
Accidents involving semi trucks can cause devastating injuries. There are many parties that are responsible for your injuries, including truck drivers, trucking companies, and third party brokers or manufacturers.
You can seek compensation for economic and non-economic damage such as medical expenses and lost wages. A skilled NYC compensation lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Get baytown semi truck accident case from the police
Being involved in a truck collision isn't something to joke about. These huge trucks can weigh up to 30 times as much as the average passenger car, and they are able to cause catastrophic collisions that usually leave victims with severe injuries and extensive damage. Sadly every 16 seconds, a truck crash occurs somewhere in the United States, and these crashes have been blamed for thousands of fatalities and hundreds of thousands of injuries.
Although truck drivers are required to observe traffic laws and drive safely but their duties are usually demanding and can cause them to become exhausted and distracted. This can lead them to make poor decisions made while driving. It takes just an instant for a driver to fall asleep behind the steering wheel or lose control. The consequences of these mistakes could be disastrous and leave families struggling to cope with the aftermath.
It is vital that if an accident involving a truck happens, authorities investigate the crash scene and record all relevant details. This includes the name of the truck driver, the employer, and the trucking company that operates the truck. It is important to get contact information, such as names and numbers, from any witnesses. This information is invaluable when it's time to file a suit.
Semi trucks are also equipped with "black box" devices that can provide important information in the event of an accident. These devices can record a massive amount of data about the truck's speed and brakes, as well as other information that can be helpful in determining who is at fault for an accident. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are well-versed in this technology and are able to access and analyze this information in order to create a compelling argument for our clients.
In addition to the truck driver's negligence and the possibility that the governing body or city in which the crash occurred could be accountable for an accident. For instance, if the roadway was not maintained properly or had signs that were blocked and signs, this could be grounds for a claim against the city. Our attorneys can determine the responsible party and ensure that they are accountable for injuries caused by negligence.
Collect evidence
One of the main components of a successful truck accident claim is to prove that you owed someone else the duty of care and negligently breached the duty, causing your crash. A negligence claim that is successful will result in a settlement for your economic and non-economic losses, which include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, emotional distress, and pain and suffering.
To prove your case you'll need evidence to establish each of the elements of negligence. While at the scene of your accident, snap pictures and videos of the damage to your vehicle and tire marks, the crash site as well as road and weather conditions, your injuries, and anything else you can think of that could aid in supporting your case. Also, obtain the contact information for any witnesses, so that your attorney can contact them later to keep their statements and witness testimony.
Another type of important evidence is the trucking company's logbooks and other documents that detail the driver's hours, cargo loads, and maintenance activities. These documents can be useful in establishing the driver's fatigue or drug usage, which are both common causes of accidents involving trucks. Federal regulations oblige trucking companies to keep these documents. Your lawyer can request the documents through an official request should they do not want to provide them by choice.
A third type of important evidence is the report on truck inspections that can be used to prove that the trucking company could have cut corners in order to save money and that these sloppy practices could have led to a unsafe or defective truck. Your lawyer can also help to obtain black box data as well as other high-tech devices that will help you construct your case, and any information you have about the background of the truck driver including prior traffic convictions. Your lawyer can also obtain copies of your medical records, receipts for any medications or treatments you've received, scans, tests results, and other documents that are relevant to your case. All of this evidence is essential in proving your claim for damages. Without it, you have no chance of receiving the amount you are due.
Employ an attorney
If you or someone close to you has suffered serious injuries in a truck accident you could be entitled to compensation. An experienced lawyer can guide you in the legal procedure to file a lawsuit for damages caused through the negligence of the at-fault driver. They can also engage with insurance companies and take the necessary steps to obtain a fair settlement.
A reliable lawyer can gather and analyze vital evidence gathered from the accident. This includes police reports as well as medical records. They can also look into other factors that led to the accident, such as road conditions or weather conditions. They can also inquire about the status of the driver of the truck and his company, and any training certificates.
Due to their size and weight, truck accidents are more complicated than accidents involving two cars. Moreover, there are many different people who could be responsible for the incident, such as truck drivers, trucking companies and even truck manufacturers.
It is crucial to choose an attorney who is familiar with the trucking regulations and the industry. This will improve your chances of getting compensation. They should also be prepared to advocate for their clients with large corporations and their legal teams.
It is also essential to select a lawyer that is willing to communicate and will keep you updated on the progress of your case. They should answer all your questions and be willing to meet in person if required. If they don't respond quickly to your calls or emails it is a red flag that should be avoided.
The best way to determine whether or not an attorney is right for you is to ask about their experience in handling trucking cases. They will be able to provide examples of cases they have handled in the past and details about their success rate. They should also disclose their fees in advance and whether they are inclusive of additional costs, such expert witnesses or accident reconstruction services.
Anyone who has lost a loved one in a car crash might be able to file a wrongful-death claim. Under EPTL SS5-4.1, survivors are eligible for compensation to cover funeral costs and the loss of companionship. In addition, they are able to receive compensation in the form of money to pay for medical bills as well as lost income.
Negotiate with your Insurance Company
The bills start piling up quickly after a semi-truck accident, and the victim is often under pressure to raise the money needed. A shrewd insurance firm will be aware of this and could leverage your precarious situation to your advantage, offering low-cost deals that do not cover the entire cost of your injuries.
A lawyer for truck accidents will safeguard you from this kind of manipulation. An attorney can assist you negotiate a settlement with insurance companies or parties involved in your case. Attorneys can also take phone calls from insurance companies and ensure that you are not misled or swindled.
Your lawyer will begin the negotiation process by sending an demand letter to the insurance company. It will detail the losses you have suffered and request an exact amount of compensation for each one. The process could involve exchange of information between the two parties because it is common for there to be some disagreements about certain sections or aspects of your claim.
It is crucial to know that medical bills and other economic damages could take some time to settle, particularly the more severe your injuries are. This is why it's crucial to work with your doctor and hospital to set up payment arrangements that allow you to get treatment while still being able to wait for a fair settlement.
A experienced lawyer can to determine if your accident was caused by the jackknife, or a loss in load. He will be able to determine whether the accident was caused by the negligence of the truck driver or if there were other parties involved.
There are many different entities that could be held accountable for your injuries including the trucking company and their drivers as well as the truck manufacturer, third party shippers, and even manufacturers. When you partner with a seasoned lawyer, you will be able identify all the possible defendants and seek maximum compensation from each of them.