Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people die in accidents involving large vehicles. In the event of a crash, it's important to find truck accident lawyers who know the various aspects involved.
Attorneys must immediately submit a claim to the insurance company of the driver and with the company that operates and owns the truck. This is done to maximize the amount of available insurance.
Liability
While trucks comprise just 4 percent of vehicles on the road but they are involved in more than five percent of all vehicle accidents. The vast majority of those accidents result in catastrophic injuries, with victims suffering permanent and life-changing disabilities. The financial burden of those injuries can be huge, and the families of victims require compensation to ensure they can live a life of dignity. Unfortunately trucking companies and their insurance companies will not leave a stone unturned in an attempt to limit the amount of the compensation a victim is entitled to. You need a seasoned, strong semi truck accident lawyer who is able to confront insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the experience, knowledge and strength to make the difference in your case.
Semi-trucks, also known by the names tractor-trailer or 18-wheeler are commercial vehicles of a large size made up of one truck unit (tractor) and an attached trailer that transports cargo. Because of their size and weight they are susceptible to serious accidents when they are driven recklessly or if the driver is not exercising reasonable care when operating the vehicle. The most common causes of accidents involving trucks include speeding, distracted driving, and failing to check blind spots before changing lanes or turning. Improper loading of freight can result in truck accidents. This can cause shifting, swaying, and even rolling the truck.
In addition to the driver, other parties can share responsibility in the event of a truck crash. This includes the company that is responsible for the driver and the company the driver is responsible for hauling goods and even the person who is responsible for setting up the load. It isn't easy to prove that someone is at fault when there are multiple insurance companies involved as each will try to limit their own liability.
In some instances, a local government agency could also be liable for accidents that occur on their property. For instance, if poorly designed road layout or a lack of maintenance contributed to an accident the county board could be responsible for the injuries suffered by the victim. This type of claim is based on the principle of vicarious responsibilities, which makes supervisory employees liable for the actions of an employee while performing their job.
Damages
The emotional and physical trauma that can result from a motor vehicle accident can be a lot. The effects of a collision with semi-trucks can be more severe than other types of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage to property. This can result in an enormous financial burden. A semi truck accident lawyer can assist you to determine the extent of your losses and pursue the appropriate compensation.
It is always a good idea regardless of the type of accident that happened to speak with an attorney for personal injury. This is especially important when dealing with large vehicles. In addition to the general laws that govern traffic and personal injury There are specific rules applicable to commercial vehicles. These can affect how the crash occurs, who is accountable, and the kinds of damages that could be awarded. A lawyer can assist you understand these regulations and ensure that the at-fault parties are held liable.
It is not unusual for several parties to be held responsible for an accident involving a truck which includes the driver, their employer, and the company that transported the cargo. Additionally, the blame could be attributed to the manufacturer of the truck, or any defective parts that contributed to the accident. A semi truck accident lawyer 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 years of experience will protect you from common strategies used by insurance companies to deny or reduce your claim. Victims of injuries are often desperate to get their money so that they can pay for medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies know this and take advantage of it, using delay as a tactic to pressure you to accept less than you are entitled to.
An attorney can assist you determine all the present and future damages that you are entitled to, such as medical bills and lost income property damage, pain and suffering. A lawyer can also assist you determine the proper amount of punitive and compensatory damages to award in your particular case. Compensatory damages aim to compensate you for your losses, while punitive damages are intended to punish the person at fault and discourage others from engaging in similar crimes.
lakewood semi truck accident attorney differ from car accidents in that they require more detailed information, including the truck mechanics involved along with the long-term financial and medical effects of the accident as well as the regulations that govern the industry. A semi-truck crash lawyer should be able to access the right experts who can fill in the gaps in knowledge and provide evidence that could be vital to a client's claim.
The specialists in accident reconstruction are one of the most valuable experts a semi truck accident lawyer can call upon. They are skilled professionals who know how to look over the scene of an accident, analyze the vehicle and truck involved in the crash, figure out what caused the accident and explain their findings in clear, easy-to-understand terms. They are often an important element of a successful lawsuit, as they can help the jurors to understand how a collision took place and who may be accountable.
The right expert witnesses can also assist to determine the extent of damages that are appropriate and how much those damages will be worth. For instance, a life care planner could be enlisted to explain the impact a serious crash might have on a victim's ability to work, their medical requirements for the remainder of their lives as well as any other long-term effects. Likewise, 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 are also essential in a successful claim. These experts can help draw the line between intoxication and the crash. This is particularly important when the trucker was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of crash. A metallurgist can also be an excellent expert witness. They can conduct tests on the metal components of the truck involved in the crash to determine if they were overloaded.
In certain cases the New York semi-truck accident attorney will employ an expert to examine the trucking company and how it functions. This is particularly important in the event that the trucker was employed by a large company and might be subject to certain requirements that other drivers are not. The expert can look into the safety protocols of the trucking company, their hiring procedures, as well as any other information which could aid in determining the source of the problem.
Time Limits
Evidence is usually destroyed or lost in a truck crash. This is why it's imperative to contact a semi truck accident lawyer as quickly as possible. Our attorneys will conduct an exhaustive investigation to identify all the liable parties for your injuries. We'll work with experts in accident reconstruction doctors, medical professionals and financial experts to ensure you receive the compensation you need.
The most common reason for a truck accident involves driver negligence. It could be due to driving unintentionally, driving while under the influence or driving recklessly. Trucking companies who fail to adhere to safety standards or hire unqualified workers could also be accountable for accidents.
Another reason for a car accident is poor maintenance on the vehicle. A failure to inspect or repair the brakes, tires, or any other component could cause a serious crash. It is important that your lawyer for truck accidents is aware of the maintenance requirements for large trucks so that they can look into any safety issues.
Thirdly, a poorly-loaded trailer or cargo could lead to a truck accident. A truck that isn't properly loaded could cause the truck or trailer to jackknife when it's not properly loaded. This is a serious crash which can result in serious or fatal injuries to motorists who are driving.
Drivers' negligence by other drivers can also cause truck accidents. They could cut off the driver of the truck or merge into wrong lanes. These actions can cause the truck to turn off the road and crash with other vehicles or pedestrians.
One of the most dangerous truck accidents is a head-on collision. The front end of the passenger vehicle typically takes the brunt of the impact, which can result in serious injuries and death. These types of accidents usually occur on highways with no traffic lanes when the truck driver is asleep, turns to avoid another vehicle or is driving under the effects of alcohol or drugs. Trucks are also prone to accidents due to spilling hazardous materials. These accidents can cause environmental damage and human health hazards for those who come in contact with the chemicals.