Truck Accident Attorneys

Each year, 5,000 people die in accidents caused by large trucks. It is important to get help from truck accident attorneys who are aware of the various factors.

Attorneys should immediately initiate a claim with the insurance company of the driver, as well as with the company that owns and operates the truck. This is done so as to maximize the insurance coverage available.

Liability

Trucks comprise just 4 percent of all vehicles on the road, however they are involved with more than five percent of all accidents. In the majority of these accidents, victims suffer severe injuries and become permanently disabled. The financial burden of these injuries can be enormous, and the families of victims must seek compensation in order to be able to live their lives in dignity. Unfortunately, trucking companies and their insurance companies will not leave a stone unturned in an attempt to minimize the amount of compensation a victim is entitled to. You need a seasoned strong and experienced semi truck accident lawyer who is able to fight the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the expertise, experience and determination to make an impact on your case.

A semi-truck, also known as a tractor-trailer, or an 18-wheeler, is a massive commercial vehicle made up of a truck (tractor unit) and a detachable trailer that carries cargo. Because of their weight and size they are prone to serious accidents if they are driven recklessly or if the driver does not exercise reasonable care when driving the vehicle. The most common causes of accidents involving trucks include speeding, distracted driving and failing to look over blind spots before changing lanes or turning. Another cause of truck crashes is improper loading of the freight that can result in shifting and swaying that could potentially result in the truck rolling over.

In addition to the driver, other parties may share the blame in a truck accident. This includes the company that is responsible for the driver or the company the driver hauls product for and even the person who is responsible for setting up the load. Finding fault can be more difficult when multiple insurers are involved in the matter, because they all attempt to limit their own liability.

In some cases a local government entity could also be responsible for a crash that occurs on their property. For instance, if a poor road layout or poor maintenance contributed to 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 liability which holds an authority party responsible for the actions of an employee when they are acting within the confines of their work.

Damages

The physical and emotional trauma that comes with any motor vehicle accident can be a lot. However, the results of a collision with a semi truck are more severe than most other kinds of accidents. Not only do these vehicles cause more serious injuries, but they also have the potential to damage or destroy property that can lead to significant financial burdens. A semi truck accident lawyer can assist you to determine the total loss and obtain the compensation you deserve.

Although it's generally best to consult an injury attorney after any kind of accident, this is particularly relevant for cases involving large-sized trucks. In addition to the general laws that regulate traffic and personal injuries there are specific regulations applicable to commercial vehicles. These regulations could have a significant effect on how a collision occurs, the parties accountable and the types damages that are possible to award. Lawyers can ensure that you know the rules and ensure that the parties at fault are held accountable.

It is not uncommon that several parties are held responsible in a truck-related accident including the driver and their employer, as well the company that transported the cargo. In addition, fault may be attributed to the manufacturer of the truck or to any defective components that led to the accident. A semi truck accident attorney can provide the evidence necessary to prove that all parties at fault are responsible and you have the right to fair compensation.

An experienced semi truck accident law firm truck accident attorney on your side can safeguard you against the common strategies used by insurance companies to reduce or deny your claim. Victims of injuries are often desperate to receive their compensation to pay for medical treatments and other expenses. Insurance companies know this and take advantage of it, using delay as a tool to to force you to accept less than what you are entitled to.

An attorney can help you determine all the future and present damages you are entitled to, including medical bills and lost income damages to property, suffering and pain. An attorney can also help you determine the appropriate amount of compensatory and punitive damages to award in your case. Compensation damages are designed to compensate you for your losses, while punitive damages are designed to punish the person at fault and discourage others from engaging in similar crimes.

Expert Witnesses

Contrary to a typical car accident scenario, truck accidents generally contain a large amount of specific information about the industry's regulations, truck mechanics, and the long-term economic and medical impacts of the collision. A semi-truck crash attorney should have access to the appropriate experts who can fill in gaps of knowledge and provide evidence that can be crucial to a client's case.

The specialists in accident reconstruction are among the most knowledgeable experts that a semi truck accident law firm-truck accident attorney could rely on. These are seasoned professionals who know how to examine the scene of the accident, examine the truck and other vehicles involved in the collision, identify the cause of the crash, and explain their findings in simple, easy-to-understand terms. They are usually an essential element of a successful lawsuit as they can help the jurors to understand how a collision occurred and who might be accountable.

Expert witnesses can also assist to determine which damages are applicable and how much those damages will be worth. For example, a life-care planner could be hired to demonstrate the effect a serious accident could have on the victim's ability to work, their medical requirements for the remainder of their lives and any other long-term consequences. An economist can also assist calculate the damages for lost earnings which is a major component of any compensation award.

Experts in toxicology for forensics as well as identification of drugs and alcohol are also very helpful in a successful claim. They can help draw a direct line between intoxication, and the accident. This is especially true when the trucker was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash. A metallurgist can also be an excellent expert witness. They can conduct tests on metal components of the truck involved in the crash to determine if they loaded with too much.

In some instances the attorney for a New York semi truck accident will hire an expert to look into the trucking company and the way it operates. This is particularly important when the trucker is employed by a large trucking firm and might be subject to certain standards which other drivers aren't. The right expert can examine the safety procedures of the trucking firm hiring practices, safety procedures, and any other information which could aid in determining the source of the problem.

Time Limits

Evidence is usually lost or destroyed in a truck accident. That's why it's important to contact a semi truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Our attorneys will conduct an extensive investigation to determine who's accountable for your injuries. We'll work with accident reconstruction specialists doctors, medical professionals, and financial analysts to ensure you get the compensation that you are entitled to.

The most common reason for truck accidents is driver carelessness. This can be caused by driving distracted, driving under the influence or reckless driving. Trucking companies that do not follow safety rules or hire employees who are not qualified could also be held accountable for accidents.

Incorrect maintenance of the vehicle can also be a cause of the possibility of a crash with a truck. Inability to check or repair tires, brakes, or other parts of a truck could result in an accident that is dangerous. It is vital that your truck accident lawyer is aware of the maintenance requirements for large trucks so that they can look into any safety issues.

A third issue is that a poorly loaded trailer or cargo could cause accidents with trucks. A truck that isn't loaded properly can cause the trailer or truck to jackknife if not properly loaded. This is a serious accident that can cause severe or fatal injuries to motorists in the road.

Truck accidents can also be caused by the negligent driving of other drivers. They could cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong lane. These actions could cause the truck's wheels to slide off the road, and then collide with other vehicles or pedestrians.

A head-on collision between two vehicles, a truck and a vehicle is among the most fatal kinds of truck crashes. The front of the passenger vehicle is usually the one that takes the brunt of the damage, resulting in serious injuries and sometimes even death. These accidents occur 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 that involve trucks spilling their loads of hazardous materials. These accidents could cause environmental damage and health risks for humans who come into contact with the chemicals.