Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 individuals die in accidents caused by large trucks. It is important to get help from truck accident attorneys who are knowledgeable about the various causes.
A lawyer should immediately set up claims with the insurance company as well as the company which owns the truck. This is done in order to maximize the insurance coverage available.
Liability
Trucks account for only 4 percent of all vehicles on the road but they are involved in more than a fifth of all accidents. In the 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 their families should be compensated to live with dignity. Unfortunately trucking companies and their insurance companies will not leave a stone unturned in an attempt to minimize the amount of the compensation a victim is entitled to. You need a knowledgeable strong and experienced semi truck accident lawyer who is able to take on the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the expertise, experience and determination to make the difference in your case.
Semi-trucks, also known under the names tractor-trailer or 18-wheeler are large commercial vehicles comprised of an engine (tractor) and an attached trailer which transports cargo. These trucks are vulnerable due to their weight and size to serious accidents if driven in reckless manners. Truck accidents are usually caused by speeding, distracted drivers as well as the failure to observe blind spots when turning or changing lanes. Improper loading of freight can result in truck accidents. This can cause shifting, swaying, or even the truck rolling.
In addition to the driver, other parties can share responsibility in a truck accident. This includes the driver's company and the company the driver transports goods for, or even the person responsible for setting up the load. It is difficult to establish that someone is at fault when there are multiple insurance companies involved, because each will seek to limit their own liability.
In some instances, local government agencies could also share responsibility for accidents that occur on their property. If, for example an unmaintained road or a poorly-designed layout contributed to an accident then the county board could be liable for the injuries suffered by the victim. This type of claim is based on the concept of vicarious liability that holds a supervisory party liable for the actions of an employee while acting within the scope of their job.
Damages
Any accident involving a motor vehicle can result in extreme physical and emotional trauma. The results of a collision with semi-trucks can be more severe than other types of accidents. Not only can these vehicles cause more serious injuries, but they also have the potential to destroy or damage property that can lead to significant financial burdens. An attorney for semi-truck accidents can help you determine the extent of your loss and pursue the right compensation for them.
While it's generally an excellent idea to consult an attorney who can help you after any kind of accident, this is particularly important when it comes to cases involving large trucks. Commercial trucks are subjected to specific rules in addition to laws that regulate personal injury, traffic and other laws. They affect how a accident occurs, who is responsible, and the types of damages that may be awarded. An attorney can ensure that you are aware of rules and that those responsible are held accountable.
It is not unusual that several parties are accountable for an accident involving a truck, including the driver or their employer, as well as the company that carried the cargo. A truck manufacturer or any defective parts could also be held responsible for the accident. An attorney who is a semi truck accident will provide the exact evidence needed to demonstrate that all parties at fault are liable and that you are entitled to fair compensation.
A seasoned semi truck accident lawyer on your side can protect you against the common tactics that insurance companies use to deny or reduce your claim. Injured victims are often eager to receive compensation to cover medical treatment and other expenses. The insurers know this and take advantage of delay as a way to pressure you into accepting less than you are entitled to.
An attorney can help you determine the damages you are entitled to in the near and future such as medical bills, lost income, and property damage. An attorney can also help you determine the appropriate amount of compensatory and punitive damages to award in your case. Compensatory damages are meant to pay you back for your losses, whereas punitive damages are designed to punish the person at fault and deter others from doing similar acts.
Expert Witnesses
Contrary to a typical car accident case, truck accidents typically involve a lot of highly specific information on industry regulations as well as truck mechanics and the long-term economic and medical consequences of the collision. A semi-truck accident attorney should have access to the right experts who can fill in the gaps and provide crucial testimony that could be vital to the client's claim.
Accident reconstruction specialists are some of the most effective experts that a semi-truck accident attorney can call on. They are experts with years of experience who are skilled at examining the scene of an accident, evaluate the vehicle and truck involved in the crash, determine what caused it and present their findings in clear, easy-to-understand terms. They are usually a vital part of any successful lawsuit as they aid jurors in understanding why a particular crash happened, and who might be responsible.
The right expert witnesses can help determine the extent of damages that are appropriate and what the damages will be worth. For example, a life-care planner could be enlisted to explain the impact a serious crash might have on a victim's ability to work, their medical requirements for the rest of their lives, and any other long-term consequences. An economist can also help determine the amount of compensation for lost earnings that are a key part of any compensation award.
Experts in toxicology in the forensic field and the identification of alcohol and drugs are also extremely valuable in a successful claim. These experts can assist in drawing a clear line between intoxication and the crash, especially when the driver may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the collision. A metallurgist can be an expert witness. They can test metal components of the truck involved in the accident to determine if they were loaded too much.
In certain cases an attorney representing a New York semi truck accident will engage an expert to look into the trucking business and how it operates. This is important, especially if the trucker worked for an enormous trucking company and was subject to standards that other drivers were not. A qualified expert can review the safety procedures of the trucking firm hiring practices, safety procedures, and any other information that could assist in determining the cause of the accident.
Time Limits
If a truck accident occurs, evidence is often lost or destroyed. That's why it's important to speak with a semi truck accident lawyer as quickly as you can. Our attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation to determine who's responsible for your injuries. buena park semi truck accident lawyer will work with experts in accident reconstruction as well as medical professionals and financial experts to ensure you receive the compensation you require.
The most typical cause of a truck accident involves driver carelessness. It could be due to driving while distracted or under the influence or driving recklessly. Trucking companies that fail to adhere to safety regulations or hire unqualified employees may also be held accountable for accidents.
Unprofessional maintenance of the vehicle is another cause of the possibility of a crash with a truck. Failure to check or repair the brakes, tires, or other parts could result in a deadly crash. It is essential that your lawyer for truck accidents knows the maintenance requirements of large trucks so that they can examine any safety concerns.
A third reason for a car 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 on the road or cause the truck to become jackknifed. This is a serious crash that can cause serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
Truck accidents can also be caused by negligent driving by other drivers. They may cut off the driver of the truck or merge into wrong lane. These actions could cause the driver of the truck to drift off the road, which could cause it to cause collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians.
A head-on collision between a truck and a passenger vehicle is among the most fatal kinds of truck crashes. The front of the passenger vehicle is typically the one that takes the brunt, resulting in serious injuries, and even death. These accidents happen when a truck driver falls asleep, or is swerving to avoid another vehicle, or is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. There are also accidents that involve trucks that spill their load of hazardous substances. These accidents could cause environmental damage as well as health risks for people who come into contact with the chemicals.