Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people are killed in crashes involving large trucks. If a collision occurs it's crucial to find truck accident lawyers that understand the various aspects involved.
A lawyer should immediately initiate claims with the insurance company, as in the case of the company that is the owner of the truck. This is done to maximize the amount of insurance.
Liability
While trucks make up only 4 percent of the vehicles on the road however, they are involved in more than a fifth of all vehicular accidents. The majority of these accidents result in catastrophic injuries, with victims suffering permanent, life-changing disabilities. The financial burden associated with these injuries can be immense, and the families of victims have to seek damages in order to live their lives with dignity. Unfortunately trucking firms and their insurance companies will make no effort in their efforts to reduce the amount of compensation a victim has the right to. You require a skilled and dependable semi truck accident lawyer to tackle the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley's team has the expertise and experience to make a difference in your case.
Semi-trucks, also known under the terms tractor-trailer and 18-wheeler are commercial vehicles of a large size which comprise the truck unit (tractor) and an attached trailer that is used to transport cargo. These trucks are susceptible, due to their size and weight to serious accidents if driven recklessly. Truck accidents are often caused by distracted drivers, speeding and the inability to spot blind spots when changing lanes or turning. Another reason behind truck crashes is improper loading of the freight which can lead to shifting and swaying which could lead to the truck rolling over.
In addition to the driver, other parties can share the blame in a truck accident. This includes the driver's company as well as the company that the driver hauls product for or even the person responsible for setting up the load. Proving fault is more difficult if multiple insurers are involved in the case since they all try to limit their own liability.
In certain instances the local government agency might also be responsible in the event of an accident on its property. For example, if a poor road layout or inadequate maintenance caused an accident, the county board could be responsible for the injuries sustained by the victim. This type of claim is based upon the principle of vicarious responsibilities that holds a supervisory person liable for the actions of employees doing their duties.
Damages
Every motor vehicle accident can result in extreme emotional and physical trauma. The consequences of a collision involving semi-trucks are more severe than other kinds of accidents. Not only can these vehicles cause more serious injuries and injuries, but they can also cause damage to property or destruction and cause significant financial burdens. A semi truck accident lawyer can assist you to determine the total loss and seek appropriate compensation.
It's always a good idea, regardless of the kind of accident that happened to consult an attorney for personal injury. This is particularly true when dealing with large vehicles. In addition to the general laws that regulate personal injury and traffic there are specific regulations that pertain to commercial trucks. They can impact how a accident occurs, who is responsible, and the types of damages that may be awarded. A lawyer can assist you learn about these rules and ensure that the parties at fault are held accountable.
When a truck crash occurs, it is not uncommon for there to be a number of parties to be accountable for the accident, including the driver of the truck as well as the company they work for, as well as the company that carries the load. A truck manufacturer or defective components could be liable for the accident. An attorney for semi-truck accidents can provide the detailed evidence necessary to prove that all parties at fault are liable and that you are entitled to fair compensation.
A semi truck accident lawyer with experience can protect you from the typical tactics employed by insurance companies to deny or reduce your claim. Injured victims are often desperate to receive their money to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. The insurers know this and take advantage of it, using delay as a way to to force you to accept less than what you are entitled to.
An attorney can help you determine the damages you are entitled to in the future and in the present which includes medical bills, lost income and property damage. An attorney can also help you determine the right amount of punitive and compensatory damages to award in your case. Compensatory damages aim to compensate you for your losses, while punitive damages are designed to punish the at-fault party and deter others from doing similar crimes.
Expert Witnesses
Contrary to a typical car accident scenario, truck accidents generally involve a lot of highly specific information on industry regulations as well as truck mechanics and the long-term economic and medical impact of the collision. A semi-truck crash lawyer should be able to access the right experts, who can fill in the gaps of knowledge and provide vital testimony that could be essential to a client's case.
Specialists in accident reconstruction are some of the most reliable experts that a semi-truck accident lawyer can rely on. These experts are knowledgeable and know how to assess the accident scene, analyze both the truck and the vehicle involved to determine the cause of the crash, and then explain their findings in a manner that is clear and understandable. They are often a crucial element of a successful lawsuit, since they can assist jurors understand how a crash took place and who may be accountable.
Expert witnesses can also help determine the extent of damages that are relevant and the value. A life care planner, for instance is a person who can show the impact of an accident that is serious on a person's ability to work as well as their medical needs throughout their lives. An economist may also be able to determine the amount of compensation for lost earnings, which are a major part of any compensation award.
Experts in forensic toxicology and identification of alcohol and drugs are also extremely valuable for a successful claim. They can help draw an exact line between intoxication, and the accident. This is particularly important when the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash. A metallurgist can be an excellent expert witness. They can conduct tests on the metal components of the truck involved in the accident to determine if they were loaded too much.
In certain cases an attorney in a New York semi truck accident will engage an expert to look into the trucking company and how it operates. This is particularly important in the event that the trucker was employed by a large trucking company and might be subject to certain requirements that other drivers do not. san angelo semi truck accident attorney can examine the safety protocols of the trucking company, their hiring practices and any other information that may help determine fault.
Time Limits
Evidence is usually destroyed or lost when a truck accident occurs. It is essential to speak with a semi truck accident attorney as quickly as possible. Our attorneys will conduct an extensive investigation to discover all responsible parties for your injuries. We'll work with experts in accident reconstruction, medical professionals and financial experts to help you obtain the compensation you need.
The most frequent cause of a truck collision is negligence by the driver. This could include driving in a hurry, driving under the influence, or driving irresponsibly. The trucking company that operates and owns the truck could also be at fault for an accident when they fail to adhere to safety guidelines or employ unqualified drivers.
Another reason behind a truck accident is the inadvertent maintenance of the vehicle. Failure to inspect or repair brakes, tires, or other parts of a truck can lead to danger in an accident. It is crucial to ensure that your truck accident attorney is aware of the maintenance requirements of large trucks, so that they can investigate any issues with the safety of the truck.
A third issue is that a poorly loaded trailer or cargo could lead to a truck accident. A truck that isn't properly loaded could cause the trailer or truck to jackknife if it is not properly loaded. This is a serious accident which can result in serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
Drivers' negligence by other drivers can also lead to truck accidents. They could cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong lane. These actions could cause the driver of the truck to veer from the road, causing it to hit other vehicles and pedestrians.
One of the most dangerous truck accidents is head-on collisions. The front end of the passenger vehicle is usually the one to take the brunt of the impact, which can result in serious injuries and even death. These types of accidents often occur on highways with no traffic lanes when the truck driver is asleep, is unable to steer clear of another vehicle, or is under the impaired by alcohol or drugs. There are also accidents involving trucks that spill their loads of dangerous materials. These accidents could cause environmental damage and health hazards to people who come in contact with the chemicals.