Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people are killed in accidents involving large trucks. It is crucial to employ truck accident lawyers who are knowledgeable of the different causes.
A lawyer should immediately set up claims with the driver's insurance company as well as the company which is the owner of the truck. This is done so as to maximize the insurance coverage available.
Liability
Trucks account for only 4 percent of all vehicles on the road, however they are involved in nearly 55% of all accidents. The vast majority of those accidents cause catastrophic injuries which result in permanent and life-altering disabilities. These injuries can have a significant financial impact, and victims and families need to be compensated for their loss in order to live with dignity. Insurance companies and trucking companies will do everything to minimize the amount of compensation that the victim is entitled to. This is why you need a strong, experienced semi truck accident lawyer who can stand up to insurance companies and their attorneys. John Hensley's team is equipped with the knowledge, experience, and strength to make a huge difference in your case.
A semi-truck, also known as a tractor-trailer, or an 18-wheeler, is a huge commercial vehicle consisting of the truck (tractor unit) and a detachable trailer that carries cargo. These trucks are prone, due to their weight and size, to serious accidents if they are driven recklessly. Truck accidents are often caused by distracted drivers, speeding, and failure to check blind spots when changing lanes or turning. Another reason for truck accidents is improper loading of the freight which can lead to shifting and swaying which could potentially result in the truck rolling over.
In addition to the truck driver and other drivers, other parties could share the blame in a truck accident, such as the driver's employer and the company they transport products for, and even the person who arranges the load. It can be difficult to prove that someone is at fault when there are multiple insurance companies involved, because each one will try to limit their own liability.
In some instances, local government agencies may also share liability for an accident that occurs on their property. If, for example a road that was not maintained or a poorly-designed layout caused an accident, then the county board could be liable for the victim's damages. This type of claim is based on the concept of vicarious liability which holds a supervisory body accountable for the actions of an employee in the course of their work.
Damages
Any motor vehicle accident can result in extreme physical and emotional trauma. The results of a collision with semi-trucks are more severe than other kinds of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage to property. This could lead to a significant financial burden. A
semi truck accident attorney can assist you in determining the extent of your losses and seek the appropriate compensation for them.
It is always a good idea, regardless of the type of accident that happened to speak with an attorney who specializes in personal injury. This is particularly true when it comes to cases involving large vehicles. In addition to the general laws that regulate personal injury and traffic there are particular rules applicable to commercial trucks. They can impact how a crash occurs, who's accountable, and the kinds of damages awarded. An attorney can help you understand these regulations and ensure that the parties at fault are held liable.
When a truck crash occurs, it is not uncommon to have several parties who could be accountable for the accident, including the driver of the truck or the company they work for, and the company responsible for hauling the load. In addition, the fault could be assigned to the maker of the truck or any defective parts that contributed to the accident. A semi truck accident attorney can provide the detailed evidence necessary to prove that all at-fault parties are accountable and that you have the right to fair compensation.
A semi truck accident lawyer with years of experience will be able to protect you from common tactics used by insurance companies to deny or limit your claim. The injured victims are usually seeking money in order to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies take advantage of this by using delay to force you into accepting less than what you're entitled to.
An attorney can help determine all of the future and present damages you are entitled to, including medical bills, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering. A lawyer can help you determine the amount of compensatory and punitive damage to determine in your particular case. Compensatory damages are meant to pay you back for your losses, whereas punitive damages aim to punish the person at fault and deter others from committing similar crimes.
Expert Witnesses
Truck accidents differ from car accidents in that they require more detailed information, like the mechanics of the truck involved along with the long-term financial and medical consequences of the accident, and industry regulations. A semi-truck crash lawyer must have access to the appropriate experts, who can fill in the gaps of knowledge and provide testimony that may be crucial to a client's case.
The specialists in accident reconstruction are one of the most useful experts that a
semi truck accidents-truck accident attorney can rely on. These experts are knowledgeable and are able to analyze the scene of an accident, examine the truck as well as the vehicle involved to determine the cause of the accident, and explain their findings in a manner that is clear and understandable. They are often a key element of a successful lawsuit because they can help jurors understand why a crash occurred and who might be responsible.
Expert witnesses can also establish the damage that is applicable and the worth. For instance, a life insurance planner can be hired to illustrate the impact that a serious accident might have on a victim's ability to work, their medical requirements for the remainder of their lives and any other long-term repercussions. Additionally, an economist can assist in calculating things such as lost earnings damages, which could be a major component of any compensation award.
Forensic toxicologists as well as drug and alcohol recognition experts can also be a huge asset for a successful claim. These types of experts can help draw a clear line between alcohol consumption and the incident, particularly in cases where the trucker may have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the collision. A metallurgist is a valuable expert witness. They can conduct tests on metal components of the truck involved in the accident to determine if they were loaded to the limit.
In certain instances an attorney in an New York semi truck accident will engage an expert to study the trucking business and how it operates. This is essential, particularly in the case of a trucker who worked for a large trucking company and was subject to the same standards as other drivers were not. An expert could examine the trucking company's safety procedures hiring practices, safety procedures, and any other information that might help to determine fault.
Time Limits
If a truck accident occurs the evidence is often lost or destroyed. It's crucial to speak with a semi-truck accident attorney as quickly as possible. Our lawyers can conduct an extensive investigation to determine all the parties responsible for your injuries. We'll work with experts in accident reconstruction, medical professionals and financial experts to help you get the compensation you deserve.
The most common cause of a truck accident is driver error. This could include driving unintentionally, driving while under the influence or driving recklessly. The trucking company that operates and owns the truck may also be liable for an accident when they fail to adhere to safety regulations or hire inexperienced drivers.
A vehicle that is not maintained properly can also be a cause of a truck crash. Failure to check or repair a truck's brakes, tires or other parts can cause a dangerous crash. It's important to make sure that your truck accident lawyer knows the needs of maintenance for large trucks to be able to examine any issues that may affect the truck's safety.
A third reason for a truck accident is a poorly loaded trailer or cargo. A truck that isn't properly loaded could cause the trailer or truck to jackknife when it's not properly loaded. This is a serious hazard that can cause severe or fatal injuries to motorists who are driving.
The negligence of other drivers can cause truck accidents too. They could cut off the driver of the truck or merge into the wrong lanes. These actions could cause the truck's wheels to slide off the road and crash with pedestrians or other vehicles.
A head-on collision between two vehicles, a truck and a vehicle is one of the most dangerous types of truck accidents. The front of the passenger car is usually the one who takes the brunt, resulting in serious injury and even death. These accidents occur when a truck driver falls asleep, or is swerving to avoid another vehicle or is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. There are also accidents that involve trucks that spill their loads of hazardous substances. These accidents could cause environmental damage and health risks for humans who come into contact with the chemicals.
