A truck injury lawyer is a lawyer who handles claims involving large commercial trucks and semis (trailers). Truck accidents can cause devastating injuries because of their size.
A successful claim for a truck injury lawyer victim can allow them to recover damages that cover physical, emotional and financial losses stemming from the collision. This can help them move on with their lives after the crash. While it is not mandatory to hire a New York truck accident attorney, their expertise can make the difference between receiving a fair settlement and being taken advantage of by an insurance company.
Trucking companies and the drivers they employ have powerful legal teams on their side to protect their interests, which can work against yours. An experienced truck accident lawyer can take on these parties and their lawyers to fight for the compensation you deserve.
In addition to proving the extent of your injuries, a good NYC truck accident lawyer will also pursue non-economic damages. These can be harder to prove, such as the effects of your injuries on your quality of life and relationships. A lawyer will often ask you to keep a journal or seek care from a therapist to get an accurate picture of the impact your injuries have on your life.
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in New York?
While the exact time frame depends on the type of accident and where it occurred, in general, it is best to act sooner rather than later. This can avoid missing costly deadlines that would otherwise delay your case and reduce the amount of money you could receive. For example, in many cases, an accident that involves a government-owned vehicle – such as a garbage truck owned by the City of New York – must be reported within ten days.
Even if your injuries are minor, it is worth consulting with a lawyer as soon as possible. For example, even if you only suffer from whiplash, which is common after truck crashes, this can have a significant impact on your quality of life. It may cause you to miss work and need medical care, which can lead to lost income. A lawyer can calculate your future costs to ensure you are adequately compensated for this loss.
There are many additional liable parties in truck accidents. While in auto accident cases, victims typically sue the driver who hit them and their own insurer, a truck accident can involve many more parties. Your lawyer can uncover all of the liable parties and file claims against them to get you a bigger settlement.
For example, if the truck’s steering failed because of faulty maintenance, shoddy work at the maintenance facility or a manufacturing defect, your lawyer will sue the trucking company responsible for the maintenance and any outside mechanics that worked on the truck.
Ultimately, the goal of a NYC truck accident lawyer is to maximize your settlement. Their fee is a percentage of your award, which means that you will walk away with more money in your pocket than if you handled the case yourself.