Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people die in accidents involving large trucks. It's important that you engage with lawyers for truck accidents who are aware of the various factors.
Attorneys must immediately submit a claim to the insurance company of the driver as well as with the company that operates and owns the truck. This is done in order to get the most insurance possible.
Liability
While trucks make up only 4 percent of vehicles on the road however, they are involved in more than five percent of all vehicle accidents. In the vast majority of these accidents, the victims suffer severe injuries and are permanently disabled. These accidents can have a devastating financial impact, and victims and their families should be compensated so that they can live with dignity. Trucking companies and their insurers will do everything in their power to cut down on the amount of compensation that the victim is due. That's why you need an experienced and dependable semi truck accident attorney that can stand up to the insurance companies and their attorneys. John Hensley and his team have the expertise, experience and power to make the difference in your case.
Semi-trucks, referred to by the names tractor-trailer or 18-wheeler are commercial vehicles of a large size comprised of one truck unit (tractor) and an attached trailer to transport cargo. These trucks are susceptible, due to their weight and size, to serious accidents if they are driven recklessly. Accidents involving trucks are usually caused by speeding, distracted drivers and the inability to spot blind spots when turning or changing lanes. Another cause of truck crashes is improper loading of the cargo, which can cause shifting and swaying which could potentially result in the truck rolling over.
In addition to the truck driver and other drivers, other parties could be liable in a truck accident, such as the driver's employer or the company they carry product for, and even the person that sets up the load. It can be more difficult when multiple insurers are involved in the matter, as they will each try to limit their own liability.
In some cases, the local government agency might also be liable for any accident that occurs on its property. If, for example a road that is not maintained or a layout that was poorly planned resulted in an accident, then the county board could be responsible for the victim's damages. This type of claim is based on the principle of vicarious liability which holds a supervisory body accountable for the actions of an employee when they are acting within the confines of their job.
Damages
The emotional and physical trauma that comes with any motor vehicle accident could be extreme. The effects of a collision with semi-trucks are more severe than other kinds of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage property. This could result in a substantial financial burden. An attorney for semi-truck accidents can assist you in determining the totality of your losses and pursue the right compensation for them.
It is always a good idea, regardless of the type of accident that has occurred to talk to a personal injury attorney. This is particularly true in cases involving large vehicles. Commercial trucks are subjected to specific regulations in addition to the laws that regulate traffic, personal injury and other laws. These regulations can affect how a accident occurs, who is accountable, and the kinds of damages awarded. A lawyer can ensure that you understand the regulations and ensure that the parties responsible are held accountable.
If a truck accident happens it is not unusual for there to be a number of parties to be accountable for the accident, including the driver of the truck or the company they work for, and the company that carried the load. In addition, the fault could be attributed to the manufacturer of the truck or to any of the parts that were defective and caused the accident. An attorney for semi-truck accidents will provide the exact evidence required to show that all at-fault parties are responsible and you are entitled to fair compensation.
A semi truck accident lawyer with years of experience will be able to protect you from typical tactics employed by insurance companies to deny or reduce your claim. Victims of injuries are often eager to receive compensation in order to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. The insurers know this and profit from it, using delay as a tool to pressure you to accept less than what you are entitled to.
An attorney can help you determine all of the future and present damages you are entitled to, including medical bills as well as lost income as well as property damage and suffering and pain. An attorney can help you determine the amount of punitive and compensatory damages you can decide on in your case. Compensatory damages are intended to compensate you for your losses. Punitive damages aim to punish the party who was at fault and discourage other people from committing similar crime.
Expert Witnesses
The nature of truck accidents is different from car accidents in that they require more specialized information, like the mechanics of the truck involved as well as the long-term economic and medical effects of the crash and the regulations for the industry. A semi-truck crash lawyer should be able to access the right experts, who can fill in the gaps of knowledge and provide evidence that could be vital to a client's case.
Specialists in accident reconstruction are among the most valuable experts that a semi-truck accident attorney can rely on. These professionals are experienced and are able to evaluate the accident scene, analyze the truck as well as the vehicle involved in it and determine the reason for the crash, and then explain their findings in a way that is easily comprehendable. They are often a key part of a successful lawsuit as they help jurors understand how a crash occurred and who might be accountable.
Expert witnesses can help determine which damages are applicable and how much they will be worth. A life care planner, for example is an expert who can demonstrate the impact of an accident of a serious nature on the ability of a victim to work and their medical requirements throughout their lifetime. An economist may also be able to determine the amount of compensation for lost earnings which is a major component of any compensation award.
Experts in toxicology for forensics as well as identification of drugs and alcohol are also very helpful for a successful claim. They can help draw an exact line between intoxication and the accident. This is especially true when the trucker was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash. A metallurgist can also be a valuable expert witness. They can conduct tests on the metal components of the truck involved in the accident to determine if they overloaded.
In certain cases in some cases, a New York semi-truck accident attorney will engage an expert to study the trucking company's operations and the way it operates. This is particularly important in the event that the trucker was employed by a large trucking company and is subject to certain requirements that other drivers do not. The expert can look into the safety protocols of the trucking company, their hiring practices, as well as any other information that may aid in determining the source of the problem.
Time Limits
When a truck collision occurs the evidence is often lost or destroyed. It is imperative to speak with a semi truck accident attorney as quickly as possible. Our lawyers will conduct an extensive investigation to determine who's responsible for your injuries. We'll partner with experts in accident reconstruction as well as medical professionals and financial experts to ensure you receive the compensation you need.
The most frequent cause of a truck collision is driver error. This could include driving while distracted or impaired or reckless driving. east orange semi truck accident lawyer that fail to adhere to safety standards or hire unqualified employees may be held accountable for accidents.
Unprofessional maintenance of the vehicle is another reason for the possibility of a crash with a truck. Failure to inspect or repair tires, brakes, or other parts of a truck can cause a dangerous accident. It's important to make sure that your lawyer for truck accidents knows the requirements for maintenance of large trucks in order to determine any issues that could affect the truck's safety.
Thirdly, a poorly-loaded trailer or cargo can cause an accident involving a truck. A truck that isn't loaded properly can cause the truck or trailer to be jackknifed if not properly loaded. This is a serious accident that could cause serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
Truck accidents are also caused by negligent driving by other drivers. They may cut off the driver of the truck or merge into the wrong lanes. These actions can cause the driver of the truck to deviate from the road, and cause it to be in collision with other vehicles or pedestrians.
One of the most dangerous truck accidents is head-on collisions. The front of the passenger vehicle usually takes the brunt of the impact, which can result in serious injuries, and sometimes death. These accidents happen when a truck driver falls asleep, or swerves to avoid a vehicle, or is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Trucks are also prone to accidents due to spilling hazardous materials. These accidents can cause environmental damage as well as health risks for people who come into contact with the chemicals.