Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people are killed in crashes involving large trucks. If a collision occurs, it's important to work with truck accident lawyers who understand the various factors involved.
A lawyer should promptly initiate claims with the insurance company of the driver company, as and the company that is the owner of the truck. This is done so as to get the most insurance possible.
Liability
Trucks comprise just 4 percent of the vehicles on the road, but they are involved in more than half of all accidents. In the vast majority of these accidents, victims suffer severe injuries and become permanently disabled. These injuries can have a massive financial impact, and victims and their families should be compensated to live with dignity. Unfortunately trucking companies and their insurance companies will leave no stone unturned in an attempt to minimize the amount of compensation that a victim is entitled to. This is why you need an experienced and dependable semi truck accident attorney that can stand up to the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the experience, knowledge and power to make the 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 the truck (tractor unit) and an detachable trailer which carries cargo. Due to their weight and size they are prone to serious accidents if they are driven recklessly or when the driver does not exercise reasonable care when operating the vehicle. Common causes of truck accidents include speeding, distracted driving, and failing to check blind spots before changing lanes or turning. Another reason behind truck crashes is improper loading of the freight that can result in shifting and swaying which could lead to the truck rolling over.
In addition to the driver, other people can share the responsibility for an accident involving a truck. This includes the driver's employer or the company the driver hauls product for or the person who is responsible for setting up the load. Proving fault can be more difficult if multiple insurers are involved in the case, as they will each try to limit their own liability.
In some cases the local government agency could also be responsible for accidents that occur on their property. If, for example, a poorly maintained road or a poorly laid-out layout caused an accident, then the county board could be responsible for the injuries suffered by the victim. This kind of claim is based on the principle of vicarious liability, which holds a supervisory person liable for an employee's actions while performing the duties of their duties.
Damages
The emotional and physical trauma that comes with any motor vehicle crash can be a lot. The results of a collision with a semi-truck can be more severe than other types of accidents. Not only can these vehicles cause more serious injuries and injuries, but they can also cause property damage or destruction that can lead to significant financial burdens. A semi truck accident attorney can help you determine the extent of your loss and pursue the right compensation for them.
It's always a good idea regardless of the type of accident that occurred to speak with an attorney who specializes in personal injury. This is especially true when dealing with large vehicles. In addition to the general laws that govern traffic and personal injury, there are special regulations applicable to commercial vehicles. They affect how a crash happens, who is accountable, and the kinds of damages that could be awarded. A lawyer can ensure that you are aware of the rules and ensure that the parties responsible are held accountable.
It is not uncommon for multiple parties to be accountable for an accident involving a truck which includes the driver or their employer, as well as the company that transported the cargo. A truck manufacturer or defective parts may be liable for the incident. An attorney for semi-truck accidents can provide the evidence required to show that all at-fault parties are responsible and you have the right to fair compensation.
A semi truck accident lawyer with years of experience can protect you from the common tactics used by insurance companies to deny or decrease your claim. Injured victims are usually desperate to receive their money to cover medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies take advantage of this by attempting to make you accept less than what you're entitled to.
An attorney can help you determine the damages you are entitled to in the future and in the present including medical bills, lost income and property damage. An attorney can also help you determine the right amount of compensatory and punitive damages to award in your particular case. Compensatory damages are meant to reimburse you for your losses, whereas punitive damages aim to punish the at-fault party and discourage others from committing similar acts.
Expert Witnesses
Unlike a normal car accident case, truck accidents typically involve a significant amount of specific information on industry regulations as well as truck mechanics and the long-term medical and economic impact of the accident. A semi-truck accident attorney must have access to the right experts who can fill in gaps and provide evidence that could be crucial to a client's case.
The specialists in accident reconstruction are one of the most valuable experts a semi truck accident lawyer can call upon. They are experts with years of experience who know how to look over an accident scene, assess the truck and vehicle involved in the crash, determine the reason for the crash, and explain their findings in simple, easy-to-understand terms. They are usually an essential element of a successful lawsuit, because they can help jurors understand why a crash took place and who may be accountable.
Expert witnesses can also help to identify the damages that are applicable and what the damages will be worth. For instance, a health planner can be hired to show the impact that a serious accident might have on a victim's ability to work, their medical requirements for the remainder of their lives and any other long-term repercussions. In addition, an economist could help to calculate things like lost earnings damages, which could be a significant component of any compensation award.
Forensic toxicologists and experts in recognition of alcohol and drugs are also essential in a successful case. They can assist in drawing a clear line between alcohol consumption, and the accident. This is particularly important when the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of crash. A metallurgist is also a valuable expert witness. They can conduct tests on metal components of the truck involved in the crash to determine if they loaded too much.
In certain cases in some cases, a New York semi-truck accident attorney will employ an expert to study the trucking company itself and the way it operates. This is especially crucial when the trucker is employed by a large trucking firm and might be subject to certain standards that other drivers are not. An expert can look into the trucking company's safety procedures and hiring practices, as well as any other information which could aid in determining the source of the problem.
Time Limits
Evidence is often lost or destroyed when a truck accident occurs. This is why it's imperative to speak with a semi truck accident lawyer as soon as you can. Our attorneys will conduct an extensive investigation to determine all the parties responsible for your injuries. We'll collaborate with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals and financial experts to assist you in getting the compensation you need.
The most frequent cause of a truck collision is the negligence of the driver. This could result from driving while distracted, driving under the influence, or driving recklessly. Trucking companies who fail to adhere to safety regulations or hire unqualified workers could also be held accountable for accidents.
Another reason for a truck accident is the lack of maintenance on the vehicle. Inability to check or repair tires, brakes, or other parts of a truck can cause a dangerous accident. It's crucial to ensure that your truck accident attorney understands the maintenance needs of large trucks so that they can determine any issues that could affect the safety of the truck.
A third reason behind a truck accident is a trailer that is not properly loaded or cargo. If a truck is not properly loaded, it can cause the trailer to shift on the road or cause the truck to jackknife. This is a serious hazard which can result in serious or fatal injuries to other motorists driving on the road.
Other drivers' negligence can also cause truck accidents. They may cut off the driver of the truck or merge into wrong lanes. These actions can cause the truck to turn off the road, and then collide with other vehicles or pedestrians.
A head-on collision between a truck and a passenger vehicle is one of the most deadly kinds of truck accidents. The front end of a passenger vehicle usually takes the brunt of the impact, resulting in serious injuries, and sometimes death. These accidents occur when a truck driver is asleep or turns around to avoid another vehicle or is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. There are also accidents involving trucks that spill their load of hazardous materials. lansing semi truck accident lawyer could cause environmental harm and health hazards to people who come in contact with the chemicals.