Truck Accident Attorneys

Every year, 5,000 people are killed in crashes with large trucks. It is crucial to get help from truck accident attorneys who are knowledgeable of the different causes.

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

Liability

Trucks constitute just 4 percent of all vehicles that are on the roads, yet they are involved in more than 55% of all accidents. Most of those accidents cause catastrophic injuries which result in permanent and life-changing disabilities. The financial burden associated with these injuries can be enormous and the families of victims have to seek damages to ensure they can be able to live their lives in dignity. Unfortunately trucking firms and their insurance providers will make no effort in an attempt to limit the amount of compensation that a victim is entitled to. This is why you require an experienced, dependable semi truck Accident law firm truck accident lawyer who can stand up to insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley's team has the knowledge of experience, expertise, and the strength to make a significant difference in your case.

A semi-truck, also referred to as a tractor-trailer or an 18-wheeler, is a huge commercial vehicle comprised of an engine (tractor unit) and a trailer that is detachable and can carry cargo. These trucks are prone, due to their size and weight to serious accidents if driven in reckless manners. The most common causes of accidents involving trucks include speeding, distracted driving and not securing blind spots before turning or changing lanes. Another reason behind truck crashes is improper loading of the freight that can result in shifting and swaying which could potentially result in the truck rolling over.

In addition to the truck driver and other drivers, other parties could be liable in a truck crash including the employer of the driver and the company they transport product for, and the person that sets up the load. The process of proving fault is more difficult when multiple insurers are involved in the incident, because they each attempt to limit their own liability.

In some instances the local government agency could also be liable in the event of an accident on its property. If, for instance a road that is not maintained or a layout that was poorly planned caused an accident, then the county board may be responsible for the injuries suffered by the victim. This type of claim is based upon the principle of vicarious responsibility that makes supervisory employees liable for the actions of an employee while performing their duties.

Damages

Any accident involving a motor vehicle can cause extreme emotional and physical trauma. However, the consequences of a collision with a semi truck are more severe than other types of accidents. Not only do these vehicles cause more serious injuries however, they can also cause property damage or destruction which can result in substantial financial burdens. A semi truck accident lawyer can help determine the total loss and pursue the appropriate compensation.

Although it's generally recommended to speak with an injury attorney after any kind of accident, this is particularly relevant for cases involving large-sized trucks. Commercial trucks are subject to special regulations in addition to the laws that govern traffic, personal injury and other laws. These rules can have a major impact on how a collision happens, the responsible parties and the types damages that could be awarded. A lawyer can help understand these regulations and ensure that the parties at fault are held liable.

It is not uncommon for several parties to be accountable for an accident involving a truck which includes the driver, their employer, and the company that hauled the cargo. In addition, the fault could be attributed 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 can provide the detailed evidence to show that all at-fault parties are liable and that you are entitled to fair compensation.

An experienced semi truck accident lawyer at your side can shield you from the usual tactics that insurance companies use to reduce or deny your claim. Victims of injuries often feel desperate to collect their money so that they can pay for medical treatment and other expenses. The insurers know this and take advantage of this, using delaying as a tactic to try to force you into accepting lower than you should.

A lawyer can help you determine all of the future and present damages you are entitled to, including medical bills loss of income property damage, suffering and pain. An attorney can also help you determine the appropriate amount of compensatory and punitive damages to award in your particular case. Compensatory damages are intended to pay you back for your losses, whereas punitive damages are intended to punish the person at fault and deter others from committing similar acts.

Expert Witnesses

The nature of truck accidents is different from car accidents in that they require more specific information, including the mechanics involved in truck accidents as well as the long-term economic and medical effects of the crash and the governing regulations for the industry. A semi truck accident law firms-truck accident lawyer should be able to access the right experts, who can fill in gaps of knowledge and provide evidence that can be crucial to a client's claim.

The specialists in accident reconstruction are among the most reliable experts that a semi truck accident lawyers-truck accident attorney could call upon. They are experienced professionals who are able to analyze the scene of an accident, analyze the truck and vehicle involved in the crash, determine what caused it and present their findings in simple, easy-to-understand terms. They are often a key element of a successful lawsuit, as they can help the jurors understand how a crash occurred and who could be responsible.

Expert witnesses can also help determine the damage that is applicable and the worth. For instance, a life insurance planner can be hired to show the impact a serious accident could have on the victim's ability to work, their medical requirements for the remainder 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 could be a significant part of any compensation award.

Forensic toxicologists and drug and alcohol recognition experts can also be invaluable in a successful case. These types of experts can help draw a clear line between alcohol and the accident, particularly when the trucker might have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the collision. A metallurgist could also be an expert witness since they can perform tests on the metal components of the truck that might have been involved in the collision to determine whether they were loaded to the max.

In certain instances an attorney in an New York semi truck accident will engage an expert to look into the trucking business and how it operates. This is particularly important in the event that the trucker was employed by a large trucking business and may be subject to certain rules which other drivers aren't. A qualified expert can review the safety protocols of the trucking company hiring practices, safety procedures, and any other information which could assist in determining the cause of the accident.

Time Limits

Evidence is often destroyed or lost in a truck crash. This is why it's crucial to speak with a semi truck accident attorney as soon as you can. Our attorneys can conduct an extensive investigation to determine all the liable parties for your injuries. We will work with experts in accident reconstruction as well as medical professionals and financial experts to help you get the compensation you require.

The most common reason for a truck accident involves driver negligence. This can include driving distracted or under the influence or driving recklessly. The trucking company that operates and owns the truck may also be accountable for the accident when they fail to adhere to safety guidelines or employ unqualified drivers.

Another cause of a truck accident is poor maintenance on the vehicle. Inability to inspect or repair a truck's brakes, tires, or other components could cause a serious crash. It is vital that your lawyer for truck accidents understands the maintenance requirements of large trucks so that they can investigate any safety issues.

Thirdly, semi truck accident law Firm a poorly-loaded trailer or cargo can cause accidents with trucks. If a truck is not properly loaded, it could cause the trailer to shift while on the road or cause the truck to jackknife. This is a serious accident that can cause serious or fatal injuries to motorists.

The negligence of other drivers can cause truck accidents too. They may cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong lane. These actions can cause the truck driver to turn off the road, which could cause it to collide with 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 of the passenger vehicle typically bears the brunt of the impact, resulting in serious injuries, and sometimes death. These accidents occur when a truck driver is asleep, or swerves to avoid another vehicle or is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. There are also accidents involving trucks that spill their loads of hazardous materials. These accidents could cause environmental damage and health risks for humans who come in contact with the chemicals.