Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 individuals are killed in crashes involving large trucks. It is crucial to get help from truck accident attorneys who are aware of the various factors.
A lawyer should immediately file claims with the insurance company of the driver company as in the case of the company that owns the truck. This is done in order to maximize the insurance coverage available.
Liability
Trucks make up only 4 percent of all vehicles that are on the roads, yet they are involved with more than a fifth of all accidents. The vast majority of those accidents result in catastrophic injuries, that result in victims suffering permanent and life-altering disabilities. These injuries can have a significant financial impact on victims, and their and their families should be compensated in order to live their lives with dignity. Insurance companies and trucking firms will do everything they can to cut down on the amount of compensation that a victim is due. This is why you need an experienced and dependable semi truck accident lawyer who is able to stand up against insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the knowledge, experience and power to make a difference in your case.
A semi-truck also referred to as a tractor-trailer or an 18-wheeler is a big commercial vehicle that consists of a 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 with recklessness or when the driver does not exercise reasonable care when driving the vehicle. Accidents involving trucks are usually caused by distracted drivers, speeding, and failure to check blind spots when turning or changing lanes. Another cause of truck accidents is improper loading of the freight which can lead to shifting and swaying that could result in the truck rolling over.
In addition to the driver, other parties can share responsibility in the event of a truck crash. This includes the driver's business as well as the company that the driver hauls product for and even the person who is responsible for setting up the load. It can be difficult to prove fault when there are multiple insurance companies involved as each will try to limit their own liability.
In some instances the local government entity could also be responsible for an accident that occurs on its property. If, for example a road that is not maintained or a poorly designed layout contributed to an accident then the county board may be responsible for the injuries suffered by the victim. This type of claim is based on the principle of vicarious responsibility, which makes supervisory employees liable for the actions of an employee while acting in the scope of their duties.
Damages
The emotional and physical trauma that accompanies any motor vehicle accident could be severe. However, the results of a collision with a semi-truck are more severe than the majority of accidents. Not only can these vehicles cause more serious injuries, but they can also cause property damage or destruction and cause significant financial burdens. A semi truck accident lawyer can help you determine the extent of your losses and get the right compensation.
It's always a good idea, regardless of the type of accident that has occurred to speak with an attorney who specializes in personal injury. This is particularly true in cases involving large-sized vehicles. In addition to the general laws that regulate traffic and personal injuries there are particular rules that pertain to commercial trucks. These regulations can affect how a crash occurs, who is accountable, and the kinds of damages awarded. A lawyer can ensure that you are aware of regulations and that the parties responsible are held accountable.
It is not unusual for multiple parties to be accountable for an accident involving a truck which includes the driver as well as their employer and the company who hauled the cargo. In addition, blame can be assigned to the manufacturer of the truck or to any faulty parts that caused the accident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide you with the evidence needed to prove that all those responsible are liable and to show that you are entitled to fair compensation.
A semi truck accident lawyer with experience can help you avoid common tactics used by insurance companies to deny or decrease your claim. Injured victims are often eager to receive compensation to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. The insurers know this and take advantage of it, using delay as a strategy to to force you to accept less than you deserve.
A lawyer can help you determine all of the present and future damages that 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 punitive and compensatory damages to award in your case. roswell semi truck accident lawyer are meant to pay you back for your losses, whereas punitive damages are meant to punish the person at fault and discourage others from engaging in similar crimes.
Expert Witnesses
Contrary to a typical car accident case, truck accidents typically involve a lot of highly specific information about the industry's regulations, truck mechanics, and the long-term economic and medical consequences of the accident. A semi-truck crash attorney should have access to the best experts, who can fill in gaps of knowledge and provide evidence that could be vital to a client's case.
Specialists in accident reconstruction are among the most valuable experts that a semi-truck accident lawyer might want to call. They are skilled and know how to assess the scene of an accident, examine both the truck and the vehicle involved, determine the cause of the crash, and present their findings clearly and easily comprehendable. They are often a crucial part of a successful lawsuit since they can assist jurors understand how a crash occurred and who could be responsible.
Expert witnesses can also help determine the damages that can be claimed and their value. A life care planner, for instance, can be hired to demonstrate the impact of an accident of a serious nature on a victim’s ability to work as well as their medical needs throughout their lifetime. An economist can also calculate the loss of earnings damages that are a key element of any compensation award.
Forensic toxicologists and drug and alcohol recognition experts can also be a huge asset to a successful claim. These experts can assist in drawing a clear line between drunkenness and the accident, particularly when the driver may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident. A metallurgist is also an expert witness. They can test metal components of the truck involved in the crash to determine if they overloaded.
In some instances an attorney in an New York semi truck accident will hire an expert to study the trucking firm and how it operates. This is particularly important if the trucker worked for a large trucking firm and was subject to standards that other drivers were not. The expert can examine the safety practices of the trucking company, their hiring practices, as well as any other information that may aid in determining the cause of the accident.
Time Limits
When a truck accident happens there is a high likelihood that evidence will be lost or destroyed. It is essential to speak with a semi truck accident attorney as soon as you can. Our lawyers will conduct an extensive investigation to determine who is accountable for your injuries. We'll collaborate with accident reconstruction experts as well as medical professionals and financial analysts to ensure you get the compensation that you are entitled to.
The most common reason for a truck accident involves driver negligence. This can include driving distracted or under the influence or reckless driving. The trucking company that owns and operates the truck could also be liable for the accident in the event that they do not follow safety regulations or hire 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 parts could cause a serious crash. It is crucial to ensure that your truck accident attorney knows the needs of maintenance for large trucks so that they can investigate any issues with the truck's safety.
A third reason is that a trailer that is not properly loaded or cargo could result in an accident involving a truck. A truck that is not properly loaded can cause the truck or trailer to jackknife when it's not properly loaded. This is a serious accident which can result in serious or fatal injuries to other motorists on the road.
Accidents involving trucks are also caused by negligent driving from other drivers. They might cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong direction. These actions can cause the truck to drift off the roadway and collide with pedestrians or other vehicles.
A head-on collision between a truck and a passenger vehicle is among the most dangerous types of truck accidents. The front end of the passenger vehicle typically takes the brunt of the impact, resulting in serious injuries and even death. These types of accidents often occur on undivided highways when the truck driver falls asleep, steers away from another vehicle, or is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. There are also accidents involving trucks spilling their loads of hazardous substances. These accidents can cause environmental damage and health hazards for humans who come into contact with the chemicals.