Norwalk Truck Accident Attorney
Highways in and around Norwalk unfortunately mean that truck accidents can occur often. These types of collisions also mean that victims can suffer more severe, life-altering injuries compared to standard-sized motor vehicle crashes. Also too-often, it is a negligent truck driver who has caused an accident, leaving victims with mounting medical bills and other losses. Norwalk truck accident attorney Kevin L. Hoffkins is dedicated to helping these victims receive the compensation they need to recover from those at-fault for their injuries. Insurance companies and those in the trucking industry are all vested in protecting their own interests and bottom lines. Mr. Hoffkins and his team at the Law Offices of Kevin L. Hoffkins look out for victims’ interests, fighting zealously on their behalf. If you have been injured, or a loved one has passed, due to a devastating truck accident, we are here to help. Please contact our office today by calling (203) 612-7015 or contact us online to schedule a consultation about your case.
Truck Accidents Involving Norwalk Victims
Interstate 95, which is known as one of the most dangerous highways in the country, is also a busy highway that serves both residents and commuters of Norwalk. The Merritt Parkway, Routes 7 and 123 are also major thoroughfares in the area as well. Massive tractor-trailer trucks are common on these roads, as they pass through, and go to and from Norwalk for deliveries, also providing other services. Long hours on the road and sometimes a lack of adequate attention to vehicle maintenance can make these trucks an extreme danger to others around them. If you’re involved in a truck accident, the first step is always seeking medical treatment. Following that, consulting a seasoned Norwalk truck accident lawyer is important to make sure the proper evidence is gathered and preserved.
Spoliation of Evidence in Truck Accident Cases
The scene of a truck crash is often chaotic - medical professionals, investigative entities, and others may all be present trying to help or make sense of what happened. This can lead to vital evidence being lost or misplaced. Victims of these accidents may not have options in the immediate aftermath as they get treated, however, it is important that they know their rights as soon as possible. All parties to reasonably foreseeable litigation have a duty to preserve evidence relevant to that litigation. Although, generally, it is reasonably foreseeable that one might pursue legal action in truck accidents that cause injuries, it’s still advisable to have additional documentation to avoid ‘spoliation.’ A spoliation letter is a legal document that is sent to a trucking company, as well as its insurance carrier, notifying the at-fault party of claims being filed. Following a Norwalk truck accident, a seasoned injury attorney can prepare and send this letter in order to ensure that the defendants do not willfully destroy or tamper with evidence related to the crash. Evidence may include:
Photo documentation of the scene
Driver logs
The truck’s black box data
Dash Cam video
Maintenance and inspection reports
Emails and text messages
In personal injury and wrongful death claims, this evidence is used to show negligence on the part of a defendant. Negligence occurs when a defendant breaches a duty of reasonable care owed to a plaintiff, causing the plaintiff’s injury or death, and resulting in damages. Truck drivers who cause an accident because they are overly tired or under the influence of drugs would be found negligent. Trucking companies are also vicariously liable for their employee’s negligent acts if they occur within the scope of employment. For example, a driver rushing to make a delivery within the time constraints placed on them by their employer-company. Damages victims may receive in these cases include past and future medical costs, lost income, diminished earning capacity, as well as pain and suffering compensation.
Contact a Norwalk Truck Accident Attorney
As you recover from your injuries, or deal with the grief of losing a loved one in a fatal truck accident, it’s important to have a legal advocate you trust by your side. Norwalk truck accident attorney Kevin L. Hoffkins treats his clients with compassion while aggressively fighting for their rights in court. If you have questions about your legal options in the aftermath of a truck crash, contact us today or online to find out more about how we can help.