Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people die in accidents involving large trucks. If a crash does occur, it's important to find truck accident lawyers who know the various factors involved.
Attorneys should immediately file a claim with the insurance company of the driver as well with the company that owns and operates the truck. This will maximize the amount of insurance.
Liability
Trucks comprise just 4 percent of the vehicles that are on the roads, yet they are involved in over a fifth of all accidents. In the vast majority of these accidents, victims suffer severe injuries and are permanently disabled. These injuries can have a huge financial impact, and the victims and their families must be compensated in order to live their lives with dignity. Insurance companies and trucking companies will do everything in their power to limit the amount of compensation that the victim is entitled. You need a seasoned, strong semi truck accident lawyer to confront insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley's team has the knowledge skills, experience, and determination to make a major difference in your case.
Semi-trucks are also known by the names tractor-trailer, 18-wheeler and tractor are large commercial vehicles that consist of an engine (tractor) and an attached trailer that is used to transport cargo. These trucks are vulnerable due to their weight and size, to serious accidents if they are driven in reckless manners. Common causes of truck accidents include speeding, distracted driving, and failing to check blind spots prior to turning or changing lanes. Another cause of truck crashes is improper loading of the cargo, which can cause shifting and swaying which could result in the truck rolling over.
In addition to the truck driver, other parties may share liability in a truck accident, including the employer of the driver or the company they carry products for, and even the person who is responsible for setting up the load. It is more difficult when multiple insurance companies are involved in the matter, as they will each try to limit their own liability.
In some instances, a local government agency could also be liable for a crash that occurs on their property. If, for instance a road that is not maintained or a poorly laid-out layout caused an accident, then the county board could be liable for the damages suffered by the victim. This type of claim is based upon the principle of vicarious liability, which is the law that holds a supervisor responsible for the actions of an employee acting in the scope of their job.
Damages
The emotional and physical trauma that follows any motor vehicle crash can be a lot. The consequences of a collision with semi-trucks can be more severe than other kinds of accidents. Not only do these vehicles cause more severe injuries however, they can also destroy or damage property, resulting in significant financial burdens. A semi truck accident attorney can assist you in determining the full extent of your losses and seek an appropriate amount of compensation.
It's recommended to speak with an injury lawyer following any type of accident, this is especially important in cases involving large trucks. In addition to the general laws that regulate personal injury and traffic, there are special regulations that pertain to commercial trucks. These regulations can have a significant impact on how a crash happens, the responsible parties and the kind of damages that can be awarded. A lawyer can help to understand these rules and ensure that the at-fault parties are held liable.
It is not uncommon that several parties are held responsible for an accident involving a truck including the driver, their employer, and the company who hauled the cargo. In addition, blame can be assigned to the manufacturer of the truck or any faulty parts that caused the accident. An attorney for semi-truck accidents will provide the exact evidence to show that all at-fault parties are responsible and you have the right to fair compensation.
A semi truck accident lawyer with years of experience can help you avoid common tactics used by insurance companies to deny or limit your claim. The injured victims are usually desperate to receive their money to cover medical treatment and other expenses. The insurers know this and take advantage of this, using delaying as a tool to pressure you into accepting lower than you should.
An attorney can assist you determine the total amount of present and future damages that you are entitled to, including medical bills as well as lost income damages to property, suffering and pain. A lawyer can assist you determine the amount of damages to decide on in your case. Compensatory damages are intended to reimburse you for your losses, whereas punitive damages aim to penalize the party at fault and deter others from doing similar acts.
Expert Witnesses
The nature of truck accidents is different from car accidents in that they require a lot more specific information, including the truck mechanics involved as well as the long-term economic and medical effects of the crash and the governing regulations for the industry. A semi-truck crash lawyer should have access to the right experts who can fill in the gaps of knowledge and provide testimony that may be crucial to a client's claim.
The specialists in accident reconstruction are among the most reliable experts that a semi-truck accident attorney could call upon. These experts are highly skilled and are able to evaluate the scene of an accident, examine the truck as well as the vehicle involved in it, determine the cause of the accident, and explain their findings in a manner that is clear and comprehendable. They are often an essential element of a successful lawsuit as they aid jurors in understanding why the crash occurred, and who might be responsible for it.
Expert witnesses can also identify the damages that can be claimed and the value. A life care planner, for instance is a person who can determine the effect of an accident that is serious on the victim's ability to work as well as their medical needs throughout their lifetime. An economist can also calculate damages for lost earnings that are a key element of any compensation award.
Forensic toxicologists as well as experts in the field of recognition of alcohol and drugs can also be invaluable in a successful case. compton semi truck accident law firm can assist in drawing a clear line between drunkenness and the accident, especially when the trucker was been under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash. A metallurgist could also be an expert witness as they can conduct tests on the metal components of the truck that might have been involved in the crash to determine whether they were overloaded.
In some cases, an attorney for an New York semi truck accident will employ an expert who will investigate the trucking firm and how it operates. This is important, especially if the trucker worked for a large trucking firm and was subject to the same standards as other drivers were not. A qualified expert can review the safety procedures of the trucking firm, hiring practices, and any other information which could help to determine fault.
Time Limits
Evidence is usually destroyed or lost when a truck accident occurs. This is the reason it's so important to speak with a semi truck accident attorney as soon as you can. Our lawyers can conduct an extensive investigation to determine who's accountable for your injuries. We'll partner with experts in accident reconstruction as well as medical professionals and financial experts to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
The most common cause for truck accidents is driver negligence. This could include driving while distracted or impaired or reckless driving. Trucking companies who fail to adhere to safety guidelines or hire employees who are not qualified could be held accountable for accidents.
Unprofessional maintenance of the vehicle is another cause of crashes involving trucks. Failure to properly inspect or repair the brakes, tires or other components of a vehicle can result in an accident that is dangerous. It is essential to ensure that your lawyer for truck accidents knows the needs of maintenance for large trucks so that they can investigate any issues with the truck's safety.
A third issue is that a poorly loaded trailer or cargo can cause a truck accident. A poorly loaded truck can cause the truck or trailer to jackknife if it is not properly loaded. This is a serious crash that can cause serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
The negligence of other drivers can also result in truck accidents. They could cut off the driver of the truck or merge into wrong lanes. These actions can cause the truck driver to deviate from the road, and cause it to cause collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians.
A head-on collision between trucks and a passenger vehicle is one of the most fatal kinds of truck crashes. The front end of the passenger vehicle typically takes the brunt of the impact, resulting in serious injuries and death. These types of accidents often occur on roads with no other traffic when the truck driver is asleep, is unable to steer clear of another vehicle, or is under the effects of alcohol or drugs. Trucks are also prone to accidents due to spilling hazardous substances. These accidents could cause environmental harm and health risks to humans who come in contact with the chemicals.