Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people are killed in accidents involving large vehicles. In the event of a crash it's crucial to get in touch with truck accident lawyers who know the various factors involved.
An attorney must immediately file a claim with the insurance company of the driver, as well as with the company that owns and operates the truck. This is done in order to get the most insurance possible.
Liability
Although trucks comprise only 4 percent of the vehicles on the road, they are involved in more than a fifth of all vehicular accidents. The majority of those accidents result in severe injuries, that result in victims suffering permanent and life-altering disabilities. These injuries can have a massive financial impact on victims, and their and their families should be compensated so that they can live with dignity. Insurance companies and trucking companies will do everything they can to reduce the amount of compensation that the victim is entitled to. You need a knowledgeable and dependable semi truck accident lawyer to tackle the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the expertise, experience and the strength to make the difference in your case.
Semi-trucks, also known under the terms tractor-trailer and 18-wheeler, are large commercial vehicles comprised of an engine (tractor) and an attached trailer that is used to transport cargo. Because of their weight and size they are vulnerable to serious accidents if they are driven in reckless manner or when a driver fails to exercise reasonable care when driving the vehicle. Accidents involving trucks are usually caused by distracted drivers, speeding and the inability to spot blind spots when turning or changing lanes. Another reason behind truck crashes is improper loading of the cargo, which can cause shifting and swaying that could result in the truck rolling over.
In addition to the driver, other parties could be liable in truck accidents. This includes the driver's business or the company the driver transports products for and even the person who is responsible for setting up the load. It can be difficult to prove the fault when there are several insurance companies involved, because each will try to limit their own liability.
In some instances the local government agency might also be liable for accidents that occur on its property. For example, if a poor road layout or inadequate maintenance contributed to an accident, the county board may be responsible for the injuries that the victim has suffered. This kind of claim is based on the concept of vicarious liability, which holds the supervisory party accountable for the actions of employees in the course of their work.
Damages
The physical and emotional trauma that can result from a motor vehicle crash can be quite severe. However, the consequences of a collision with a semi truck can be more serious than most other kinds of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage to property. This could result in significant financial burden. An attorney for semi-truck accidents can help you determine the totality of your losses and seek an appropriate amount of compensation.
It's always a good idea regardless of the type of accident that took place to speak with an attorney for personal injury. This is especially important in cases involving large vehicles. In addition to the general laws that regulate personal injury and traffic there are specific regulations applicable to commercial vehicles. These can affect how the crash happens, who is accountable, and the kinds of damages that could be awarded. A lawyer can help to understand these rules and ensure that the at-fault parties are held liable.
When a truck accident occurs it is not uncommon for there to be several parties to be accountable such as the truck driver, the company they work for, as well as the company responsible for hauling the load. In addition, blame can be attributed to the company that made the truck of the truck, or any defective components that led to the accident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide the evidence needed to prove that all those responsible are liable and to show that you are entitled fair compensation.
A semi truck accident lawyer with years of experience can protect you from the common tactics used by insurance companies to deny or limit your claim. Victims of injuries often feel desperate to receive their compensation to pay for medical treatments and other expenses. The insurance companies are aware of this and profit from delay as a way to to force you to accept less than you are entitled to.
An attorney can help you determine the damages you are entitled to in the future and present including medical bills, lost income, and property damage. A lawyer can help you determine the amount of compensatory and punitive damage to determine in your case. Compensatory damages are meant to reimburse you for your losses, while punitive damages aim to punish the person at fault and discourage others from engaging in similar crimes.
Expert Witnesses
Truck accidents differ from car accidents in that they require more specialized information, including the mechanics involved in truck accidents, the long-term economic and medical effects of the accident, and industry regulations. A semi-truck crash attorney should have access to the right experts who can fill in gaps in knowledge and provide evidence that can be crucial to a client's case.
Accident reconstruction specialists are among the most knowledgeable experts that a semi-truck accident attorney could rely on. These professionals are experienced and are able to analyze the scene of an accident, evaluate the truck as well as the vehicle involved, determine the cause of the crash, and explain their findings clearly and understandable. They are usually a vital component of any successful lawsuit since they can assist the jury in understanding how a particular crash happened, and who might be responsible for it.
Expert witnesses can also determine the damages that are applicable and the value. For instance, a health planner can be hired to demonstrate the impact a serious accident might have on a victim's ability to work, their medical requirements for the remainder of their lives and any other long-term repercussions. An economist, for instance, can help to calculate things like lost earnings damages, which will be a significant part of any compensation award.
Experts in toxicology in the forensic field and drug and alcohol identification are also extremely valuable in a successful claim. They can assist in drawing the line between intoxication and the crash. This is especially the case when the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash. A metallurgist is an excellent expert witness. They can conduct tests on the metal components of the truck involved in the accident to determine if they loaded to the limit.
In certain cases there are occasions when a New York semi-truck accident attorney will employ an expert to study the trucking company and the way in which it operates. This is crucial, particularly when the trucker worked for an established trucking company and was subject to standards that other drivers were not. A qualified expert can review the trucking company's safety procedures, hiring practices, and any other information that could aid in determining the source of the problem.
Time Limits
Evidence is often lost or destroyed when a truck accident occurs. It is essential to speak with a semi-truck accident attorney as quickly as possible. Our attorneys can conduct an extensive investigation to determine who's responsible for your injuries. We will work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals and financial analysts to help you receive the compensation you deserve.
The most frequent cause of truck accidents is driver carelessness. fall river semi truck accident attorney could include driving while distracted or under the influence or driving recklessly. Trucking companies who fail to adhere to safety standards or hire unqualified workers could be held accountable for accidents.
Another reason for a truck accident is poor maintenance on the vehicle. Failure to properly inspect or repair brakes, tires, or other parts of a truck can lead to an accident that is dangerous. It's important to make sure that your attorney for truck accidents knows the requirements for maintenance of large trucks so that they can look into any issues with the safety of the truck.
Another reason for a car accident is a poorly loaded trailer or cargo. If a truck isn't loaded properly, 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 result in serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
Drivers' negligence by other drivers can also cause truck accidents. They could cut off the driver of the truck or merge into wrong lane. These actions may cause the truck driver to deviate from the road, which could cause it to collide with other vehicles and pedestrians.
A head-on collision between trucks and a passenger vehicle is among the most dangerous types of truck accidents. The front of the passenger vehicle typically takes the brunt of the impact, which can result in serious injuries or death. These accidents happen when a truck driver falls asleep, or is swerving to avoid a vehicle, or is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. There are also accidents involving trucks spilling their loads of dangerous materials. These accidents can cause environmental harm as well as health risks for people who come into contact with the chemicals.