santa clarita semi truck accident lawyer
If you get into an accident with a semi truck and suffer injuries, the result could be devastating. There are a variety of parties that could be liable for your injuries, such as truck drivers, trucking companies, and third party brokers or manufacturers.
You may be eligible for compensation for your economic and non-economic damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A NYC lawyer for compensation can help you get what you deserve.
Get help from the police
Getting into a truck accident isn't something to joke about. These huge vehicles can weigh as much as 30 times as much as the average passenger car, and they are able to cause catastrophic collisions that often result in victims suffering serious injuries and severe damage. Every 16 seconds, there is a truck accident in the United States. These crashes result in thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of injuries.
While truck drivers are required to obey traffic laws and drive in a safe manner but their duties are usually challenging and can cause them to be exhausted and distracted. This can lead them to make rash choices while driving and it takes only a fraction of a second for an inattentive driver to fall asleep or lose control of their vehicle. The consequences of such mistakes can be devastating, and they often leave families struggling with the aftermath.
If a truck collision occurs it is crucial that the authorities investigate the scene of the crash and record all of the relevant details. This includes the name of the truck driver, his or her employer, and the trucking company that operates the truck. It is also crucial to collect contact information from witnesses that you can get, including their names and phone numbers. Knowing this information will prove invaluable when it comes time to bring a lawsuit.
Additionally, semi trucks are also equipped with "black boxes" that can be used to provide evidence in the event of a truck accident. These devices can record a massive amount of information about the speed of the truck and brakes, as well as other data that could prove useful in determining the cause of the crash. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are knowledgeable about this technology and know how to access and analyze the data to create a compelling case for our clients.
In addition to the truck driver's negligence it is possible that the governing body or the city in which the crash occurred may be responsible for a crash. If the road was not maintained properly or if there were obstructions on the road, it could be a reason to file a claim. Our lawyers can determine who is responsible and hold them liable for injuries caused by their negligence.
Collect Evidence
A successful claim for a truck accident will prove that someone else failed to fulfill their duty of care negligently, causing the crash. A successful negligence claim can result in a settlement for all economic and noneconomic losses you've suffered, including medical bills, lost income property damage as well as pain and suffering and emotional stress.
To establish your case you'll need evidence that can demonstrate each factor of negligence. Take photos and video at the accident scene. This could include vehicle damage tires, the location of the crash, and weather conditions. It is also possible to document your injuries. Also, gather the contact information of any witnesses so that your attorney can later contact them to record their witness statements and testimony.
Another type of important evidence is the trucking company's logbooks as well as other documents that document the hours of the driver, cargo loads, and maintenance activities. These records may be useful in establishing the driver's use of drugs or fatigue which is a typical reason for truck accidents. Trucking companies are required by federal regulations to keep these documents, and your lawyer can request them through the formal discovery process if the company is unwilling to turn them over in a voluntary manner.
Another important evidence is the report on truck inspections that can be used to prove that the trucking company may have cut corners in order to save money, and that these shortcuts could have resulted in a dangerously defective or unsafe truck. Your lawyer will also try to obtain information from black boxes along with other high-tech devices as well as any information you have about the driver's past, such as previous traffic convictions. Your lawyer can also get copies of any medical documents, receipts from medicines or treatments that you have received, scans, results of tests as well as other documents that relate to your case. All of this evidence is essential to prove your claim for damages. Without it, there is no chance of receiving the compensation you're entitled to.
Hire an Attorney
You could be entitled to compensation when someone in your family has suffered serious injuries in a car accident. An experienced lawyer can assist you with the legal procedure of filing a lawsuit to claim damages for the negligent actions of the at-fault party. They can also discuss with insurance companies and make the necessary arrangements to get an equitable settlement.
A reputable lawyer can collect and analyze the most important evidence from the accident. This includes police reports, medical records, and witness statements. They can also investigate other factors that led to the accident, such as weather conditions or road conditions. They can also inquire about the status of the truck driver's job and the company's, as well the training certifications.
Truck accidents are typically more complicated than crashes involving two cars due to the weight and size of these vehicles. In addition, there are a variety of different parties that 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 industry. This will increase your chances of getting compensation. They should also be prepared to advocate for their clients against large corporations and their legal teams.
It is also important to choose a lawyer who is a good communicator and will keep you informed on the progress of your case. They should be able to answer all your questions and even meet face-to-face with you when needed. If they don't reply promptly to your calls or emails it is a red signal and should be avoided.
The best way to determine if or not an attorney is right for you is to inquire about their experience in handling trucking cases. They should be able to provide you with information on their success rates and prior case examples. They should also disclose their fees in advance and whether they are inclusive of additional expenses, such as expert witnesses or reconstruction services.
A wrongful death claim is a possibility for anyone who has lost a loved one in a truck crash. Under EPTL SS5-4.1, survivors are entitled to compensation to cover funeral expenses and loss of companionship. In addition, they can receive monetary compensation to pay for medical expenses and income loss.
Negotiate with your Insurance Company
The bills begin to pile up quickly following a semi truck accident, and the victim is often under pressure to pay the bills. A shrewd insurance company will be aware of this and will use your situation's urgency to their advantage, offering low-cost deals that do not cover the full cost of your injuries.
A knowledgeable truck crash lawyer at your side will safeguard you from this type of manipulation. A lawyer can help negotiate settlements with the responsible party or insurance companies that will be involved in your case. He will also be able to take over any telephone calls from insurance companies and ensure that you are not misled or taken advantage of.
Your attorney will begin the negotiation process by sending an order letter to the insurance company, which will describe your losses and request the amount you will receive for each one. It is possible that the two parties will have to move back and forth during this process, as there may be disagreements on specific elements or parts of your claim.
It is crucial to realize that your medical bills and other financial damages could take an extended time to settle, particularly the more serious your injuries are. It is essential to work with your physician and hospital to establish payment arrangements that allow you to continue receiving treatment while waiting for an acceptable settlement.
An experienced lawyer will be able to help you determine the cause of the accident, whether it was caused by a jackknife, an unloading issue, or some other issue. He will be able determine whether your accident was caused by the negligence of a truck driver or if there were other parties involved.
You can hold a range of parties accountable for your injuries. This includes the trucking company as well as their drivers, the truck manufacturer, third-party shippers, and even the manufacturer of the product. Engaging an experienced lawyer will help you identify all defendants that could be liable, and to seek the maximum amount of compensation from them.