Truck Accident Attorneys

Every year, 5,000 people die in accidents involving large vehicles. It is crucial to engage with lawyers for truck accidents who are aware of the various factors.

An attorney should immediately submit a claim to the insurance company of the driver as well with the company that owns and operates the truck. This will maximize the amount of available insurance.

Liability

Trucks comprise just 4 percent of all vehicles on the road, but they are involved in over half of all accidents. In the vast majority of these accidents, the victims suffer severe injuries and are permanently disabled. The financial burden associated with these injuries can be huge, and the victims and their families require compensation to live with dignity. Insurance companies and trucking companies will do everything to reduce the amount of compensation the victim is entitled. 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 possesses the expertise, experience, and strength to make a significant difference in your case.

A semi-truck, also referred to as a tractor-trailer, or an 18-wheeler is a large commercial vehicle that consists of an engine (tractor unit) and a detachable trailer that carries 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 while operating the vehicle. The most common causes of accidents involving trucks include speeding, distracted driving and failing to look over blind spots prior to turning or changing lanes. Another reason behind truck crashes is improper loading of the freight which can lead to shifting and swaying that could lead to the truck rolling over.

In addition to the driver, other parties could be liable in the event of a truck crash. This includes the driver's company, the company that the driver hauls product for, or even the person who arranges 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 instances a local government entity could also share responsibility for a crash that occurs on their property. If, for example an unmaintained road or a layout that was poorly planned caused an accident, then the county board could be held accountable for the injuries suffered by the victim. This type of claim is based upon the principle of vicarious liability, which holds a supervisory person liable for an employee's actions while performing their job.

Damages

Any accident involving a motor vehicle can result in extreme emotional and physical trauma. The results of a collision with semi-trucks can be more severe than other types of accidents. Not only can these vehicles cause more serious injuries, but they also have the potential to cause damage to property or destruction, resulting in significant financial burdens. An attorney for semi-truck accidents can assist you in determining the totality of your loss and pursue the right compensation for them.

Although it's generally recommended to speak with an attorney for injury after any kind of accident this is especially relevant when it comes to cases involving large trucks. In addition to the general laws that govern personal injury and traffic there are particular rules applicable to commercial trucks. These rules can have a significant impact on the way a crash occurs, the parties accountable and the kind of damages that are possible to award. A lawyer can ensure that you understand the rules and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

When a truck collision occurs it is not unusual to find a variety of parties that could be responsible for the accident, including the driver of the truck, the company they work for, as well as the company responsible for hauling the load. The truck manufacturer or defective component could also be accountable for the incident. A semi truck accident attorney can provide the detailed evidence necessary to prove that all at-fault parties are responsible and you have the right to fair compensation.

A semi truck accident lawyer with experience will protect you from common strategies used by insurance companies to deny or decrease your claim. Injured victims are often needing to get their money so that they can pay for medical treatments and other expenses. The insurers know this and take advantage of delay as a tactic to try to force you to accept less than what you are entitled to.

An attorney can help determine all the future and present damages you are entitled to, including medical bills loss of income as well as property damage and pain and suffering. A lawyer can also assist you determine the proper amount of compensatory and punitive damages to award in your particular case. Compensation damages are designed to compensate you for your losses. Punitive damages are designed to penalize the person who is who was at fault and discourage others from committing similar crimes.

Expert Witnesses

Truck accidents are different from car accidents in that they require a lot more specialized information, like the mechanics of the truck involved and the long-term economic as well as medical consequences of the accident, and industry regulations. A semi-truck crash lawyer should have access to the right experts, who can fill in gaps in knowledge and provide 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 know how to assess the scene of an accident, evaluate both the truck and the vehicle involved in it, determine the cause of the crash, and explain their findings in a manner that is clear and comprehendable. They are often an essential component of any successful lawsuit as they aid jurors in understanding why the crash occurred, and who could be responsible for it.

Expert witnesses can also help determine the extent of damages that are appropriate and what the damages will be worth. For example, a life-care planner can be hired to demonstrate the impact that a accident could have on a victim's ability to work, their medical needs for the remainder of their lives and any other long-term consequences. An economist may also be able to calculate the loss of earnings damages which is a major component of any compensation payout.

Experts in toxicology forensics and identification of alcohol and drugs can also be very valuable for a successful claim. These types of experts could assist in drawing a clear line between alcohol consumption and the accident, especially in cases where the trucker may have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash. A metallurgist can be a valuable expert witness. They can examine the metal components of the truck involved in the crash to determine if they loaded to the limit.

In some cases there are occasions when a New York semi-truck accident attorney will employ an expert to examine the trucking company's operations and how it operates. This is particularly important when the trucker is employed by a large company and could be subject to certain rules that other drivers aren't. The right expert can examine the safety procedures of the trucking firm the hiring procedures, hiring practices and any other information that might 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 speak with a semi-truck accident attorney as soon as you can. Our lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation to determine who's accountable for your injuries. We'll work with experts in accident reconstruction medical professionals, financial experts and experts to assist you in getting the compensation you need.

The most frequently cited reason for a truck crash is negligence by the driver. It could be due to driving while distracted or impaired or reckless driving. Trucking companies who fail to follow safety rules or hire employees with no qualifications could also be held accountable for accidents.

Another cause of a truck accident is the inadvertent maintenance of the vehicle. Failure to inspect or repair tires, brakes or other components of a truck can cause a dangerous accident. It is essential that your lawyer for semi truck accident attorney truck accidents is aware of the maintenance requirements for large trucks in order to look into any safety issues.

Thirdly, a trailer that isn't properly loaded or cargo could result in accidents with trucks. A truck that is not properly loaded can cause the truck or trailer to jackknife if not properly loaded. This is a serious accident that could result in serious or fatal injuries to motorists.

Inattention of other drivers could also lead to truck accidents. They could cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong direction. These actions can cause the driver of the truck to deviate from the road, and cause it to hit other vehicles and pedestrians.

A head-on collision between trucks and a passenger vehicle is among the most deadly kinds of truck crashes. The front end of a passenger vehicle typically bears the brunt of the impact, resulting in serious injuries and death. These types of accidents often occur on roads that are not divided when the truck driver falls asleep, swerves to avoid another vehicle or is driving under the impaired by alcohol or drugs. There are also accidents involving trucks spilling their loads of hazardous substances. These accidents can cause environmental damage and health hazards for humans who come into contact with the chemicals.