Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people die in crashes involving large trucks. If a collision occurs, it's important to work with truck accident lawyers who know the different factors involved.
An attorney should immediately make a claim with the insurance company of the driver as well as with the company that operates and owns the truck. This will maximize the amount of insurance.
Liability
Trucks make up only 4 percent of all vehicles on the road, however they are involved with more than five percent of all accidents. In the vast majority of these accidents, victims suffer catastrophic injuries and are permanently disabled. The financial burden associated with these injuries can be enormous, and the family members of the victims need to recover damages in order to live with dignity. Unfortunately trucking firms and their insurance providers will not leave a stone unturned in an effort to limit the amount of the compensation a victim is entitled to. You need a knowledgeable, strong semi truck accident lawyer who can tackle the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the experience, expertise and the strength to make an impact on your case.
A semi-truck also referred to as a tractor-trailer or an 18-wheeler, is a massive commercial vehicle that consists of the truck (tractor unit) and a detachable trailer that carries cargo. Because of their size and weight, these trucks are prone to serious accidents when they are driven in reckless manner or if drivers fail to exercise reasonable care when driving the vehicle. Truck accidents are often caused by distracted drivers, speeding, and failure to check blind spots when turning or changing lanes. Another cause of truck crashes is improper loading of the freight which can lead to shifting and swaying which could lead to the truck rolling over.
In addition to the driver of the truck, other parties may be responsible in a crash, including the driver's employer as well as the company they haul products for, and even the person who sets up the load. It is difficult to establish the responsibility when there are multiple insurance companies involved, because each will seek to limit their own liability.
In certain instances a local government entity could also be responsible in the event of a crash on their property. If, for example 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 kind of claim is based upon the principle of vicarious responsibilities that makes supervisory employees liable for the actions of employees acting in the scope of their job.
Damages
The physical and emotional trauma that follows any motor vehicle crash can be extreme. The consequences of a collision involving semi-trucks can be more severe than other kinds of accidents. Not only can these vehicles cause more severe injuries as well, but they also have the potential to cause damage to property or destruction, resulting in significant financial burdens. A semi truck accident lawyer can help you determine the total loss and obtain the compensation you deserve.
It's a good idea to consult an attorney who can help you after any kind of accident, this is particularly important in cases involving large vehicles. Commercial trucks are subjected to specific rules in addition to laws that govern personal injury, traffic and other laws. These regulations can affect how a crash happens, who is accountable, and the kinds of damages that could be awarded. A lawyer can ensure that you understand the regulations and that the parties responsible are held accountable.
When a truck collision occurs it is not uncommon for there to be several parties that could be responsible such as the truck driver or the company they work for, as well as the company that hauled the load. A truck manufacturer or any defective component could be liable for the incident. An attorney who is a semi truck accident will provide the exact evidence needed to demonstrate that all parties at fault are liable and that you have the right to fair compensation.
A semi truck accident lawyer with experience will protect you from common tactics used by insurance companies to deny or reduce your claim. Victims of injuries are often 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 strategy to try to force you into accepting less than you are entitled to.
An attorney can help you determine the damages you are entitled to both in the future and now which includes medical bills, lost income and property damage. An attorney can help you determine how much punitive and compensatory damages you can determine in your particular case. Compensatory damages are meant to compensate you for your losses, whereas punitive damages are designed to punish the at-fault party and discourage others from committing similar crimes.
Expert Witnesses
The nature of truck accidents is different from car accidents in that they require a lot more specific details, including the truck mechanics involved and the long-term economic as well as medical consequences of the accident and the regulations for the industry. A semi-truck crash lawyer should have access to the appropriate experts who can fill in gaps of knowledge and provide crucial evidence that could be vital to a client's claim.
Accident reconstruction specialists are among the most valuable experts that a semi-truck accident lawyer might want to call. These professionals are experienced and are able to analyze the scene of an accident, examine the truck as well as the vehicle involved to determine the cause of the crash, and then explain their findings clearly and understandable. They are often an essential part of any successful lawsuit, as they assist the jury in understanding how a particular crash happened, and who could be responsible.
Expert witnesses can also determine the damages that can be claimed and their value. For instance, a life insurance planner could be enlisted to explain the impact that a serious accident could have on the victim's ability to work, their medical requirements for the remainder of their lives and any other repercussions that may be long-term. An economist can also calculate the damages for lost earnings which is a significant element of any compensation award.
Experts in toxicology forensics and the identification of alcohol and drugs can also be very valuable in a successful claim. They can assist in drawing a clear line between alcohol consumption, and the accident. This is particularly important when the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of crash. A metallurgist can also be an effective expert witness since they can conduct tests on metal components of the truck that might be involved in the collision to see whether they were overloaded.
In certain cases an attorney in an New York semi truck accident will retain an expert to look into the trucking company and the way it operates. This is particularly crucial if the trucker was employed by a large trucking business and could be required to follow certain standards that other drivers are not. The expert can look into the safety practices of the trucking company, their hiring practices and any other information which could aid in determining the source of the problem.
Time Limits
Evidence is usually lost or destroyed during a truck accident. That's why it's important to contact a semi truck accident lawyer as quickly as possible. Our attorneys will conduct an extensive investigation to discover all the parties responsible for your injuries. We'll collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals and financial analysts to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
The most common cause for truck accidents is driver negligence. It could be due to driving while distracted, driving under the influence or driving recklessly. The trucking company that owns and operates the truck could also be liable for an accident if they fail to follow safety rules or hire unqualified drivers.
Incorrect maintenance of the vehicle is another reason for a truck crash. Failure to inspect or repair the brakes, tires, or other parts of a truck can lead to an accident that is dangerous. It is crucial to ensure that your truck accident lawyer understands the maintenance needs of large trucks to be able to determine any issues that could affect the truck's safety.
A third issue is that a poorly loaded trailer or cargo can cause an accident with a truck. 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 driving on the road.
The negligence of other drivers can also cause truck accidents. shreveport semi truck accident case could cut off the driver of the truck or merge into wrong lanes. These actions could cause the truck to drift off the roadway and collide with other vehicles or pedestrians.
One of the most deadly truck accidents is head-on collisions. The front of the passenger car is usually the one that takes the brunt of the damage, resulting in serious injuries and sometimes even death. These accidents happen when a truck driver falls asleep, or is swerving to avoid a vehicle, or is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. There are also accidents involving trucks that spill their loads of dangerous materials. These accidents could cause environmental damage and health risks to humans who come into contact with the chemicals.