Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people die in accidents caused by large trucks. In the event of a crash it's crucial to work with truck accident lawyers who know the various aspects involved.
A lawyer should immediately file claims with the insurance company, as in the case of the company that owns the truck. This is done in order to maximize the insurance coverage available.
Liability
Although trucks comprise only 4 percent of the vehicles on the road yet they are involved more than five percent of all vehicle accidents. In the vast majority of these accidents, the victims suffer serious injuries and are permanently disabled. These injuries can have a massive financial impact, and the victims and families need to be compensated so that they can live with dignity. Unfortunately trucking firms and their insurance providers will not leave a stone unturned in an attempt to limit the amount of compensation a victim is entitled to. This is why you need an experienced, skilled semi truck accident attorney that can stand up to the insurance companies and their attorneys. John Hensley's team has the knowledge of experience, expertise, and the strength to make a difference in your case.
Semi-trucks are also known by the names tractor-trailer or 18-wheeler, are large commercial vehicles which comprise an engine (tractor) and an attached trailer to transport cargo. Because of their weight and size, these trucks are prone to serious accidents when they are driven in reckless manner or if the driver is not exercising reasonable care when operating the vehicle. The most common causes of accidents involving trucks include speeding, distracted driving and failing to check blind spots prior to turning or changing lanes. Another reason for truck accidents is the improper loading of freight which can lead to shifting and swaying that could result in the truck rolling over.
In addition to the truck driver there are other parties who could share the blame in a truck crash including the driver's employer as well as the company they haul product for, and the person who sets up the load. It isn't easy to prove fault when there are multiple insurance companies involved, as each will try to limit its own liability.
In some instances the local government agency may also be liable for an accident that occurs on its property. If, for example, a poorly maintained road or a layout that was poorly planned contributed to an accident then the county board may be responsible for the victim's damages. This type of claim is based upon the principle of vicarious accountability that is the law that holds a supervisor responsible for an employee's actions while doing their duties.
Damages
Any car accident can result in extreme emotional and physical trauma. However, the effects of a collision with a semi-truck are more severe than most other types of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage to property. This could result in a significant financial burden. A semi truck accident lawyer can help determine the full extent of your losses and obtain the compensation you deserve.
It is always a good idea, regardless of the kind of accident that has occurred, to consult an attorney for personal injury. This is especially true when it comes to cases involving large vehicles. In addition to the general laws that regulate traffic and personal injuries There are specific rules applicable to commercial trucks. These regulations can have a major impact on how a collision happens, the responsible parties and the types damages that may be awarded. An attorney can help you learn about these rules and ensure that the parties at fault are held accountable.
When a truck collision occurs it is not uncommon to have several parties that could be responsible such as the truck driver or the company they work for, as well as the company that hauled the load. The truck manufacturer or defective parts may also be held responsible for the incident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide the evidence needed to show that all those responsible are liable and to show that you are entitled to fair compensation.
An experienced semi truck accident lawyer on your side can safeguard your rights from the common tactics used by insurance companies to deny or reduce your claim. Injured victims are usually looking for money in order to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. The insurers know this and take advantage of this, using delaying as a tactic to pressure you to accept less than you deserve.
An attorney can help you determine all the future and present damages you are entitled to, such as medical bills, lost income as well as property damage and suffering and pain. A lawyer can help you determine how much compensatory and punitive damage to determine in your particular case. Compensation damages are designed to pay you back for your losses, whereas punitive damages are designed to punish the responsible party and deter others from committing similar acts.
Expert Witnesses
Truck accidents differ from car accidents in that they require a lot more specific information, including the truck mechanics involved, the long-term economic and medical consequences of the accident, and industry regulations. A semi-truck crash attorney should have access to the right experts who can fill in gaps of knowledge and provide crucial testimony that could be essential to a client's case.
Specialists in accident reconstruction are some of the most knowledgeable experts that a semi-truck accident attorney can call on. These experts are highly skilled and know how to assess an accident scene, assess both the truck and the vehicle involved in it, determine the cause of the crash, and then explain their findings in a manner that is clear and comprehendable. They are often a key element of a successful lawsuit as they assist jurors in understanding how an accident occurred and which parties could be responsible.
Expert witnesses can also help determine which damages are applicable and how much the damages will be worth. For example, a life-care planner can be hired to illustrate the impact a serious crash might have on a victim's ability to work, their medical requirements for the remaining years of their lives as well as any other long-term effects. An economist can also assist calculate the damages for lost earnings that are a key part of any compensation award.
Forensic toxicologists and experts in the recognition of alcohol and drug use are also essential for a successful claim. They can assist in drawing an exact line between intoxication and the crash. This is especially true when the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of crash. A metallurgist is also an effective expert witness since they can conduct tests on metal components of the truck that might be involved in the crash to determine whether they were overloaded.
In certain cases the New York semi-truck accident attorney will hire an expert to examine the trucking company and the way it operates. This is particularly important when the trucker worked for an enormous trucking company and was subject to the same standards as other drivers were not. An expert could examine the safety policies of the trucking company hiring practices, safety procedures, and any other information that might assist in determining the cause of the accident.
Time Limits
When a truck crash occurs, evidence is often lost or destroyed. It is imperative to contact a semi-truck accident attorney as soon as you can. Our lawyers can conduct a thorough investigation to determine who's accountable for your injuries. We'll work with accident reconstruction experts doctors, medical professionals, and financial analysts to help you get the money you are entitled to.
reading semi truck accident settlement of a truck accident involves driver negligence. This could result from driving while distracted, driving while under the influence or driving irresponsibly. The trucking company that owns and operates the truck could also be at fault for an accident in the event that they do not follow safety rules or hire unqualified drivers.
Another reason for a car accident is the inadvertent maintenance of the vehicle. Inability to check or repair the brakes, tires, or other parts of a truck could result in a dangerous accident. It is crucial that your lawyer for truck accidents is aware of the maintenance requirements for large trucks to determine any safety issues.
A third reason behind a truck accident is a trailer that is not properly loaded or cargo. If a truck isn't 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 can cause serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
Drivers' negligence by other drivers can also lead to truck accidents. They may cut off the driver of the truck or merge into wrong lane. These actions could cause the truck driver to veer from the road, causing it hit other vehicles and pedestrians.
A head-on collision between trucks and a passenger vehicle is among the most deadly kinds of truck crashes. The front of the car is typically the one that bears the brunt, leading to serious injuries, and even death. These accidents occur when a truck driver falls asleep or swerves in order to avoid a vehicle, or is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Trucks can also cause accidents by spilling hazardous materials. These accidents can cause environmental damage as well as risk to the health of people who come in contact with the chemicals.