Driving next to an 18-wheeler truck can be intimidating, especially if it’s at a high speed on the highway. And if the truck driver isn’t careful or aware of their blindspots, you suffer severe injuries.
At the Morelli Law Firm, we have experience with holding truck drivers and other negligent parties accountable and getting full compensation. An 18-wheeler accident attorney in Yonkers, NY, can help you determine if you have a case and how much it’s worth.
How Long Do You Have to File an 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Claim?
We understand that you may not be able to file your claim right after your accident due to your injuries. But you should file a personal injury claim as soon as you’ve been treated for your injuries and you’re feeling well enough to do so.
The state of New York gives you three years to file a claim against the negligent parties involved, according to New York Civil Practice Law & Rules § 214. It’s also important to know that the time that the statute of limitations says you have may change based on your accident’s details. A lawyer from our firm can tell you the exact amount of time you have to file.
Knowing the amount of time you have is a significant benefit because you’ll be able to file before the deadline arrives. If you wait too long and you miss the deadline to file, you won’t be able to collect any form of compensation.
What Damages Can You Recover After an 18-Wheeler Hits You?
The aftermath of an accident with an 18-wheeler truck can be devastating to your body as well as your bank account. You may be stressed about finding a way to pay all the medical bills that are coming in. But with the help of an 18-wheeler accident lawyer in Yonkers, NY, you can collect damages that can cover expenses such as:
- Loss of income
- Pain and suffering
- Medical costs
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Physical therapy
- Transportation costs for medical appointments
The more severe your injuries are, the more damages you are likely to recover. Our attorneys can fight for you to recover all the damages you need to cover your injury costs.
Yonkers 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Who Is Liable for Your Damages?
There are multiple parties that could be responsible for your injuries in an 18-wheeler truck accident. Some of the parties you may be able to hold accountable are:
Truck Driver
If the truck driver ignored their duty of care by being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving recklessly like speeding, or driving distracted, and they caused your injuries, you can hold them accountable. A lawyer can gather evidence such as black box data, traffic cam footage, and drug test results to prove that the truck driver was negligent.
Truck drivers are alone most of the time, so they may think that if they speed up a bit to get their job done, it won’t hurt anyone. But if you’re visiting this page, you, unfortunately, know that isn’t true.
Trucking Company
The trucking company can also be responsible for your injuries. If they overworked the driver or failed to order inspections, and it led to your accident, you may be able to file a claim against them.
As the company that owns the truck, they should have been up to date with inspections and cared for the driver’s well-being. Sometimes trucking companies forget to do these things, but other times they avoid keeping up to date on their duties because they won’t think anyone will notice. But we will.
Shipper
The shipper has a responsibility to load the truck evenly and with products that are within the guidelines of the trucking company. If an 18-wheeler isn’t loaded evenly, it could cause it to tip over and cause an accident.
If your injuries are the result of a truck rollover accident and a lawyer can prove that the truck wasn’t properly loaded, you can hold the shipper responsible.
Truck Manufacturer
When a truck manufacturer is negligent in an 18-wheeler accident, it’s often due to a production error. If they fail to send out a recall or fix the issue, they could be liable for any injuries that result.
Manufacturers are always looking for a way to save money and their reputation. Not all, but some manufacturers may purposely overlook a faulty part thinking that it won’t hurt anyone until someone files a lawsuit against them.
Determining who is responsible for your injuries in an 18-wheeler truck accident can be difficult. One of our 18-wheeler accident attorneys in Yonkers, NY, can help you identify which parties are responsible for your injuries.
Do You Need an 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney?
You may be wondering: do I really need a lawyer after an accident with an 18-wheeler? While we can’t speak for you, there are many benefits of hiring an attorney that you wouldn’t have access to without a lawyer.
Relevant Experience
When you hire 18-wheeler accident lawyers in Yonkers, NY, you have a team that has experience navigating 18-wheeler truck accidents for years. Our firm has specialized in truck accidents for a reason: we get results. We know what you need for a strong case, and we can build one for you.
A Lawyer Can Handle Insurance
Facing the insurance company is an essential part of any auto accident, but it’s especially important when you’re filing a lawsuit against a truck driver. We can defend you and your settlement when the insurance claims adjuster tries to devalue your case. And if you’re planning to settle on an amount, we can ensure that it matches your injuries.
Evidence Collection
Our lawyers are here to help you get the highest settlement amount, and we’re ready to gather all the evidence we need to prove your claim. Without a lawyer, it may be difficult to get the relevant evidence that you need.
Contact the Morelli Law Firm to Speak to Our Attorneys
If you were in a car accident with an 18-wheeler in Yonkers, NY, our team at the Morelli Law Firm can help you recover the damages you qualify for. We’re passionate about helping our clients succeed so they can return to their lives.
For a free case evaluation, call us or fill out the contact form on our website.