Truck Accident Attorneys
Each year, 5,000 people are killed in crashes involving large trucks. It is important to engage with lawyers for truck accidents who are aware of the various factors.
An attorney must immediately initiate 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
Although trucks account for only 4 percent of vehicles on the road yet they are involved more than five percent of all vehicle accidents. In the majority of these accidents, the victims suffer catastrophic injuries and are permanently disabled. These injuries can have a significant financial impact on the victim, and the victim and families need to be compensated for their loss in order to live with dignity. Unfortunately trucking companies and their insurance providers will do everything they can in an attempt to limit the amount of compensation that a victim is entitled to. You need a seasoned strong, reputable semi truck accident lawyer who can fight the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the experience, expertise and determination to make the difference in your case.
Semi-trucks, referred to by the names tractor-trailer, 18-wheeler and tractor, are large commercial vehicles that consist of a truck unit (tractor) and an attached trailer which transports cargo. These trucks are susceptible, due to their size and weight to serious accidents if they are driven in reckless manners. Truck accidents are usually caused by speeding, distracted drivers, and failure to check blind spots when turning or changing lanes. Another reason behind truck crashes is the improper loading of freight that can result in shifting and swaying that could potentially result in the truck rolling over.
In addition to the driver of the truck Other parties could share liability in a truck accident, such as the employer of the driver and the company they transport products for, or even the person that sets up the load. It is more difficult when multiple insurance companies are involved in the matter, because they each attempt to limit their own liability.
In some instances, the local government agency might also be liable for accidents that occur on its property. For instance, if a poorly designed road layout or poor maintenance contributed to an accident, the county board may be responsible for the damages sustained by the victim. This type of claim is based on the principle of vicarious responsibility, which makes a supervisory body accountable for the actions of an employee while acting within the scope of their job.
Damages
Any motor vehicle accident can cause severe emotional and physical trauma. However, the effects of a collision with a semi truck are more severe than most other kinds of accidents. Not only do these vehicles cause more serious injuries as well, but they can also cause property damage or destruction that can lead to significant financial burdens. An attorney for semi-truck accidents can help you determine the totality of your loss and pursue an appropriate amount of compensation.
It is always a good idea, regardless of the type of accident that happened to consult an attorney for personal injury. This is especially true in cases involving large vehicles. In addition to the general laws that govern traffic and personal injury, there are special regulations that pertain to commercial trucks. These regulations can have a major impact on the way a crash happens, the responsible parties and the kinds of damages that could be awarded. An attorney can ensure that you are aware of the regulations and that those responsible are held accountable.
It is not unusual that several parties are held responsible for a truck accident which includes the driver, their employer, and the company who hauled the cargo. Additionally, the blame could be attributed to the manufacturer of the truck or any faulty parts that caused the accident. A semi truck accident attorney can provide the specific evidence to show that all at-fault parties are responsible and that you are entitled to fair compensation.
A semi truck accident lawyer who has experience can protect you from the common strategies used by insurance companies to deny or reduce your claim. Injured victims are usually desperate to receive their money to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies profit from this by attempting to force you to accept lower than you should.
A lawyer can help you determine the damages you are entitled to both in the future and now, including medical bills, lost income and property damage. A lawyer can help you determine the amount of compensatory and punitive damage to award in your particular case. Compensatory damages aim to reimburse you for your losses, whereas punitive damages are intended to punish the person at fault and discourage others from committing similar actions.
Expert Witnesses
Unlike a normal car accident case, truck accidents typically contain a large amount of specific information about the industry's regulations including truck mechanics, the long-term economic and medical impact of the crash. A semi-truck accident attorney must have access to experts who can fill in the gaps and provide crucial evidence that could be crucial to the client's case.
Accident reconstruction specialists are among the most valuable experts that a semi-truck accident lawyer could rely on. These experts are knowledgeable and are able to analyze the accident scene, analyze both the truck and the vehicle involved in it to determine the cause of the crash, and then explain their findings clearly and understandable. They are usually a vital component of any successful lawsuit since they can assist the jury in understanding how an accident occurred and who might be accountable for it.
The right expert witnesses can also assist to identify the damages that are applicable and what the damages will be worth. A life care planner, for example, can be hired to show the impact of a serious accident on the victim's ability to work and their medical needs throughout their life. In addition, an economist could help to calculate things like lost earnings damages, which will be a significant component of any compensation award.
Forensic toxicologists as well as experts in recognition of alcohol and drugs are also essential for a successful claim. These types of experts could aid in drawing a clear line between intoxication and the accident, especially when the trucker was been under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident. A metallurgist is also a useful expert witness, as they can conduct tests on metal components of the truck that could be involved in the crash to determine whether they were loaded to the max.
In some instances an attorney in an New York semi truck accident will retain an expert to study the trucking firm and how it operates. This is especially important when the trucker is employed by a large trucking company and might be subject to certain rules which other drivers aren't. The expert can look into the safety policies of the trucking company, the hiring practices of their employees, as well as any other information which could aid in determining the cause of the accident.
Time Limits
When a truck crash occurs, evidence is often lost or destroyed. This is why it's imperative to contact a semi truck accident attorney as soon as you can. Our lawyers can conduct an extensive investigation to determine all responsible parties for your injuries. We'll work with accident reconstruction experts as well as medical professionals and financial analysts to help you get the compensation that you are entitled to.
The most frequent cause of a truck accident involves driver carelessness. This could result from driving while unintentionally, driving while under the influence or driving recklessly. The trucking company that operates and owns the truck could also be responsible for the accident in the event they fail to comply with safety guidelines or employ unqualified drivers.
Another reason for a car accident is improper maintenance on the vehicle. Failure to inspect or repair the brakes, tires or other components of a truck can lead to danger in an accident. It is vital that your truck accident lawyer is aware of the requirements for maintenance on large trucks in order to determine any safety issues.
Another reason behind a truck accident is a poorly loaded trailer or cargo. A poorly loaded truck can cause the trailer or truck to be jackknifed if not properly loaded. This is a serious crash that could result in serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
Truck accidents are also caused by the negligent driving of other drivers. They may cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong direction. These actions can cause the truck's wheels to slide off the road and collide with other vehicles or pedestrians.
One of the most fatal truck accidents is the head-on collision. cape coral semi truck accident lawyer of the passenger vehicle typically bears the brunt of the impact, which can result in serious injuries or death. These accidents happen when a truck driver falls asleep, or swerves to avoid a vehicle, or is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. There are also accidents that involve trucks that spill their loads of hazardous substances. These accidents could cause environmental harm as well as health risks for people who come into contact with the chemicals.