Truck Accident Attorneys
Each year, 5,000 people are killed in crashes with large trucks. When a crash occurs it's essential to consult with truck accident lawyers who know the different factors involved.
Attorneys should immediately make a claim with the insurance company of the driver and with the company that owns and operates the truck. This is done to maximize the amount of available insurance.
Liability
Trucks constitute just 4 percent of all vehicles on the road but they are involved in nearly 55% of all accidents. In the vast majority of these accidents, victims suffer severe injuries and are permanently disabled. The financial burden of those injuries can be huge, and the family members of the victims must seek compensation to live their lives with dignity. Trucking companies and their insurers will do everything they can to limit the amount of compensation that the victim is due. You need a seasoned strong, reputable semi truck accident lawyer who can take on the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the experience, expertise and power to make an impact in your case.
Semi-trucks, also known by the names tractor-trailer, 18-wheeler and tractor, are large commercial vehicles which comprise one truck unit (tractor) and an attached trailer that transports cargo. Due to their weight and size they are susceptible to serious accidents when they are driven recklessly or if the driver does not exercise reasonable care when driving the vehicle. Truck accidents are usually caused by speeding, distracted drivers and the inability to spot blind spots when changing lanes or turning. Another cause of truck accidents is the improper loading of freight which can lead to shifting and swaying that could lead to the truck rolling over.
In addition to the driver, other parties may share the responsibility for a truck accident. This includes the driver's business or the company the driver hauls product for or even the person who is responsible for setting up the load. It can be difficult to prove the fault when there are several insurance companies involved, since each one will try to limit their own liability.
In some instances the local government entity could be held accountable for an accident that occurs on its property. If, for example, a poorly maintained road or a layout that was poorly planned contributed to an accident then the county board could be liable for the victim's damages. This type of claim is based on the principle of vicarious liability that holds a supervisory party liable for the actions of employees who is acting within the context of their duties.
Damages
The emotional and physical trauma that accompanies any motor vehicle accident could be severe. The effects of a collision involving a semi-truck can be more severe than other types of accidents. Not only do these vehicles cause more severe injuries as well, but they also have the potential to cause damage to property or destruction, resulting in significant financial burdens. A semi truck accident lawyer can assist you to determine the extent of your losses and get the right compensation.
Although it's generally a good idea to consult an injury attorney after any type of accident, this is particularly important in cases involving large trucks. Commercial trucks are subjected to specific regulations in addition laws that govern traffic, personal injury and other laws. These regulations can have a significant impact on the way a crash occurs, the parties responsible and the kind of damages that are possible to award. A lawyer can ensure that you are aware of the rules and ensure that the parties at fault are held accountable.
When a truck crash occurs, it is not uncommon to have several parties that could be responsible for the accident, including the driver of the truck or the company they work for, and the company that carries the load. In addition, the fault could be attributed to the company that made the truck of the truck or to any defective parts that contributed to the accident. An attorney who is a semi truck accident can provide the detailed evidence needed to demonstrate that all at-fault parties are responsible and you have the right to fair compensation.
A semi truck accident lawyer who has experience will be able to protect you from common tactics used by insurance companies to deny or decrease your claim. Injured victims are usually desperate to receive their money to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. The insurers know this and take advantage of it, using delay as a way to to force you into accepting lower than you should.
A lawyer can help you determine the damages you are entitled to in the near and future including medical bills, lost income, and property damage. An attorney can help you determine the amount of punitive and compensatory damages to award in your particular case. Compensation damages are designed to compensate you for your losses, while 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, including the truck mechanics involved as well as the long-term economic and medical effects of the crash and the governing regulations for the industry. A semi-truck accident attorney should have access the right experts who can fill in knowledge gaps and provide evidence that could be crucial to the client's case.
The specialists in accident reconstruction are among the most reliable experts that a semi-truck accident lawyer could rely on. These professionals are experienced and are able to evaluate the accident scene, analyze the truck as well as the vehicle involved, determine the cause of the accident, and explain their findings in a way that is easily understandable. They are often an important part of a successful lawsuit, as they help jurors to understand how a collision took place and who is accountable.
Expert witnesses can also identify the damages that are applicable and their value. A life care planner, for example, can be hired to show the impact of an accident of a serious nature on a person's ability to work and their medical needs throughout their life. Additionally, an economist can help to calculate things like lost earnings damages, which could constitute a substantial portion of any compensation award.
Experts in toxicology for forensics and the identification of alcohol and drugs can also be very valuable for a successful case. These types of experts can aid in drawing a clear line between alcohol consumption and the accident, especially when the trucker was been under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the collision. A metallurgist can also be an excellent expert witness. They can examine the metal components of the truck involved in the crash to determine if they were loaded too much.
In certain cases an attorney representing an New York semi truck accident will hire an expert to study the trucking firm and how it operates. palmdale semi truck accident law firm is especially crucial in the event that the trucker was employed by a large trucking firm and may be subject to certain standards that other drivers are not. The right expert can examine the safety protocols of the trucking company, hiring practices, and any other information which could aid in determining fault.
Time Limits
If a truck accident occurs, evidence is often lost or destroyed. That's why it's important to contact a semi truck accident lawyer as quickly as you can. Our attorneys can conduct a thorough investigation to find all responsible parties for your injuries. We will collaborate with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals and financial analysts to help you get the money you deserve.
The most common cause for truck accidents is driver negligence. It could be due to driving while distracted or impaired or driving recklessly. Trucking companies that don't adhere to safety regulations or hire employees who are not qualified could also be accountable for accidents.
Unprofessional maintenance of the vehicle is another cause of crashes involving trucks. Failure to examine or repair the brakes, tires or other components of a vehicle can result in a dangerous accident. It is important that your lawyer for truck accidents is aware of the requirements for maintenance on large trucks to examine any safety concerns.
Thirdly, a trailer that isn't properly loaded or cargo can cause an accident involving a truck. A truck that is not properly loaded can cause the truck or trailer to jackknife if it is not properly loaded. This is a serious crash which can result in serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
Truck accidents can also be caused by negligent driving by other drivers. They may cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong lane. These actions may cause the truck driver to veer from the road, which could cause it to hit other vehicles and pedestrians.
One of the most fatal truck accidents is a head-on collision. The front of the car is typically the one who takes the brunt, which can result in serious injuries, and even death. These kinds of accidents typically occur on highways with no traffic lanes when the truck driver is asleep, swerves to avoid another vehicle or is under the effects of alcohol or drugs. Trucks can cause accidents as well by spilling hazardous substances. These accidents could cause environmental damage as well as health risks for people who come in contact with the chemicals.