Truck Accident Attorneys

Every year, 5,000 people die in accidents involving large vehicles. In the event of a crash it's crucial to consult with truck accident lawyers who are aware of the different factors involved.

A lawyer should immediately set up claims with the driver's insurance company, as in the case of the company that owns the truck. This is done in order to get the most insurance possible.

Liability

Trucks account for only 4 percent of all vehicles on the road, however they are involved in more than a fifth of all accidents. Most of those accidents cause catastrophic injuries which result in permanent and life-changing disabilities. The financial burden resulting from these injuries can be huge, and the family members of the victims have to seek damages to live their lives with dignity. Unfortunately trucking companies and their insurance providers will leave no stone unturned in an attempt to minimize the amount of compensation a victim is entitled to. This is why you require an experienced, skilled semi truck accident lawyer who will stand up to insurance companies and their attorneys. John Hensley's team possesses the expertise, experience, and strength to make a difference in your case.

Semi-trucks, referred to by the names tractor-trailer and 18-wheeler are commercial vehicles of a large size made up of one truck unit (tractor) and an attached trailer to transport cargo. Because of their weight and size, these trucks are prone to serious accidents when they are driven recklessly or if a driver fails to exercise reasonable care when operating the vehicle. Truck accidents are usually caused by distracted drivers, speeding as well as the failure to observe blind spots when turning or changing lanes. Another cause of truck crashes is improper loading of the freight, which could cause shifting and swaying that could result in the truck rolling over.

In addition to the driver, other parties can be liable in the event of a truck crash. This includes the driver's employer as well as the company that the driver transports goods for, or even the person who is responsible for setting up the load. It is more difficult when multiple insurers are involved in the incident, because they each attempt to limit their own liability.

In some cases the local government agency could also share responsibility for a crash that occurs on their property. For example, if a poor road layout or inadequate maintenance contributed to an accident the county board may be responsible for the injuries sustained by the victim. This kind of claim is based on the concept of vicarious liability which holds a supervisory body accountable for the actions of employees when they are acting within the confines of their job.

Damages

Any accident involving a motor vehicle can cause severe emotional and physical trauma. However, the results of a collision with a semi truck can be more serious than the majority of accidents. Not only do these vehicles cause more serious injuries, but they can also damage or destroy property, resulting in significant financial burdens. A semi truck accident attorney can assist you in determining the totality of your losses and seek appropriate compensation for them.

It's always a good idea regardless of the kind of accident that happened to talk to a personal injury attorney. This is particularly true when dealing with large vehicles. In addition to the general laws that regulate traffic and personal injuries There are specific rules that pertain to commercial trucks. These regulations can affect how a crash happens, who is accountable, and what types of damages awarded. A lawyer can assist you to understand these rules and ensure that the responsible parties are held liable.

It is not unusual for several parties to be held responsible for a truck accident including the driver, their employer, and the company that carried the cargo. A truck manufacturer or defective parts may also be liable for the accident. A semi truck accident attorney can provide the specific evidence to show that all at-fault parties are responsible and you are entitled to fair compensation.

An experienced semi truck accident lawyer at your side can shield you from the most common tactics used by insurance companies to deny or reduce your claim. Victims of injuries are often desperate to receive their money in order to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. The insurers know this and profit from delay as a tool to try to force you into accepting less than what you are entitled to.

An attorney can assist you in determining the damages you are entitled to in the near and future, including medical expenses, lost income and property damage. A lawyer can also help you determine the proper amount of compensatory and punitive damages to award in your case. Compensation damages are designed to compensate you for the losses. Punitive damages seek to penalize the party who was at fault and discourage other people from engaging in similar criminal acts.

Expert Witnesses

Truck accidents are different from car accidents in that they require a lot more specific details, including the mechanics involved in truck accidents along with the long-term financial and medical effects of the accident and the regulations for the industry. A semi-truck crash attorney should have access to the best experts, who can fill in the gaps in knowledge and provide testimony that could be essential to a client's case.

Accident reconstruction specialists are some of the most valuable experts a semi truck accident lawyer can call upon. These are seasoned professionals who are skilled at examining the scene of an accident, evaluate the vehicle and truck involved in the accident, determine what caused it and present their findings in simple, easy-to-understand terms. They are often a crucial element of a successful lawsuit as they assist the jury in understanding how the crash occurred, and who might be responsible for it.

Expert witnesses can also determine the damages that can be claimed and their value. For example, a life-care planner could be hired to show the effect 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. In addition, an economist could assist in calculating things such as lost earnings damages, which could be a significant component of any compensation award.

Forensic toxicologists and experts in the recognition of alcohol and drug use are also essential in a successful claim. They can assist in drawing a direct line between intoxication and the crash. This is particularly important when the driver was under the influence of drugs or semi truck accident alcohol at the time of the crash. A metallurgist could also be an expert witness as they can conduct tests on the metal components of the truck that might be involved in the collision to see if they were over-loaded.

In certain instances an attorney representing an New York semi truck accident law firms truck accident will engage an expert who will investigate the trucking business and how it operates. This is especially important in the event that the trucker was employed by a large company and may be subject to certain rules which other drivers aren't. An expert can look into the safety procedures of the trucking firm, hiring practices, and any other information that may aid in determining fault.

Time Limits

When a truck crash occurs the evidence is often lost or destroyed. It's crucial to speak with a semi truck accident attorney as quickly as possible. Our attorneys can conduct a thorough investigation to determine who's responsible for your injuries. We'll collaborate with accident reconstruction experts along with medical professionals and financial analysts to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

The most frequent cause of a truck accident involves driver carelessness. This can be caused by driving distracted or under the influence or reckless driving. Trucking companies who fail to adhere to safety guidelines or hire unqualified workers could be held accountable for accidents.

Another reason for a truck accident is improper maintenance on the vehicle. Inability to check or repair tires, brakes, 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 investigate any issues with the safety of the truck.

Another reason for a truck accident is a poorly loaded trailer or cargo. A truck that isn't loaded properly can cause the trailer or truck to be jackknifed if not properly loaded. This is a serious crash that could cause serious or fatal injuries to motorists who are driving.

Truck accidents can also be caused by reckless driving of other drivers. They could cut off the driver of the truck or merge into wrong lane. These actions can cause the truck to drift off the road and crash with pedestrians or other vehicles.

One of the most deadly truck accidents is a head-on collision. The front of the car is typically the one who takes the brunt, leading to grave injuries or even death. These accidents occur when a truck driver falls asleep or turns around to avoid another vehicle or is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Trucks can also cause accidents by spilling their hazardous materials. These accidents could cause environmental damage and risk to the health of people who come into contact with the chemicals.