Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people die in crashes involving large trucks. When a crash occurs, it's important to get in touch with truck accident lawyers who are aware of the different factors involved.
A lawyer should immediately initiate claims with the driver's insurance company, as and the company that owns the truck. This is done so as to maximize the insurance coverage available.
Liability
Trucks make up only 4 percent of all vehicles on the road but they are involved with more than 55% of all accidents. The majority of those accidents result in severe injuries, with victims suffering permanent, life-changing disabilities. These accidents can have a devastating financial impact, and the victims and families need to be compensated for their loss in order to live with dignity. Unfortunately trucking companies and their insurance providers will leave no stone unturned in their efforts to reduce the amount of the compensation a victim is entitled to. This is why you require an experienced, dependable semi truck accident attorney that can stand up to insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley's team is equipped with the knowledge skills, experience, and determination to make a huge difference in your case.
Semi-trucks, also known under the names tractor-trailer and 18-wheeler are commercial vehicles of a large size which comprise an engine (tractor) and an attached trailer which transports cargo. These trucks are more prone due to their weight and size to serious accidents if driven recklessly. The most common causes of accidents involving trucks include speeding, distracted driving, and not checking blind spots before turning or changing lanes. Incorrect loading of freight can cause truck accidents as well. This can result in shifting, swaying and even the truck rolling.
In addition to the driver, other parties could share the blame in an accident involving a truck. This includes the driver's company or the company the driver hauls product for or the person responsible for setting up the load. Finding fault can be more difficult if multiple insurers are involved in the incident, because they all attempt to limit their own liability.
In some instances the local government agency might be held accountable for any accident that occurs on its property. For instance, if a poor road layout or a lack of maintenance resulted in an accident, the county board may be responsible for the injuries sustained by the victim. This kind of claim is based on the principle of vicarious liability that makes a supervisor accountable for an employee's actions while performing the duties of their duties.
Damages
The physical and emotional trauma that accompanies any motor vehicle accident could be quite severe. However, the effects of a collision with a semi-truck can be more serious 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 assist you in determining the full extent of your losses and seek the appropriate compensation for them.
Although it's generally a good idea to consult an injury lawyer following any type of accident, this is particularly relevant for cases involving large-sized trucks. glendale semi truck accident attorney are subject to specific rules in addition to laws that regulate personal injury, traffic and other laws. These rules can have a major impact on how a crash occurs, the parties responsible and the type of damages that are possible to award. A lawyer can ensure that you understand the regulations and that the parties responsible for the crash are held accountable.
It is not unusual for multiple parties to be held responsible for an accident involving a truck which includes the driver and their employer, as well the company that transported the cargo. In addition, the fault could be attributed to the company that made the truck of the truck or any of the parts that were defective and caused the accident. A semi truck accident attorney can provide the evidence necessary to prove that all at-fault parties are accountable and that you are entitled to fair compensation.
An experienced semi truck accident attorney to defend you against the common tactics used by insurance companies to deny or reduce your claim. Victims of injuries are often desperate to get their money to pay for medical treatments and other expenses. The insurers know this and profit from delay as a tactic to to force you to accept less than you deserve.
An attorney can help determine the total amount of future and present damages you are entitled to, such as medical bills as well as lost income as well as property damage and suffering and pain. A lawyer can help you determine the amount of punitive and compensatory damages to decide on in your case. Compensatory damages are meant to pay you back for your losses, while punitive damages aim to punish the person at fault and discourage others from engaging in similar crimes.
Expert Witnesses
Contrary to a typical car accident case, truck accidents typically contain a large amount of specific information about the industry's regulations such as truck mechanics, the long-term economic and medical impacts of the accident. A semi-truck accident attorney must have access the right experts who can fill in the gaps and provide crucial testimony that could be vital to a client's legal case.
Specialists in accident reconstruction are among the most valuable experts that a semi-truck accident attorney can rely on. They are experts with years of experience who know how to examine the scene of an accident, evaluate the truck and other vehicles involved in the collision, identify the reason for the crash and explain their findings in clear, easy to understand terms. They are usually a vital part of any successful lawsuit because they can aid jurors in understanding why an accident 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 instance is an expert who can illustrate the effects of a serious accident on the ability of a victim to work and their medical needs throughout their entire life. An economist can also help determine the amount of compensation for lost earnings which is a significant component of any compensation payout.
Forensic toxicologists and experts in recognition of alcohol and drugs can also be invaluable in a successful claim. These experts can aid in drawing a clear line between alcohol consumption and the accident, particularly when the driver may have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident. A metallurgist is also an excellent expert witness since they can conduct tests on the metal components of the truck that might be involved in the collision to see whether they were overloaded.
In certain cases, an attorney for a New York semi truck accident will employ an expert to investigate the trucking company and the way it operates. This is important, especially if the trucker worked for a large trucking company and was subject to standards that other drivers were not. A qualified expert can review the safety policies of the trucking company the hiring procedures, hiring practices and any other information that could aid in determining fault.
Time Limits
Evidence is usually lost or destroyed in a truck crash. That's why it's important to contact a semi truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Our attorneys can conduct a thorough investigation to determine who is accountable for your injuries. We will collaborate with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals and financial analysts to ensure you get the compensation that you deserve.
The most common reason for a truck crash is driver negligence. This could include driving distracted, driving while under the influence or driving recklessly. The trucking company that owns and operates the truck may also be responsible for an accident if they fail to follow safety regulations or hire unqualified drivers.
Another reason for a car accident is the lack of maintenance on the vehicle. Failure to examine or repair the brakes, tires or other parts can lead to a dangerous crash. It is essential to ensure that your truck accident attorney understands the maintenance needs of large trucks to be able to examine any issues that may affect the truck's safety.
A third reason for a truck accident is a poorly loaded trailer or cargo. If a truck is not properly loaded, it may cause the trailer to shift on the road or cause the truck to become jackknifed. This is a serious accident that could cause serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
Other drivers' negligence can also lead to truck accidents. They may cut off the driver of the truck or merge into the wrong lanes. These actions can cause the truck to turn off the road and collide with other vehicles or pedestrians.
One of the most dangerous truck accidents is the head-on collision. The front of the passenger vehicle is typically the one who takes the brunt of the damage, resulting in serious injuries, and even death. These accidents occur when a truck driver is asleep, or is swerving to avoid another vehicle, or is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. There are also accidents involving trucks that spill their load of hazardous substances. These accidents could cause environmental harm and health hazards to people who come into contact with the chemicals.