Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people die in crashes involving large trucks. It is essential to get help from truck accident attorneys who are knowledgeable of the different causes.
A lawyer should immediately set up claims with the insurance company of the driver company, as well as the company which owns the truck. This will maximize the amount of available insurance.
Liability
Trucks constitute just 4 percent of the vehicles on the road, however they are involved in over 55% of all accidents. The vast majority of those accidents involve catastrophic injuries, which result in permanent and life-altering disabilities. The financial burden resulting from these injuries can be huge, and the family members of the victims require compensation to live their lives with dignity. Trucking companies and their insurers will do everything to limit the amount of compensation that the victim is due. You need a seasoned, strong semi truck accident lawyer to take on the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley's team has the knowledge skills, experience, and determination to make a huge difference in your case.
A semi-truck, also referred to as a tractor-trailer or an 18-wheeler is a large commercial vehicle made up of the truck (tractor unit) and an detachable trailer which carries cargo. Because of their size and weight they are susceptible to serious accidents when they are driven with recklessness or if the driver is not exercising reasonable care while driving the vehicle. Truck accidents are usually caused by distracted drivers, speeding as well as the failure to observe blind spots when turning or changing lanes. Another cause of truck crashes is improper loading of the cargo, which can cause shifting and swaying which could result in the truck rolling over.
In addition to the driver, other parties can share responsibility in an accident involving a truck. This includes the company that is responsible for the driver, the company that the driver is responsible for hauling goods and even the person who arranges the load. It can be more difficult if multiple insurers are involved in the matter, as they will each try to limit their own liability.
In some cases the local government entity could also be liable for accidents that occur on its property. If, for instance a road that was not maintained or a poorly designed layout caused an accident, then the county board could be held accountable for the damage suffered by the victim. This kind of claim is based on the concept of vicarious responsibility, which makes a supervisory body accountable for the actions of an employee who is acting within the context of their duties.
Damages
The emotional and physical trauma that comes with any motor vehicle accident can be a lot. However, the results of a collision with a semi-truck can be more serious than other types of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage property. This can lead to an enormous financial burden. A
semi truck accident lawyer can help you determine the full extent of your loss and pursue appropriate compensation for them.
It is always a good idea, regardless of the type of accident that occurred to consult an attorney who specializes in personal injury. This is especially true in cases involving large vehicles. In addition to the general laws that regulate personal injury and traffic there are particular rules for commercial trucks. These regulations could have a significant effect on how a collision is handled, the parties responsible and the types damages that may be awarded. A lawyer can ensure that you are aware of regulations and that those responsible are held accountable.
It is not uncommon that several parties are held responsible in a truck-related accident which includes the driver and their employer, as well the company who hauled the cargo. A truck manufacturer or any defective parts could also be held responsible for the accident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide the specific evidence required to show that all at-fault parties are liable and that you are entitled to fair compensation.
A semi truck accident lawyer who has experience can help you avoid typical tactics employed by insurance companies to deny or reduce your claim. Injured victims are usually looking for money in order to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies profit from this by attempting to make you accept less than 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,
semi truck Accident lawyer lost income and property damage. A lawyer can also assist you determine the appropriate amount of compensatory and punitive damages to award in your particular case. Compensatory damages aim to compensate you for your losses, whereas punitive damages aim to punish the at-fault party and discourage others from committing similar actions.
Expert Witnesses
The nature of truck accidents is different from car accidents in that they require a lot more specific information, like the mechanics involved in truck accidents and the long-term economic as well as medical consequences of the accident as well as the regulations that govern the industry. An attorney for semi-truck accidents should have access to the right experts who can fill in the gaps and provide crucial evidence that could be vital to the client's claim.
Accident reconstruction specialists are among the most reliable experts that a semi-truck accident attorney can rely on. They are skilled and are able to analyze the accident scene, analyze the truck as well as the vehicle involved in it and determine the reason for the accident, and explain their findings in a way that is easily understandable. They are often an important element of a successful lawsuit, since they can assist jurors understand how a crash occurred and who might be accountable.
Expert witnesses can also establish the extent of damages that are relevant and their worth. A life care planner, for instance, can be hired to show the impact of a serious accident on the ability of a victim to work as well as their medical needs throughout their lifetime. An economist can also determine the amount of compensation for lost earnings, which are a major component of any compensation payout.
Forensic toxicologists and experts in the field of recognition of alcohol and drugs can also be invaluable for a successful claim. They can help draw the line between intoxication, and the accident. This is especially the case when the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of crash. A metallurgist can also be an expert witness since they can conduct tests on metal components of the truck that could be involved in the collision to determine if they were over-loaded.
In some cases the New York semi-truck accident attorney will engage an expert to look into the trucking company itself and the way in which it operates. This is important, especially in the case of a trucker who worked for a large trucking firm and was subject to the same standards as other drivers were not. The expert can examine the safety protocols of the trucking company, their hiring practices, as well as any other information that might help determine fault.
Time Limits
When a truck accident happens, evidence is often lost or destroyed. This is the reason it's so important to speak with a
semi truck accident law firms truck accident lawyer as quickly as you can. Our lawyers can conduct a thorough investigation to determine who's responsible for your injuries. We'll work with accident reconstruction experts doctors, medical professionals, and financial analysts to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
The most common cause for a truck accident involves driver negligence.