Sharing the highway with oversized commercial trucks determined to make their deliveries on time is a disaster waiting to happen—and it does happen, frequently causing severe injuries to other motorists. Trucking companies are sophisticated businesses and know how to avoid paying appropriate damages when someone suffers harm because of their driver’s negligence. An individual with an experienced personal injury attorney representing them is more likely to receive a reasonable settlement.
Contact a Harris Hill truck accident lawyer from Richmond Vona, LLC, if you were hurt in a collision involving a commercial vehicle. One of our accomplished legal professionals can guide you through the claims process and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Insurance Companies After Semi-Truck Wrecks
Unfortunately, truck accidents are common and often cause catastrophic harm, such as traumatic brain injuries and paralysis. Trucking companies have developed many tactics to avoid making large payouts to these injured parties. One of these strategies is to approach injured people soon after an incident and persuade them to settle quickly, ultimately giving up their right to file a lawsuit.
Sometimes, trucking companies’ representatives or insurers will go as far as visiting people in the hospital to offer a settlement. Although the representative might appear sympathetic and the money they offer might seem like a large sum, their only goal is to convince an injured person to settle for less than their claim is worth.
Once an individual agrees to work with a Harris Hill truck crash attorney, the insurers and company representatives must only communicate through the attorneys. Directing this contact to a skilled attorney offers the victim several benefits, including avoiding the possibility of saying or agreeing to something that might weaken their position. It also relieves them of the stress of negotiations and frees them to focus their energy on healing.
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving Harris Hill, call (716) 300-5885
Commercial Vehicle Crashes and the No-Fault System
The no-fault system in New York requires anyone suffering losses in a car, truck, or other motor vehicle accident to turn to their personal injury protection (PIP) insurance as a primary source of recovery. If the injured person was a passenger without car insurance and no one in their household has coverage, the driver’s PIP will cover their losses.
The minimum PIP coverage is $50,000. However, even if the policyholder bought additional coverage, it might still be insufficient to cover an injured person’s medical bills and lost wages. Commercial truck accidents often cause injuries that require extensive medical intervention, including hospitalization, surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation.
The Serious Injury Law
New York Insurance Law § 5102d allows an injured person to take an at-fault driver to court if they have “serious injuries,” as the statute defines them. These include:
- Broken bones
- Significant limitation of use of a body function or system
- Disfigurement
- Miscarriage
- Permanent loss of use of an organ, limb, function, or system
- Permanent limitation of use of an organ or limb
- Dismemberment
- Death
Additionally, people who experience impairment of an important bodily function or system for at least 90 days during the 180 days following the collision can also pursue damages in court. A Harris Hill attorney can present medical evidence and testimony proving that an individual’s commercial truck collision injuries meet the definition of “serious.”
Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me (716) 300-5885
Pursue Damages with the Help of a Harris Hill Truck Accident Attorney
The state’s system for handling vehicle accident claims is complicated, and the process becomes even more complex when an incident involves a commercial truck. Allow a seasoned legal professional to help you understand your rights and advocate on your behalf to help you recover for your losses.
Our Harris Hill truck accident lawyers understand the highway transportation industry and can put their knowledge and skills to work for you. Call Richmond Vona, LLC, today to speak with our team and to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Call or text (716) 300-5885 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form