What Semi Truck Compensation Experts Would Like You To Know
Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people are killed in accidents involving large vehicles. When a crash occurs it's essential to find truck accident lawyers that understand the different factors involved.
An attorney must immediately file a claim with the insurance company of the driver, as well as with the company that owns and operates the truck. This will maximize the amount of available insurance.
Liability
Trucks make up only 4 percent of the vehicles on the road, Semi Trucking however they are involved in over half of all accidents. The majority of these accidents cause catastrophic injuries with victims suffering permanent, life-changing disabilities. These injuries can have a significant financial impact on the victim, and the victim and their families should be compensated so that they can live with dignity. Insurance companies and trucking companies will do everything in their power to limit the amount of compensation the victim is due. This is why you need an experienced, dependable semi truck accident attorney that can stand up to the insurance companies and their attorneys. John Hensley's team is equipped with the knowledge and experience to make a difference in your case.
A semi-truck, also known as a tractor-trailer or an 18-wheeler is a big commercial vehicle comprised of a truck (tractor unit) and an detachable trailer which carries cargo. Because of their weight and size, these trucks are prone to serious accidents when they are driven in reckless manner or when the driver does not exercise reasonable care while driving the vehicle. The most common causes of accidents involving trucks include speeding, distracted driving, and not securing blind spots prior to changing lanes or turning. Unsafe loading of freight could also cause truck accidents. This can lead to shifting, swaying and even rolling the truck.
In addition to the driver, other parties may be liable in a truck accident. This includes the driver's company and the company the driver hauls product for and even the person who arranges the load. It isn't easy to prove that someone is at fault when there are multiple insurance companies involved, as each will try to limit their own liability.
In some cases a local government entity could also share responsibility in the event of a crash on their property. If, for example an unmaintained road or a layout that was poorly planned contributed to an accident then the county board could be liable for the damage suffered by the victim. This type of claim is based on the principle of vicarious liability, which is the law that holds a supervisor responsible for the actions of employees doing their job.
Damages
Any motor vehicle accident can cause extreme physical and emotional trauma. The effects of a collision with a semi-truck can be more severe than other kinds of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage to property. This can lead to significant financial burden. An attorney for Semi Trucking-truck accidents can help you determine the extent of your losses and pursue the appropriate compensation for them.
While it's generally a good idea to consult an attorney who can help you after any type of accident, this is especially relevant for cases involving large-sized trucks. In addition to the general laws that regulate traffic and personal injuries, there are special regulations that pertain to commercial trucks. These rules can have a major impact on how a crash happens, the responsible parties and the kind of damages that may be awarded. Lawyers can ensure that you understand the rules and that those responsible are held accountable.
It is not uncommon that several parties are accountable for a truck crash which includes the driver, their employer, and the company that carried the cargo. The truck manufacturer or defective parts may also be liable for the incident. A semi truck accident attorneys truck accident lawyer can provide the evidence required to show that all parties at fault are liable and that you are entitled to fair compensation.
A semi truck accident lawyers truck accident lawyer with years of experience will be able to protect you from common strategies used by insurance companies to deny or limit your claim. The injured victims are usually eager to receive compensation in order to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies know this and take advantage of it, using delay as a strategy to try to force you to accept less than what you are entitled to.
An attorney can help you determine the damages you are entitled to in the future and in the present, including medical bills, lost income, and property damage. A lawyer can assist you determine the amount of punitive and compensatory damages you can be awarded in your particular case. Compensatory damages seek to compensate you for your losses. Punitive damages seek to punish the person responsible and deter other people from committing similar crime.
Expert Witnesses
Truck accidents differ from car accidents in that they require a lot more specific details, including the mechanics of the truck involved along with the long-term financial and medical effects of the accident, and industry regulations. An attorney for semi-truck accidents should be able to access experts who can fill in gaps and provide evidence that could be vital to a client's legal case.
Specialists in accident reconstruction are among the most reliable experts that a semi-truck accident attorney might want to call. These experts are knowledgeable and know how to assess the scene of an accident, examine the truck as well as the vehicle involved as well as determine the root of the crash, and then explain their findings in a manner that is clear and understandable. They are often a key part of a successful lawsuit because they can help jurors comprehend how the crash took place and who may be responsible.
Expert witnesses can also establish the damages that can be claimed and their value. A life care planner, for example, can be hired to illustrate the effects of a serious accident on the victim's ability to work and their medical needs over their life. An economist can also determine the amount of compensation for lost earnings, which are a major part of any compensation award.
Experts in forensic toxicology and identification of alcohol and drugs are also very helpful for a successful case. They can help draw the line between intoxication and the crash. This is especially true when the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash. A metallurgist is also an expert witness because they can conduct tests on the metal components of the truck that might have been involved in the crash to determine whether they were laden with.
In some cases the New York semi-truck accident attorney will employ an expert to look into the trucking company itself and the way in which it operates. This is especially important when the trucker is employed by a large trucking business and might be subject to certain rules that other drivers aren't. The expert can review 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
Evidence is usually lost or destroyed in a truck crash. It's crucial to speak with a semi-truck accident attorney as quickly as possible. Our attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation to determine who's responsible for your injuries. We will work with accident reconstruction specialists doctors, medical professionals, and financial analysts to help you get the money you deserve.
The most frequently cited cause of a truck accident is driver error. This could include driving unintentionally, driving while under the influence, or driving irresponsibly. Trucking companies who fail to adhere to safety guidelines or hire employees with no qualifications could also be held accountable for accidents.
Unprofessional maintenance of the vehicle can also be a cause of crashes involving trucks. A failure to inspect or repair the truck's brakes or tires, or other parts could cause a serious crash. It is crucial that your lawyer for truck accidents is aware of the maintenance requirements for large trucks in order to look into any safety issues.
A third reason for a truck crash is a trailer that is not properly loaded or cargo. A truck that isn't properly loaded could cause the trailer or truck to jackknife if not properly loaded. This is a serious crash which can result in serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
Accidents involving trucks are also caused by reckless driving of other drivers. They may cut off the driver of the truck or merge into wrong lane. These actions can cause the truck to turn off the roadway and collide with other vehicles or pedestrians.
One of the most dangerous truck accidents is a head-on collision. The front end of the passenger vehicle typically takes the brunt of the impact, resulting in serious injuries or death. These accidents happen when a truck driver falls asleep, or swerves to avoid another vehicle or is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Trucks may also cause accidents by spilling their hazardous materials. These accidents could cause environmental harm and health hazards for humans who come into contact with the chemicals.
