Victims of truck accidents often pay the price by suffering from severe injuries, in addition to thousands of dollars in medical costs and the possibility of not returning to work. If this happened to your family, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and more.
However, truck accident cases are often complex. They may involve multiple parties, a complicated investigation, and going toe-to-toe with corporate lawyers and insurers. If you were in a truck accident in New Rochelle, a truck accident lawyer from Morelli Law Firm may be able to help you with your case. Contact us today for a free case evaluation with a team member.
How Morelli Law Firm Can Help with Westchester County Truck Crash Claims
When it comes to truck accident claims, there are no guarantees. The other party may or may not admit fault. Their insurer may agree to a fair settlement, or you may need to take them to trial to prove your case. Morelli Law Firm fights for the rights of truck collision victims in New York State, even if it means suing a large corporation and taking them to trial.
We may be able to help you pursue and possibly recover compensation in your case. This could include:
Uncover and Present Evidence of Fault and Liability
Our lawyers can investigate your claim to determine the facts of the accident and what happened. We may be able to obtain proof of fault and liability using:
- Trucking company records
- Accident reports
- Maintenance records
- Eyewitness accounts
- Expert testimony
- Photos or video footage
Calculate and Document Your Damages
The value of your case depends on the extent of your damages. We can explore all areas where the accident affected your life and assess the sum of your losses based on both economic and non-economic damages. This may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Car repair
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
Negotiate a Settlement
Instead of accepting the insurance company’s first offer, we may negotiate to reach a settlement that reflects your crash-related losses more accurately. If the insurance company does not wish to settle or negotiate, you have the option of taking your case to trial. Our legal team serving Westchester County can represent you to the judge and jury throughout this process.
Represent You Based on a Contingency Fee
At Morelli Law Firm, we represent our injured clients based on contingency fees. This means we do not ask for a retainer or other upfront payment. We receive a portion of the compensation we recover in the case based on percentage. If we do not settle or win a verdict or award, you will owe no attorney’s fees.
We Represent Victims in Many Types of Truck Accident Cases
In most New Rochelle truck crash cases, we are not pursuing compensation from the individual driver. Instead, we hold the employer accountable for its own bad behavior or vicariously liable for its driver’s negligence behind the wheel.
Most truck accidents occur because of driver carelessness or other driving mistakes. This could include:
- Distracted driving
- Poorly loaded or overloaded trailer
- Drunk driving or drugged driving
- Drowsy driving or driving beyond the time legally allowed
- Violating traffic laws, such as running red lights
When this occurs, and the driver is at fault, the doctrine of respondeat superior allows us to build a case against their employer, generally a trucking company or another corporation.
In some cases, the trucking company’s negligence is the cause of the collision. Trucking companies are responsible for training capable drivers and maintaining their fleets. Unfortunately, mistakes happen. The trucking company can cause a crash through:
Negligent Supervision
Truck drivers spend so much time away from the company that employers may fail to monitor their behavior and other factors related to safety and job performance. As a result, an employer may fail to notice that an employee is not taking reasonable care on the road. When a driver fails to perform their job satisfactorily despite employer action, this could support a negligent retention claim.
Improper or Incomplete Driver Training
Operating large trucks and other commercial vehicles requires skill and concentration. Drivers can only develop these skills with proper training and experience. Lack of training can lead to mistakes on the road. Some of these mistakes can be deadly if a truck driver causes an accident.
Failing to Vet Job Applicants Adequately
Companies have an obligation to perform thorough background checks and ensure that their drivers are trained, certified, and capable of operating the trucks in their fleet. Putting the wrong drivers behind the wheel can increase the risk of accidents on the road. This is often called “negligent hiring” because the company should have been more careful during the hiring process.
Poor Truck Maintenance
When a truck breaks down on the side of the road, it is an inconvenience. However, when a part breaks unexpectedly, it could be much more serious. Bad brakes, blown tires, or malfunctioning lights cause accidents within seconds. These incidents are often preventable with proper maintenance. Trucking companies must maintain their fleet in good working order to prevent this type of hazard.
New Rochelle Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
What to Expect When You Pursue Compensation in a Truck Accident Case
In a truck accident, your first concern is to get emergency medical attention. Even if you walk away from the accident, you should go to the emergency department or see your doctor as soon as possible.
Not only can a medical visit identify any injuries and provide treatment, but it also can create a link in your medical record between the accident and your injuries. This could prove to be crucial evidence in your case.
After you seek medical attention, it is time to consider your legal case. Morelli Law Firm will discuss your options with you for free today. When our firm takes on a case, we:
- Gather evidence to support the claim
- File a claim with the at-fault party’s insurer
- Build support for the claim and develop an argument for trial, if needed
- Negotiate a settlement to get fair and just compensation
- If the insurance company does not settle, we may take the case to trial
If your life was turned upside down by a truck accident, you do not have to face the responsible parties alone. A New Rochelle car accident lawyer from our team may be able to help you recover compensation. You can get started with your case today by contacting Morelli Law Firm for your free consultation.
Do not delay if you were a victim of a commercial vehicle accident. The New York Civil Practice Law & Rules Section 214 imposes a three-year statute of limitations on most personal injury cases. If your case goes against a municipality or county agency, there could be even shorter deadlines under GMU Section 50-E.
Speak with Our Team About Your New Rochelle Collision Today
The Morelli Law Firm truck accident team can discuss your case with you today during a free consultation. We can explain your rights, answer your questions, and explore your options for compensation with you.
Call us now at (212) 751-9800.