Truck Accident Attorneys
Each year, 5,000 people are killed in crashes with large trucks. In the event of a crash it's essential to get in touch with truck accident lawyers that understand the different factors involved.
Attorneys must immediately file 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 available insurance.
Liability
Trucks comprise just 4 percent of all vehicles that are on the roads, yet they are involved with more than five percent of all accidents. In the vast majority of these accidents, the victims suffer catastrophic injuries and are permanently disabled. The financial burden associated with these injuries can be enormous, and the family members of the victims require compensation to ensure they can be able to live their lives in dignity. Unfortunately trucking companies and their insurance providers will leave no stone unturned in an effort to limit the amount of compensation that a victim is entitled to. You need an experienced and dependable semi truck accident lawyer who is able to fight the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the knowledge, experience and determination to make an impact in your case.
Semi-trucks, also known under the names tractor-trailer and 18-wheeler, are large commercial vehicles comprised of an engine (tractor) and an attached trailer that is used to transport cargo. Due to their size and weight, these trucks are prone to serious accidents if they are driven recklessly or if drivers fail to exercise reasonable care when operating the vehicle. The most common causes of accidents involving trucks include speeding, distracted driving, and not securing blind spots before turning or changing lanes. Another cause of truck accidents is improper loading of the freight, which could cause shifting and swaying which could lead to the truck rolling over.
In addition to the driver, other parties could share responsibility in an accident involving a truck. This includes the company that is responsible for the driver, the company that the driver transports products for or the person who is responsible for setting up the load. Finding fault is more difficult if multiple insurers are involved in the matter, because they all attempt to limit their own liability.
In some instances the local government agency may also be liable for any 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 held accountable for the damages suffered by the victim. This type of claim is based upon the principle of vicarious liability, which makes supervisory employees liable for the actions of an employee performing the duties of their job.
Damages
The emotional and physical trauma that can result from a motor vehicle accident can be quite severe. The effects of a collision involving a semi-truck can be more severe than other kinds of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage property. This could result in significant financial burden. A semi truck accident lawyer can help determine the full extent of your losses and get the right compensation.
It's always a good idea regardless of the type of accident that happened to talk to an attorney for personal injuries. This is especially important in cases involving large-sized vehicles. Commercial trucks are subject to specific regulations in addition to the laws that regulate traffic, personal injury and other laws. These regulations can have a major impact on the way a crash happens, the responsible parties and the type of damages that are possible to award. Lawyers can ensure that you know the rules and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
When a truck accident occurs it is not uncommon to have several parties to be accountable such as the truck driver and the company they work for, and the company that hauled the load. In addition, blame can be attributed to the manufacturer of the truck, or any of the parts that were defective and caused the accident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide you with the evidence needed to show that all parties at fault are responsible and to demonstrate that you have a right to fair compensation.
Having an experienced semi truck accident attorney to defend you against the common tactics that insurance companies use to reduce or deny your claim. Injured victims are often seeking money in order to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies know this and take advantage of it, using delay as a way to try to force you to accept less than you deserve.
An attorney can help determine the damages you are entitled to in the future and present, including medical expenses, lost income and property damage. A lawyer can also assist you determine the appropriate amount of punitive and compensatory damages to award in your case. Compensation damages are designed to compensate you for your losses, whereas punitive damages aim to punish the at-fault party and deter others from committing similar crimes.
Expert Witnesses
In contrast to a typical car accident scenario, truck accidents generally include a great deal of specific information on industry regulations including truck mechanics, the long-term economic and medical consequences of the crash. A semi-truck crash lawyer must be able to access the right experts, who can fill in the gaps of knowledge and provide evidence that can be crucial to a client's case.
The specialists in accident reconstruction are among the most valuable experts that a semi-truck accident attorney might want to call. garden grove semi truck accident lawsuit are experts with years of experience who are skilled at examining an accident scene, assess the vehicle and truck involved in the accident, determine what caused it and present their findings in clear, simple terms. They are often a key element in any successful lawsuit because they can assist the jury in understanding how the accident happened and which parties might be responsible.
Expert witnesses can also determine the damage that is applicable and the value. For instance, a health planner could be hired to demonstrate the impact a serious accident might have on a victim's ability to work, their medical requirements for the remaining years of their lives as well as any other long-term effects. An economist can also calculate the damages for lost earnings that are a key component of any compensation payout.
Forensic toxicologists as well as experts in the recognition of alcohol and drug use can also be invaluable in a successful claim. These experts can help draw the line between intoxication, and the accident. This is especially true when the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of crash. A metallurgist is an expert witness. They can conduct tests on the metal components of the truck involved in the accident to determine if they loaded too much.
In some instances there are occasions when a New York semi-truck accident attorney will engage an expert to investigate the trucking company itself and the way in which it operates. This is particularly crucial when the trucker is employed by a large company and is subject to certain rules that other drivers do not. A qualified expert can review the safety protocols of the trucking company hiring practices, safety procedures, and any other information which could aid in determining fault.
Time Limits
When a truck collision occurs and evidence is lost or destroyed. This is why it's crucial to speak with a semi truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Our attorneys will conduct an extensive investigation to discover all 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 are entitled to.
The most common cause for truck accidents is driver carelessness. It could be due to driving in a hurry, driving under the influence or driving recklessly. Trucking companies that don't adhere to safety standards or hire employees who are not qualified could also be held accountable for accidents.
Another reason for a car accident is the lack of maintenance on the vehicle. Inability to inspect or repair the brakes, tires or other parts can result in a deadly crash. It is essential that your lawyer for truck accidents is aware of the requirements for maintenance on large trucks in order to look into any safety issues.
Thirdly, a poorly-loaded trailer or cargo could result in accidents with trucks. A truck that is not properly loaded can cause the trailer or truck to jackknife if it is not properly loaded. This is a serious accident that can cause serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
Accidents involving trucks are also caused by reckless driving of other drivers. They may cut off the driver of the truck or merge into wrong lanes. These actions could cause the truck to veer off the road and crash with pedestrians or other vehicles.
A head-on collision between two vehicles, a truck and a vehicle is among the most fatal kinds of truck accidents. The front of the passenger car is usually the one who takes the brunt, resulting in serious injuries and sometimes even death. These types of accidents usually occur on roads that are not divided when the truck driver is asleep, turns to avoid another vehicle or is under the under the influence of alcohol or drugs. There are also accidents involving trucks that spill their loads of hazardous substances. These accidents can cause environmental harm and health risks to humans who come into contact with the chemicals.