Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people are killed in crashes involving large trucks. It's important that you employ truck accident lawyers who are aware of the various factors.
An attorney must immediately submit a claim to the insurance company of the driver and with the company that owns and operates the truck. This is done in order to maximize the available insurance.
Liability
Although trucks comprise only 4 percent of the vehicles on the road however, they are involved in more than five percent of all vehicle accidents. The majority of these accidents result in severe injuries, with victims suffering permanent and life-changing disabilities. The financial burden resulting from these injuries can be huge, and the victims and their families need to recover damages in order to be able to live their lives in dignity. Unfortunately trucking firms and their insurance companies will make no effort in their efforts to reduce the amount of compensation a victim has the right to. That's why you need an experienced, dependable semi truck accident attorney that is able to stand up against insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley's team possesses the expertise and experience to make a huge difference in your case.
A semi-truck, also referred to as a tractor-trailer or an 18-wheeler, is a huge commercial vehicle made up of an engine (tractor unit) and a trailer that is detachable and can carry cargo. These trucks are susceptible, due to their weight and size, to serious accidents if driven recklessly. Truck accidents are usually caused by drivers who speed, distracted drivers and the inability to spot blind spots when turning or changing lanes. Unsafe loading of freight could cause truck accidents too. This can cause shifting, swaying and even the truck rolling.
In addition to the driver, other parties can share the responsibility for the event of a truck crash. This includes the driver's business as well as the company that the driver is responsible for hauling goods or the person who sets up the load. It can be more difficult when multiple insurers are involved in the incident, as they will each try to limit their own liability.
In some cases, the local government agency might be held accountable in the event of an accident on its property. For instance, if a poorly designed road layout or a lack of maintenance contributed to an accident the county board may be held accountable for the damages that the victim has suffered. This kind of claim is based upon the principle of vicarious accountability that makes supervisory employees liable for an employee's actions while performing the duties of their job.
Damages
Every motor vehicle accident can cause severe emotional and physical trauma. The consequences of a collision with semi-trucks can be more severe than other types of accidents. Not only do these vehicles cause more severe injuries however, they also have the potential to cause property damage or destruction, resulting in significant financial burdens. A semi truck accident lawyer can help determine the total loss and obtain the compensation you deserve.
It's always a good idea, regardless of the type of accident that has occurred to consult an attorney who specializes in personal injury. This is particularly true when dealing with large vehicles. In addition to the general laws that regulate personal injury and traffic there are particular rules applicable to commercial trucks. These regulations can have a significant impact on how a crash happens, the responsible parties and the type of damages that can be awarded. An attorney can help you understand these regulations and ensure that the parties at fault are held accountable.
If a truck accident happens it is not uncommon for there to be a number of parties who could be accountable such as the truck driver, the company they work for, and the company that carried the load. The truck manufacturer or defective parts may also be liable for the accident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide the evidence necessary to prove that all at-fault parties are responsible and that you are entitled to fair compensation.
Having an experienced semi truck accident attorney on your side can protect you from the usual tactics used by insurance companies to reduce or deny your claim. Injured victims often feel desperate to get their money so that they can pay for medical treatments and other expenses. The insurance companies are aware of this and take advantage of delay as a tool to to force you to accept less than what you are entitled to.
A lawyer can help you determine the total amount of future and present damages you are entitled to, including medical bills as well as lost income as well as property damage and pain and suffering. An attorney can help you determine how much punitive and compensatory damages you can award in your case. Compensatory damages are meant to pay you back for your losses, whereas punitive damages are meant to punish the person at fault and discourage others from committing similar acts.
Expert Witnesses
Truck accidents differ from car accidents in that they require more detailed information, such as the truck mechanics involved, the long-term economic and medical effects of the accident and the regulations for the industry. A semi-truck accident lawyer should be able to access the right experts, who can fill in the gaps of knowledge and provide vital testimony that could be essential to a client's claim.
Accident reconstruction specialists are one of the most useful experts that a semi-truck accident lawyer can rely on. These professionals are experienced and are able to analyze the scene of an accident, examine both the truck and the vehicle involved in it to determine the cause of the accident, and explain their findings in a way that is easily comprehendable. They are often an important element of a successful lawsuit as they help jurors understand how a crash occurred and who might be responsible.
Expert witnesses can also help determine the extent of damages that are relevant and their worth. A life care planner, for example can be hired to illustrate the effects of an accident of a serious nature on a person's ability to work and their medical requirements throughout their lives. Likewise, an economist can assist in calculating things like lost earnings damages, which could be a significant component of any compensation award.
Experts in forensic toxicology and identification of alcohol and drugs can also be very valuable in a successful claim. These types of experts could help draw a clear line between alcohol consumption and the accident, particularly when the trucker might have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash. A metallurgist is an expert witness. They can test metal components of the truck involved in the accident to determine if they were overloaded.
In certain instances an attorney in a New York semi truck accident will employ an expert to investigate the trucking firm and how it operates. This is important, especially if the trucker worked for a large trucking company and was subject to the same standards as other drivers weren't. tennessee semi truck accident case can examine the safety procedures of the trucking firm hiring practices, safety procedures, and any other information that may aid in determining the source of the problem.
Time Limits
When a truck accident happens, evidence is often lost or destroyed. This is why it's crucial to speak with a semi truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Our attorneys can conduct an exhaustive investigation to identify all the liable parties for your injuries. We will work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals and financial analysts to help you get the compensation you are entitled to.
The most frequent cause of a truck collision is driver error. It could be due to driving while distracted, driving under the influence or reckless driving. Trucking companies that do not adhere to safety standards or hire employees who are not qualified could also be accountable for accidents.
Another reason for a car accident is the inadvertent maintenance of the vehicle. Failure to inspect or repair brakes, tires or other components of a vehicle can result in an accident that is dangerous. It is important that your lawyer for truck accidents knows the maintenance requirements of large trucks so that they can determine any safety issues.
Thirdly, a poorly-loaded trailer or cargo could result in an accident involving 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 be jackknifed. This is a serious crash that could cause serious or fatal injuries to other motorists driving on the road.
Truck accidents can also be caused by negligent driving by other drivers. They could cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong direction. These actions can cause the truck to turn off the road and collide with other vehicles or pedestrians.
One of the most deadly truck accidents is one that involves a 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 roads that are not divided when the truck driver is asleep, swerves to avoid another vehicle or is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Trucks can also cause accidents by spilling hazardous materials. These accidents could cause environmental damage and health risks for humans who come in contact with the chemicals.