An accident involving 18-wheeler typically impacts more than just the driver. In New York and elsewhere, truck accident litigation usually involves companies that have large insurance policies. This often results in lawsuits in which alleged victims seek millions of dollars in damages.
Getting through these cases requires aggressive representation from a legal team that understands the stakes, the issues and how to think outside the box in order to reach a result that is in the best interests of its client. Before moving forward with any case, an independent investigation should be conducted in order to have a clear picture of what happened. This means reviewing as much available information as possible.
The trucking industry is highly regulated, and some of the measures that are taken in order to ensure compliance with them include electronic control modules (ECMs or black boxes), paperless log systems (PLS) and tacographs (recording a truck’s speed and distance). The data provided by these systems could help a company’s legal team. Furthermore, some trucks are equipped with collision warning systems and other devices designed to help the driver avoid an accident.
New York trucking companies need to be familiar with federal and state laws, but that does not mean that they should enter into truck accident litigation alone. The injuries suffered in accidents involving 18-wheelers are often severe or even fatal. However, many cases can be settled or even dismissed depending on the circumstances and wanting to negotiate a quick settlement in order to “make the case go away” might not be the best option.