How to File a Successful Semi Truck Accident Claim
Companies that operate trucks must maintain minimum liability insurance policies that can indemnify victims of truck accidents. However, this isn't enough.
A successful NYC semi-truck accident claim can include many types of damages such as medical costs and lost wages along with pain and suffering and much more. Let's take a closer look at each of these categories of damages.
Damages
A semi-truck accident can be terrifying because these trucks are massive and intimidating when driving. The majority of accidents result in severe injuries and life-altering damages. Victims can recover compensation from the trucking company or their insurance company for the losses they suffered.
The three main kinds of damages in the event of a semi-crash are past and future medical costs, lost wages and pain and suffering. The total amount of damages will vary depending on the severity of injuries and the ability of the victim to document their losses. A truck accident lawyer can help victims document all their losses and ensure that they get the full amount of damages to which they are entitled.
In addition to these damages, the victim could be entitled to punitive damages. These are meant to punish the defendant, and deter similar behavior in the future. They are typically only awarded when the truck driver was guilty of gross negligence or reckless.
Some of the causes that can lead to crashes involving semis include inadequate maintenance, driver fatigue, and driver distraction or impairment. Other causes for these crashes are weather conditions, lack of proper truck-training, and the driver's past drug or alcohol use. A driver from a third party who is in violation of traffic laws could also lead to accidents, particularly in the event of being impaired or distracted.
Semi-trucks are involved in numerous accidents, including rear-end collisions, and underride crashes. Rear-end collisions can be fatal because a truck may hit an automobile with tremendous force. This can crush the front of the car and send it flying into the rear of the truck trailer. The accident that follows is usually fatal.
Side impact collisions can also be extremely dangerous due to the weight and size of semi-trucks. These vehicles have a large blind spot, making it difficult for drivers to see cars in their lane. If a driver turns the direction of a semi, the trucker won't be able to brake or swerve quickly enough to avoid collision.
Medical bills
A minor collision with a truck can cause significant damage to your car and you. You could end up with medical bills that are in the six figures or greater range. This kind of damage is a vital part of your claim, and a skilled truck accident lawyer will ensure that the claim is fully and accurately included in your settlement.
Your lawyer will carefully review your medical bills and other records to determine the full extent of your injuries. This is essential for ensuring your damages are accurately calculated. They will also take into consideration any future medical needs you may face and any other expenses directly related to your injury, like damages to your property or loss employment.
It is also important to note that your lawyers will attempt to hold the responsible parties accountable for your losses. In addition to the driver of the truck they could be able to hold the company which employs him/her liable through the theory of vicarious liability. The trucking company could be held liable if it was aware or ought to be aware that the driver was not competent in driving due to prior alcohol or drug-related offenses or violations of federal regulations.
When a large truck driver is behind the wheel under the influence of drugs or alcohol or if he or she is exhausted due to exceeding the federally mandated limits of the length of time they can drive in a day, it can lead to devastating crashes. This is why the trucking industry has to be held to a high standard in enforcement of safety regulations and providing adequate training for drivers.
In the event of a collision with a large truck, wrongful death claims can also be made. These awards could include funeral expenses loss of income, benefits, loss of companionship and mental anguish.
Your attorney will also help you obtain punitive damages to punish the party at the fault and discourage future similar conduct. These are seldom awarded, but your attorney can argue for them if there is clear evidence that the truck driver was acting recklessly or negligently in the accident and subsequent injuries.
Lost wages
Commercial trucks weigh more than other motor vehicles because they carry heavy cargo. Accidents involving semis are more likely to be serious and produce major injuries. This makes it imperative to seek immediate medical attention after a crash with a semi-truck, and to consult a seasoned NYC semi-truck accident lawyer whenever you can.
Victims who are injured in semi crashes can amass substantial medical bills, and often require ongoing treatment for their injuries that could be lasting for the entire duration of their lives. Medical expenses are included into the final award of compensation for an injury claim. Furthermore, since the majority of truck accidents are catastrophic and the victims are forced to miss work for extended durations. This leads to lost wages, which are also included in a settlement.
A reputable personal injury lawyer will look over the financial losses you have suffered such as medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, and determine the total amount you should be awarded. Non-economic damages are difficult to quantify and can include things like pain and suffering loss of enjoyment in life, or permanent impairment.
The ferocity of a semi truck crash can cause long-term psychological trauma to the victim, which could be very costly to heal from. The anxiety and fear related to truck accidents could lead to PTSD. This could cause physical and mental problems in the victim.
A settlement from a truck accident could be used to pay for a variety but it is essential to consult with a seasoned lawyer right away. An experienced lawyer will gather important evidence and negotiate on behalf of you with insurance companies to ensure you receive the amount you are due. Contact an NYC semi truck accident lawyer today for more information about filing a claim for compensation after an accident with the semi. The earlier you start the greater your chances of a successful outcome will be. This includes getting access to the most important evidence, like witness statements and trucker's logs which are necessary to build a solid case.
Pain and suffering
Being involved in a truck crash is a traumatic experience. The crashes can result in serious injuries and property damage. The effects of these injuries generally last longer than those suffered by people in cars. Injured victims face financial losses due to medical bills as well as lost income, along with non-financial losses like suffering and loss of enjoyment in life.
It is important to keep the track of all expenses and losses that are incurred after a truck crash. This will ensure that you are fully compensated for all losses. It is important to understand 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 seasoned NYC semi truck crash lawyer can make sure that all of your losses are considered when seeking compensation from the at-fault party. Our lawyers will conduct an extensive investigation, collaborate with top experts, and then calculate the damages that you are entitled to. Whatever the severity of your injuries, whether minor or severe, we will do everything possible to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation for your losses.
Getting medical attention as soon as you notice the accident is the first step in determining the extent of your losses. After your injuries have healed it is a good idea to take photos and videos of the scene of the accident, in both close-up and from some distance. If gulfport semi truck accident law firm are able, try to capture evidence like skid marks or road conditions, as well as other evidence which may help support your claim. Also, make sure you collect contact information from any witnesses and obtain their declarations to support your claim.
The parties responsible in a truck accident may be responsible for more than one party. For example, a truck driver who is suffering from fatigue or exhaustion may be held liable by the trucking company who employs them. A trucking company might also be held liable for hiring an unsafe driver or for not monitoring the safety record of a driver including drug tests, driving records.