Truck Accident Attorneys

Each year, 5,000 people die in accidents caused by large trucks. In the event of a crash it is crucial to get in touch with truck accident lawyers who are aware of the various aspects involved.

An attorney must immediately file a claim with the insurance company of the driver as well with the company that owns and operates the truck. This is done in order to maximize the available insurance.

Liability

Although trucks account for only 4 percent of vehicles on the road but they are involved in more than five percent of all vehicle accidents. The majority of those accidents involve catastrophic injuries, with victims suffering permanent, life-changing disabilities. These injuries can have a huge financial impact on victims, and their and their families must be compensated so that they can live with dignity. Insurance companies and trucking companies will do everything in their power to cut down on the amount of compensation the victim is due. That's why you need an experienced, dependable semi truck accident attorney that will stand up to insurance companies and their attorneys. John Hensley and his team have the knowledge, experience and strength to make a difference in your case.

A semi-truck, also known as a tractor-trailer or an 18-wheeler, is a massive commercial vehicle that consists of an engine (tractor unit) and an detachable trailer which carries cargo. Because of their weight and size they are susceptible to serious accidents when they are driven in reckless manner or when a driver fails to exercise reasonable care when driving the vehicle. Truck accidents are often caused by speeding, distracted drivers and the inability to spot blind spots when turning or changing lanes. Another reason behind truck crashes is improper loading of the cargo, which can cause shifting and swaying which could lead to the truck rolling over.

In addition to the driver, other people can share responsibility in a truck accident. This includes the driver's employer and the company the driver is responsible for hauling goods and even the person who is responsible for setting up the load. It is often difficult to prove that someone is at fault when there are multiple insurance companies involved, as each will seek to limit its own liability.

In some instances a local government entity could also be liable for accidents that occur on their property. For example, if a poor road layout or a lack of maintenance resulted in an accident, the county board could be liable for the damage caused by the victim. This type of claim is based on the principle of vicarious responsibility, which makes an authority party responsible for the actions of an employee in the course of their work.

Damages

The emotional and physical trauma that accompanies any motor vehicle accident could be quite severe. However, the results of a collision with a semi truck are more severe than most other kinds of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage property. This could lead to significant financial burden. A semi truck accident attorney can help you determine the extent of your loss and pursue an appropriate amount of compensation.

It is always a good idea regardless of the kind of accident that took place, to consult an attorney who specializes in personal injury. This is particularly true in cases involving large vehicles. In addition to the general laws that regulate personal injury and traffic There are specific rules applicable to commercial trucks. These rules could have a significant effect on the way a crash happens, the responsible parties and the type of damages that could be awarded. A lawyer can help to ensure that you know the rules and ensure that the parties responsible are held accountable.

If a truck accident happens, it is not uncommon to find a variety of people who are responsible, including the truck driver, the company they work for, as well as the company responsible for hauling the load. A truck manufacturer, or any defective components could also be accountable for the accident. A semi truck accident attorney can provide the specific evidence necessary to prove that all at-fault parties are responsible and you have the right to fair compensation.

A skilled semi truck accident attorney to defend you from the most common tactics used by insurance companies to deny or reduce your claim. Victims of injuries often feel desperate to get their money so that they can pay for medical treatments and other expenses. The insurance companies are aware of this and profit from delay as a tool to pressure you into accepting less than you deserve.

An attorney can help determine the damages you are entitled to in the future and in the present such as medical bills, lost income and property damage. A lawyer can also help you determine the appropriate amount of compensatory and punitive damages to award in your particular case. Compensation damages are designed to compensate you for the losses. Punitive damages are designed to penalize the person who is responsible and deter other people from engaging in similar criminal acts.

Expert Witnesses

Unlike a normal car accident situation, truck accidents usually contain a large amount of specific information on industry regulations as well as truck mechanics and the long-term economic and medical impact of the collision. A semi-truck crash lawyer must have access to the best experts, who can fill in the gaps of knowledge and provide crucial testimony that could be essential to a client's case.

Specialists in accident reconstruction are one of the most useful experts that a semi-truck accident lawyer could call upon. These are seasoned professionals who know how to examine an accident scene, assess the truck and vehicle involved in the crash, determine the cause of the crash, and explain their findings in simple, easy-to-understand terms. They are often a crucial part of any successful lawsuit since they can aid jurors in understanding why the accident happened and who could be accountable for it.

Expert witnesses can also help determine the damage that is applicable and the worth. For instance, a life insurance planner can be hired to illustrate the impact that a serious accident could have on a victim's ability to work, their medical needs for the duration of their lives, and any other repercussions that may be long-term. Likewise, an economist can help to calculate things like lost earnings damages, which could be a significant part of any compensation award.

Forensic toxicologists as well as experts in the field of recognition of alcohol and drugs can also be invaluable to a successful claim. These types of experts could help draw a clear line between drunkenness and the accident, particularly when the trucker was been under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident. A metallurgist is also an expert witness. They can conduct tests on the metal components of the truck involved in the accident to determine if they were loaded with too much.

In some instances the attorney for an New York semi truck accident will engage an expert to investigate the trucking company and how it operates. This is particularly important when the trucker is employed by a large trucking company and could be subject to certain rules that other drivers are not. The expert can review the safety policies of the trucking company, their hiring practices, as well as any other information which could help determine fault.

Time Limits

Evidence is usually destroyed or lost when a truck accident occurs. It is essential to speak with a semi truck accidents-truck accident attorney as soon as you can. Our attorneys will conduct an exhaustive investigation to identify all responsible parties for your injuries. We'll work with experts in accident reconstruction doctors, medical professionals and financial experts to ensure you receive the compensation you need.

The most common cause of a truck accident is negligence by the driver. This can be caused by driving distracted, driving under the influence, or driving irresponsibly. Trucking companies that fail to adhere to safety guidelines or hire unqualified employees may also be held responsible for accidents.

Unprofessional maintenance of the vehicle is a further cause of a truck crash. Failure to inspect or repair tires, brakes, or other parts of a truck can lead to danger in an accident. It is vital that your truck accident lawyer understands the maintenance requirements of large trucks in order to look into any safety issues.

A third reason for a truck accident is a trailer that is not properly loaded or cargo. If a truck is not properly loaded, it may cause the trailer to shift on the road or cause the truck to become jackknifed. This is a serious accident that can cause serious or fatal injuries to motorists.

Truck accidents can also be caused by the negligent driving of other drivers. They might cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong lane. These actions can cause the truck driver to veer from the road, and cause it to hit other vehicles and pedestrians.

One of the most fatal truck accidents is head-on collisions. The front of the car is usually the one that takes the brunt, leading to serious injuries and sometimes even death. These types of accidents usually occur on highways with no traffic lanes when the truck driver falls asleep, swerves to avoid another vehicle or is under the under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Trucks can also cause accidents by spilling hazardous substances. These accidents could cause environmental damage and health risks for humans who come in contact with the chemicals.