Truck accidents are devastating events that can cause serious injury or death. Injured victims could face large financial and emotional burdens due to their medical care, reduced earning capacity, and loss of enjoyment of life.
It may be possible to seek compensation for these and other losses. Learn about the important role of a truck accident lawyer in New York in maximizing a claimant’s compensation.
Understanding the Serious Toll of Truck Accident Injuries
A report from Forbes shows that only a small percentage of truck accidents are deadly. In 2020, fatalities were reported in roughly 1% of large truck crashes. However, collisions can leave motorists with various injuries, such as:
- Bone fractures
- Internal bleeding
- Lacerations
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Burns
Drivers who share the road with large trucks face a greater risk of injury. Data from the National Safety Council shows that truck drivers only account for 26% of reported accident injuries in 2024, while 72% of those injured were occupants of other vehicles.
The overall annual cost of traffic accidents, including truck crashes, amounts to $340 billion, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The cost includes paid insurance claims for victims, which may compensate them for their medical treatment, property damage, lost income, and more.
Tips for Maximizing Truck Accident Compensation Claims in New York
You may decide to hire a truck accident lawyer in New York to represent you during the claims process. If so, they will likely recommend the following tips for potentially maximizing your compensation:
- Gather sufficient evidence: Witness statements, police reports, and photos from the crash scene could be essential pieces of evidence supporting your claim.
- Consider all losses: Victims could pursue both economic and non-economic damages. Evaluating all of your losses is crucial for maximizing a potential accident settlement.
- Negotiate settlement offers: The first settlement offer claimants receive may not accurately reflect their losses. Negotiating the offer gives you the opportunity to settle the case for a different amount.
How Trucking Accident Lawyers Support Injured Victims
Making a claim and negotiating a settlement may be easier with a truck accident lawyer in New York representing you. Personal injury lawyers can explore various legal strategies for truck accident settlements. They could evaluate the full extent of a victim’s losses and gather key pieces of evidence supporting their claim.
Determining liability in truck accident cases can be challenging, as multiple parties may be at fault, not just the driver. Experienced lawyers can review the relevant safety rules and regulations to see who may be liable. In some cases, manufacturers, vehicle service vendors, or municipalities could all share partial responsibility.
By gathering evidence of a client’s losses and accident liability, a lawyer can advocate for claimants seeking compensation. Their role includes negotiating with insurance providers in an effort to settle the claim for a suitable amount. While victims may feel pressured or tempted to accept an initial settlement, seasoned attorneys recognize that insurers typically make a lowball first offer and that negotiations might be in order.
If necessary, an attorney can represent their client in court should they decide to file a lawsuit and settlement negotiations are unsuccessful.
Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Understand your legal rights after a truck accident by consulting a knowledgeable attorney. Reach out to the Wohlgemuth Law Firm PLLC to discuss your options. Founding attorney Joseph Wohlgemuth handles a wide range of traffic-related injury cases, including car, truck, motorcycle, and bus accident claims.
Our firm is conveniently located in Brooklyn and serves clients across New York. Call (718) 474-9100 or submit our online form to schedule your free case evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about maximizing compensation after a truck accident and the benefits of working with a personal injury lawyer.
What Types of Damages Are Available in Truck Accident Claims?
Every case is different, though claimants could potentially pursue economic damages like compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, or property damage. Some also claim non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
How Long Will Settlement Negotiations Take?
Settlement negotiations could resolve fairly quickly, or they may take several weeks, months, or even years. The timeline depends on each side’s willingness to agree.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer in New York?
Many personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency-fee basis and do not charge clients up front. If they successfully resolve their client’s case, a portion of the settlement agreement will go toward attorney fees.
