Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people are killed in accidents involving large trucks. In the event of a crash, it's important to find truck accident lawyers who know the various factors involved.
A lawyer should promptly initiate claims with the insurance company, as and the company that is the owner of the truck. This is done so as to maximize the amount of insurance available.
Liability
Trucks account for only 4 percent of the vehicles on the road, but they are involved in more than five percent of all accidents. The vast majority of those accidents result in severe injuries, with victims suffering permanent and life-altering disabilities. These injuries can have a significant financial impact on victims, and their and their families should be compensated for their loss in order to live with dignity. Unfortunately trucking companies and insurance companies will make no effort in an attempt to limit the amount of compensation that a victim is entitled to. This is why you require an experienced, skilled semi truck accident lawyer who is able to stand up against insurance companies and their attorneys. John Hensley's team is equipped with the knowledge, experience, and strength to make a huge difference in your case.
Semi-trucks, also known under the names tractor-trailer, 18-wheeler and tractor are large commercial vehicles made up of one truck unit (tractor) and an attached trailer that transports cargo. Due to their weight and size they are vulnerable to serious accidents if they are driven with recklessness or if a driver fails to exercise reasonable care while driving the vehicle. The most common causes of accidents involving trucks include speeding, distracted driving and not checking blind spots prior to changing lanes or turning. Another cause of truck accidents is improper loading of the freight, which could cause shifting and swaying which could potentially result in the truck rolling over.
In addition to the driver, other people can share the blame in an accident involving a truck. This includes the driver's business and the company the driver transports products for or the person who is responsible for setting up the load. The process of proving fault can be more difficult if multiple insurers are involved in the case, because they all attempt to limit their own liability.
In some cases the local government agency might also be responsible for any accident that occurs on its property. For instance, if poorly designed road layout or inadequate maintenance contributed to an accident, the county board could be liable for the damage caused by the victim. This kind of claim is based on the principle of vicarious liability which holds a supervisory body accountable for the actions of an employee while acting within the scope of their employment.
Damages
The emotional and physical trauma that follows any motor vehicle crash can be a lot. The consequences of a collision with a semi-truck can be more severe than other types of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage to property. This could lead to a substantial financial burden. A semi truck accident attorney can help you determine the extent of your losses, and seek appropriate compensation for them.
Although it's generally a good idea to consult an injury lawyer following any kind of accident this is especially important in cases involving large trucks. In addition to the general laws that regulate traffic and personal injuries There are specific rules applicable to commercial vehicles. These rules could have a significant effect on how a crash occurs, the parties responsible and the kind of damages that can be awarded. A lawyer can help to understand these rules and ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable.
It is not uncommon for multiple parties to be held responsible for a truck accident, including the driver and their employer, as well the company that hauled the cargo. A truck manufacturer, or any defective components could also be liable for the incident. A semi truck accident attorney will provide the exact evidence required to show that all parties at fault are responsible and that you are entitled to fair compensation.
A seasoned semi truck accident attorney on your side can safeguard you against the common strategies that insurance companies employ to reduce or deny your claim. Victims of injuries are often desperate to collect their money so that they can pay for medical treatment and other expenses. The insurance companies are aware of this and take advantage of delay as a tactic to pressure you into accepting less than you are entitled to.
A lawyer can help you determine the damages you are entitled to in the future and present including medical bills, lost income, and property damage. A lawyer can also assist you determine the right amount of compensatory and punitive damages to award in your case. Compensatory damages are intended to compensate you for the losses. Punitive damages seek to punish the party responsible and deter others from committing similar criminal acts.
Expert Witnesses
As opposed to a typical car crash scenario, truck accidents generally include a great deal of specific information on industry regulations including truck mechanics, the long-term economic and medical impact of the crash. A semi-truck crash lawyer must have access to the right experts, who can fill in gaps of knowledge and provide testimony that could be essential to a client's case.
Specialists in accident reconstruction are among the most valuable experts that a semi-truck accident attorney could call upon. They are experts with years of experience who know how to examine an accident scene, assess the truck and vehicle involved in the accident, determine what caused the accident and present their findings in clear, easy to understand terms. They are usually an essential element of a successful lawsuit, as they help jurors understand how a crash took place and who is accountable.
The right expert witnesses can help identify the damages that are applicable and how much they will be worth. For instance, a life care planner could be hired to show the effect a serious accident could have on a victim's ability to work, their medical requirements for the duration of their lives, and any other repercussions that may be long-term. In addition, an economist could help to calculate things like lost earnings damages, which could be a major component of any compensation award.
Experts in toxicology forensics and identification of alcohol and drugs can be extremely helpful to a successful claim. These experts can help draw a clear line between alcohol consumption, and the accident. This is especially the case when the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash. A metallurgist is a valuable expert witness. They can conduct tests on metal components of the truck involved in the accident to determine if they were overloaded.
In some instances in some cases, a New York semi-truck accident attorney will engage an expert to investigate the trucking company itself and the way it operates. This is especially important if the trucker was employed by a large trucking firm and may be required to follow certain standards that other drivers are not. The expert can review the safety practices of the trucking company, their hiring procedures and any other information that may assist in determining fault.
Time Limits
When a truck crash occurs the evidence is often lost or destroyed. This is the reason it's so important to speak with a semi truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Our lawyers will conduct an extensive investigation to determine who's responsible for your injuries. We'll work with experts in accident reconstruction doctors, medical professionals and financial experts to ensure you receive the compensation you require.
The most frequently cited cause of a truck accident is driver error. This could include driving while distracted or under the influence or reckless driving. Trucking companies who fail to adhere to safety guidelines or hire unqualified workers could be held accountable for accidents.
Another reason for a truck accident is the lack of maintenance on the vehicle. Failure to examine or repair tires, brakes or other components of a truck can lead to a dangerous accident. It is essential to ensure that your lawyer for truck accidents knows the needs of maintenance for large trucks in order to determine any issues that could affect the truck's safety.
A third reason is that a trailer that is not properly loaded or cargo could lead to an accident with a truck. If a truck is not loaded properly, it can cause the trailer to shift while on the road or cause the truck to be jackknifed. This is a serious crash that could cause serious or fatal injuries to motorists in the road.
concord semi truck accident lawyer involving trucks are also caused by the negligent driving of other drivers. They may cut off the driver of the truck or merge into wrong lane. These actions could cause the truck to veer off the road and collide with pedestrians or other vehicles.
A head-on collision between the truck and a passenger vehicle is among the most fatal kinds of truck accidents. The front of the car is typically the one that takes the brunt of the damage, resulting in grave injuries or even death. These accidents happen when a truck driver is asleep or turns around to avoid another vehicle, or is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Trucks can also cause accidents by spilling hazardous materials. These accidents can cause environmental harm and health risks to humans who come in contact with the chemicals.
