Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people are killed in accidents involving large vehicles. It is essential to work with truck accident attorneys who understand the different factors.
A lawyer should immediately set up claims with the insurance company of the driver company, as and the company that owns the truck. This will maximize the amount of available insurance.
Liability
Trucks constitute just 4 percent of the vehicles on the road, but they are involved in over half of all accidents. In the majority of these accidents, the victims suffer severe injuries and are permanently disabled. The financial burden associated with these injuries can be huge, and the victims and their families need to recover damages to allow them to live their lives with dignity. The insurance companies of trucking companies will do everything they can to cut down on the amount of compensation that a victim is due. That's why you need an experienced and dependable semi truck accident lawyer who is able to stand up against insurance companies and their attorneys. John Hensley's team has the knowledge of experience, expertise, and the strength to make a significant difference in your case.
A semi-truck, also referred to as a tractor-trailer, or an 18-wheeler is a big commercial vehicle that consists of a truck (tractor unit) and an detachable trailer which carries cargo. Because of their weight and size, these trucks are prone to serious accidents when they are driven with recklessness or if drivers fail to exercise reasonable care when operating 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 reason for truck accidents is the improper loading of cargo, which can cause shifting and swaying that could lead to the truck rolling over.
In addition to the driver, other parties may share the blame in truck accidents. This includes the driver's employer as well as the company that the driver transports products for and 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 one will try to limit their own liability.
In certain instances, the local government entity could also be liable for accidents that occur on its property. For instance, if poor road layout or maintenance issues contributed to an accident the county board could be held accountable for the damages sustained by the victim. This kind of claim is based upon the principle of vicarious responsibilities, which makes a supervisor accountable for the actions of employees performing their job.
Damages
The physical and emotional trauma that comes with any motor vehicle crash can be quite severe. However, the effects of a collision with a semi-truck are more severe than most other types of accidents. Not only can these vehicles cause more severe injuries however, they can also damage or destroy property and cause significant financial burdens. A semi truck accident lawyer can help determine the extent of your losses and obtain the compensation you deserve.
While it's generally best to consult an attorney for injury after any kind of accident this is especially relevant for cases involving large-sized trucks. In addition to the general laws that govern personal injury and traffic, there are special regulations that pertain to commercial trucks. These regulations can affect how a crash occurs, who's accountable, and what types of damages awarded. A lawyer can help you understand these regulations and ensure that the parties responsible are held liable.
It is not uncommon for several parties to be held responsible for a truck accident, including the driver as well as their employer and the company who hauled the cargo. A truck manufacturer, or any defective parts may also be accountable for the incident. An attorney who is a semi truck accident will provide the exact evidence necessary to prove that all at-fault parties are accountable and that you are entitled to fair compensation.
A semi truck accident lawyer with experience will protect you from typical tactics employed by insurance companies to deny or limit your claim. Victims of injuries are often needing to get their money so that they can pay for medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies take advantage of this by using delay to force you into accepting less than you deserve.
A lawyer can help you determine the damages you are entitled to both in the future and now such as medical bills, lost income, and property damage. An attorney can also help you determine the right 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 aim to punish the person at fault and deter others from doing similar crimes.
Expert Witnesses
Truck accidents are different from car accidents in that they require a lot more specialized information, such as the truck mechanics involved along with the long-term financial and medical effects of the crash and the governing regulations for the industry. A semi-truck crash attorney should be able to access the right experts, who can fill in gaps in knowledge and provide evidence that can be crucial to a client's claim.
The specialists in accident reconstruction are one of the most knowledgeable experts that a semi-truck attorney can contact. These are seasoned professionals who know how to examine the scene of an accident, evaluate the truck and other vehicles involved in the collision, identify the cause of the crash and present their findings in clear, simple terms. They are often a key element of a successful lawsuit because they can aid jurors in understanding why a particular crash happened, and who could be accountable for it.
Expert witnesses can also help determine the damages that are applicable and the 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 as well as their medical needs throughout their lifetime. An economist may also be able to calculate the loss of earnings damages that are a key element of any compensation award.
Experts in forensic toxicology and the identification of alcohol and drugs can also be very valuable for a successful case. They can assist in drawing the line between intoxication and the crash. This is especially the case when the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash. A metallurgist can also be an expert witness because they can conduct tests on metal components of the truck that might have been involved in the accident to determine whether they were overloaded.
In some instances, a New York semi-truck accident attorney will hire an expert to examine the trucking firm itself and the way in which it operates. This is especially crucial if the trucker was employed by a large trucking business and is required to follow certain standards which other drivers aren't. A qualified expert can review the safety protocols of the trucking company hiring practices, safety procedures, and any other information which could aid in determining fault.
Time Limits
Evidence is often destroyed or lost in a truck accident. It is essential to speak with a semi-truck accident attorney as quickly as possible. Our lawyers can conduct a thorough investigation to determine who is accountable for your injuries. We'll work with experts in accident reconstruction as well as medical professionals and financial experts to help you get the compensation you deserve.
The most frequently cited reason for a truck accident is driver error. This could result from driving while distracted, driving under the influence or driving irresponsibly. plymouth semi truck accident law firm that owns and operates the truck may also be responsible for the accident if they fail to follow safety guidelines or employ unqualified drivers.
A vehicle that is not maintained properly is a further cause of the possibility of a crash with a truck. Inability to check or repair brakes, tires or other components of a truck could result in danger in an accident. It is essential that your lawyer for truck accidents is aware of the maintenance requirements for large trucks to determine any safety issues.
Thirdly, a poorly-loaded trailer or cargo could result in an accident involving a truck. If a truck is not properly loaded, it can cause the trailer to shift while on the road or cause the truck to hit the ground. This is a serious accident that could cause serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
Accidents involving trucks are also caused by negligent driving by other drivers. They could cut off the driver of the truck or merge into wrong lane. These actions can cause the driver of the truck to veer from the road, which could cause it to be in collision with other vehicles or pedestrians.
A head-on collision between two vehicles, a truck and a vehicle is among the most fatal types of truck crashes. The front of the passenger vehicle is usually the one that takes the brunt, resulting in serious injuries, and even death. These kinds of accidents typically occur on undivided highways when the truck driver is asleep, swerves to avoid another vehicle, or is under the effects of alcohol or drugs. There are also accidents involving trucks that spill their load of hazardous materials. These accidents can cause environmental damage as well as risk to the health of people who come into contact with the chemicals.