Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people are killed in accidents involving large trucks. If a crash does occur it is crucial to consult with truck accident lawyers who understand the various factors involved.
A lawyer should immediately file claims with the insurance company of the driver company, as well as the company that owns the truck. This is done so as to maximize the available insurance.
Liability
While trucks make up only 4 percent of vehicles on the road yet they are involved more than half of all motor vehicle accidents. In the vast majority of these accidents, the victims suffer serious injuries and are permanently disabled. The financial burden resulting from these injuries can be huge, and the victims and their families require compensation to allow them to live their lives with dignity. The insurance companies of trucking companies will do everything they can to cut down on the amount of compensation that the victim is entitled. That's why you need a strong, experienced semi truck accident lawyer who can stand up to the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley's team has the knowledge, experience, and strength to make a huge difference in your case.
Semi-trucks, referred to by the names tractor-trailer or 18-wheeler are large commercial vehicles which comprise the truck unit (tractor) and an attached trailer that is used to transport cargo. These trucks are more prone due to their size and weight to serious accidents if driven in reckless manners. Accidents involving trucks are usually caused by distracted drivers, speeding as well as the failure to observe blind spots when turning or changing lanes. Incorrect loading of cargo can cause truck accidents too. This can lead to shifting, swaying, and even the truck rolling.
In addition to the truck driver Other parties could be responsible in a crash, including the driver's employer, the company they haul product for, and the person who is responsible for setting up the load. It is often difficult to prove that someone is at fault when there are multiple insurance companies involved as each one will try to limit their own liability.
In some instances a local government entity may also share liability for accidents that occur on their property. For example, if a poorly designed road layout or poor maintenance contributed to an accident, the county board could be liable for the damage sustained by the victim. This kind of claim is based on the principle of vicarious liability that holds a supervisory party liable for the actions of employees when they are acting within the confines of their work.
Damages
The physical and emotional trauma that follows any motor vehicle crash can be a lot. However, the consequences of a collision with a semi truck can be more serious than most other types of accidents. Not only can these vehicles cause more severe injuries, but they also have the potential to cause property damage or destruction, resulting in significant financial burdens. An attorney for semi-truck accidents can help you determine the extent of your loss and pursue appropriate compensation for them.
While it's generally recommended to speak with an attorney for injury after any kind of accident this is particularly important when it comes to cases involving large trucks. In addition to the general laws that regulate traffic and personal injuries there are particular rules for commercial trucks. They affect how a crash occurs, who is accountable, and what types of damages that can be awarded. A lawyer can help to ensure that you know the rules and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
It is not uncommon for multiple parties to be held responsible for an accident involving a truck including the driver and their employer, as well the company that transported the cargo. In addition, blame can be attributed to the manufacturer of the truck or any defective components that led to the accident. A semi truck accident attorney will provide the exact evidence needed to demonstrate that all at-fault parties are liable and that you have the right to fair compensation.
Having an experienced semi truck accident attorney on your side can protect you against the common strategies used by insurance companies to deny or limit your claim. Injured victims are often desperate to collect their money to pay for medical treatments and other expenses. The insurers know this and profit from it, using delay as a tool to try to force you to accept less than what you are entitled to.
An attorney can help determine the damages you are entitled to in the near and future such as medical expenses, lost income and property damage. An attorney can help you determine the amount of damages to decide on in your case. Compensatory damages seek to compensate you for the losses. Punitive damages seek to penalize the party who was at fault and discourage other people from committing similar crimes.
Expert Witnesses
Contrary to a typical car accident case, truck crashes typically include a great deal of specialized information about industry regulations as well as truck mechanics and the long-term medical and economic impact of the accident. 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 claim.
Specialists in accident reconstruction are among the most knowledgeable experts that a semi-truck accident attorney might want to call. They are skilled and can assess the accident scene, analyze the truck as well as the vehicle involved to determine the cause of the crash, and explain their findings in a way that is easily comprehendable. They are often a key element of a successful lawsuit because they can help jurors comprehend how the crash took place and who may be responsible.
Expert witnesses can also establish the damages that can be claimed and their worth. A life care planner, for instance is a person who can illustrate the effects of a serious accident on the victim's ability to work and their medical needs over their lifetime. An economist can also assist determine the amount of compensation for lost earnings which is a significant part of any compensation award.
Forensic toxicologists as well as experts in recognition of alcohol and drugs can also be invaluable in a successful claim. These types of experts could assist in drawing a clear line between alcohol consumption and the accident, especially when the trucker was been under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash. A metallurgist is an excellent expert witness. lakeland semi truck accident case can examine the metal components of the truck involved in the crash to determine if they were overloaded.
In certain cases the attorney for a New York semi truck accident will engage an expert to investigate the trucking firm and how it operates. This is crucial, particularly in the case of a trucker who worked for an enormous trucking company and was subject to the same standards as other drivers were not. The expert can review the safety procedures of the trucking company, their hiring practices and any other information which could aid in determining the cause of the accident.
Time Limits
When a truck collision occurs, evidence is often lost or destroyed. It is crucial to speak with a semi truck accident attorney as quickly as possible. Our attorneys will conduct an extensive investigation to discover all the parties responsible for your injuries. We'll collaborate with accident reconstruction experts medical professionals, financial experts and experts to ensure you receive the compensation you require.
The most frequently cited cause of a truck collision is negligence by the driver. It could be due to driving distracted, driving while under the influence, or driving recklessly. The trucking company that owns and operates the truck could also be accountable for accidents if they fail to follow safety regulations or hire unqualified drivers.
Incorrect maintenance of the vehicle is a further cause of crashes involving trucks. Inability to check or repair brakes, tires, or other parts of a truck could result in danger in an accident. It is vital that your truck accident lawyer is aware of the maintenance requirements for large trucks so that they can determine any safety issues.
Thirdly, a trailer that isn't properly loaded or cargo could lead to an accident involving a truck. If a truck isn't properly loaded, it could cause the trailer to shift on the road or cause the truck to be jackknifed. This is a serious crash that could cause serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
The negligence of other drivers can also lead to truck accidents. They might cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong direction. These actions could cause the truck's wheels to slide off the road, and then collide with pedestrians or other vehicles.
One of the most fatal truck accidents is the head-on collision. The front of the car is usually the one that bears the brunt of the damage, resulting in grave injuries or even death. These kinds of accidents typically occur on undivided highways when the truck driver is asleep, swerves to avoid another vehicle or is driving under the effects of alcohol or drugs. Trucks can cause accidents as well by spilling hazardous materials. These accidents can cause environmental harm and health hazards for humans who come in contact with the chemicals.