Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people die in accidents involving large trucks. In the event of a crash it is crucial to get in touch with truck accident lawyers who understand the various elements involved.
An attorney should immediately file a claim with the insurance company of the driver and with the company that operates and owns the truck. This is done so as to maximize the insurance coverage available.
Liability
Although trucks comprise only 4 percent of vehicles on the road, they are involved in more than 5 percent of all vehicular accidents. The majority of those accidents involve catastrophic injuries, with victims suffering permanent, life-altering disabilities. The financial burden of these injuries can be enormous and the family members of the victims need to recover damages in order to be able to live their lives in dignity. Insurance companies and trucking companies will do everything in their power to limit the amount of compensation that the victim is due. You need a knowledgeable and dependable semi truck accident lawyer to take on the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley's team has the knowledge of experience, expertise, and the strength to make a huge difference in your case.
A semi-truck, also known as a tractor-trailer, or an 18-wheeler is a large commercial vehicle made up of an engine (tractor unit) and a detachable trailer that carries cargo. Because of their size and weight they are vulnerable to serious accidents when they are driven in reckless manner or if drivers fail to exercise reasonable care while operating the vehicle. Truck accidents are often caused by distracted drivers, speeding and a failure to look for blind spots when changing lanes or turning. Improper loading of freight can cause truck accidents as well. This can cause shifting, swaying, or even rolling the truck.
In addition to the driver of the truck and other drivers, other parties could share the blame in a truck crash, including the employer of the driver or the company they carry products for, and even the person who sets up the load. It isn't easy to prove the fault when there are several insurance companies involved, since each will attempt to limit its own liability.
In some cases a local government entity could also share responsibility for an accident that occurs on their property. For example, if a poor road layout or poor maintenance contributed to an accident the county board could be liable for the damage suffered by the victim. This kind of claim is based upon the principle of vicarious responsibilities, which holds a supervisory person liable for an employee's actions while acting in the scope of their duties.
Damages
Any motor vehicle accident can cause severe emotional and physical trauma. The consequences of a collision involving semi-trucks are more severe than other kinds of accidents. Not only do these vehicles cause more severe injuries and injuries, but they can also destroy or damage property and cause significant financial burdens. A semi truck accident attorney can assist you in determining the totality of your losses, and seek an appropriate amount of compensation.
It's always a good idea, regardless of the type of accident that occurred, to consult a personal injury attorney. This is especially true in cases involving large-sized vehicles. Commercial trucks are subject to specific regulations in addition to the laws that govern personal injury, traffic and other laws. These regulations can have a significant impact on how a collision is handled, the parties responsible and the types damages that can be awarded. A lawyer can help to ensure that you are aware of regulations and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
It is not unusual for multiple parties to be held responsible for a truck accident which includes the driver as well as their employer and the company that hauled the cargo. A truck manufacturer or defective components could also be accountable for the accident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide you with the evidence required to prove that all parties at fault are accountable and to prove that you are entitled to fair compensation.
A semi truck accident lawyer with experience will be able to protect you from common tactics used by insurance companies to deny or decrease your claim. Victims of injuries often feel needing to get their money so that they can pay for medical treatments and other expenses. The insurers know this and take advantage of it, using delay as a tool to try to force you into accepting less than you deserve.
An attorney can help you determine the damages you are entitled to both in the future and now such as medical expenses, lost income and property damage. A lawyer can assist you determine how much punitive and compensatory damages you can determine in your case. Compensatory damages aim to compensate you for the losses. Punitive damages seek to penalize the person who is responsible and deter others from committing similar crimes.
Expert Witnesses
Contrary to a typical car accident situation, truck accidents usually involve a significant amount of specific information about the industry's regulations such as truck mechanics, the long-term medical and economic impact of the collision. An attorney for semi-truck accidents should have access to the right experts who can fill in gaps and provide vital evidence that could be crucial to the client's case.
Accident reconstruction specialists are some of the most knowledgeable experts a semi truck attorney can contact. They are skilled and can assess the scene of an accident, evaluate both the truck and the vehicle involved to determine the cause of the accident, and explain their findings in a manner that is clear and understandable. They are usually an essential element of a successful lawsuit as they help jurors understand how a crash took place and who is responsible.
Expert witnesses can also determine the damages that are applicable and the value. A life care planner, for instance is an expert who can determine the effect of a serious accident on the victim's ability to work and their medical needs throughout their lives. An economist can also assist calculate the damages for lost earnings that are a key element of any compensation award.
Experts in toxicology forensics and the identification of alcohol and drugs are also very helpful for a successful case. These types of experts can help to draw a straight line between alcohol and the accident, especially when the trucker might have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the collision. A metallurgist is an expert witness. They can conduct tests on metal components of the truck involved in the crash to determine if they were loaded to the limit.
In some instances the 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 if the trucker was employed by a large trucking firm and might be required to follow certain standards that other drivers do not. The right expert can examine the safety protocols of the trucking company and hiring practices, as well as any other information that could aid in determining fault.
Time Limits
If a truck accident occurs there is a high likelihood that evidence will be lost or destroyed. This is why it's imperative to contact a semi truck accident attorney as soon as you can. Our lawyers can conduct an extensive investigation to discover all responsible parties for your injuries. We will collaborate with accident reconstruction experts along with medical professionals and financial analysts to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
The most frequently cited cause of a truck collision is the negligence of the driver. This can be caused by driving in a hurry, driving under the influence or driving irresponsibly. The trucking company that operates and owns the truck may also be liable for a crash in the event they fail to comply with safety regulations or hire unqualified drivers.
A vehicle that is not maintained properly can also be a cause of crashes involving trucks. Failure to inspect or repair the brakes, tires, or other parts of a truck could result in the risk of a fatal accident. It's important to make sure that your truck accident lawyer knows the needs of maintenance for large trucks in order to investigate any issues with the truck's safety.
Another reason for a truck crash is a poorly loaded trailer or cargo. If a truck isn't properly loaded, it can cause the trailer to shift while on the road or cause the truck to jackknife. rochester semi truck accident attorney is a serious crash that could result in serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
Other drivers' negligence can cause truck accidents too. They might cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong direction. These actions can cause the truck to turn off the road, and then collide with other vehicles or pedestrians.
A head-on collision between the truck and a passenger vehicle is one of the most fatal types of truck accidents. The front end of a passenger vehicle typically bears the brunt of the impact, which can result in serious injuries, and sometimes death. These accidents occur when a truck driver falls asleep, or swerves to avoid another vehicle, or is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Trucks can cause accidents as well by spilling hazardous substances. These accidents could cause environmental damage and health hazards to people who come into contact with the chemicals.