Semi Truck 101: The Ultimate Guide For Beginners
Semi Truck Accident Law
If you are involved in an accident with a semi truck, the results can be devastating. There are a variety of parties that could be responsible for your injuries, including truck drivers, trucking companies and third party brokers or manufacturers.
You can claim compensation for non-economic and economic damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. A NYC compensation lawyer can assist you in getting what you're entitled to.
Seek help from the police
Getting into a truck accident is not a joke. These huge vehicles can weigh more than 30 times more than the average passenger car, and they are able to cause catastrophic collisions that often result in victims suffering severe injuries and extensive damage. Unfortunately every 16 seconds, a truck accident occurs in the United States, and these crashes have been blamed for thousands of fatalities and hundreds of thousands of injuries.
While truck drivers are expected to observe traffic laws and operate their vehicles safely however, their work is often demanding, and they can lead them to become exhausted and distracted. This can lead to impulsive decisions while driving and it can take a split second for an inattentive driver to fall asleep or lose control of their vehicle. These mistakes can have devastating consequences and families are often left with the aftermath.
It is vital that if a truck accident occurs authorities investigate the accident scene and record all relevant details. This includes the name of the driver, the employer, as well as the trucking company which owns the truck. It is important to obtain contact information, such as names and phone number, from any witnesses. Knowing this information will prove important when it comes the time to file a lawsuit.
Semi-trucks are also fitted with "black box" devices that can provide important information in the event of an accident. These devices record a vast amount of data about the truck's speed and brake usage, among other details that could be helpful in determining fault for the crash. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are familiar with the technology and know how to use it and analyze it to build a strong claim for our clients.
In addition to the truck driver's negligence it is possible that the governing body of the city in which the accident took place could be liable for the crash. If the road was not properly maintained or there were obstructions to the signs on the road, it could be a cause for an action. Our lawyers can identify who is responsible and hold them accountable for injuries caused by negligence.
Collect Evidence
One of the key elements of a successful truck accident claim is proving that someone else was owed an obligation of care and negligently breached the duty, thus causing your crash. A negligence claim that is successful will result in a compensation claim for your financial and non-economic losses, such as medical bills, lost wages emotional distress, property damage and pain and suffering.
You'll need evidence for each of the elements of negligence to prove your case. Take pictures and videos at the accident scene. These could include damage to the vehicle tires, the crash site and weather conditions. You might also want to record your injuries. Also, collect the contact information of all eyewitnesses so that your attorney can later contact them to record their witness testimony and statements.
Another crucial piece of evidence is the logbooks of the trucking company and other documents that provide details of the hours of the driver as well as cargo loads and maintenance activities. These records can prove helpful in determining the extent of fatigue or drug use, which are common causes of accidents involving 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 turn them over voluntarily.
Another crucial evidence is the report on truck inspections, which can be used to show that the trucking company may have taken shortcuts in order to save money and that these cuts could have resulted in a defective or unsafe truck. Your lawyer will also work to obtain black-box information and other high-tech devices that can help you build your case, as well as any information you may have regarding the background of the truck driver, including any prior traffic convictions. Your lawyer can also to obtain copies of medical documents, receipts from medicines or treatments that you have received or received, scans, the results of tests and other documents that are relevant to your case. All of these documents are crucial to establish damages. You won't be able to claim the amount of compensation you are entitled to without it.
Hire an Attorney
If you or someone close to you has suffered severe injuries in an accident with a truck you may be entitled to compensation. A skilled attorney can guide you through the legal process of filing a lawsuit in order to get compensation for the damages caused by the negligence of the party at fault. They can also negotiate with the insurance companies and take the steps to obtain a settlement.
A reputable lawyer can gather and analyze the most important evidence from an accident. This includes police reports as well as medical records. They can also research other factors that may have caused the accident, such as weather conditions or road conditions. They can also inquire about the status of employment for the truck driver and the company he works for, as well as any certificates of training.
Truck accidents are typically more complicated than crashes involving two passenger cars because of the weight and size of these vehicles. There are also many parties that could be accountable in the incident, including truck drivers, trucking firms as well as truck manufacturers.
It is important to hire an attorney who is knowledgeable with the trucking regulations and the business. This will maximize your chances of getting compensation. Additionally, they must be willing to defend the rights of their clients against large corporations and their teams of lawyers.

It is also important to choose a lawyer who is willing to communicate and keeps you informed on the progress of your case. They should be able to answer all your questions and meet with you face-to–face whenever necessary. If they don't reply promptly to your emails or calls, this is a red signal and should be avoided.
A conversation with an attorney about their experience dealing with trucking-related cases is the best way to determine if they're the right fit for your needs. They will be able to provide you with examples of previous cases and details about their success rate. They should also be able of explaining their fees and whether they have additional costs such as expert witness services or accident reconstruction.
Anyone who has lost loved ones in a car crash might be able to file a wrongful death claim. Under EPTL SS5-4.1 survivors are eligible for reimbursement for funeral expenses and the loss of companionship. In addition, they can receive compensation in the form of money to pay for medical expenses as well as lost income.
Negotiate with the Insurance Company
The bills begin to pile up quickly following a semi truck accident, and the victim is often pressured to find the funds required. A smart insurance company will be aware of this and could use your situation to your advantage, offering low-cost deals that do not cover the total cost of your injuries.
A truck accident lawyer will protect you against this kind of manipulative. An attorney can assist in negotiating an agreement with the responsible party or insurance companies involved in your case. He can also handle any phone calls from insurance representatives to ensure that you are not misled or cheated by.
Your lawyer will begin the negotiation process by sending an insurance company a letter of demand that will outline your losses and ask for an exact amount of compensation for each. This may require a back-and-forth between the two parties as it is normal for there to be some disagreements over certain sections or parts of your claim.
It is crucial to recognize that the settlement of your medical bills and financial damages may take a very long time, especially when your injuries are serious. This is why it is important to cooperate with your doctor and hospital to set up payment plans that will allow you to get treatment while still being in a position to receive an equitable settlement.
A professional lawyer with a good reputation can assist you in determining whether your accident was caused by an abrasive or a loss of the load. Additionally, he will be able to determine if the truck driver was at fault or if other parties were involved in the incident.
You can hold a range of parties accountable for your injuries. plantation semi truck accident lawyer includes the trucking company and their drivers, as well as the truck maker, third-party shippers, and even the manufacturer of the product. Engaging an experienced lawyer will enable you to identify all potential defendants, and get the most compensation from them.