Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people die in accidents caused by large trucks. If a crash does occur, it's important to consult with truck accident lawyers who understand the various factors involved.
An attorney must immediately make a claim with the insurance company of the driver as well as with the company that owns and operates the truck. This is done to maximize the amount of insurance.
Liability
Trucks make up only 4 percent of the vehicles on the road, but they are involved with more than five percent of all accidents. The vast majority of those accidents cause catastrophic injuries that result in victims suffering permanent and life-changing disabilities. These injuries can have a significant financial impact, and victims and their families should be compensated in order to live their lives with dignity. Unfortunately, trucking companies and their insurance companies will leave no stone unturned in an attempt to minimize the amount of compensation a victim is entitled to. You require a skilled, strong semi truck accident lawyer who can take on the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the knowledge, experience and the strength to make an impact in your case.
A semi-truck also referred to as a tractor-trailer or an 18-wheeler, is a massive commercial vehicle consisting of an engine (tractor unit) and a trailer that is detachable and can carry cargo. These trucks are susceptible, due to their weight and size, to serious accidents if driven recklessly. The most common causes of accidents involving trucks include speeding, distracted driving and not securing blind spots prior to changing lanes or turning. Incorrect loading of cargo can cause truck accidents too. This can lead to shifting, swaying or even rolling the truck.
In addition to the driver of the truck there are other parties who could share liability in a truck accident, such as the driver's employer and the company they transport product for, and even the person who is responsible for setting up the load. It is more difficult when multiple insurers are involved in the incident, since they all try to limit their own liability.
In some cases the local government agency could also be responsible for a crash that occurs on their property. For instance, if a poor road layout or inadequate maintenance caused an accident, the county board may be liable for the damage that the victim has suffered. This type of claim is based upon the principle of vicarious accountability that holds a supervisory person liable for an employee's actions while acting in the scope of their duties.
Damages
The physical and emotional trauma that accompanies any motor vehicle accident could be extreme. The consequences of a collision with semi-trucks are more severe than other types of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage to property. This can result in significant financial burden. A semi truck accident lawyer can help determine the extent of your losses and seek appropriate compensation.
It is always a good idea, regardless of the type of accident that occurred to consult an attorney for personal injuries. This is especially true in cases involving large vehicles. Commercial trucks are subjected to specific rules in addition to laws that regulate personal injury, traffic and other laws. They affect how a crash happens, who is responsible, and the kinds of damages that can be awarded. A lawyer can help to ensure that you understand the regulations and ensure that the parties responsible for the crash are held accountable.
When a truck collision occurs, it is not uncommon for there to be a number of parties who could be accountable, including the truck driver, the company they work for, as well as the company that hauled the load. A truck manufacturer or any defective parts may be liable for the accident. A semi truck accident attorney can provide the specific evidence to show that all at-fault parties are responsible and you have the right to fair compensation.
A semi truck accident lawyer who has experience can help you avoid common strategies used by insurance companies to deny or limit your claim. The injured victims are usually seeking money to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies take advantage of this by using delay to make you accept less than you deserve.
A lawyer can help you determine the damages you are entitled to both in the future and now such as medical bills, lost income, and property damage. An attorney can help you determine how much punitive and compensatory damages to award in your particular case. Compensatory damages are intended to compensate you for your losses. Punitive damages aim to punish the person who is at fault and prevent other people from engaging in similar crimes.
Expert Witnesses
Truck accidents are different from car accidents in that they require a lot more specific information, such as the mechanics of the truck involved and the long-term economic as well as medical consequences of the accident as well as the regulations that govern the industry. A semi-truck crash attorney should be able to access the right experts who can fill in gaps of knowledge and provide testimony that may be crucial to a client's case.
Specialists in accident reconstruction are among the most reliable experts that a semi-truck accident lawyer could call upon. These professionals are experienced and know how to assess the accident scene, analyze the truck as well as the vehicle involved in it and determine the reason for the accident, and explain their findings in a manner that is clear and comprehendable. They are often an important element of a successful lawsuit since they can assist jurors understand how a crash occurred and who could be responsible.
The right expert witnesses can also help determine which damages are applicable and how much they will be worth. A life care planner, for example is a person who can show the impact of an accident of a serious nature on a person's ability to work and their medical needs over their lives. In addition, an economist could assist in calculating things like lost earnings damages, which will be a significant component of any compensation award.
Experts in toxicology forensics and the identification of alcohol and drugs are also very helpful to a successful claim. They can help draw a direct line between intoxication and the crash. This is particularly true when the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of crash. A metallurgist is also an expert witness. They can conduct tests on metal components of the truck involved in the crash to determine if they loaded with too much.
In some cases an attorney in an New York semi truck accident will engage an expert to study the trucking company and the way it operates. This is important, especially if the trucker worked for an enormous trucking company and was subject to the same standards as other drivers were not. A qualified expert can review the trucking company's safety procedures and hiring practices, as well as any other information that could aid in determining fault.
Time Limits
When a truck collision occurs there is a high likelihood that evidence will be lost or destroyed. It is imperative to speak with a semi-truck accident attorney as quickly as possible. Our attorneys can conduct an exhaustive investigation to identify the responsible parties for your injuries. We will work with experts in accident reconstruction doctors, medical professionals and financial experts to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
The most common cause for a truck accident involves driver carelessness. This can be caused by driving distracted, driving under the influence or driving recklessly. Trucking companies that do not follow safety rules or hire employees who are not qualified could also be accountable for accidents.
A vehicle that is not maintained properly is a further cause of an accident involving a truck. Failure to check or repair the truck's brakes or tires, or other components could cause a dangerous crash. It is vital that your truck accident lawyer understands the maintenance requirements of large trucks in order to investigate any safety issues.
Another 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 hit the ground. This is a serious crash that could result in serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
Drivers' negligence by other drivers can also result in truck accidents. victorville semi truck accident law firm might cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong lane. These actions can cause the truck's wheels to slide off the roadway and collide with other vehicles or pedestrians.
One of the most deadly truck accidents is the head-on collision. The front of the passenger vehicle usually takes the brunt of the impact, resulting in serious injuries or death. These types of accidents often occur on highways with no traffic lanes when the truck driver falls asleep, steers away from another vehicle, or is under the impaired by alcohol or drugs. Trucks can also cause accidents by spilling dangerous materials. These accidents can cause environmental damage as well as dangers to human health for those who come in contact with the chemicals.