Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 individuals are killed in crashes with large trucks. It is important to engage with lawyers for truck accidents who are aware of the various factors.
A lawyer should immediately initiate claims with the insurance company as in the case of the company that is the owner of the truck. This is done in order to maximize the available insurance.
Liability
Although trucks account for only 4 percent of the vehicles on the road but they are involved in more than half of all motor vehicle accidents. The majority of these accidents involve catastrophic injuries, which result in permanent and life-altering disabilities. These injuries can have a significant financial impact, and the victims and their families must be compensated in order to live their lives with dignity. Unfortunately trucking companies and insurance providers will not leave a stone unturned in their efforts to reduce the amount of compensation a victim is entitled to. You need an experienced and dependable semi truck accident lawyer who is able to take on the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the experience, knowledge and power to make a difference in your case.
A semi-truck, also known as a tractor-trailer, or an 18-wheeler, is a massive commercial vehicle that consists of the truck (tractor unit) and an unattachable trailer that can carry cargo. Because of their weight and size they are prone to serious accidents if they are driven with recklessness or when the driver does not exercise reasonable care while operating the vehicle. Truck accidents are often caused by drivers who speed, distracted drivers, and failure to check blind spots when turning or changing lanes. Another reason for truck accidents is improper loading of the freight that can result in shifting and swaying which could potentially result in the truck rolling over.
In addition to the truck driver there are other parties who could share liability in a truck accident, such as the employer of the driver or the company they carry product for, and even the person that sets up the load. It can be more difficult when multiple insurers are involved in the case, as they will each try to limit their own liability.
In some instances, local government agencies could also share responsibility in the event of a crash on their property. For instance, if poorly designed road layout or poor maintenance resulted in an accident, the county board could be responsible for the injuries suffered by the victim. victorville semi truck accident attorney of claim is based on the concept of vicarious liability which holds an authority party responsible for the actions of employees while acting within the scope of their job.
Damages
The emotional and physical trauma that comes with any motor vehicle accident can be a lot. However, the effects of a collision with a semi-truck can be more serious than most other kinds of accidents. Not only do these vehicles cause more severe injuries, but they also have the potential to cause damage to property or destruction, resulting in significant financial burdens. An attorney for semi-truck accidents can help you determine the full extent of your losses and pursue the right compensation for them.
Although it's generally best to consult an attorney for injury after any type of accident, this is particularly relevant when it comes to cases involving large trucks. In addition to the general laws that govern personal injury and traffic, there are special regulations for commercial trucks. They affect how a accident occurs, who is responsible, and the kinds of damages that could be awarded. An attorney can help you learn about these rules and ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable.
It is not uncommon for several parties to be held responsible for a truck crash which includes the driver as well as their employer and the company who hauled the cargo. Additionally, the blame could be attributed to the company that made the truck of the truck or any faulty parts that caused the accident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide the evidence needed to show that all parties responsible are liable and to show that you have a right to fair compensation.
A semi truck accident lawyer with experience can protect you from the typical tactics employed by insurance companies to deny or decrease your claim. Injured victims often feel 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 make you accept less than what you're entitled to.
An attorney can help you determine the total amount of present and future damages that you are entitled to, including medical bills and lost income damages to property, suffering and pain. A lawyer can also help you determine the appropriate amount of punitive and compensatory damages to award in your particular case. Compensatory damages are intended to compensate you for the losses. Punitive damages aim to penalize the party responsible and deter others from committing similar criminal acts.
Expert Witnesses
The nature of truck accidents is different from car accidents in that they require a lot more specialized information, such as the truck mechanics involved and the long-term economic as well as medical effects of the accident, and industry regulations. A semi-truck accident lawyer should have access the right experts who can fill in the gaps and provide crucial testimony that could be vital to a client's legal case.
Specialists in accident reconstruction are some of the most reliable experts that a semi-truck accident lawyer can rely on. They are skilled professionals who are skilled at examining the scene of an accident, analyze the vehicle and truck involved in the accident, determine the reason for the crash and then explain their findings in clear, easy-to-understand terms. They are usually a vital element of a successful lawsuit because they can help the jury understand how a particular crash happened, and which parties might be responsible for it.
Expert witnesses can also help determine which damages are applicable and what the damages will be worth. For instance, a life care planner can be hired to illustrate the effect a serious accident might have on a victim's ability to work, their medical needs for the remaining years of their lives and any other repercussions that may be long-term. An economist can also help calculate the loss of earnings damages which is a major element of any compensation award.
Forensic toxicologists and experts in recognition of alcohol and drugs can also be invaluable in a successful case. They can help draw an exact line between intoxication, and the accident. This is particularly true when the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash. A metallurgist is also an effective expert witness as they can conduct tests on metal components of the truck that could have been involved in the crash to determine whether they were laden with.
In certain cases, a New York semi-truck accident attorney will employ an expert to investigate the trucking firm itself and the way it operates. This is particularly important if the trucker was employed by a large company and could be subject to certain rules that other drivers aren't. A qualified expert can review the safety policies of the trucking company hiring practices, safety procedures, and any other information that could assist in determining the cause of the accident.
Time Limits
If a truck accident occurs the evidence is often lost or destroyed. That's why it's important to speak with a semi truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Our attorneys can conduct a thorough investigation to determine who is accountable for your injuries. We will work with accident reconstruction experts medical professionals, financial experts and experts to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
The most frequently cited reason for a truck accident is negligence by the driver. This can be caused by driving unintentionally, driving while under the influence, or driving recklessly. The trucking company that owns and operates the truck could be at fault for an accident in the event they fail to comply with safety regulations or hire inexperienced drivers.
Incorrect maintenance of the vehicle is another reason for the possibility of a crash with a truck. A failure to inspect or repair a truck's brakes, tires, or other parts could result in a deadly crash. It is essential that your lawyer for truck accidents is aware of the requirements for maintenance on large trucks so that they can determine any safety issues.
A third reason is that a trailer that is not properly loaded or cargo can cause a truck accident. If a truck isn't loaded properly, it can cause the trailer to shift while on the road or cause the truck to be jackknifed. This is a serious incident that can cause severe or fatal injuries to motorists in the road.
Accidents involving trucks are also caused by negligent driving by other drivers. They may cut off the driver of the truck or merge into the wrong lane. These actions may cause the driver of the truck to drift off the road, which could cause it to cause collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians.
A head-on collision between two vehicles, a truck and a vehicle is one of the most deadly kinds of truck accidents. The front of the passenger vehicle is usually the one who takes the brunt, leading to grave injuries or even death. These accidents happen when a truck driver falls asleep or swerves in order to avoid another vehicle or is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. There are also accidents involving trucks that spill their load of dangerous materials. These accidents can cause environmental damage and risk to the health of people who come in contact with the chemicals.