Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people are killed in crashes involving large trucks. It's important that you employ truck accident lawyers who understand the different factors.
A lawyer should immediately file claims with the insurance company, as well as the company that owns the truck. This will maximize the amount of insurance.
Liability
Trucks constitute just 4 percent of all vehicles on the road, but they are involved in over five percent of all accidents. In the majority of these accidents, the victims suffer serious injuries and are permanently disabled. These injuries can have a huge financial impact on the victim, and the victim and their families must be compensated to live with dignity. Unfortunately trucking companies and their insurance companies will do everything they can in an effort to limit the amount of compensation that a victim is entitled to. That's why you need an experienced and dependable semi truck accident attorney that will stand up to insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley's team has the knowledge of experience, expertise, and the strength to make a difference in your case.
Semi-trucks are also known by the names tractor-trailer, 18-wheeler and tractor are large commercial vehicles which comprise one truck unit (tractor) and an attached trailer that is used to transport cargo. Due to their weight and size they are susceptible to serious accidents if they are driven with recklessness or if the driver is not exercising reasonable care while operating the vehicle. Truck accidents are often caused by drivers who speed, distracted drivers and the inability to spot blind spots when turning or changing lanes. Incorrect loading of cargo can cause truck accidents as well. This can result in shifting, swaying or even the truck rolling.
In addition to the driver, other people can share the blame in an accident involving a truck. This includes the driver's employer and the company the driver transports goods for or the person who is responsible for setting up the load. The process of proving fault is more difficult when multiple insurers are involved in the incident, because they all attempt to limit their own liability.
In some cases, the local government entity could be held accountable for any accident that occurs on its property. For instance, if poorly designed road layout or poor maintenance resulted in an accident, the county board could be responsible for the injuries sustained by the victim. This type of claim is based on the principle of vicarious liability, which holds a supervisory body accountable for the actions of employees when they are acting within the confines of their employment.
Damages
Every motor vehicle accident can cause severe emotional and physical trauma. However, the results of a collision with a semi truck can be more serious than most other kinds of accidents. Not only do these vehicles cause more serious injuries as well, but they can also destroy or damage property and cause significant financial burdens. An attorney for semi-truck accidents can help you determine the full extent of your losses and pursue an appropriate amount of compensation.
While it's generally recommended to speak with an injury attorney after any kind of accident this is especially relevant in cases involving large trucks. In addition to the general laws that govern traffic and personal injury There are specific rules applicable to commercial vehicles. These rules can have a significant impact on how a collision happens, the responsible parties and the kinds of damages that can be awarded. A lawyer can assist you get the most out of these regulations and ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable.
It is not uncommon for multiple parties to be held responsible in a truck-related accident including the driver as well as their employer and the company who hauled the cargo. Additionally, the blame could be assigned to the manufacturer of the truck or any of the parts that were defective and caused the accident. An attorney who is a semi truck accident will provide the exact evidence needed to demonstrate that all at-fault parties are responsible and you are entitled to fair compensation.
A semi truck accident lawyer with experience will protect you from common tactics used by insurance firms to deny or reduce your claim. The injured victims are usually looking for money in order to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. The insurers know this and profit from this, using delaying as a tactic to to force you into accepting less than what you are entitled to.
A lawyer can help you determine the damages you are entitled to in the near and future, including medical expenses, lost income and property damage. A lawyer can also help you determine the right amount of punitive and compensatory damages to award in your case. Compensatory damages are intended to pay you back for your losses, whereas punitive damages are meant to punish the at-fault party and deter others from doing similar actions.
Expert Witnesses
Unlike a normal car accident situation, truck accidents usually involve a lot of highly specific information regarding industry regulations such as truck mechanics, the long-term medical and economic effects of the crash. An attorney for semi-truck accidents should have access to experts who can fill in gaps and provide crucial evidence that could be vital to the client's case.
Specialists in reconstruction of accidents are one of the most valuable experts that a semi-truck accident lawyer can rely on. They are experienced professionals who are able to analyze an accident scene, assess the vehicle and truck involved in the crash, determine the cause of the crash, and explain their findings in clear, simple terms. They are often a key part of any successful lawsuit because they can assist jurors in understanding how a particular crash happened, and which parties might be responsible for it.
west virginia semi truck accident lawyer can also identify the extent of damages that are relevant and the value. A life care planner, for instance is an expert who can show the impact of a serious accident on the ability of a victim to work and their medical needs throughout their lifetime. In addition, an economist could assist in calculating things like lost earnings damages, which could be a significant component of any compensation award.
Forensic toxicologists and experts in the recognition of alcohol and drug use can also be invaluable for a successful claim. These experts can help draw the line between intoxication and the accident. This is especially the case when the driver 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 examine the metal components of the truck involved in the crash to determine if they were loaded with too much.
In certain instances the attorney for an New York semi truck accident will retain an expert to investigate the trucking company and how it operates. This is crucial, particularly if the trucker worked for an established trucking company and was subject to standards that other drivers were not. The expert can examine the safety policies of the trucking company, as well as their hiring practices, as well as any other information that may help determine fault.
Time Limits
When a truck crash occurs and evidence is lost or destroyed. It's crucial to get in touch with a semi-truck crash attorney as quickly as possible. Our attorneys can conduct a thorough investigation to determine who's responsible for your injuries. We'll collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists along with medical professionals and financial analysts to help you get the compensation that you deserve.
The most frequent cause of truck accidents is driver carelessness. This could result from driving while unintentionally, driving while under the influence, or driving recklessly. Trucking companies who fail to adhere to safety regulations or hire employees who are not qualified could also be held responsible for accidents.
Unprofessional maintenance of the vehicle is another reason for an accident involving a truck. Inability to check or repair tires, brakes or other components of a truck could result in an accident that is dangerous. It is vital that your truck accident lawyer is aware of the requirements for maintenance on large trucks so that they can look into any safety issues.
Thirdly, a poorly-loaded trailer or cargo could lead to a truck accident. A truck that isn't loaded properly can cause the truck or trailer to jackknife if it is not properly loaded. This is a serious accident that can cause serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
The negligence of other drivers can also lead to truck accidents. They could cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong direction. These actions could cause the truck's wheels to slide off the road, and then collide with other vehicles or pedestrians.
One of the most fatal truck accidents is head-on collisions. The front of the car is typically the one who takes the brunt, leading to serious injuries and sometimes even death. These accidents occur when a truck driver is asleep, or swerves to avoid a vehicle, or is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Trucks can also cause accidents by spilling hazardous materials. These accidents could cause environmental harm and health risks to humans who come in contact with the chemicals.