Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people are killed in crashes with large trucks. When a crash occurs, it's important to find truck accident lawyers who are aware of the various aspects involved.
A lawyer should immediately set up claims with the insurance company of the driver company, as well as the company which is the owner of the truck. This is done in order to maximize the insurance coverage available.
Liability
Although trucks account for only 4 percent of the vehicles on the road, they are involved in more than half of all motor vehicle accidents. In the majority of these accidents, victims suffer serious injuries and are permanently disabled. The financial burden associated with these injuries can be huge, and the family members of the victims require compensation in order to live a life of dignity. Insurance companies and trucking companies will do everything to reduce the amount of compensation a victim is due. You need a knowledgeable and dependable semi truck accident lawyer who can take on the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley's team has the expertise of experience, expertise, and the strength to make a difference in your case.
Semi-trucks, also known by the terms tractor-trailer and 18-wheeler, are large commercial vehicles made up of an engine (tractor) and an attached trailer which transports cargo. Due to their weight and size they are susceptible to serious accidents when they are driven in reckless manner or if the driver does not exercise reasonable care while driving the vehicle. Truck accidents are often caused by distracted drivers, speeding as well as the failure to observe blind spots when turning or changing lanes. Improper loading of freight can result in truck accidents. This can cause shifting, swaying, or even the truck rolling.
In addition to the truck driver, other parties may be liable in a truck accident, including the employer of the driver as well as the company they haul product for, and the person that sets up the load. It can be difficult to prove the responsibility when there are multiple insurance companies involved, as each one will try to limit their own liability.
In certain instances, local government agencies could also share responsibility in the event of a crash on their property. If, for example an unmaintained road or a poorly designed layout caused an accident, the county board could be responsible for the damages suffered by the victim. This type of claim is based on the concept of vicarious liability that holds the supervisory party accountable for the actions of employees when they are acting within the confines of their duties.
Damages
The emotional and physical trauma that follows any motor vehicle accident could be severe. The consequences of a collision involving semi-trucks can be more severe than other kinds of accidents. Not only can these vehicles cause more serious injuries as well, but they also have the potential to damage or destroy property which can result in substantial financial burdens. A semi truck accident attorney can help you determine the extent of your losses and pursue the appropriate compensation for them.
It's always a good idea, regardless of the kind of accident that took place to talk to a personal injury attorney. This is particularly true in cases involving large-sized vehicles. In addition to the general laws that regulate personal injury and traffic, there are special regulations applicable to commercial vehicles. They affect how a accident occurs, who is accountable, and the kinds of damages awarded. A lawyer can help to understand these rules and ensure that the parties responsible are held liable.
It is not uncommon for multiple parties to be accountable for a truck accident, including the driver as well as their employer and the company that hauled the cargo. In addition, blame can be attributed to the manufacturer of the truck or any defective components that led to the accident. An attorney who is a semi truck accident can provide the specific evidence necessary to prove that all at-fault parties are responsible and you have the right to fair compensation.
A semi truck accident lawyer who has experience can protect you from the common strategies used by insurance firms to deny or reduce your claim. Injured victims often feel desperate to collect their money to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies profit from this by attempting to force you to accept lower than you should.
An attorney can help you determine the damages you are entitled to in the future and present which includes medical bills, lost income and property damage. A lawyer can help you determine the amount of damages to decide on in your particular case. Compensation damages are designed to compensate you for your losses, whereas punitive damages aim to punish the person at fault and discourage others from committing similar actions.
Expert Witnesses
As opposed to a typical car crash case, truck crashes typically contain a large amount of specific information regarding industry regulations including truck mechanics, the long-term economic and medical effects of the collision. A semi-truck accident lawyer should be able to access experts who can fill in gaps and provide evidence that could be crucial to the client's claim.
Specialists in accident reconstruction are among the most knowledgeable experts that a semi-truck accident lawyer could call upon. They are skilled and are able to evaluate an accident scene, assess the truck as well as the vehicle involved in it and determine the reason for the crash, and explain their findings in a manner that is clear and understandable. They are often a key element of a successful lawsuit since they can assist jurors understand why a crash took place and who may be responsible.
Expert witnesses can help determine the extent of damages that are appropriate and how much they will be worth. For example, a life-care planner could be hired to demonstrate the impact a serious accident could have on a victim's ability to work, their medical requirements for the duration of their lives, and any other repercussions that may be long-term. Likewise, an economist can assist in calculating things like lost earnings damages, which will be a significant component of any compensation award.
Forensic toxicologists as well as drug and alcohol recognition experts can also be invaluable to a successful claim. They can assist in drawing a direct line between intoxication, and the accident. This is especially true when the trucker was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of crash. A metallurgist could also be an excellent expert witness as they can conduct tests on the metal components of the truck that might have been involved in the accident to determine whether they were laden with.
In some instances, an attorney for a New York semi truck accident will retain an expert to investigate the trucking firm and how it operates. This is especially crucial when the trucker is employed by a large trucking business and could be subject to certain rules that other drivers aren't. An expert can look into the safety policies of the trucking company, hiring practices, and any other information that could aid in determining fault.
Time Limits
When a truck collision occurs, evidence is often lost or destroyed. It is imperative to speak with a semi-truck accident attorney as soon as you can. Our attorneys will conduct an extensive investigation to determine who's responsible for your injuries. We'll collaborate with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals and financial analysts to ensure you get the compensation you are entitled to.
The most frequently cited reason for a truck crash is driver error. lincoln semi truck accident case could be due to driving while distracted or under the influence or reckless driving. The trucking company that operates and owns the truck may also be accountable for the accident in the event they fail to comply with safety regulations or hire inexperienced drivers.
A vehicle that is not maintained properly can also be a cause of an accident involving a truck. A failure to inspect or repair the truck's brakes, tires, or other components could result in a deadly crash. It is important that your lawyer for truck accidents is aware of the requirements for maintenance on large trucks to look into any safety issues.
Thirdly, a poorly-loaded trailer or cargo could cause accidents with trucks. If a truck is not properly loaded, it could cause the trailer to shift while on the road or cause the truck to jackknife. This is a serious accident that can cause serious or fatal injuries to motorists who are driving.
Inattention of other drivers could also result in truck accidents. They could cut off the driver of the truck or merge into the wrong lane. These actions may cause the driver of the truck to turn off the road, causing it to collide with other vehicles and pedestrians.
A head-on collision between two vehicles, a truck and a vehicle is among the most fatal types of truck accidents. The front of the passenger vehicle is typically the one that bears the brunt, which can result in serious injury and even death. These kinds of accidents typically occur on highways with no traffic lanes when the truck driver is asleep, swerves to avoid another vehicle, or is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Trucks can cause accidents as well by spilling hazardous materials. These accidents could cause environmental harm as well as health risks for people who come in contact with the chemicals.