Truck Accident Attorneys

Every year, 5,000 people are killed in accidents involving large vehicles. It is essential to engage with lawyers for truck accidents who are knowledgeable of the different causes.

A lawyer should immediately initiate claims with the insurance company, as well as the company that is the owner of the truck. This will maximize the amount of available insurance.

Liability

While trucks make up only 4 percent of vehicles on the road yet they are involved more than 5 percent of all vehicular accidents. The majority of those accidents cause catastrophic injuries with victims suffering permanent and Vimeo life-changing disabilities. The financial burden associated with these injuries can be enormous, and victims and their families require compensation to ensure they can live their lives with dignity. Trucking companies and their insurers will do everything possible to minimize the amount of compensation that a victim is due. This is why you need an experienced, dependable semi truck accident attorney that can stand up to insurance companies and their attorneys. John Hensley and his team have the experience, knowledge and strength to make a difference in your case.

A semi-truck, also referred to as a tractor-trailer, or an 18-wheeler is a big commercial vehicle made up of a truck (tractor unit) and an detachable trailer which carries cargo. Because of their size and weight they are prone to serious accidents if they are driven in reckless manner or if the driver does not exercise reasonable care when operating the vehicle. Truck accidents are usually caused by distracted drivers, speeding, and failure to check blind spots when changing lanes or turning. Another reason for truck accidents is the improper loading of cargo, which can cause shifting and swaying which could result in the truck rolling over.

In addition to the driver, other parties may share responsibility in an accident involving a truck. This includes the driver's employer as well as the company that the driver transports goods for, or even the person responsible for setting up the load. It is more difficult when multiple insurers are involved in the case as they will each try to limit their own liability.

In some instances the local government agency could also share responsibility for accidents that occur on their property. If, for example an unmaintained road or a layout that was poorly planned resulted in an accident, then the county board could be liable for the injuries suffered by the victim. This kind of claim is based on the principle of vicarious liability that holds a supervisory body accountable for the actions of employees who is acting within the context of their work.

Damages

Any accident involving a motor vehicle can cause extreme emotional and physical trauma. The consequences of a collision involving a semi-truck can be more severe than other kinds of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage to property. This could result in significant financial burden. A semi truck accident lawyer can help you determine the full extent of your losses and get the right compensation.

Although it's generally a good idea to consult an injury attorney after any type of accident, this is especially relevant when it comes to cases involving large trucks. Commercial trucks are subject to particular rules in addition to laws that regulate traffic, personal injury and other laws. These can affect how the crash occurs, who is accountable, and the kinds of damages awarded. A lawyer can help to ensure that you are aware of the regulations and that those responsible are held accountable.

It is not uncommon that several parties are held responsible for an accident involving a truck which includes the driver as well as their employer and the company that hauled the cargo. In addition, fault may be assigned to the manufacturer of the truck or to any defective components that led to the accident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide the specific evidence to show that all parties at fault are accountable and that you have the right to fair compensation.

A semi truck accident law firm truck accident lawyer with experience can help you avoid typical tactics employed by insurance companies to deny or limit your claim. Victims of injuries often feel desperate to collect their money so that they can pay for medical treatments and other expenses. Insurance companies take advantage of this by using delay to force you to accept lower than you should.

An attorney can help you determine the damages you are entitled to in the future and present, including medical expenses, lost income and property damage. A lawyer can assist you determine how much punitive and compensatory damages to award in your particular case. Compensatory damages are intended to pay you back for your losses, while punitive damages are intended to punish the responsible party and deter others from committing similar acts.

Expert Witnesses

Unlike a normal car accident case, truck accidents typically include a great deal of specialized information about industry regulations including truck mechanics, the long-term medical and economic impact of the accident. A semi-truck accident attorney must be able to access experts who can fill in knowledge gaps and provide crucial testimony that could be vital to a client's legal case.

Accident reconstruction specialists are among the most valuable experts that a semi-truck accident attorney might want to call. They are skilled and are able to analyze an accident scene, assess both the truck and the vehicle involved as well as determine the root of the crash, and then explain their findings in a manner that is clear and comprehendable. They are usually a vital element of a successful lawsuit as they assist jurors in understanding how the crash occurred, and which parties might be responsible for it.

Expert witnesses can also identify the damage that is applicable and the value. For instance, a life insurance planner could be hired to show the effect a serious accident could have on a victim's ability to work, their medical needs for the remaining years of their lives and any other long-term consequences. An economist may also be able to calculate damages for lost earnings which is a major component of any compensation award.

Forensic toxicologists as well as experts in recognition of alcohol and drugs can also be a huge asset to a successful claim. These experts can assist in drawing a clear line between alcohol consumption and the crash, especially in cases where the trucker may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash. A metallurgist is also a valuable expert witness. They can conduct tests on the metal components of the truck involved in the accident to determine if they were loaded too much.

In some cases, an attorney for a New York semi truck accident will hire an expert who will investigate the trucking business and how it operates. This is particularly important when the trucker was employed by an enormous trucking company and was subject to the same standards as other drivers were not. An expert could examine the safety protocols of the trucking company and hiring practices, as well as any other information that might help to determine fault.

Time Limits

Evidence is usually lost or destroyed in a truck accident. This is the reason it's so important to contact a semi truck accident lawyer as quickly as possible. Our attorneys will conduct an extensive investigation to determine all the liable parties for your injuries. We will work with experts in accident reconstruction as well as medical professionals and financial experts to help you obtain the compensation you require.

The most common cause of a truck accident is negligence by the driver. This could include driving while distracted or under the influence or vimeo driving recklessly. Trucking companies that don't adhere to safety standards or hire employees with no qualifications could be held accountable for accidents.

Unprofessional maintenance of the vehicle can also be a cause of a truck crash. Inability to check or repair brakes, tires, or other parts of a vehicle can result in a dangerous accident. It is essential to ensure that your attorney for truck accidents knows the requirements for maintenance of large trucks, so that they can investigate any issues with the safety of the truck.

A third reason is that a trailer that is not properly loaded or cargo can cause an accident involving a truck. A poorly loaded truck can cause the trailer or truck to jackknife if not properly loaded. This is a serious hazard that could cause serious or fatal injuries to other motorists who are driving.

Accidents involving trucks are also caused by reckless driving of other drivers. They might cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong lane. These actions could cause the truck to veer off the road and crash with other vehicles or pedestrians.

One of the most fatal truck accidents is the head-on collision. The front of the car is typically the one to take the brunt, leading to serious injuries, and even death. These types of accidents usually occur on roads that are not divided when the truck driver falls asleep, steers away from another vehicle, or is under the impaired by alcohol or drugs. Trucks may also cause accidents by spilling dangerous materials. These accidents can cause environmental damage and human health hazards for those who come in contact with the chemicals.