In North Jersey and around New York City, trucks are everywhere. They are a normal part of traffic and our daily lives, but they can be extremely dangerous. An accident with a large 18-wheeler or other truck may cause severe injuries, and you should contact a lawyer for legal help immediately.
Truck accident cases often involve significant claims for damages. Between medical bills, property damage, and severe pain and suffering, plaintiffs are likely entitled to substantial compensation. Before you can get compensation, we need to gather evidence from the accident scene. Security footage, dashcam videos, witness testimony, and photos from the crash scene may all be useful and help your case. Contact a lawyer right away to begin your case.
Call Agrapidis & Maroules, P.C. at (201) 777-1111 and ask our truck and 18-wheeler accident attorneys for a free, private review of your claims today.
Damages Commonly Available in 18-Wheeler and Truck Accident Cases
Damages in truck accident cases are often substantial, especially when victims have severe injuries that will take a long time to treat and heal. Review your injuries, losses, and painful experiences carefully and thoroughly with an attorney to avoid leaving out any damages from your case.
Medical Costs
A major expense that truck accident victims often contend with is medical bills. Even if your injuries are relatively minor, a single emergency room visit could cost thousands of dollars. More severe injuries that require more extensive treatment may rack up bills worth tens of thousands of dollars or more.
If your injuries are permanent or come with lifelong complications, our truck and 18-wheeler accident attorneys may be able to calculate and claim your future medical costs.
Property Damage and Lost Income
There is a good chance that your personal property was damaged or destroyed in the accident. This may include, but is not limited to, your vehicle, cell phones, personal belongings that were inside your car, and even lost jewelry or wedding rings that might have fallen off and become lost during the crash.
Non-Economic Injuries
You may claim various non-economic injuries that may not be proven with evidence of cost alone. These damages are often subjective and vary from plaintiff to plaintiff. Common non-economic injuries include physical pain from injuries, psychological trauma from the crash, and emotional distress.
It may be a good idea to speak to a mental health professional about these issues, especially if they become serious and hinder other areas of your life.
FAQs About Suing for Accidents Involving Large Trucks and 18-Wheelers in West New York
What Do I Do Immediately After a Crash with a Large Truck or 18-Wheeler?
Immediately following a crash or accident with a large truck, you should try to pull over somewhere safe and out of the way of traffic, if possible. If your car cannot be moved, or you are too badly injured to move it, stay where you are.
You or someone else at the accident scene should call 911 immediately and get an ambulance, and the police should be sent to the crash. In the meantime, exchange information with the trucker if possible, and wait for help.
How Do I File an Insurance Claim for a Truck Accident?
Contrary to its name, West New York is in New Jersey, which uses a no-fault insurance system for car accidents. All New Jersey drivers must carry no-fault car insurance to cover accidents.
In New Jersey, when drivers purchase auto insurance, they must opt for a limited or unlimited right to sue. With a limited right to sue, which is the less expensive option, you must prove that you have a “serious injury” before you are allowed to sue the other driver. If you opt for an unlimited right to sue, you do not have to prove serious injuries before being allowed to sue.
What Do I Do if Insurance Does Not Cover My Truck Accident?
If insurance is not enough to cover all your damages, or your claims are denied, you may sue the person or people responsible for the accident in civil court. Generally, the courts prefer that plaintiffs exhaust their insurance options before taking the case to a trial, so it is a good idea to file insurance claims even if you believe they will be denied or result in insufficient coverage.
How Long Does it Take to Prepare a Lawsuit for a Truck Crash?
Preparing a lawsuit can be surprisingly time-consuming. Many plaintiffs work with their lawyers for months before the case is even filed in court. It may be several more months before the trial, and there will be numerous hearings, meetings, and other steps in the judicial process in the meantime. It is best to get started as soon as possible.
What Causes Accidents with 18-Wheelers and Trucks?
Many truck accidents happen because truckers are speeding. Trucks are large and heavy, and they cannot be stopped easily. If the trucker is speeding and must suddenly brake, there is a good chance the truck will not stop in time to avoid a crash.
Many other accidents involve an 18-wheeler’s trailer. It can topple over if the cargo is unbalanced, or vehicles may be squeezed between the truck and trailer during turns.
Who Can I Sue for a Truck Accident in West New York?
You may sue anyone you believe is directly responsible for or contributed to the accident. This often includes negligent truck drivers and the trucking companies that employ them. In some cases, other drivers involved in the accident may be sued if they also contributed to the crash.
We may need to review the results of a police investigation to determine how many people or entities share responsibility.
How Much Compensation Can Someone Get for a Truck Accident Case?
Since truck accidents are often large-scale crashes that inflict serious injuries, many plaintiffs recover substantial compensation. While every case is different, it is not unusual for injured drivers to claim tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages. If your injuries are permanent and take an extreme toll on your life, you may claim even more.
How Do I Prove My Legal Claims in a Truck Accident Case?
We may prove your claims by presenting evidence of your injuries and the defendant’s negligence. Medical records and your testimony may help us prove how badly you were injured and how your injuries have impacted your daily life.
Evidence such as security camera or dashcam footage, trucking company records, and eyewitness testimony may help us prove how the defendant’s negligence directly caused the accident.
What if My Loved One Passed Away in a Truck Accident?
If you lost a family member in a truck accident, you may still be able to take legal action even if you were not directly involved in the crash. You may be able to file a wrongful death claim and get compensation for how the loss of your loved one affected you and your family.
What is a Good Settlement for a Truck or 18-Wheeler Accident?
A good settlement depends on the value of your damages and what you are satisfied with accepting. Many settlements are the result of negotiation and compromise, and you may have to sacrifice some damages to get others covered under the settlement.
A good settlement should at least cover your economic expenses, so you are not left with unpaid bills or debts. Remember, you do not have to accept any settlement if you do not want to.
Get Legal Help from Our Truck and 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in West New York
Call Agrapidis & Maroules, P.C. at (201) 777-1111 and ask our truck and 18-wheeler accident attorneys for a free, private review of your claims today.