Semi Truck Accident Law
If you're involved in an accident with a semi-truck the consequences could be devastating. Truck drivers, trucking firms, third-party brokers or manufacturers and trucking companies themselves, could be held accountable for the injuries you sustain.
phoenix semi truck accident lawsuit can claim compensation for your non-economic as well as economic damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and suffering and pain. A NYC lawyer for compensation can assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve.
Get help from the police
In the event of a truck crash, it is not a joke. These huge vehicles can weigh more than 30 times as much as a car for passengers, and they are capable of devastating collisions that can leave victims with serious injuries and severe damage. Unfortunately, every 16 seconds, a truck accident occurs in the United States, and these crashes are blamed for thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousand of injuries.
Truck drivers are required to drive safely and obey traffic laws, but their jobs can be stressful and lead them to be exhausted and distracted. This can lead to negligent decisions made while driving. It only takes one second for a driver to fall asleep behind the wheel or lose control. These errors can have catastrophic consequences, and families are often left to deal with the aftermath.
If a truck crash occurs it is imperative that the authorities investigate the crash site and record all of the relevant 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 essential to collect contact information from witnesses such as their names and telephone numbers. Knowing this information will prove valuable when it comes time to bring a lawsuit.
Semi-trucks are also fitted with "black box" devices that can provide valuable information in the case of an accident. These devices can record numerous details about the truck, including its speed, brake use and other data that could prove useful in determining who is responsible for the accident. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are well-versed in the technology and know how to analyze and access this data in order to create a compelling case for our clients.
It is possible that, in addition to the truck driver's negligence and the city or the governing body where the accident occurred could also be held accountable for the crash. For instance, if the road was not maintained properly or had signs that were blocked, this may be reason to bring a lawsuit 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 key elements of a successful truck accident claim is establishing that someone else owed you a duty of care and negligently violated that duty, causing the accident. A successful negligence claim can result in a payout for all economic and non-economic losses you've suffered, including medical bills, lost income property damage or injury, and emotional suffering.
You'll have to prove for each of the elements of negligence in order to establish your case. Take photos and videos of the scene of the accident. They could include damage to the vehicle, tire tracks, the site of the crash and the weather conditions. You might also want to document your injuries. Also, collect the contact information of all witnesses so that your lawyer can later contact them to record their witness testimony and statements.
The logbooks of the trucking firms and other documents that record the time of work as well as 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 typical reason for truck accidents. Trucking companies are required by federal regulations to keep these documents, and your lawyer is able to obtain them through a formal discovery request if the company refuses to turn them over voluntarily.
Another type of crucial evidence is the report on truck inspections that could be used to prove that the trucking company may have slashed corners to save money. Moreover, these sloppy practices could have led to a defective or unsafe truck. Your lawyer will also work to obtain black-box information as well as other high-tech devices to help you build your case, and any information that you have on the background of the truck driver including any prior traffic convictions. Your attorney will also be able get copies of your medical records as well as receipts for any prescriptions or treatments you've received, scans, test results, and other records relevant to your case. All of this evidence will be crucial to establishing your claim for damages. Without it, there's no way to receive the amount you are due.
Employ an attorney
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries in an accident with a truck you may be entitled to compensation. A knowledgeable attorney can help you navigate the legal procedure of filing a lawsuit in order to recover damages caused by the negligent actions of the at-fault party. They can also negotiate with the insurance companies and follow the steps to get a settlement.
A reputable lawyer can gather and analyze important evidence from an accident. This includes police reports, medical records and witness statements. They can also research other factors that could have contributed to the accident, such as weather conditions or road conditions. They can also inquire about the employment status of the driver of the truck and the company he works for, as well as any certificates of training.
Accidents involving trucks are usually more complicated than accidents involving two cars due to the size and weight of these vehicles. Moreover, there are many 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 consult with an attorney who is well-versed with the trucking industry and the regulations. In addition, they should be prepared to defend the rights of their clients against large corporations and their teams of lawyers.
It is important to select 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 willing to meet in person if required. If they are not able to respond quickly to your calls or emails, this is a red flag and should be avoided.
The attorney's experience in handling trucking-related cases is the best way to determine if they're the right fit for your needs. They should be able to provide you with details regarding their success rates as well as previous cases. They should also provide their fees upfront and whether they include any additional costs, such expert witnesses or reconstruction services.
Anyone who has lost loved ones in a truck crash may be eligible to file a wrongful-death claim. Under EPTL SS5-4.1, survivors are entitled to compensation to cover funeral costs and the loss of companionship. They may also receive compensation for medical bills and lost wages.
Discuss the matter with the Insurance Company
Following a semi-truck collision the costs mount up quickly and the victim is pressured to pay the money he needs. A smart insurance firm will be aware this and could leverage your precarious situation to benefit themselves, by offering low-ball offers that do not cover the total cost of your injuries.
Having an experienced truck crash lawyer on your side will protect you from this kind of manipulation. An attorney can assist you negotiate a settlement with any insurance companies or parties in your case. He can also take any calls from insurance agents and ensure that you're not misled or taken advantage of.
Your lawyer will begin the negotiation process by sending a demand letter to the insurance company. It will outline the losses you have suffered and demand an exact amount of compensation for each one. This may require a back-and-forth between the two parties since it is common for there to be some disagreements about certain sections or parts of your claim.
It is important to recognize that your medical bills as well as other economic damages are likely to take an extended time to settle, particularly the more serious your injuries are. It is essential to collaborate with your doctor and hospital to negotiate payment arrangements that allow you to continue receiving treatment while waiting for an appropriate settlement.
A reliable lawyer can assist you in determining whether your accident was caused by the jackknife, or a loss in the load. He will be able determine whether your accident was caused by the negligence of the truck driver or if there were other parties involved.
You can hold a range of individuals accountable for your injuries. This includes the trucking company as well as their drivers, the truck maker, third party shippers, or even the manufacturer of the product. By working with an experienced lawyer, you will be able recognize all potential defendants and seek maximum compensation from each.