Why You Need a Truck Accident Attorney
A truck accident lawyer has the expertise, experience and resources to advocate for you and secure an adequate and fair settlement. They are familiar with the rules, regulations and standards applicable to truck accidents.
Without a lawyer, you could be bullied into accepting less than you are entitled to. A NYC truck accident lawyer can identify additional parties with responsibility that may share responsibility, including third-party brokers, and even the manufacturer of a defective vehicle component.
Recovering Damages following an Accident
If you're injured in the course of a truck accident and are injured, you may be entitled to financial compensation. You could be eligible to receive economic damages, including medical bills and future treatment needs, as well as the loss of earnings due to missing work, and non-economic damages, which pay you for your suffering and pain.
A New York truck accident attorney can help you understand the legal system that assigns liability for an accident, as well as the different types of damages. If the driver was on the job at the time of the accident and violated the standard of care as set by their employer and was found to be responsible, they could be held responsible under the legal theory of respondeat superior. Since truck drivers usually work for large transportation companies, those employers typically have extensive insurance policies that cover the actions of their employees.
At the scene of an accident, you should attempt to collect as much evidence as you can to present to your lawyer. Take pictures of the accident, take contact details from witnesses, and take notes of the details you remember about the crash. You might want to record the road conditions and weather conditions, and even sketch an image of the scene in question in case you're able.
Avoid giving a recorded or written statement to anyone associated with the truck company and their insurance agent or investigators. This could reduce your chances of winning your claim. west palm beach truck accident law firm can handle any correspondence with insurance companies to ensure that they do not have the opportunity to mischaracterize claims. They can also negotiate with the insurers on your behalf and fight for you the maximum amount of the damages you're entitled to.
Property Damage
Truck accidents can result in extensive property damage, and the potential for destruction to your vehicle. Fortunately, you might be entitled to compensation for the damage you've caused to your property. Your lawyer can help you determine what your home is worth, and how much it would cost to repair or replace it. This is an important step in establishing the value of your accident-related losses and the amount of financial compensation you might get from an award or settlement.
An experienced truck accident attorney will understand the specific laws and regulations surrounding the trucking industry that apply to your particular case. This is essential, because based on the reason for your accident, many different individuals could be held accountable. You may be entitled compensation if, for example the trucker was unable to stay in your lane because they were drunk from drugs, alcohol or having to work all day. They may be held accountable for their poor hiring practices, inadequate training of drivers, as well as poor truck maintenance.
You can also recover damages for non-economic losses like emotional distress, pain and suffering. These are difficult to quantify and can vary widely from person to person. Your NYC truck accident lawyer can assist you in preparing detailed documentation on the impact of your injuries on your life and ability to function. This could include a diary or letters to your therapist or doctor medical bills and documents, or even loss of income and benefits.
In certain situations you could be entitled to punitive damage. These are meant to penalize the person who was at fault and prevent them from repeating the same negligence in the future. They aren't common however they are possible in the event that the truck driver at fault was grossly negligent or reckless.
Medical Bills
Medical expenses are among the most common and expensive costs associated with an accident. If you're undergoing treatment for injuries sustained in an accident, it is essential to keep meticulous notes of your medical bills and receipts to receive the full amount of compensation you are entitled to. Failure to record the costs is a major reason that causes victims to be denied compensation by insurance companies when they settle their claims. A reputable personal injury lawyer can provide the thorough documentation needed to successfully file a claim on your behalf.
Medical insurance might provide a portion of your expenses, but the majority will be your responsibility. A lawyer who handles truck accidents can assist you in determining which medical expenses are directly related to the accident, and how much you can obtain through a lawsuit, or settlement.
If you don't have health insurance coverage through your private insurer Medical payments coverage could be covered under your car policy to help pay some of your medical expenses. If this coverage is exhausted and any additional medical expenses are covered by Medicare or your private health insurance, you will be required to pay these costs from any money that comes from a settlement. All private health insurers, Medicare plans and ERISA plans have a contractual right to this reimbursement. Auto insurance companies will usually not issue settlement checks until the reimbursement is completed.
Anyone who is injured in a car crash may also seek compensation for other losses including lost wages as well as suffering. A NYC truck accident lawyer who is assertive and knowledgeable will build a strong argument to get you the compensation that you are entitled to for your injuries.
Pain and Suffering
Unlike the minor scrapes and fender benders that can occur when passenger cars collide, truck accidents are often far more serious. They can cause victims to suffer permanent injuries that keep them from working, or even living the normal life. This means that they are likely to need substantial financial compensation for loss of earnings, medical bills, property damage and suffering.
It is crucial that a person who suffers severe injuries due to a collision with a truck receives the most money possible in damages to cover their losses. They are referred to as compensatory damages, and include easily quantifiable items such as medical expenses damages to property, lost wages. These also include more subtle expenses like suffering and pain that are difficult to place a dollar value on.
A Manhattan truck accident lawyer who is experienced will employ experts to accurately calculate the totality of the loss suffered by the victim. They may employ accountants, economists and life care planners to determine the extent to which a person's quality of life has been diminished. They then negotiate a settlement with insurance companies that accurately takes into account all of the victim's economic and non-economic losses.
Cellino Law offers Manhattan truck accident lawyers who can assist victims of an accident. The lawyers are skilled and are able to seek damages against big trucking companies and their insurance. They have a track record of helping clients win substantial awards for their injuries and losses. In the case of wrongful death they can assist grieving family members seek compensation for the loss of their loved one. This will help them deal with the loss and move on in their lives.
Contact an Attorney
The rules and regulations governing truck drivers are more complex than those that govern car drivers. Therefore, there are a variety of individuals who could be held accountable in a truck accident case including the driver, the trucking company or the freight company, as well as the truck's manufacturer. Our NYC truck accident lawyers are familiar with the laws in place and can swiftly determine who is responsible for your injuries.
At the scene of the accident Try to gather evidence, including photos from the point of impact, contact information of any witnesses and insurance cards from anyone involved in the accident. It is also essential to move out of traffic's path and install flares or hazards so that no other vehicles get struck. Call 911 so that the police arrive on the scene and file a report.
When selecting an attorney you want a firm with an experience of past results, and one that gives each case the attention and time it needs. Your legal team is there to address any questions or concerns you might have, and should be respectful of your feelings to ensure that you feel at ease at every stage of your case.
The insurance companies involved in a collision with a truck have their own lawyers who fight to stop you from getting the money you deserve. It is crucial to have a legal firm on your side who knows how to fight, and who can make sure that you are playing fair with these powerful organizations. Our legal team is comprised of former insurance company lawyers who can utilize their knowledge to your advantage. They can help you receive the compensation you require for both economic and noneconomic losses.