Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people die in accidents involving large vehicles. It's important that you employ truck accident lawyers who understand the different factors.
A lawyer should immediately set up claims with the insurance company of the driver company, as in the case of the company that owns the truck. This is done in order to maximize the amount of insurance available.
Liability
While trucks make up only 4 percent of vehicles on the road, they are involved in more than a fifth of all vehicular accidents. In the majority of these accidents, the victims suffer severe injuries and are permanently disabled. The financial burden of those injuries can be huge, and victims and their families require compensation in order to live a life of dignity. Insurance companies and trucking companies will do everything possible to minimize the amount of compensation the victim is entitled to. You need a seasoned, strong semi truck accident lawyer who can take on the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the experience, expertise and the strength to make an impact on your case.
Semi-trucks, also known under the names tractor-trailer or 18-wheeler, are large commercial vehicles made up of a truck unit (tractor) and an attached trailer which transports cargo. These trucks are more prone due to their weight and size, to serious accidents if driven recklessly. Common causes of truck accidents include speeding, distracted driving, and failing to check blind spots prior to turning or changing lanes. Another cause of truck crashes is the improper loading of cargo, which can cause shifting and swaying that could result in the truck rolling over.
In addition to the driver, other parties may be liable in the event of a truck crash. This includes the company that is responsible for the driver and the company the driver transports products for or the person who is responsible for setting up the load. It can be difficult to prove the responsibility when there are multiple insurance companies involved, since each will try to limit their own liability.
In some cases the local government agency may also be liable for any accident that occurs on its property. If, for example a road that is not maintained or a layout that was poorly planned contributed to an accident then the county board could be held accountable for the injuries suffered by the victim. This type of claim is based on the principle of vicarious accountability, which makes a supervisor accountable for the actions of an employee while performing their job.
Damages
Any car accident can result in extreme physical and emotional trauma. However, the consequences of a collision with a semi truck are more severe than most other kinds of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage property. This could result in an enormous financial burden. A semi truck accident attorney can help you determine the totality of your losses and seek an appropriate amount of compensation.
While it's generally an excellent idea to consult an attorney for injury after any kind of accident, this is especially important in cases involving large vehicles. Commercial trucks are subject to specific rules in addition to laws that regulate personal injury, traffic and other laws. They can impact how a accident occurs, who is responsible, and the kinds of damages that could be awarded. An attorney can ensure that you understand the rules and that the parties at fault are held accountable.
It is not uncommon for multiple parties to be held responsible for a truck crash, including the driver and their employer, as well the company who hauled the cargo. Additionally, the blame could be attributed to the company that made the truck of the truck or to any of the parts that were defective and caused the accident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide you with the evidence necessary to prove that all parties at fault are liable and to show that you have a right to fair compensation.
A semi truck accident lawyer with years of experience will protect you from typical tactics employed by insurance companies to deny or reduce your claim. Victims of injuries are often looking for money in order to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. The insurers know this and profit from it, using delay as a tactic to try to force you into accepting less than you are entitled to.
An attorney can help you determine all the future and present damages you are entitled to, such as medical bills, lost income property damage, suffering and pain. An attorney can help you determine the amount of punitive and compensatory damages to be awarded in your case. Compensatory damages are meant to compensate you for your losses, while punitive damages are meant to punish the at-fault party and discourage others from committing similar crimes.
Expert Witnesses
Truck accidents differ from car accidents in that they require more specific information, including the truck mechanics involved as well as the long-term economic and medical effects of the crash, and industry regulations. A semi-truck accident attorney should be able to access experts who can fill in gaps and provide evidence that could be crucial to the client's case.
Specialists in reconstruction of accidents are one of the most valuable experts a semi truck attorney can contact. These experts are knowledgeable and are able to analyze the accident scene, analyze both the truck and the vehicle involved in it, determine the cause of the crash, and then explain their findings in a manner that is clear and comprehendable. new mexico semi truck accident lawsuit are often a crucial element of a successful lawsuit as they assist the jury in understanding how a particular crash happened, and who might be responsible.
The right expert witnesses can also help to determine what damages are enforceable and how much the damages will be worth. For instance, a life insurance planner could be hired to illustrate the impact that a accident could have on a victim's ability to work, their medical needs for the rest of their lives, as well as any other long-term effects. Additionally, an economist can help to calculate things like lost earnings damages, which will be a major component of any compensation award.
Forensic toxicologists as well as experts in the field of recognition of alcohol and drugs can also be a huge asset to a successful claim. These experts can help to draw a straight line between alcohol and the accident, particularly when the trucker might have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the collision. A metallurgist may also be an expert witness as they can conduct tests on the metal components of the truck that might have been involved in the collision to see whether they were overloaded.
In some instances an attorney representing a New York semi truck accident will hire an expert who will investigate the trucking company and how it operates. This is essential, particularly when the trucker was employed by an established trucking company and was subject to standards that other drivers weren't. The expert can review the safety practices of the trucking company, their hiring practices as well as any other information that may aid in determining the source of the problem.
Time Limits
Evidence is usually destroyed or lost when a truck accident occurs. This is why it's crucial to get in touch with a semi-truck accident lawyer as quickly as possible. Our lawyers can conduct an extensive investigation to discover all the liable parties for your injuries. We will collaborate with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals and financial analysts to help you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
The most common reason for a truck accident is driver error. This could result from driving while in a hurry, driving under the influence or driving recklessly. The trucking company that owns and operates the truck may also be responsible for accidents in the event that they do not follow safety guidelines or employ unqualified drivers.
Unprofessional maintenance of the vehicle is another reason for crashes involving trucks. Failure to examine or repair a truck's brakes, tires, or other parts could result in a deadly crash. It is important that your truck accident lawyer is aware of the requirements for maintenance on large trucks so that they can look into any safety issues.
A third issue is that a poorly loaded trailer or cargo could result in an accident with a truck. If a truck is not loaded properly, it can cause the trailer to shift while on the road or cause the truck to become jackknifed. This is a serious crash that could cause serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
Drivers' negligence by other drivers can also lead to truck accidents. They may cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong lane. These actions could cause the truck to drift off the road, and then collide with pedestrians or other vehicles.
One of the most deadly truck accidents is one that involves a head-on collision. The front of the passenger vehicle typically bears the brunt of the impact, which can result in serious injuries and even death. These accidents occur when a truck driver falls asleep, or is swerving to avoid another vehicle or is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Trucks can also cause accidents by spilling dangerous materials. These accidents can cause environmental damage and health risks to humans who come in contact with the chemicals.