Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people die in accidents involving large trucks. If a crash does occur it's crucial to find truck accident lawyers that understand the different factors involved.
A lawyer should immediately file claims with the insurance company of the driver company as and the company that is the owner of the truck. This is done so as to maximize the available insurance.
Liability
While trucks make up only 4 percent of vehicles on the road however, they are involved in more than five percent of all vehicle accidents. The majority of those accidents result in severe injuries, that result in victims suffering permanent and life-altering disabilities. The financial burden resulting from these injuries can be enormous, and the families of victims must seek compensation in order to live their lives with dignity. Unfortunately trucking companies and their insurance companies will leave no stone unturned in an attempt to minimize the amount of compensation a victim is entitled to. This is why you require a strong, experienced semi truck accident attorney that will stand up to insurance companies and their
lawyers. John Hensley's team has the knowledge and experience to make a huge difference in your case.
Semi-trucks are also known by the names tractor-trailer or 18-wheeler are large commercial vehicles which comprise one truck unit (tractor) and an attached trailer that transports cargo. Because of their size and weight they are susceptible to serious accidents when they are driven recklessly or if the driver does not exercise reasonable care when driving the vehicle. Truck accidents are usually caused by speeding, distracted drivers as well as the failure to observe blind spots when turning or changing lanes. Improper loading of freight can cause truck accidents as well. This can cause shifting, swaying and even rolling the truck.
In addition to the driver, other parties could share the responsibility for an accident involving a truck. This includes the driver's business, the company that the driver transports products for or even the person who sets up the load. It is difficult to establish fault when there are multiple insurance companies involved, since each will attempt to limit their own liability.
In some cases, the local government agency may also be responsible for an accident that occurs on its property. For instance, if poorly designed road layout or poor maintenance resulted in an accident, the county board could be liable for the damage caused by the victim. This kind of claim is based upon the principle of vicarious liability that holds a supervisory person liable for the actions of an employee while doing their duties.
Damages
The physical and emotional trauma that comes with any motor vehicle accident could be a lot. The results of a collision with semi-trucks are more severe than other types of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage to property. This can lead to an enormous financial burden. A semi truck accident lawyer can help determine the full extent of your losses and seek appropriate compensation.
It's always a good idea, regardless of the type of accident that took place to consult a personal injury attorney. This is especially true when dealing with large vehicles. Commercial trucks are subject to special rules in addition to laws that govern personal injury, traffic and other laws. These can affect how the crash occurs, who is accountable, and what types of damages that may be awarded. Lawyers can ensure that you are aware of the regulations and that the parties responsible for the crash are held accountable.
When a truck collision occurs, it is not uncommon for there to be a number of people who are responsible, including the truck driver or the company they work for, as well as the company responsible for hauling the load. A truck manufacturer or defective component could also be accountable for the incident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide you with the evidence needed to show that all parties at fault are accountable and to prove that you are entitled fair compensation.
A semi truck accident lawyer who has experience will protect you from common strategies used by insurance companies to deny or reduce your claim. Injured victims often feel desperate to get their money to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. The insurers know this and profit from this, using delaying as a strategy to to force you to accept lower than you should.
An attorney can assist you determine the total amount of future and present damages you are entitled to, including medical bills loss of income as well as property damage and pain and suffering. An attorney can also help you determine the right amount of punitive and compensatory damages to award in your case. Compensatory damages seek to compensate you for the losses. Punitive damages are designed to punish the party who is at fault and prevent 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 specialized information, like the truck mechanics involved as well as the long-term economic and medical effects of the crash and the governing regulations for the industry. A
semi truck accident lawyers-truck accident lawyer should have access to the best experts who can fill in the gaps of knowledge and provide testimony that could be essential to a client's claim.
Accident reconstruction specialists are among the most reliable experts that a semi-truck accident lawyer can rely on. These are seasoned professionals who know how to look over the scene of the accident, examine the truck and other vehicles involved in the accident, determine the cause of the crash and explain their findings in clear, easy-to-understand terms. They are often a key component of any successful lawsuit, as they help the jury understand how an accident occurred and which parties might be responsible for it.
The right expert witnesses can also help to determine what damages are enforceable and how much they will be worth. A life care planner, for example, can be hired to show the impact of an accident that is severe on the ability of a victim to work and their medical needs over their lifetime. An economist can also assist calculate the damages for lost earnings, which are a major part of any compensation award.
Experts in toxicology in the forensic field and the identification of alcohol and drugs are also extremely valuable for a successful case. They can help draw the line between intoxication and the accident. This is especially the case when the trucker was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash. A metallurgist could also be an effective expert witness since they can conduct tests on metal components of the truck that might be involved in the accident to determine whether they were overloaded.
In certain cases the attorney for an New York semi truck accident will engage an expert to investigate the trucking company and the way it operates. This is especially crucial if the trucker was employed by a large trucking firm and is subject to certain rules that other drivers are not. The expert can look into the safety practices of the trucking company, the hiring practices of their employees and any other information which could aid in determining the source of the problem.
Time Limits
When a truck accident happens and evidence is lost or destroyed. This is why it's crucial to get in touch with a semi-truck accident lawyer as soon as you can. Our lawyers can conduct an extensive investigation to discover all responsible parties for your injuries. We will work with experts in accident reconstruction, medical professionals and financial experts to help you get the compensation you require.