Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people are killed in crashes involving large trucks. If a crash does occur it's essential to find truck accident lawyers who are aware of the various factors involved.
Attorneys must immediately submit a claim to 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
While trucks comprise just 4 percent of vehicles on the road, they are involved in more than five percent of all vehicle accidents. The majority of those accidents involve catastrophic injuries, with victims suffering permanent and life-changing disabilities. The financial burden of those injuries can be enormous, and the victims and their families have to seek damages to ensure they can be able to live their lives in dignity. Insurance companies and trucking companies will do everything they can to cut down on the amount of compensation a victim is due. That's why you need an experienced and dependable semi truck accident lawyer who can stand up to the insurance companies and their attorneys. John Hensley and his team have the knowledge, experience and power to make the difference in your case.
Semi-trucks are also known by the names tractor-trailer, 18-wheeler and tractor are commercial vehicles of a large size which comprise a truck unit (tractor) and an attached trailer which transports cargo. Because of their size and weight they are susceptible to serious accidents if they are driven recklessly or if the driver does not exercise reasonable care when operating the vehicle. Truck accidents are often caused by drivers who speed, distracted drivers as well as the failure to observe blind spots when changing lanes or turning. Another reason for truck accidents is the improper loading of freight which can lead to shifting and swaying which could lead to the truck rolling over.
In addition to the driver of the truck there are other parties who could be liable in a truck accident, including the employer of the driver or the company they carry products for, or even the person who arranges the load. It isn't easy to prove the fault when there are several insurance companies involved, because each will try to limit its own liability.
In some instances the local government agency could also be liable for an accident that occurs on their property. For example, if a poorly designed road layout or a lack of maintenance contributed to an accident, the county board could be held accountable for the damages caused by the victim. This kind of claim is based on the principle of vicarious responsibilities that makes a supervisor accountable for the actions of employees doing their job.
Damages
The physical and emotional trauma that comes with any motor vehicle accident could 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 could lead to a substantial financial burden. A semi truck accident attorney can assist you in determining the full extent of your losses, and seek the right compensation for them.
It is always a good idea, regardless of the type of accident that took place, to consult an attorney for personal injuries. This is especially important in cases involving large-sized vehicles. In addition to the general laws that govern traffic and personal injury, there are special regulations that pertain to commercial trucks. These regulations could have a significant effect on the way a crash happens, the responsible parties and the types damages that may be awarded. Lawyers can ensure that you are aware of the rules and that the parties responsible are held accountable.
If a truck accident happens it is not uncommon for there to be a number of parties who could be accountable for the accident, including the driver of the truck and the company they work for, as well as the company that hauled the load. A truck manufacturer, or any defective component could also be liable for the incident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide the evidence required to prove that all parties responsible are accountable and that you are entitled to fair compensation.
A semi truck accident lawyer with experience will be able to protect you from common strategies used by insurance firms to deny or reduce 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 make you accept less than you deserve.
An attorney can help determine the damages you are entitled to both in the future and now such as medical bills, lost income, and property damage. A lawyer can also assist you determine the appropriate amount of compensatory and punitive damages to award in your case. Compensatory damages aim to compensate you for your losses, whereas punitive damages are designed to penalize the party at fault and discourage others from committing similar crimes.
Expert Witnesses
Contrary to a typical car accident case, truck crashes typically involve a lot of highly specific information about the industry's regulations as well as truck mechanics and the long-term medical and economic impact of the accident. A semi-truck accident attorney must have access the right experts who can fill in gaps and provide crucial testimony that could be vital to a client's case.
The specialists in accident reconstruction are among the most reliable experts that a semi-truck accident attorney could rely on. These are seasoned professionals who are able to analyze the scene of the accident, examine the vehicle and truck involved in the crash, determine what caused the accident and present their findings in clear, simple terms. They are often a key part of any successful lawsuit since they can aid jurors in understanding why an accident occurred and which parties might be responsible.
The right expert witnesses can help determine what damages are enforceable and how much they will be worth. A life care planner, for example is an expert who can determine the effect of an accident of a serious nature on a victim’s ability to work and their medical needs throughout their lifetime. Likewise, an economist can assist in calculating things like lost earnings damages, which will be a significant component of any compensation award.
Experts in toxicology for forensics and the identification of alcohol and drugs can also be very valuable for a successful claim. These types of experts can help draw a clear line between alcohol consumption and the accident, especially when the trucker might have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash. A metallurgist is also a useful expert witness, as they can conduct tests on the metal components of the truck that could be involved in the collision to determine whether they were laden with.
In certain cases the attorney for an New York semi truck accident will engage an expert to look into the trucking firm and how it operates. This is essential, particularly if the trucker worked for an established trucking company and was subject to standards that other drivers were not. The right expert can examine the safety policies of the trucking company hiring practices, safety procedures, and any other information that may aid in determining fault.
Time Limits
When a truck collision occurs, evidence is often lost or destroyed. That's why it's important to speak with a semi truck accident lawyer as soon as you can. Our attorneys can conduct a thorough investigation to find all responsible parties for your injuries. We'll collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists doctors, medical professionals, and financial analysts to ensure you get the money you are entitled to.
midland semi truck accident law firm for a truck accident involves driver carelessness. This could result from driving while in a hurry, driving under the influence, or driving irresponsibly. Trucking companies that do not adhere to safety regulations or hire unqualified workers could also be held responsible for accidents.
Unprofessional maintenance of the vehicle is a further cause of a truck crash. Failure to inspect or repair the brakes, tires or other components of a truck could result in the risk of a fatal accident. It is essential that your lawyer for truck accidents knows the maintenance requirements of large trucks to investigate any safety issues.
Thirdly, a trailer that isn't properly loaded or cargo could cause an accident with a truck. If a truck isn't properly loaded, it can cause the trailer to shift while on the road or cause the truck to hit the ground. This is a serious accident that can cause severe or fatal injuries to motorists driving on the road.
Truck accidents can also be caused by negligent driving from other drivers. They may cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong lane. These actions could cause the truck to veer off the road, and then collide with other vehicles or pedestrians.
One of the most dangerous truck accidents is the head-on collision. The front end of the passenger vehicle typically bears the brunt of the impact, which can result in serious injuries and death. These kinds of accidents typically occur on undivided highways when the truck driver falls asleep, swerves to avoid another vehicle or is under the under the influence of alcohol or drugs. There are also accidents that involve trucks that spill their load of dangerous materials. These accidents can cause environmental damage and dangers to human health for those who come into contact with the chemicals.