How to File a Successful Semi Truck Accident Claim
Companies operating trucks must have minimum liability insurance policies to indemnify victims of truck accidents. But that's not enough.
A successful NYC semi-truck accident claim will include a variety of kinds of damages like medical expenses, lost wages and the pain and suffering. Here's a look at each of these types of damages.
Damages
Semi truck accidents can be frightening due to the fact that these vehicles are large and intimidating. These accidents can cause severe injuries and even life-threatening damage. Victims are entitled to compensation from the trucking company or their insurance provider for the losses they suffered.
In semi-crash situations, the three most common types of damages are past and future medical expenses such as lost wages, discomfort and pain. The total amount of these damages will differ according to the severity of the victim's injuries as well as how well they are able to document their losses. A lawyer who handles truck accidents can help victims document all their losses and ensure they receive the maximum amount of damages to which they are entitled.
In addition to these damages, the victim could be entitled to punitive damages. These are intended to penalize the defendant, and discourage similar behavior in future. These are usually only awarded when the truck driver has committed gross negligence or reckless.
Some of the reasons that can lead to the semi to crash are faulty maintenance, driver fatigue and driver distraction or impairment. Other causes of these crashes are weather conditions, lack of truck training that is appropriate, and the driver's past drinking or using drugs. A driver from another party who violates traffic laws can also trigger crashes, especially when they're drunk or distracted.
Semi-trucks may be involved in many kinds of accidents, including rear-end collisions, side-impact accidents, and underride crashes. Rear end collisions can be particularly dangerous because the truck could strike a car from behind, with huge force. The front of the car can be crushed, sending it flying into the truck's trailer. The resultant accident is almost always fatal.
Side impact collisions can be extremely dangerous due to the size and weight of a semi-truck. These vehicles have a wide blind spot, which makes it difficult for drivers to see cars in their lane. If a driver is turning in front of a semi-truck, the trucker is unable to brake or swerve quickly enough to avoid a collision.
Medical bills
Even a relatively minor collision with a semi-truck could cause serious damage to your vehicle and severe injuries to you. You may end up with medical costs that are in the six-figures or higher range. This category of damages is a vital part of your claim, and a skilled truck accident lawyer will work to ensure that the claim is fully and accurately considered in the settlement.
Your attorney will review your medical bills and records to determine the full extent your injuries. This is essential for calculating your damages. They will also consider any future medical expenses you might incur and any other costs associated with your injury, including property damage or loss of employment.
It is also important to note that your lawyer will work to hold the accountable parties accountable for all of your losses. In addition to the driver of the truck they could be capable of holding the company which employs him/her liable through the theory of vicarious liability. The trucking company may also be liable in the event that they knew or should have been aware that the driver was unable to drive safely due to previous drug or alcohol-related offenses or violations of federal regulations, for example the hours of service regulations.
When a truck driver is driving under the under the influence of alcohol or drugs or if he or she is exhausted from exceeding the federally mandated limits on the amount of time they can drive on a daily basis, it can lead to devastating accidents. The trucking industry is held to high standards in terms of enforcing rules on safety and ensuring that drivers have adequate training.
Wrongful death claims are another possible type of damage that could be awarded following a crash that involves a large commercial vehicle. These can be awarded for funeral expenses, income loss and benefits from the deceased's job or loss of companionship mental anxiety, pain and suffering and other non-economic losses.
In the end, your lawyer will help you recover punitive damages in order to punish the at-fault party and deter them from repeating the same mistake in the future. These aren't often awarded, however your lawyer can make a strong case for them if there is proof that the driver of the truck was acting recklessly or in a way that was negligent in the accident and subsequent injuries.
Lost wages
Commercial trucks are heavier than other motor vehicles because they carry large loads of cargo. This makes collisions with semis much more likely to be serious and produce major injuries. This makes it even more crucial to seek medical attention immediately following a truck collision and to consult a NYC semi-truck injury attorney immediately.
The medical bills of victims of semi-crash injuries may be significant. They might also require ongoing treatment, which could last the rest their lives. Medical expenses are included into the final compensation award for the claim. Additionally, a lot of truck accidents are so serious that victims could be forced to stay home for extended periods of time. This can lead to loss of wages, which are also included in settlements.
A reputable personal injury lawyer will evaluate your financial losses and determine the amount of damages you should receive, which includes costs such as medical bills, property damage and lost wages. Non-economic damages are harder to quantify, and could include things like pain and suffering loss of enjoyment of life or permanent impairment.
The force of a semi truck crash can cause long-term psychological trauma to the victim, which can be very costly to recover from. Fear and anxiety that are associated with truck accidents may result in PTSD. This can cause mental and physical ailments in the victim.
A settlement for a car accident could be used to pay for a variety however it is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer right away. A knowledgeable attorney will gather important evidence and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure that you get you the full amount of compensation you are entitled to. Contact an NYC semi truck accident attorney today for more information about filing a claim for compensation following an accident involving a semi. The earlier you file a claim, the more your odds of a favorable outcome will be. This includes having access to crucial evidence, such as witness statements and trucker logs, which are essential to make an evidence-based case.
Suffering and pain
A truck crash can be a devastating event. These accidents can cause serious injuries and property damage. The effects of these injuries tend to last longer than those sustained by the passengers in cars. The injured suffer financial loss due to medical bills and loss of income, and also non-financial costs like suffering and loss of enjoyment in their lives.
When pursuing a claim for damages following a truck accident It is crucial to document all the above costs and losses as they occur. This will help ensure that all losses are covered. It is crucial to know how your injury could affect you in the long term. This is why it's recommended to have an attorney represent you in your case.
A NYC semi truck accident lawyer with years of experience can ensure that your losses are accounted for in the compensation claim against the party at fault. Our attorneys will conduct an exhaustive investigation, work with top experts, and meticulously determine the amount of damages you are entitled to receive. We will do our best to get you the most money for your injuries regardless of whether the injuries are minor.
The first step in determining your losses is to seek medical attention immediately after the crash. Once your injuries have stabilized, it is a great idea to record photos and videos of the accident scene, both from a distance and up close. If you can, capture skid marks, road conditions and other evidence that could assist in proving your claim. Make sure that you gather the contact information of all witnesses, and obtain their statements to support your claim.
In some cases it is the case that the parties involved in the truck accident are responsible for more than one party. For example, a truck driver who is fatigued or exhaustion could be held accountable by the trucking company that employs them. danbury semi truck accident lawyer may also be held responsible for hiring a driver who is unsafe or for not monitoring the safety record of the driver, drug testing, and driving records.