Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people die in accidents involving large vehicles. It is essential to employ truck accident lawyers who understand the different factors.
A lawyer should immediately initiate claims with the driver's insurance company, as well as the company which is the owner of the truck. This is done to maximize the amount of insurance.
Liability
Trucks constitute just 4 percent of the vehicles on the road, but they are involved with more than five percent of all accidents. The majority of these accidents result in severe injuries, that result in victims suffering permanent and life-changing disabilities. These injuries can have a massive financial impact on victims, and their and families need to be compensated so that they can live with dignity. Unfortunately trucking firms and their insurance companies will make no effort in an attempt to minimize the amount of compensation that a victim is entitled to. You need a seasoned, strong semi truck accident lawyer who can take on the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the expertise, experience and determination to make an impact on your case.
Semi-trucks, referred to by the names tractor-trailer or 18-wheeler are commercial vehicles of a large size comprised of a truck unit (tractor) and an attached trailer that is used to transport cargo. Because of their size and weight they are susceptible to serious accidents when they are driven in reckless manner or if the driver is not exercising reasonable care while operating the vehicle. The most common causes of accidents involving trucks include speeding, distracted driving and not securing blind spots before changing lanes or turning. Another cause of truck crashes is the improper loading of freight which can lead to shifting and swaying which could result in the truck rolling over.
In addition to the truck driver Other parties could share liability in a truck crash, including the driver's employer, the company they haul products for, or even the person that sets up the load. It isn't easy to prove that someone is at fault when there are multiple insurance companies involved, since each will seek to limit their own liability.
In some instances, a local government agency could also share responsibility in the event of a crash on their property. For example, if a poorly designed road layout or inadequate maintenance contributed to an accident the county board could be held accountable for the damages suffered by the victim. This type of claim is based on the concept of vicarious liability that holds an authority party responsible for the actions of an employee in the course of their employment.
Damages
The emotional and physical trauma that can result from a motor vehicle crash can be severe. However, the consequences of a collision with a semi truck are more severe than the majority of accidents. Not only do these vehicles cause more serious injuries however, they also have the potential to damage or destroy property and cause significant financial burdens. A
semi truck accident attorney can help you determine the totality of your losses and seek the appropriate compensation for them.
It is always a good idea,
semi truck accident attorney regardless of the type of accident that occurred to consult a personal injury attorney. This is especially true in cases involving large-sized vehicles. In addition to the general laws that regulate traffic and personal injuries there are specific regulations applicable to commercial vehicles. These rules can have a major impact on how a crash occurs, the parties responsible and the type of damages that could be awarded. A lawyer can ensure that you know the rules and that those responsible are held accountable.
It is not uncommon for
Semi Truck Accident Attorney multiple parties to be accountable in a truck-related accident including the driver or their employer, as well as the company that carried the cargo. A truck manufacturer, or any defective parts could also be liable for the incident. A semi truck accident attorney can provide the specific evidence necessary to prove that all at-fault parties are accountable and that you have the right to fair compensation.
Having an experienced semi truck accident attorney at your side can shield you from the usual tactics used by insurance companies to deny or reduce your claim. Victims of injuries are often looking for money in order to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies take advantage of this by using delay to force you to accept less than you deserve.
A lawyer can help you determine all of the future and present damages you are entitled to, such as medical bills as well as lost income as well as property damage and pain and suffering. A lawyer can also help you determine the right amount of compensatory and punitive damages to award in your case. Compensatory damages seek to compensate you for the losses. Punitive damages seek to punish the person who was at fault and discourage other people from engaging in similar criminal acts.
Expert Witnesses
The nature of truck accidents is different from car accidents in that they require more specific information, such as the mechanics of the truck involved, the long-term economic and medical effects of the crash and the regulations for the industry. A semi-truck accident lawyer 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 case.
The specialists in accident reconstruction are one of the most valuable experts a
semi truck accident lawyer can rely on. They are experts with years of experience who know how to examine the scene of the accident, examine the truck and other vehicles involved in the accident, determine the cause of the crash and then explain their findings in clear, easy-to-understand terms. They are usually an essential part of a successful lawsuit, since they can assist jurors understand how a crash occurred and who might be responsible.
The right expert witnesses can also help to determine what damages are enforceable and how much those damages will be worth. For instance, 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 rest of their lives, and any other long-term consequences. An economist can also help calculate the damages for lost earnings which is a significant component of any compensation award.
Experts in toxicology forensics and identification of alcohol and drugs can also be very valuable to a successful claim. These experts can assist in drawing a clear line between intoxication and the accident, particularly when the trucker might have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash. A metallurgist is also an effective expert witness because they can conduct tests on metal components of the truck that could have been involved in the collision to determine whether they were laden with.
In some instances, an attorney for a New York semi truck accident will employ an expert to investigate the trucking company and how it operates. This is especially important if the trucker was employed by a large trucking business and might be subject to certain standards that other drivers do not. An expert could examine the safety protocols of the trucking company hiring practices, safety procedures, and any other information that could aid in determining the source of the problem.
Time Limits
If a truck accident occurs the evidence is often lost or destroyed. It is imperative to contact a semi-truck accident attorney as soon as you can. Our lawyers will conduct an extensive investigation to determine who's responsible for your injuries.