Truck Accident Attorneys

Every year, 5,000 people are killed in accidents involving large trucks. In the event of a crash it's essential to work with truck accident lawyers who know the different factors involved.

A lawyer should immediately set up claims with the insurance company of the driver company as in the case of the company that owns the truck. This is done to maximize the amount of available insurance.

Liability

Trucks make up only 4 percent of the vehicles on the road, but they are involved in nearly half of all accidents. The vast majority of those accidents involve catastrophic injuries, that result in victims suffering permanent and life-altering disabilities. The financial burden of those injuries can be enormous, and the victims and their families have to seek damages to ensure they can live their lives with dignity. Unfortunately trucking firms and their insurance companies will not leave a stone unturned in their efforts to reduce the amount of compensation a victim is entitled to. You require a skilled strong and experienced semi truck accident lawyer who can take on the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the experience, knowledge and the strength to make an impact in your case.

A semi-truck, also referred to as a tractor-trailer or an 18-wheeler, is a huge commercial vehicle that consists of a truck (tractor unit) and an detachable trailer which carries cargo. Because of their weight and size they are prone to serious accidents when they are driven with recklessness or when the driver does not exercise reasonable care while operating the vehicle. Common causes of truck accidents include speeding, distracted driving, and not securing blind spots prior to changing lanes or turning. Another reason behind truck crashes is the improper loading of freight, which could cause shifting and swaying that could result in the truck rolling over.

In addition to the driver, other parties can share responsibility in the event of a truck crash. This includes the driver's business, the company that the driver is responsible for hauling goods or even the person who sets up the load. It can be difficult to prove the fault when there are several insurance companies involved, because each will try to limit its own liability.

In some instances a local government entity could also be liable for accidents that occur on their property. If, for example, a poorly maintained road or a poorly laid-out layout contributed to 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 body accountable for the actions of employees when they are acting within the confines of their employment.

Damages

Any car accident can cause extreme emotional and physical trauma. The effects of a collision involving semi-trucks are more severe than other types of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage to property. This could result in a significant financial burden. A Semi Truck Accident Law Firm truck accident lawyer can assist you to determine the extent of your losses and seek appropriate compensation.

It is always a good idea, regardless of the type of accident that occurred, to consult an attorney for personal injury. This is particularly true in cases involving large vehicles. In addition to the general laws that govern personal injury and traffic there are specific regulations applicable to commercial trucks. They affect how a crash happens, who is responsible, and the kinds of damages that could be awarded. A lawyer can help to ensure that you know the rules and ensure that the parties at fault are held accountable.

It is not uncommon for multiple parties to be accountable in a truck-related accident including the driver, their employer, and the company that carried the cargo. A truck manufacturer or any defective components could also be held responsible for the incident. A semi truck accident lawyer will provide the exact evidence to show that all parties at fault are responsible and you have the right to fair compensation.

A skilled semi truck accident attorney to defend you from the usual strategies used by insurance companies to deny or reduce your claim. Victims of injuries are often looking for 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.

An attorney can help determine the damages you are entitled to in the near and future such as medical expenses, lost income and property damage. A lawyer can also assist you determine the appropriate amount of punitive and compensatory damages to award in your particular case. Compensation damages are designed to pay you back for your losses, whereas punitive damages are designed to penalize the party at fault and discourage others from committing similar acts.

Expert Witnesses

As opposed to a typical car crash scenario, truck accidents generally involve a significant amount of specialized information about industry regulations such as truck mechanics, the long-term medical and economic impacts of the crash. A semi-truck crash attorney should have access to the right experts, who can fill in the gaps of knowledge and provide testimony that could be essential to a client's case.

Specialists in accident reconstruction are among the most reliable experts that a semi-truck accident attorney might want to call. They are experts with years of experience who know how to examine the scene of the accident, examine the vehicle and truck involved in the accident, determine what caused the accident and present their findings in clear, easy to understand terms. They are often an essential part of any successful lawsuit as they assist the jury in understanding how an accident occurred and which parties could be responsible.

Expert witnesses can also establish the damages that can be claimed and the value. For instance, a life care planner can be hired to show the impact a serious accident might have on a victim's ability to work, their medical needs for the duration of their lives, and any other long-term consequences. An economist may also be able to calculate the loss of earnings damages which is a major component of any compensation award.

Forensic toxicologists and experts in recognition of alcohol and drugs are also essential for a successful claim. These experts can help draw a direct line between intoxication and the accident. This is especially true when the trucker was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of crash. A metallurgist could also be an expert witness because they can conduct tests on metal components of the truck that might be involved in the accident to determine whether they were laden with.

In some cases the New York semi-truck accident attorney will engage an expert to examine the trucking company and the way it operates. This is particularly crucial if the trucker was employed by a large trucking company and may be subject to certain requirements which other drivers aren't. An expert can look into the trucking company's safety procedures the hiring procedures, hiring practices and any other information that could aid in determining the source of the problem.

Time Limits

Evidence is usually lost or destroyed when a truck accident occurs. This is why it's imperative to speak with a semi truck accident attorney as soon as you can. Our attorneys will conduct an extensive investigation to discover all the parties responsible for your injuries. We will collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals and financial analysts to ensure you get the money you are entitled to.

The most common cause of a truck collision is driver error. This could include driving distracted, driving under the influence, or driving irresponsibly. Trucking companies that do not adhere to safety regulations or hire unqualified employees may also be accountable for accidents.

Incorrect maintenance of the vehicle is a further cause of the possibility of a crash with a truck. Failure to examine or repair the truck's brakes, tires, or other parts could cause a dangerous crash. 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 safety of the truck.

A third reason is that a trailer that is not properly loaded or cargo could cause accidents with trucks. If a truck isn't properly loaded, it can cause the trailer to shift while on the road or cause the truck to become jackknifed. This is a serious crash that can cause serious or fatal injuries to other motorists on the road.

Inattention of other drivers could also result in truck accidents. They could cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong lane. These actions may cause the driver of the truck to veer from the road, which could cause it to collide with other vehicles and pedestrians.

One of the most deadly truck accidents is one that involves a head-on collision. The front end of a passenger vehicle usually takes the brunt of the impact, which can result in serious injuries and death. These kinds of accidents typically occur on roads that are not divided when the truck driver is asleep, is unable to steer clear of another vehicle or is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. There are also accidents involving trucks that spill their loads of hazardous substances. These accidents could cause environmental damage and dangers to human health for those who come in contact with the chemicals.