Semi Truck Accident Law
Accidents involving semi trucks can result in catastrophic consequences. There are a variety of parties that are responsible for your injuries, such as truck drivers, trucking companies and third party brokers, or manufacturers.
You are entitled to compensation for economic and non-economic damages such as medical expenses and lost wages. baltimore semi truck accident claim for compensation can help you get what you deserve.
Seek help from the police
A truck crash isn't something to take lightly. These massive vehicles are capable of causing devastating collisions that could result in serious injuries or major damage. Unfortunately, every 16 seconds, a truck crash happens in the United States, and these crashes have been blamed for thousands of fatalities and hundreds of thousand of injuries.
Truck drivers must follow traffic laws, however their duties can be demanding and cause them to become exhausted and distracted. This can lead to rash driving decisions. It only takes one second for a driver to fall asleep at the steering wheel or lose control. The consequences of these errors can be severe, and they often leave families struggling with the consequences.
It is vital that if there is a crash involving a truck, authorities investigate the accident scene and record all pertinent details. The name of the driver, the company in which he or she works, and the trucking firm which owns the vehicle are all vital. It is important to get contact details, like names and phone number, from any witnesses. This information is invaluable when it's time to file a suit.
Semi-trucks are also fitted with "black box" devices that can provide valuable information in the event of an accident. These devices collect a huge amount of information about the truck's speed and brake usage, as well as other data that could prove useful in determining the cause of the crash. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are well-versed in the technology and know how use it and analyze it in order to make a convincing case for our clients.
It is possible that in addition to the negligence of the truck driver as well as the city or governing body in which the accident took place could be held responsible for the accident. If the road was not properly maintained or if there were obstructions on the road, this could be a reason to file an action. Our attorneys can determine who is responsible and hold them accountable for injuries caused by their negligence.
Collect evidence
A successful truck accident claim will prove that a third party failed to fulfill their duty of care in a negligent manner, causing the crash. A negligence claim that is successful will result in a compensation claim for your financial and noneconomic losses, including medical expenses, lost wages property damage, emotional distress as well as suffering and pain.
You'll need evidence for each of the elements of negligence to establish your case. While at the scene your accident, take photos and videos of the damage to your vehicle, tire marks, the scene of the crash, weather and road conditions as well as your injuries and everything else you could think of that may aid in the case. Also, get the contact details for any eyewitnesses. This way, your attorney can reach them later to take their statements and witness testimony.
The logbooks of trucking companies as well as other documents detailing the driver's work hours as well as cargo loads and maintenance activities are also crucial. These records can aid in establishing the driver's fatigue or drug use, which are the most common causes of accidents involving trucks. Federal regulations require trucking companies to retain these documents. Your lawyer can request the documents via an official request if they do not want to provide them in a voluntary manner.
The truck inspection report is a third kind of evidence that could be used to show that the trucking business may have taken shortcuts to save money and that these shortcuts could have led to a truck that was in danger or unsafe. Your lawyer will also try to obtain black box information and other high-tech devices that will help you construct your case, along with any information that you have on the background of the truck driver including any prior traffic convictions. Your lawyer will also be able get copies of your medical records, receipts for any medications or treatments you've received, scans of tests results, and other records relevant to your case. All of this evidence will be essential to prove your claim for damages. Without it, there is no way of obtaining the compensation you deserve.
Hire an attorney
You may be entitled compensation if you or someone in your family has suffered serious injuries from a truck accident. An experienced lawyer can guide you through the legal procedure of filing a lawsuit in order to seek compensation for damages resulting from the negligence of the party at fault. They can also negotiate with insurance companies and make the necessary arrangements to get an acceptable settlement.
An experienced lawyer can collect and analyze the most important evidence from an accident. This includes medical records, police reports as well as witness statements. They can also examine other factors that could have contributed to the accident such as road conditions or weather conditions. They can also inquire about the status of the truck driver's job and company, as well in any training certificates.
Truck accidents are often more complicated than accidents involving two cars due to the size and weight of these vehicles. There are a variety of parties who could be responsible for the accident, such as truck drivers, trucking firms, and even truck manufactures.
To maximize the chances of receiving compensation, it is important to consult with an attorney who is well-versed with the trucking industry and the regulations. They should also be willing to advocate on behalf of their clients with large companies and their legal teams.
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 your questions and be able for a face-to-face meeting if required. If they don't respond to your calls or emails promptly, it's a red flag and you should steer clear of them.
A conversation with an attorney about their experience dealing with trucking-related cases is the best way to determine if they are right for you. They should be able provide you with details about their success rate and previous cases. They should also be able explain their charges and whether they charge additional fees like expert witness services or reconstruction of an accident.
Anyone who has lost loved ones in a collision with a truck might be able to file a wrongful death claim. EPTL SS5-4.1 survivors are entitled to compensation for funeral expenses and loss of companionship. In addition, they may receive compensation in the form of money to pay for medical bills and loss of income.
Make a deal with your Insurance Company
The expenses begin to mount quickly following a semi truck accident, and the injured victim is often under pressure to get the funds needed. Insurance companies will profit from your desperate situation and offer low-cost solutions to cover only a portion of your expenses.
Having an experienced truck crash lawyer on your side will safeguard you from this kind of manipulation. A lawyer can help you negotiate a settlement with any insurance companies or other parties involved in your case. He will also be able to take phone calls from insurance representatives and ensure that you're not misled or exploited.
Your attorney will begin the negotiation process by sending a demand letter to your insurance company. This letter will list all your losses and ask for an exact amount of compensation for each one. This may require a back and forth between the two parties because it is typical for there to be some disagreements about certain sections or parts of your claim.
It is crucial to know that your medical bills as well as other economic damage will likely take an extended time to settle, especially the more serious your injuries are. This is why it is crucial to collaborate with your doctor and hospital to set up payment plans that allow you to receive treatment but still be in a position to receive an equitable settlement.
A reputable lawyer can assist you in determining the cause of your accident, if it was caused by a jackknife or the loss of load or a different issue. The lawyer will also be able to determine if the driver of the truck was negligent or if any other parties shared in your accident.
You can hold a variety of parties responsible for your injuries. These include the trucking company and their drivers, as well as the truck maker, third party shippers, or even the product manufacturer. When you partner with a seasoned attorney, you will be able to identify all the possible defendants and pursue maximum compensation from each of them.