Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people are killed in accidents involving large trucks. If a crash does occur it's essential to find truck accident lawyers who understand the various aspects involved.
A lawyer should promptly initiate claims with the insurance company of the driver company, as in the case of the company that is the owner of the truck. This is done in order to get the most insurance possible.
Liability
Although trucks account for only 4 percent of vehicles on the road but they are involved in more than a fifth of all vehicular accidents. The majority of those accidents cause catastrophic injuries with victims suffering permanent, life-changing disabilities. The financial burden of those injuries can be immense, and victims and their families must seek compensation in order to live with dignity. Insurance companies and trucking firms will do everything to cut down on the amount of compensation a victim is due. That's why you need an experienced, dependable semi truck accident lawyer who is able to stand up against insurance companies and their attorneys. John Hensley and his team have the expertise, experience and the strength to make the difference in your case.
A semi-truck also referred to as a tractor-trailer or an 18-wheeler is a big commercial vehicle comprised 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 when drivers fail to exercise reasonable care while operating the vehicle. Accidents involving trucks are usually caused by drivers who speed, distracted drivers as well as the failure to observe blind spots when turning or changing lanes. Unsafe loading of freight could also cause truck accidents. This can result in shifting, swaying, and even rolling the truck.
In addition to the driver, other people can share the responsibility for a truck accident. This includes the driver's company and the company the driver is responsible for hauling goods or even the person who arranges the load. It is more difficult when multiple insurance companies are involved in the incident, because they all attempt to limit their own liability.
In some cases the local government agency could also be responsible for an accident that occurs on their property. If, for instance an unmaintained road or a poorly-designed layout contributed to an accident then the county board may be responsible for the damages suffered by the victim. This type of claim is based on the principle of vicarious responsibilities, which makes a supervisor accountable for the actions of an employee while doing their job.
Damages
Every motor vehicle accident can cause severe emotional and physical trauma. However, the results of a collision with a semi-truck are more severe than most other kinds of accidents. Not only do these vehicles cause more severe injuries, but they can also cause property damage or destruction which can result in substantial financial burdens. A semi truck accident attorney can assist you in determining the full extent of your losses and pursue an appropriate amount of compensation.
It's an excellent idea to consult an attorney for injury after any kind of accident, this is particularly important in cases involving large trucks. Commercial trucks are subject to special regulations, in addition to the laws that govern traffic, personal injury and other laws. These regulations can affect how a crash occurs, who is accountable, and what types of damages that may be awarded. Lawyers can ensure that you are aware of regulations and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
When a truck collision occurs, it is not uncommon for there to be a number of parties to be accountable which include the driver of the truck as well as the company they work for, as well as the company that carries the load. A truck manufacturer or defective components could also be accountable for the accident. A semi truck accident lawyer will provide the exact evidence necessary to prove that all at-fault parties are accountable and that you are entitled to fair compensation.
An experienced semi truck accident lawyer at your side can shield you against the common tactics that insurance companies use to deny or reduce your claim. Victims of injuries often feel needing to get their money so that they can pay for medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies know this and take advantage of delay as a tactic to pressure you into accepting less than you are entitled to.
A lawyer can help you determine the total amount of future and present damages you are entitled to, such as medical bills, lost income property damage, pain and suffering. A lawyer can help you determine the amount of damages to determine in your case. Compensatory damages are intended to reimburse you for your losses, while punitive damages are intended to punish the person at fault and deter others from doing similar crimes.
Expert Witnesses
As opposed to a typical car crash case, truck crashes typically involve a significant amount of specialized information about industry regulations such as truck mechanics, the long-term economic and medical impacts of the accident. A semi-truck crash lawyer should have access to the right experts who can fill in gaps of knowledge and provide crucial testimony that may be crucial to a client's case.
Accident reconstruction specialists are among the most knowledgeable experts that a semi-truck accident attorney could rely on. They are experts with years of experience who know how to look over the scene of an accident, analyze the vehicle and truck involved in the accident, determine what caused it, and explain their findings in clear, simple terms. mckinney semi truck accident attorney are often a crucial part of a successful lawsuit as they can help the jurors to understand how a collision took place and who may be responsible.
Expert witnesses can also identify the extent of damages that are relevant and the worth. A life care planner, for example is a person who can demonstrate the impact of an accident that is severe on the ability of a victim to work and their medical needs over their life. Likewise, an economist can assist in calculating things like lost earnings damages, which could be a significant part of any compensation award.
Forensic toxicologists as well as experts in recognition of alcohol and drugs can be extremely valuable for a successful claim. These types of experts could help draw a clear line between alcohol consumption and the crash, especially when the driver may have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash. A metallurgist is a valuable expert witness. They can conduct tests on the metal components of the truck involved in the accident to determine if they were loaded to the limit.
In some cases the New York semi-truck accident attorney will employ an expert to investigate the trucking company itself and how it functions. This is particularly crucial if the trucker was employed by a large trucking business and might be subject to certain requirements which other drivers aren't. The right expert can examine the trucking company's safety procedures the hiring procedures, hiring practices and any other information which could assist in determining the cause of the accident.
Time Limits
Evidence is often lost or destroyed during a truck accident. This is why it's imperative to contact a semi truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Our attorneys will conduct an exhaustive investigation to identify the responsible parties for your injuries. We'll collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals and financial analysts to ensure you get the compensation that you are entitled to.
The most typical cause of a truck accident involves driver negligence. This can include driving distracted or impaired or driving recklessly. The trucking company that operates and owns the truck could also be responsible for a crash in the event that they do not follow safety regulations or hire inexperienced drivers.
Unprofessional maintenance of the vehicle is a further cause of the possibility of a crash with a truck. Inability to check or repair tires, brakes, or other parts of a truck can lead to an accident that is dangerous. It is essential to ensure that your truck accident lawyer knows the requirements for maintenance of large trucks so that they can investigate any issues with the truck's safety.
A third issue is that a poorly loaded trailer or cargo can cause 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 be jackknifed. This is a serious accident that could cause serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
Accidents involving trucks are also caused by negligent driving from other drivers. 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 cause collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians.
A head-on collision between a truck and a passenger vehicle is among the most dangerous types of truck accidents. The front of the passenger vehicle typically bears the brunt of the impact, which can result in serious injuries or death. These kinds of accidents typically occur on roads with no other traffic when the truck driver falls asleep, swerves to avoid another vehicle or is driving under the effects of alcohol or 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 into contact with the chemicals.