Semi Truck Accident Litigation
A lawsuit arising from a truck accident could be involving multiple parties and complicated issues. You may need to consult an engineer or accident reconstruction specialist to determine the reason for the crash and determine who is accountable.
Black boxes (event data recorders) are usually located in trucks and can be useful evidence for your case. You can also collect valuable information from witnesses.
Insurance Coverage
In a semi-truck accident case, there are several different types of coverage. There are three types of insurance policies: the individual policy of the driver of the truck as well as the corporate liability policies of the trucking firm, and the cargo coverage policies. It is essential to know the policies and what additional insurance options are available to help be able to make a convincing case.
The trucker's insurance policy is the most commonly used. These policies are generally required by law to offer a minimum of $750,000 in protection against bodily injury or death caused by truckers. Trucking companies are also required to have a general liability commercial insurance policy that covers the property damage to third party property that is caused by the company's normal business activities.
Because of the heightened duty of care truck drivers have to adhere to State and federal regulations govern nearly every aspect of the business, including inspections and maintenance as well as driver eligibility and cargo capacity limits. Injuries can be severe when these rules are not followed. An experienced attorney will review the evidence in a truck accident case and identify violations of these rules that could result in compensation.
In addition to proving the trucker was negligent in the crash It is also important to prove the severity of the plaintiff's injuries. This can be accomplished by thorough medical records and expert witness testimony. amarillo semi truck accident law firm , the higher the resulting settlement offer is likely to be.
Because truck accidents can be so devastating, victims need an experienced Kissimmee truck accident lawyer by their side. An attorney can ensure that the process of claiming insurance is not rushed and that the victim receives the money they need to heal and continue in life. If a person who has been injured delays in hiring an attorney, they may be threatened by the insurance company to settle for a lower amount than what they're entitled to. Contact a seasoned semi truck crash attorney immediately following the accident as is possible to prevent this.
Liability
The hefty dimensions and weight of semi-trucks means that even minor collisions are more likely to cause serious injuries. This makes it even more crucial for truck drivers and companies to carry high amounts of insurance to pay for the damages of an accident.
Our lawyers make sure that victims receive the maximum amount of compensation possible in the event of a successful claim. This may include the reimbursement of medical expenses and property damage, as well as lost wages and future losses due to an injury that limits lifelong earning potential. To be able to negotiate and evaluate a settlement, it is important to fully understand the damages that have been caused.
Due to the high risks of large trucks, local and state laws impose specific requirements on trucking companies and drivers. These regulations govern the way in which trucks are maintained and operated, as well as who can operate them, and what cargo they can carry. Often, accidents are caused by truck drivers or trucking companies who do not adhere to these rules.
The liability of a person can be difficult to determine. While it's easy to identify who is responsible for a collision or accident but determining who is the responsible party is more complex. In order to prove negligence, a driver or a business must be able to show proof of specific actions that were taken or failures to take. In some instances it is easy to prove. In certain instances the driver who is drowsy could be the sole responsible party for the crash. However, in other instances there are multiple parties who share accountability, for instance, the manufacturer of an faulty truck component.
Each party will be involved in the process of discovery when the lawsuit is filed. Attorneys from both sides will exchange information and review the evidence. Our firm works with specialists to gather and analyze data to make a convincing case for our client.
It is important to begin making a claim as soon following an accident as soon as is possible. This ensures that the statute of limitations does not expire and allows victims to begin receiving compensation earlier rather than later. A lawyer can also help you to speed up the process and get an earlier settlement.
Damages
Semi-trucks are heavier than smaller vehicles, and accidents with them can be devastating. These accidents can result in serious and sometimes permanent injuries. Those who suffer significant injuries are entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other losses. To ensure that you receive an amount that is fair, it is important to choose a truck accident lawyer with years of experience.
A successful claim depends on the specifics of your accident. This involves an exhaustive examination of the site of the accident and a full review of the insurance coverage of the party at responsible. In some instances the driver might not have adequate insurance coverage or the policy may be written so that it does not cover your losses. In these cases you may have to file a lawsuit against the driver or trucking company to receive the compensation you are due.
The severity of your injuries and their impact on your quality of living will also determine the amount of your claim. A comprehensive injury assessment will consider all of your current and future medical expenses, in addition to the costs associated with property damage, for example the cost of repairing or replace your vehicle and the cost to have it moved or stored. Additionally, your attorney will examine the effect of any emotional or physical trauma on your daily activities and overall quality of life, and the length of time your injuries will last.
Your lawyer will also look over the accident scene to gather evidence and eyewitness accounts. This may include police reports or fire and rescue report as well as documents and logs kept by trucking companies and drivers like daily logs on paper or digital data recorders that are onboard. Investigators will also look at skid marks, sightlines and crash debris and even the conditions of the weather and skid marks.
You can settle a traffic ticket, or even a minor dispute with your family, without having a lawyer. If you are involved in a serious collision caused by a semi-truck, then it is crucial to have an attorney on your side. A lawyer who is a truck accident attorney can manage the insurance process and also file a lawsuit when needed. They can also assist you get the maximum compensation for your injuries.
Time Limits
Many truck accidents result in traumatic injuries and substantial damage to vehicles, that can lead to costly medical bills and property damage. People often seek compensation from the responsible truck driver or trucking company to cover the costs. However, these cases are often complicated and the settlement process requires time. It is essential to contact an experienced attorney right away following an accident is crucial to preserve evidence and make a claim within the time frame.
The law provides a specific deadline for filing a lawsuit in most cases, and that is called the statute of limitations. The court will not accept any lawsuit that is that is filed after the deadline. In New York, for example the statute of limitations for personal injury claims and wrongful death is two years from the date of the accident. SS 214(4)).
If you make a claim after this time the defendant could claim that the case is barred by the statute of limitations. This is why it is important to speak with a truck accident lawyer immediately following an accident. Lawyers will review the scene of the crash, as well as maintenance records, driver logbooks and other pertinent documents, to determine if there was any reckless or negligent actions by the trucker or company. The earlier you begin this process and the earlier you begin, the more information will be available to your lawyer in order to support your claim.
In addition the attorney will decide the extent to which you are responsible for the crash and will negotiate in the appropriate manner. Insurance companies may try and reduce their liability by assigning more blame to you for the crash. It is important to have a knowledgeable lawyer on your side to fight back against this strategy.
Based on the severity of your injuries as well as the extent of your injuries, it could take several months to a few years to receive an acceptable settlement. It is important to discuss any initial settlement options with an attorney because they are typically much lower than the actual value of your case. In addition your lawyer will look into the possibility of seeking punitive damages or aggravated liability in a matter, which can substantially increase the amount of compensation you might receive.