Truck Accident Attorneys

Each year, 5,000 people die in accidents caused by large trucks. If a collision occurs it's essential to consult with truck accident lawyers that understand the various aspects involved.

An attorney should immediately submit a claim to the insurance company of the driver as well as with the company that operates and owns the truck. This will maximize the amount of available insurance.

Liability

Trucks make up only 4 percent of the vehicles on the road, however they are involved in over a fifth of all accidents. The majority of those accidents cause catastrophic injuries which result in permanent and life-changing disabilities. These injuries can have a huge financial impact, and victims and their families should be compensated so that they can live with dignity. Unfortunately trucking companies and insurance providers will leave no stone unturned in an effort to limit the amount of the compensation a victim is entitled to. This is why you need an experienced, skilled semi truck accident lawyers truck accident lawyer who can stand up to insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the experience, expertise and strength to make the difference in your case.

Semi-trucks are also known by the names tractor-trailer or 18-wheeler are commercial vehicles of a large size made up of the truck unit (tractor) and an attached trailer which transports cargo. Due to their size and weight they are prone to serious accidents if they are driven with recklessness or if drivers fail to exercise reasonable care while operating the vehicle. The most common causes of accidents involving trucks include speeding, distracted driving and failing to check blind spots before changing lanes or turning. Another cause of truck crashes is improper loading of the freight, which could cause shifting and swaying which could potentially result in the truck rolling over.

In addition to the driver, other parties may share the blame in truck accidents. This includes the company that is responsible for the driver and the company the driver transports goods for or the person who sets up the load. It is difficult to establish that someone is at fault when there are multiple insurance companies involved, because each one will try to limit their own liability.

In some cases, local government agencies could also share responsibility in the event of a crash on their property. For example, if a poorly designed road layout or inadequate maintenance contributed to an accident the county board may be responsible for the damages sustained by the victim. This type of claim is based upon the principle of vicarious liability that makes supervisory employees liable for the actions of an employee while performing the duties of their job.

Damages

The emotional and physical trauma that comes with any motor vehicle accident can be severe. However, the consequences of a collision with a semi-truck are more severe than most other types of accidents. Not only do these vehicles cause more serious injuries as well, but they can also destroy or damage property which can result in substantial financial burdens. A semi truck accident attorney can help you determine the extent of your losses and pursue an appropriate amount of compensation.

Although it's generally a good idea to consult an injury lawyer following any kind of accident this is particularly important when it comes to cases involving large trucks. Commercial trucks are subjected to specific regulations in addition laws that govern traffic, personal injury and other laws. These can affect how the crash occurs, who's responsible, and the types of damages that could be awarded. A lawyer can ensure that you are aware of rules and that the parties responsible for the crash are held accountable.

When a truck accident occurs it is not uncommon to have several people who are responsible for the accident, including the driver of the truck and the company they work for, as well as the company that hauled the load. In addition, blame can be attributed to the company that made the truck of the truck or to any of the parts that were defective and caused the accident. A semi truck accident attorney can provide the evidence needed to demonstrate that all at-fault parties are accountable and that you have the right to fair compensation.

An experienced semi truck accident lawyer to defend your rights from the common tactics used by insurance companies to reduce or deny your claim. The injured victims are usually eager to receive compensation in order to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. The insurers know this and take advantage of this, using delaying as a way to pressure you to accept less than you are entitled to.

A lawyer can help you determine the damages you are entitled to in the future and present such as medical expenses, lost income and property damage. A lawyer can also help you determine the appropriate amount of punitive and compensatory damages to award in your particular case. Compensatory damages seek to compensate you for your losses. Punitive damages aim to penalize the party who is at fault and prevent others from committing similar criminal acts.

Expert Witnesses

Contrary to a typical car accident scenario, truck accidents generally involve a lot of highly specific information on industry regulations such as truck mechanics, the long-term economic and medical impact of the collision. A semi-truck crash lawyer must have access to the right experts who can fill in gaps in knowledge and provide testimony that could be essential to a client's case.

Accident reconstruction specialists are some of the most knowledgeable experts that a semi-truck accident lawyer can rely on. They are experienced professionals who are skilled at examining the scene of the accident, examine the vehicle and truck involved in the collision, identify what caused the accident and explain their findings in clear, easy-to-understand terms. They are often a key element of a successful lawsuit, because they can help jurors understand how a crash took place and who is accountable.

The right expert witnesses can help identify the damages that are applicable and how much they will be worth. For instance, a life insurance planner could be enlisted to explain the impact that a serious accident might have on a victim's ability to work, their medical requirements for the remaining years of their lives as well as any other long-term effects. An economist, for instance, can assist in calculating things such as lost earnings damages, which will constitute a substantial portion of any compensation award.

Forensic toxicologists as well as experts in recognition of alcohol and drugs can be extremely valuable for a successful claim. They can assist in drawing a clear line between alcohol consumption, 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 is also a useful expert witness, since they can conduct tests on the metal components of the truck that might have been involved in the accident to determine whether they were overloaded.

In some cases an attorney in a New York semi truck accident will hire an expert to look into the trucking company and how it operates. This is crucial, particularly in the case of a trucker who worked for a large trucking firm and was subject to standards that other drivers weren't. An expert can look into the safety procedures of the trucking firm and hiring practices, as well as any other information that may help to determine fault.

Time Limits

When a truck crash occurs, evidence is often lost or destroyed. It is imperative to speak with 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 accident reconstruction specialists as well as medical professionals and financial analysts to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

The most frequent reason for a truck crash is the negligence of the driver. This can be caused by driving distracted or impaired or driving recklessly. The trucking company that operates and owns the truck could also be at fault for a crash in the event they fail to comply with safety regulations or hire unqualified drivers.

Unprofessional maintenance of the vehicle is another cause of a truck crash. Inability to inspect or repair the truck's brakes, tires, or other parts could cause a serious crash. It is vital that your lawyer for truck accidents knows the maintenance requirements of large trucks so that they can examine any safety concerns.

A third issue is that a poorly loaded trailer or cargo could cause an accident involving a truck. If a truck is not loaded properly, it can cause the trailer to shift while on the road or cause the truck to hit the ground. This is a serious accident that can cause serious or fatal injuries to motorists.

The negligence of other drivers can also result in truck accidents. They could cut off the driver of the truck or merge into wrong lanes. These actions could cause the truck driver to veer from the road, causing it to collide with other vehicles and pedestrians.

A head-on collision between two vehicles, a truck and a vehicle is one of the most fatal types of truck crashes. The front of the passenger vehicle is usually the one that takes the brunt, resulting in serious injuries and sometimes even death. These accidents occur when a truck driver falls asleep, or swerves to avoid a vehicle, or is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. There are also accidents involving trucks spilling their loads of dangerous materials. These accidents could cause environmental damage and dangers to human health for those who come in contact with the chemicals.