Truck Accident Attorneys

Every year, 5,000 individuals die in accidents caused by large trucks. If a collision occurs, it's important to get in touch with truck accident lawyers who know the various factors involved.

A lawyer should promptly initiate claims with the insurance company of the driver company as well as the company that owns the truck. This is done so as to maximize the insurance coverage available.

Liability

Although trucks comprise only 4 percent of vehicles on the road yet they are involved more than five percent of all vehicle accidents. The majority of these accidents result in catastrophic injuries, that result in victims suffering permanent and life-changing disabilities. The financial burden of those injuries can be enormous and the families of victims require compensation in order to live their lives with dignity. The insurance companies of trucking companies will do everything possible to minimize the amount of compensation the victim is entitled. This is why you need an experienced, dependable semi truck accident attorney that is able to stand up against insurance companies and their attorneys. John Hensley's team possesses the expertise skills, experience, and determination 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 consisting of a truck (tractor unit) and an unattachable trailer that can carry cargo. These trucks are susceptible, due to their weight and size, to serious accidents if driven recklessly. Common causes of truck accidents include speeding, distracted driving and not checking blind spots prior to changing lanes or turning. Improper loading of freight can also cause truck accidents. This can cause shifting, swaying, and even rolling the truck.

In addition to the driver of the truck and other drivers, other parties could share liability in a truck crash including the driver's employer or the company they carry products for, and even the person who is responsible for setting up the load. Proving fault can be more difficult if multiple insurers are involved in the case, because they each attempt to limit their own liability.

In certain instances, the local government entity could also be accountable for any accident that occurs on its property. If, for example a road that is not maintained or a poorly laid-out layout caused an accident, then the county board could be liable for the damage suffered by the victim. This type of claim is based on the principle of vicarious liability which holds the supervisory party accountable for the actions of an employee when they are acting within the confines of their job.

Damages

The physical and emotional trauma that comes with any motor vehicle accident could be quite severe. The effects of a collision with semi-trucks are more severe than other kinds of accidents. Not only do these vehicles cause more severe injuries however, they can also cause property damage or destruction, resulting in significant financial burdens. A semi truck accident lawyer can help you determine the full extent of your loss and pursue appropriate compensation for them.

It's always a good idea regardless of the kind of accident that has occurred, to consult an attorney who specializes in personal injury. This is particularly true in cases involving large-sized vehicles. Commercial trucks are subjected to specific regulations in addition to the laws that govern traffic, personal injury and other laws. They affect how a crash occurs, who's accountable, and the kinds of damages that can be awarded. A lawyer can help you learn about these rules and ensure that the at-fault parties are held accountable.

If a truck accident happens, it is not uncommon to have several people who are responsible such as the truck driver and the company they work for, as well as the company that hauled the load. A truck manufacturer or any defective components could also be liable for the incident. A grand prairie semi truck accident law firm (vimeo.com) truck accident lawyer can provide the evidence necessary to prove that all the parties at fault are responsible and to demonstrate that you have a right to fair compensation.

A semi truck accident lawyer with experience can protect you from the typical tactics employed by insurance companies to deny or reduce your claim. Injured victims are often desperate to receive their money to cover medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies profit from this by attempting to make you accept less than what you're entitled to.

A lawyer can help you determine all of the future and present damages you are entitled to, such as medical bills as well as lost income property damage, suffering and pain. An attorney can help determine the amount of punitive and compensatory damages to be awarded in your case. Compensatory damages are intended to reimburse you for your losses, whereas punitive damages are intended to punish the person at fault and deter others from committing similar crimes.

Expert Witnesses

Truck accidents are different from car accidents in that they require more specialized information, including the truck mechanics involved, the long-term economic and medical effects of the accident as well as the regulations that govern the industry. An attorney for semi-truck accidents should have access to the right experts who can fill in the gaps and provide vital evidence that could be vital to the client's claim.

Specialists in accident reconstruction are among the most knowledgeable experts that a semi-truck accident lawyer could rely on. They are experienced professionals who are skilled at examining the scene of an accident, evaluate the truck and other vehicles involved in the collision, identify what caused the accident and then explain their findings in clear, easy to understand terms. They are usually a vital component of any successful lawsuit because they can aid jurors in understanding why the crash occurred, and which parties might be responsible for it.

The right expert witnesses can help determine what damages are enforceable and how much those damages will be worth. For instance, a life insurance planner can be hired to demonstrate the impact that a accident could have on the victim's ability to work, their medical needs for the remainder of their lives as well as any other long-term effects. An economist may also be able to calculate the damages for lost earnings which is a significant component of any compensation award.

Forensic toxicologists and experts in the recognition of alcohol and drug use can be extremely valuable to a successful claim. These experts can help draw an exact line between intoxication and the crash. This is particularly important when the trucker was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash. A metallurgist can also be an excellent expert witness since they can perform tests on metal components of the truck that could be involved in the collision to determine if they were over-loaded.

In some cases there are occasions when a New York semi-truck accident attorney will hire an expert to study the trucking firm itself and how it functions. This is particularly important when the trucker is employed by a large trucking business and may be subject to certain rules that other drivers do not. An expert can look into the safety procedures of the trucking firm the hiring procedures, hiring practices and any other information which could assist in determining the cause of the accident.

Time Limits

Evidence is usually destroyed or lost in a truck crash. It is essential to contact a semi-truck accident attorney as quickly as possible. Our attorneys can conduct a thorough investigation to find the responsible parties for your injuries. We'll work with experts in accident reconstruction, medical professionals and financial experts to assist you in getting the compensation you deserve.

The most frequent cause of a truck accident is the negligence of the driver. It could be due to driving distracted, driving while under the influence or driving recklessly. The trucking company that owns and operates the truck could also be liable for accidents if they fail to follow safety regulations or hire inexperienced drivers.

Another reason for a truck accident is poor maintenance on the vehicle. Inability to inspect or repair the truck's brakes, tires, or other components could result in a deadly crash. It is important that your lawyer for truck accidents is aware of the requirements for maintenance on large trucks so that they can examine any safety concerns.

Another reason for a truck accident is a poorly loaded trailer or cargo. 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 cause serious or fatal injuries to other motorists driving on the road.

Inattention of other drivers could also cause truck accidents. They may cut off the driver of the truck or merge into the wrong lane. These actions can cause the truck to turn off the road and crash with pedestrians or other vehicles.

One of the most deadly truck accidents is a head-on collision. The front end of the passenger vehicle usually takes the brunt of the impact, which can result in serious injuries and even death. These accidents happen when a truck driver is asleep, or semi truck accident attorney swerves to avoid another vehicle, or is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Trucks are also prone to accidents due to spilling their hazardous materials. These accidents could cause environmental damage and health hazards to people who come in contact with the chemicals.