How to File a Successful Semi Truck Accident Claim
Trucking companies must maintain minimum liability insurance policies that can compensate injured victims of truck accidents. However, this isn't enough.
A successful NYC semi-truck accident claim could involve a number of kinds of damages, like medical expenses, lost wages, and the suffering of others. Here's a closer look at each of these categories of damages.
Damages
Semi truck accidents can be scary because these trucks are massive and intimidating. These accidents often result in serious injuries and life-altering damage. Victims might be able to get compensation for their losses from the trucking company, or their insurance company.
In semi-crash situations, the three major types are medical costs such as lost wages, pain and discomfort. The total amount of these damages can vary dependent on the severity of the injury suffered by the victim as well as how well they can document their losses. An attorney who handles truck accidents can assist victims in documenting their losses and ensure they receive the full amount of damages they are entitled to.
In addition to these damages, the victim could be eligible for punitive damages. These are intended to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future. They are usually only granted if the truck driver was adamantly negligent or recklessly.
The reasons that could cause the semi to crash are faulty maintenance, driver fatigue and driver distraction or impairment. Other causes of these crashes are weather conditions, a lack of proper truck-training, and the driver's past drinking or using drugs. A third-party motorist who violates traffic laws could also trigger an accident with a semi, especially when the driver is drunk or distracted.
Semi-trucks can be involved in a variety of accidents, such as rear-end collisions, and underride crashes. Rear end collisions are particularly hazardous because the truck can hit a car from behind with great force. The front end of the vehicle can be crushed of the passenger vehicle and send it flying into the rear of the truck trailer. The accident that follows is usually fatal.
Side-impact collisions can be extremely dangerous due to the weight and size of a semi-truck. These vehicles have a very large blind spot, and it's hard for drivers to see other cars in their lane. If a driver turns in the direction of a semi truck the trucker can't brake or swerve fast enough to avoid an accident.
Medical bills
Even a minor collision with a semi truck can cause significant damage to your vehicle and serious injuries to you. In the end, you can amass medical bills that can be in the six-figure range or more. This kind of damage is likely to be a significant part of your claim. A lawyer who specializes in truck accidents can ensure that this is accurately and thoroughly accounted for.
Your lawyer will carefully examine the medical bills and records to determine the totality of your injuries. This is essential for ensuring your damages are properly calculated. They will also take into account any future medical costs you may have and any other expenses related to your injury, such as property damage and loss of work.
Your lawyer will also attempt to hold accountable those responsible for your losses. In addition to the driver of the truck and his employer, they may be in a position to hold the company who employs him liable through the theory of vicarious liability. The trucking firm could be held liable if they knew or should have suspected that the driver was unable to drive safely due to previous infractions involving alcohol or drugs or violations of federal regulations, for example the hours of service regulations.
When a big truck driver is behind the wheel while under the under the influence of alcohol or drugs or if he or she is fatigued from exceeding the federally mandated limits on the amount of time they can drive every day this can result in tragic crashes. The trucking business is held to very high standards in terms of enforcing rules on safety and providing drivers with adequate training.
In the event of a collision involving the truck of a large size, wrongful death claims can also be filed. These awards can include funeral expenses, lost income and benefits derived from the deceased's job and loss of companionship, mental anguish, pain and suffering as well as other losses that are not economic.
Finally, your lawyer will assist you in obtaining punitive damages that punish the party at fault and discourage them from repeating the same mistake in the future. These aren't often granted, but your lawyer can argue for them if there is clear evidence that the truck driver acted recklessly or negligently in the accident and subsequent injuries.
Lost wages
Commercial trucks are heavier than other motor vehicles because they transport massive cargo. Accidents that involve semis are much more likely to result in serious injuries and even severe damage. longview semi truck accident case makes it even more crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a collision with a truck and to consult with a NYC semi-truck injury lawyer as soon as you can.
The victims of semi-accidents can accumulate substantial medical bills, and often require ongoing treatment for their injuries, which could be lasting for the entire duration of their lives. These medical expenses are incorporated into the final compensation amount for a claim. Additionally, many truck accidents are so serious that victims could be forced to stay home for long periods of time. This could result in loss of wages which are incorporated into settlements.
A good personal injury lawyer will assess your financial losses and determine the amount you'll receive, which includes costs such as medical bills, property damage and lost wages. Non-economic damages are difficult to quantify, and include things like suffering, pain and loss of enjoyment from your life.
For instance, the brutal nature of a semi-truck collision can leave a victim with lasting psychological damage which can be very costly to repair. The fear and anxiety associated with truck accidents can cause PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), which can cause significant, lasting physical and mental problems for the victim.
A settlement for a truck accident could cover a range of expenses. However, it's crucial to speak with an experienced attorney as quickly as possible. An experienced lawyer will gather valuable evidence and negotiate on behalf of insurance companies to ensure you receive the amount you are due. Contact an NYC semi truck accident attorney today for more information on making a claim for compensation following an accident involving semi. The earlier you start the greater your chances of a positive outcome will be. This includes having access to crucial evidence, such witness statements and trucker logs which are essential to make a strong case.
Pain and suffering
A truck crash can be a traumatic incident. These crashes can cause serious injuries and property damage. The effects of these injuries generally last longer than those experienced by people in cars. Victims of injuries face financial burdens due to medical bills and loss of income, and also non-financial losses such a pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment in life.
When pursuing a claim for damages following a truck accident, it is important to document all of the above expenses and losses as they occur. This will allow you to ensure that all losses are protected. It is crucial to know the impact your injury will have on your life over the long-term. It is crucial to have an experienced attorney represent you.
An experienced NYC semi truck crash lawyer can make sure that all your losses are covered when seeking compensation from the at-fault party. Our lawyers will conduct an exhaustive investigation, team up with top experts, and meticulously calculate the amount of damages that you are entitled to. We will try our best to get you the most money for your injuries regardless of whether or not your injuries are minor.
The first step in determining your losses is to seek medical attention immediately following the crash. Once your injuries have stabilized, it's a great idea to record photos and videos of the accident scene from afar and in close proximity. If possible, try to capture skid marks, road conditions, and other evidence that could aid in your claim. Additionally, you should make sure to get contact information from any witnesses and obtain their statements to support your claim.
In some cases it is the case that the parties involved in a truck accident are liable for more than one person. For example, a truck driver who suffers from fatigue or exhaustion can be held liable by the trucking company who employs them. A trucking company could be held accountable for hiring an unreliable driver or failing in its duty to monitor the driver's safety record and drug testing.