Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people are killed in accidents involving large trucks. It is important to get help from truck accident attorneys who are knowledgeable about the various causes.
An attorney should immediately file 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 that are on the roads, yet they are involved in over five percent of all accidents. In the majority of these accidents, victims suffer severe injuries and are permanently disabled. These accidents can have a devastating financial impact, and the victims and their families must be compensated for their loss in order to live with dignity. Trucking companies and their insurers will do everything in their power to cut down on the amount of compensation the victim is entitled to. You need a seasoned strong, reputable semi truck accident lawyer to confront insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley's team possesses the expertise skills, experience, and determination to make a difference in your case.
Semi-trucks, also known by the names tractor-trailer or 18-wheeler, are large commercial vehicles which comprise an engine (tractor) and an attached trailer that transports cargo. These trucks are susceptible, due to their weight and size, to serious accidents if driven recklessly. Truck accidents are often caused by speeding, distracted drivers as well as the failure to observe blind spots when turning or changing lanes. Incorrect loading of freight can result in truck accidents. This can cause shifting, swaying or even the truck rolling.
In addition to the driver of the truck and other drivers, other parties could be responsible in a accident, such as the employer of the driver or the company they carry product for, and the person that sets up the load. Finding fault can be more difficult if multiple insurers are involved in the case because they all attempt to limit their own liability.
In certain instances, the local government agency may also be accountable for accidents that occur on its property. For instance, if a poor road layout or inadequate maintenance contributed to an accident, the county board could be responsible for the injuries that the victim has suffered. This kind of claim is based on the concept of vicarious liability which holds an authority party responsible for the actions of an employee who is acting within the context of their employment.
Damages
The emotional and physical trauma that follows any motor vehicle crash can be severe. The effects of a collision involving a semi-truck can be more severe than other types of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage to property. This can result in a significant financial burden. An attorney for semi-truck accidents can assist you in determining the extent of your loss and pursue appropriate compensation for them.
It's always a good idea, regardless of the type of accident that happened to speak with an attorney for personal injuries. This is especially true when it comes to cases involving large vehicles. In addition to the general laws that regulate traffic and personal injuries There are specific rules applicable to commercial trucks. These rules can have a significant impact on how a crash happens, the responsible parties and the kinds of damages that may be awarded. A lawyer can help you learn about these rules and ensure that the at-fault parties are held accountable.
It is not unusual for multiple parties to be accountable in a truck-related accident which includes the driver as well as their employer and the company that carried the cargo. In carmel semi truck accident law firm , blame can be attributed to the manufacturer of the truck, or any faulty parts that caused the accident. An attorney who is a semi truck accident can provide the detailed evidence to show that all at-fault parties are liable and that you are entitled to fair compensation.
A semi truck accident lawyer with experience will protect you from common strategies used by insurance companies to deny or decrease your claim. Injured victims are often looking for money in order to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. The insurance companies are aware of this and profit from this, using delaying as a way to try to force you into accepting less than you are entitled to.
An attorney can help you determine the damages you are entitled to both in the future and now, including medical bills, lost income and property damage. A lawyer can also assist you determine the proper amount of punitive and compensatory damages to award in your case. Compensatory damages aim to reimburse you for your losses, while punitive damages are intended to punish the responsible party and discourage others from engaging in similar crimes.
Expert Witnesses
In contrast to a typical car accident situation, truck accidents usually involve a significant amount of specific information about the industry's regulations, truck mechanics, and the long-term medical and economic impacts of the collision. A semi-truck accident attorney must be able to access experts who can fill in the gaps and provide crucial testimony that could be vital to the client's case.
Specialists in accident reconstruction are some of the most valuable experts a semi truck accident lawyer can rely on. They are skilled professionals who know how to examine the scene of an accident, evaluate the vehicle and truck involved in the crash, figure out what caused it and present their findings in clear, easy-to-understand terms. They are usually a vital element of a successful lawsuit as they aid jurors in understanding why a particular crash happened, and who could be responsible.
Expert witnesses can also identify the extent of damages that are relevant and their value. A life care planner, for example can be hired to determine the effect of an accident that is serious on the victim's ability to work and their medical requirements throughout their lives. An economist, for instance, can help to calculate things like lost earnings damages, which will be a significant part of any compensation award.
Forensic toxicologists as well as experts in the recognition of alcohol and drug use can be extremely valuable to a successful claim. These experts can help draw the line between intoxication and the accident. This is particularly true when the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash. A metallurgist is an excellent expert witness. They can examine the metal components of the truck involved in the crash to determine if they were loaded with too much.
In some instances an attorney representing a New York semi truck accident will engage an expert to investigate the trucking company and how it operates. This is particularly important when the trucker is employed by a large trucking company and might be required to follow certain standards which other drivers aren't. The expert can review the safety protocols of the trucking company, their hiring practices as well as any other information that could aid in determining the source of the problem.
Time Limits
Evidence is often destroyed or lost when a truck accident occurs. That's why it's important to contact a semi truck accident lawyer as quickly as possible. Our attorneys can conduct an exhaustive investigation to identify the responsible parties for your injuries. We'll work with accident reconstruction specialists along with medical professionals and financial analysts to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
The most typical cause of truck accidents is driver carelessness. This could include driving while distracted, driving under the influence or reckless driving. Trucking companies that don't adhere to safety regulations or hire employees who are not qualified could be held accountable for accidents.
A vehicle that is not maintained properly 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 components could lead to a dangerous crash. It's crucial to ensure that your lawyer for truck accidents is aware of the maintenance requirements of large trucks, so that they can look into any issues with the safety of the truck.
A third reason behind a truck accident is a trailer that is not properly loaded or cargo. If a truck isn't properly loaded, it may cause the trailer to shift while on the road or cause the truck to become jackknifed. This is a serious hazard which can result in serious or fatal injuries to motorists on the road.
Accidents involving trucks are also caused by negligent driving from other drivers. They might cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong direction. These actions can cause the driver of the truck to veer from the road, and cause it to collide with other vehicles and pedestrians.
A head-on collision between the truck and a passenger vehicle is among the most fatal kinds of truck crashes. The front of the passenger car is typically the one that bears the brunt, leading to serious injuries, and even death. These types of accidents usually occur on undivided highways when the truck driver falls asleep, swerves to avoid another vehicle or is driving under the effects of alcohol or drugs. There are also accidents that involve trucks spilling their loads of hazardous substances. These accidents can cause environmental damage as well as health risks for humans who come in contact with the chemicals.