Truck Accident Attorneys
Each year, 5,000 people are killed in crashes with large trucks. It is crucial to work with truck accident attorneys who are knowledgeable about the various causes.
Attorneys must immediately initiate a claim with the insurance company of the driver, as well as with the company that owns and operates the truck. This will maximize the amount of insurance.
Liability
Trucks account for only 4 percent of the vehicles on the road but they are involved with 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 accidents can have a devastating financial impact on victims, and their and their families should be compensated in order to live their lives with dignity. Unfortunately trucking companies and their insurance providers will make no effort in an attempt to minimize the amount of compensation a victim has the right to. You need a knowledgeable strong, reputable 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 huge difference in your case.
A semi-truck, also referred to as a tractor-trailer or an 18-wheeler, is a massive commercial vehicle consisting of an engine (tractor unit) and an detachable trailer which carries cargo. These trucks are more prone due to their size and weight, to serious accidents if driven in reckless manners. Common causes of truck accidents include speeding, distracted driving and failing to check blind spots before turning or changing lanes. Incorrect loading of freight can cause truck accidents too. This can cause shifting, swaying, or even rolling the truck.
In addition to the driver, other parties could share the blame in an accident involving a truck. This includes the driver's company or the company the driver is responsible for hauling goods or even the person responsible for setting up the load. It is difficult to establish the fault when there are several insurance companies involved as each will seek to limit their own liability.
In some instances a local government entity could also be responsible for a crash that occurs on their property. If, for example a road that is not maintained or a poorly designed layout caused an accident, the county board could be responsible for the victim's damages. This type of claim is based on the principle of vicarious responsibility, which makes a supervisory body accountable for the actions of an employee who is acting within the context of their work.
Damages
The physical and emotional trauma that accompanies any motor vehicle accident can be quite severe. The effects of a collision involving semi-trucks can be more severe than other types of accidents. Not only can these vehicles cause more serious injuries however, they also have the potential to destroy or damage property that can lead to significant financial burdens. A semi truck accident lawyer can assist you to determine the total loss and obtain the compensation you deserve.
It is always a good idea regardless of the kind of accident that occurred to consult an attorney for personal injuries. This is particularly true in cases involving large vehicles. Commercial trucks are subjected to specific regulations in addition laws that govern traffic, personal injury and other laws. They can impact how a crash occurs, who is accountable, and the kinds of damages that could be awarded. An attorney can help you to understand these rules and ensure that the parties responsible are held liable.
If a truck accident happens, it is not uncommon for there to be several parties who could be accountable such as the truck driver as well as the company they work for, as well as the company that hauled the load. A truck manufacturer or defective components could also be held responsible for the incident. An attorney for semi-truck accidents can provide the specific evidence necessary to prove that all parties at fault are accountable and that you have the right to fair compensation.
A semi truck accident lawyer with experience can help you avoid common tactics used by insurance companies to deny or reduce your claim. Injured victims are often seeking money to cover medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies profit from this by using delay to force you into accepting lower than you should.
An attorney can help determine all the present and future damages that you are entitled to, including medical bills as well as lost income, property damage, and suffering and pain. A lawyer can assist you determine how much damages to determine in your particular case. Compensatory damages are intended to reimburse you for your losses, whereas punitive damages are meant to punish the person at fault and deter others from committing similar acts.
Expert Witnesses
Contrary to a typical car accident case, truck accidents typically involve a significant amount of specialized information about industry regulations such as truck mechanics, the long-term medical and economic effects of the accident. An attorney for semi-truck accidents should be able to access experts who can fill in knowledge gaps and provide crucial testimony that could be vital to the client's case.
The specialists in accident reconstruction are one of the most valuable experts that a semi-truck accident lawyer can call upon. They are experts with years of experience who know how to examine an accident scene, assess the vehicle and truck involved in the crash, determine what caused it and then explain their findings in clear, simple terms. They are often a crucial element of a successful lawsuit, because they can help jurors understand why a crash took place and who is responsible.
Expert witnesses can also determine the damage that is applicable and their worth. For instance, a health planner can be enlisted to explain the effect a serious accident could have on a victim's ability to work, their medical needs for the duration of their lives, and any other long-term repercussions. Additionally, an economist can help to calculate things like lost earnings damages, which will be a significant part 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. These types of experts could aid in drawing a clear line between intoxication and the accident, especially in cases where the trucker may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident. A metallurgist is also an excellent expert witness since they can perform tests on metal components of the truck that could have been involved in the crash to determine whether they were loaded to the max.
In some instances an attorney representing a New York semi truck accident will retain an expert to study the trucking company and how it operates. This is important, especially in the case of a trucker who worked for a large trucking firm and was subject to standards that other drivers weren't. The right expert can examine the safety protocols of the trucking company, hiring practices, and any other information that may aid in determining fault.
Time Limits
Evidence is often destroyed or lost in a truck crash. It is crucial to speak with a semi truck accident attorney as quickly as possible. Our attorneys can conduct an extensive investigation to determine the responsible parties for your injuries. We will work with accident reconstruction experts doctors, medical professionals and financial experts to help you get the compensation you require.
The most frequently cited cause of a truck accident is negligence by the driver. This can be caused by driving distracted or impaired or driving recklessly. Trucking companies that don't adhere to safety standards or hire employees with no qualifications could also be held responsible for accidents.
Incorrect maintenance of the vehicle is another cause of a truck crash. Inability to inspect or repair the brakes, tires, or other parts could cause a dangerous crash. downey semi truck accident case is vital that your truck accident lawyer understands the maintenance requirements of large trucks in order to examine any safety concerns.
A third reason is that a trailer that is not properly loaded or cargo could cause accidents with trucks. A truck that isn't loaded properly can cause the truck or trailer to jackknife when it's not properly loaded. This is a serious crash that can cause serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
Truck accidents can also be caused by negligent driving from other drivers. They could cut off the driver of the truck or merge into the wrong lanes. These actions may cause the truck driver to veer from the road, causing it hit other vehicles and pedestrians.
A head-on collision between a truck and a passenger vehicle is one of the most fatal kinds of truck accidents. The front of the passenger car is typically the one who takes the brunt of the damage, resulting in grave injuries or even death. These kinds of accidents typically occur on roads that are not divided when the truck driver is asleep, turns to avoid another vehicle or is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Trucks can also cause accidents by spilling hazardous materials. These accidents could cause environmental damage and health risks to humans who come into contact with the chemicals.