Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people are killed in accidents involving large trucks. If a collision occurs, it's important to find truck accident lawyers that understand the various factors involved.
An attorney must immediately initiate a claim with the insurance company of the driver and with the company that owns and operates the truck. This will maximize the amount of available insurance.
Liability
Trucks constitute just 4 percent of the vehicles on the road but they are involved with more than half of all accidents. Most of those accidents result in severe injuries, that result in victims suffering permanent and life-altering disabilities. These injuries can have a significant financial impact on the victim, and the victim and their families should be compensated to live with dignity. Insurance companies and trucking firms will do everything in their power to cut down on the amount of compensation that a victim is due. You need a knowledgeable strong, reputable semi truck accident lawyer who can confront insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the expertise, experience and determination to make a difference in your case.
Semi-trucks are also known by the terms tractor-trailer and 18-wheeler are commercial vehicles of a large size comprised of a truck unit (tractor) and an attached trailer that transports cargo. Due to their weight and size they are prone to serious accidents when they are driven recklessly or when the driver does not exercise reasonable care when driving the vehicle. Truck accidents are often caused by speeding, distracted drivers and the inability to spot blind spots when changing lanes or turning. Incorrect loading of cargo can result in truck accidents. This can lead to shifting, swaying or even the truck rolling.
In addition to the truck driver there are other parties who could share liability in a truck accident, such as the employer of the driver as well as the company they haul products for, or even the person who arranges the load. Proving fault is more difficult when multiple insurance companies are involved in the matter, as they will each try to limit their own liability.
In some instances a local government entity could also be responsible in the event of a crash on their property. If, for instance an unmaintained road or a poorly designed layout caused an accident, then the county board could be held accountable for the injuries suffered by the victim. This type of claim is based on the principle of vicarious accountability, which makes supervisory employees liable for the actions of an employee while performing the duties of their duties.
Damages
Every motor vehicle accident can cause severe emotional and physical trauma. The results of a collision with semi-trucks can be more severe than other kinds of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage property. This can lead to a substantial financial burden. A semi truck accident lawyer can help you determine the full extent of your losses and seek the right compensation for them.
While it's generally a good idea to consult an injury lawyer following any kind of accident, this is especially important in cases involving large vehicles. Commercial trucks are subject to special regulations in addition to the laws that regulate personal injury, traffic and other laws. These regulations can affect how a crash occurs, who is accountable, and what types of damages awarded. An attorney can help you learn about these rules and ensure that the parties at fault are held accountable.
It is not uncommon that several parties are held responsible for an accident involving a truck including the driver, their employer, and the company who hauled the cargo. Additionally, the blame could be attributed to the manufacturer of the truck or to any faulty parts that caused the accident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide the evidence required to prove that all parties responsible are liable and to show that you have a right to fair compensation.
A semi truck accident lawyer with experience will be able to protect you from common tactics used by insurance companies to deny or limit your claim. Injured victims are usually looking for money to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. The insurers know this and profit from delay as a way to pressure you into accepting less than you are entitled to.
An attorney can help determine all of the present and future damages that you are entitled to, such as medical bills and lost income as well as property damage and suffering and pain. A lawyer can help you determine the amount of punitive and compensatory damages you can award in your particular case. Compensatory damages aim to compensate you for your losses, while punitive damages are meant to punish the person at fault and discourage others from committing similar actions.
Expert Witnesses
Truck accidents differ from car accidents in that they require a lot more specialized information, like the mechanics involved in truck accidents, the long-term economic and medical consequences of the accident as well as the regulations that govern the industry. A semi-truck accident attorney must have access to experts who can fill in the gaps and provide vital evidence that could be crucial to a client's case.
Specialists in reconstruction of accidents are one of the most knowledgeable experts that a semi-truck accident lawyer can rely on. They are experts with years of experience who are skilled at examining an accident scene, assess the truck and vehicle involved in the accident, determine the reason for the crash and then explain their findings in clear, easy to understand terms. They are often an essential part of any successful lawsuit since they can assist jurors in understanding how an accident occurred and which parties might be responsible.
Expert witnesses can also establish the damages that can be claimed and their worth. For instance, a life insurance planner can be hired to demonstrate the impact a serious accident could have on the victim's ability to work, their medical needs for the remainder of their lives and any other long-term consequences. An economist may also be able to determine the amount of compensation for lost earnings which is a significant part of any compensation award.
Experts in toxicology for forensics as well as identification of drugs and alcohol are also very helpful for a successful case. These experts can help to draw a straight line between alcohol consumption and the accident, especially when the trucker was been under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the collision. A metallurgist is an excellent expert witness. They can examine the metal components of the truck involved in the accident to determine if they were loaded too much.
In some instances the attorney for a New York semi truck accident will hire an expert to investigate the trucking company and how it operates. This is especially crucial in the event that the trucker was employed by a large trucking company and may be required to follow certain standards which other drivers aren't. An expert can look into the safety protocols of the trucking company, hiring practices, and any other information which could help to determine fault.
Time Limits
When a truck crash occurs and evidence is lost or destroyed. It's crucial to speak with a semi truck accident attorney as quickly as possible. Our lawyers will conduct an extensive investigation to determine who's responsible for your injuries. We will collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists along with medical professionals and financial analysts to ensure you get the compensation that you deserve.
The most frequent cause of a truck accident involves driver negligence. It could be due to driving while distracted or under the influence or driving recklessly. Trucking companies that do not follow safety rules or hire employees who are not qualified could be held accountable for accidents.
Unprofessional maintenance of the vehicle is a further cause of the possibility of a crash with a truck. Inability to inspect or repair the truck's brakes, tires, or other components could cause a dangerous crash. It is essential that your lawyer for truck accidents knows the maintenance requirements of large trucks to examine any safety concerns.
A third reason behind a truck accident is a poorly loaded trailer or cargo. If a truck isn't properly loaded, it may cause the trailer to shift while on the road or cause the truck to hit the ground. moreno valley semi truck accident lawsuit is a serious crash that could cause serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
Accidents involving trucks are also caused by negligent driving from other drivers. They may cut off the driver of the truck or merge into wrong lane. These actions can cause the truck driver to drift off the road, and cause it to hit other vehicles and pedestrians.
One of the most deadly truck accidents is the head-on collision. The front of the passenger vehicle typically bears the brunt of the impact, resulting in serious injuries or death. These types of accidents often occur on roads with no other traffic when the truck driver is asleep, is unable to steer clear of another vehicle or is driving under the effects of alcohol or drugs. Trucks may also cause accidents by spilling dangerous materials. These accidents could cause environmental damage and health risks to humans who come into contact with the chemicals.