Truck Accident Attorneys

Each year, 5,000 people are killed in crashes involving large trucks. When a crash occurs it's crucial to work with truck accident lawyers that understand the various aspects involved.

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

Liability

Trucks account for only 4 percent of all vehicles on the road but they are involved with more than a fifth of all accidents. The majority of those accidents result in catastrophic injuries, with victims suffering permanent, life-changing disabilities. These injuries can have a huge financial impact, and the victims and their families must be compensated to live with dignity. The insurance companies of trucking companies will do everything possible to minimize the amount of compensation a victim is due. You need an experienced strong, reputable semi truck accident lawyer to confront insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley's team has the knowledge and experience to make a major difference in your case.

Semi-trucks are also known by the terms tractor-trailer and 18-wheeler, are large commercial vehicles which comprise the truck unit (tractor) and an attached trailer to transport cargo. Due to their weight and size, these trucks are prone to serious accidents when they are driven recklessly or when the driver does not exercise reasonable care when operating the vehicle. Truck accidents are usually caused by speeding, distracted drivers as well as the failure to observe blind spots when changing lanes or turning. Another cause of truck accidents is the improper loading of freight, which could cause shifting and swaying which could potentially result in the truck rolling over.

In addition to the driver, other people can share responsibility in truck accidents. This includes the driver's business and the company the driver transports goods for and even the person who sets up the load. Proving fault is more difficult if multiple insurers are involved in the matter, because they all attempt to limit their own liability.

In some cases the local government agency may also be responsible in the event of an accident on its property. For instance, if poorly designed road layout or poor maintenance resulted in an accident, the county board may be responsible for the damages suffered by the victim. This kind of claim is based on the principle of vicarious responsibilities that makes supervisory employees liable for the actions of an employee acting in the scope of their duties.

Damages

Any motor vehicle accident can cause extreme emotional and physical trauma. The consequences of a collision with a semi-truck can be more severe than other kinds of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage property. This could result in a significant financial burden. A semi truck accident lawyer can help you determine the total loss and seek appropriate compensation.

It is always a good idea regardless of the kind of accident that occurred to speak with an attorney who specializes in personal injury. This is especially important in cases involving large vehicles. Commercial trucks are subject to specific regulations in addition laws that govern traffic, personal injury and other laws. They can impact how a crash occurs, who is accountable, and what types of damages that may be awarded. A lawyer can assist you learn about these rules and ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable.

When a truck collision occurs it is not uncommon for there to be several parties who could be accountable, including the truck driver and the company they work for, and the company that carries the load. In addition, blame can be attributed to the company that made the truck of the truck or any defective parts that contributed to the accident. A Semi Truck Accident Law Firms truck accident lawyer can provide the evidence required to prove that all those responsible are accountable and that you are entitled fair compensation.

A semi truck accident lawyer with years of experience can help you avoid common tactics used by insurance companies to deny or reduce your claim. Injured victims are often desperate to get their money so that they can pay for medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies take advantage of this by using delay to force you to accept less than what you're entitled to.

An attorney can assist you determine all the future and present damages you are entitled to, such as medical bills and lost income, property damage, and suffering and pain. An attorney can also help you determine the right amount of punitive and compensatory damages to award in your particular case. Compensatory damages are meant to compensate you for your losses, while punitive damages aim to punish the at-fault party and discourage others from engaging in similar crimes.

Expert Witnesses

Truck accidents are different from car accidents in that they require more specific information, such as the mechanics of the truck involved and the long-term economic as well as medical effects of the crash and the regulations for the industry. A semi-truck accident attorney should have access the right experts who can fill in the gaps and provide evidence that could be crucial to the client's claim.

Accident reconstruction specialists are among the most reliable experts that a semi-truck accident lawyer might want to call. These experts are highly skilled and are able to evaluate the scene of an accident, semi truck accident Law firms examine both the truck and the vehicle involved in it and determine the reason for the crash, and present their findings clearly and comprehendable. They are usually a vital element in any successful lawsuit because they can help the jury understand how a particular crash happened, and which parties could be responsible.

Expert witnesses can also assist to determine which damages are applicable and how much the damages will be worth. A life care planner, for example is a person who can show the impact of a serious accident on the victim's ability to work and their medical requirements throughout their lifetime. Likewise, an economist can help to calculate things like lost earnings damages, which will constitute a substantial portion of any compensation award.

Forensic toxicologists and experts in the field of recognition of alcohol and drugs can also be invaluable to a successful claim. These experts can assist in drawing a clear line between alcohol and the crash, especially in cases where the trucker may have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash. A metallurgist may also be an effective expert witness as they can conduct tests on metal components of the truck that might be involved in the accident to determine whether they were overloaded.

In some cases, a New York semi-truck accident attorney will engage an expert to examine the trucking company's operations and how it functions. This is particularly important when the trucker was employed by an enormous trucking company and was subject to the same standards as other drivers were not. The expert can look into the safety practices of the trucking company, the hiring practices of their employees, as well as any other information which could aid in determining the source of the problem.

Time Limits

When a truck crash occurs the evidence is often lost or destroyed. This is the reason it's so important to speak with a semi truck accident lawyer as soon as you can. Our lawyers can conduct an extensive investigation to determine all responsible parties for your injuries. We'll collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists as well as medical professionals and financial analysts to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

The most common reason for a truck accident is the negligence of the driver. It could be due to driving distracted, driving under the influence, or driving recklessly. Trucking companies that don't adhere to safety guidelines or hire unqualified workers could also be held accountable for accidents.

Incorrect maintenance of the vehicle is another reason for an accident involving a truck. Inability to check or repair the brakes, tires, or other parts of a truck could result in danger in an accident. It's crucial to ensure that your truck accident lawyer knows the needs of maintenance for large trucks, so that they can look into any issues with the truck's safety.

Another reason behind a truck accident is a poorly loaded trailer or cargo. A poorly loaded truck can cause the trailer or truck to jackknife if it is not properly loaded. This is a serious accident that can cause serious or fatal injuries to other motorists in the road.

Drivers' negligence by other drivers can also result in truck accidents. They could cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong lane. These actions can cause the driver of the truck to drift off the road, and cause it to hit other vehicles and pedestrians.

A head-on collision between the truck and a passenger vehicle is among the most fatal kinds of truck crashes. The front end of the passenger vehicle typically takes the brunt of the impact, which can result in serious injuries, and sometimes death. These accidents happen when a truck driver falls asleep or turns around 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 harm and health hazards for humans who come into contact with the chemicals.