Truck Accident Attorneys
Each year, 5,000 people are killed in crashes with large trucks. When a crash occurs it's essential to find truck accident lawyers who are aware of the various factors involved.
An attorney should immediately initiate a claim with the insurance company of the driver as well with the company that operates and owns the truck. This is done to maximize the amount of available insurance.
Liability
While trucks make up only 4 percent of vehicles on the road, they are involved in more than 5 percent of all vehicular accidents. In the vast majority of these accidents, the victims suffer severe injuries and are permanently disabled. These injuries can have a massive financial impact, and the victims and their families must be compensated for their loss in order to live with dignity. The insurance companies of trucking companies will do everything to cut down on the amount of compensation a victim is due. This is why you need a strong, experienced semi truck accident lawyer who is able to stand up against insurance companies and their attorneys. John Hensley and his team have the expertise, experience and strength to make the difference in your case.
A semi-truck, also known as a tractor-trailer or an 18-wheeler is a large commercial vehicle consisting of a truck (tractor unit) and an detachable trailer which carries cargo. Because of their weight and size they are vulnerable to serious accidents if they are driven recklessly or when a driver fails to exercise reasonable care while driving the vehicle. Common causes of truck accidents include speeding, distracted driving and failing to look over blind spots prior to changing lanes or turning. Another reason for truck accidents is the improper loading of freight which can lead to shifting and swaying that could lead to the truck rolling over.
In addition to the driver, other parties can share responsibility in a truck accident. This includes the driver's company, the company that the driver is responsible for hauling goods or even the person who sets up the load. olathe semi truck accident attorney can be more difficult if multiple insurers are involved in the case as they will each try to limit their own liability.
In certain instances a local government entity may also share liability in the event of a crash on their property. For instance, if poor road layout or maintenance issues contributed to an accident the county board may be responsible for the injuries suffered by the victim. This type of claim is based on the principle of vicarious liability that holds a supervisory person liable for the actions of employees performing their job.
Damages
The emotional and physical trauma that comes with any motor vehicle accident could be a lot. The results of a collision involving semi-trucks can be more severe than other kinds of accidents. Not only do these vehicles cause more severe injuries and injuries, but they also have the potential to damage or destroy property, resulting in significant financial burdens. A semi truck accident lawyer can help determine your full losses and pursue the appropriate compensation.
It's always a good idea, regardless of the type of accident that happened, to consult an attorney who specializes in personal injury. This is particularly true when it comes to cases involving large vehicles. In addition to the general laws that regulate traffic and personal injuries, there are special regulations that pertain to commercial trucks. These regulations could have a significant effect on how a crash happens, the responsible parties and the kinds of damages that may be awarded. Lawyers can ensure that you are aware of the regulations and that the parties at fault are held accountable.
It is not uncommon for several parties to be held responsible for an accident involving a truck, including the driver or their employer, as well as the company that hauled the cargo. A truck manufacturer or defective parts could also be accountable for the accident. An attorney who is a semi truck accident can provide the specific evidence to show that all at-fault parties are responsible and you have the right to fair compensation.
A skilled semi truck accident lawyer on your side can protect your rights from the common tactics used by insurance companies to deny or limit your claim. Victims of injuries are often desperate to collect their money so that they can pay for medical treatments and other expenses. The insurance companies are aware of this and take advantage of this, using delaying as a tool to try to force you into accepting less than you are entitled to.
A lawyer can help you determine the damages you are entitled to in the future and in the present which includes medical bills, lost income, and property damage. A lawyer can help you determine how much damages to decide on in your case. Compensatory damages aim to compensate you for the losses. Punitive damages seek to punish the person who was at fault and discourage other people from engaging in similar crime.
Expert Witnesses
The nature of truck accidents is different from car accidents in that they require more specialized details, including the mechanics involved in truck accidents, the long-term economic and medical effects of the accident as well as the regulations that govern the industry. A semi-truck crash lawyer should have access to the best 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 valuable experts that a semi-truck accident attorney could call upon. These professionals are experienced and can assess the scene of an accident, evaluate both the truck and the vehicle involved in it and determine the reason for the crash, and then explain their findings in a way that is easily comprehendable. They are often a key element in any successful lawsuit since they can assist jurors in understanding how an accident occurred and who could be responsible for it.
Expert witnesses can also establish the extent of damages that are relevant and the worth. For instance, a life care planner could be hired to illustrate the impact that a accident could have on the victim's ability to work, their medical needs for the remainder of their lives and any other long-term repercussions. An economist can also help calculate the damages for lost earnings which is a significant element of any compensation award.
Forensic toxicologists as well as experts in recognition of alcohol and drugs are also essential to a successful claim. These types of experts could help draw a clear line between drunkenness and the crash, especially in cases where the trucker may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the collision. A metallurgist could also be an excellent expert witness as they can conduct tests on the metal components of the truck that might be involved in the collision to see whether they were loaded to the max.
In some instances the New York semi-truck accident attorney will employ an expert to investigate the trucking company itself and how it operates. This is important, especially when the trucker worked for a large trucking firm and was subject to the same standards as other drivers were not. An expert can look into the safety protocols of the trucking company hiring practices, safety procedures, and any other information that could assist in determining the cause of the accident.
Time Limits
If a truck accident occurs and evidence is lost or destroyed. It's crucial to speak with a semi-truck accident attorney as quickly as possible. Our lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation to determine who is accountable for your injuries. We'll work with accident reconstruction experts as well as medical professionals and financial experts to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
The most common cause of a truck accident is driver negligence. This could include driving unintentionally, driving while under the influence, or driving irresponsibly. Trucking companies that don't adhere to safety standards or hire unqualified employees may also be accountable for accidents.
Incorrect maintenance of the vehicle is another cause of an accident involving a truck. Failure to inspect or repair brakes, tires, or other parts of a truck could result in danger in an accident. It is important that your lawyer for truck accidents understands the maintenance requirements of large trucks to look into any safety issues.
A third reason is that a trailer that is not properly loaded or cargo can cause accidents with trucks. A truck that isn't properly loaded could cause the truck or trailer to be jackknifed if not properly loaded. This is a serious hazard that could cause serious or fatal injuries to motorists in the road.
Truck accidents can also be caused by negligent driving by other drivers. They might cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong lane. These actions could cause the driver of the truck to turn off the road, causing it to cause collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians.
One of the most fatal truck accidents is a head-on collision. The front of the passenger vehicle is usually the one that takes the brunt, which can result in serious injuries, and even death. These types of accidents often occur on roads that are not divided when the truck driver is asleep, turns to avoid another vehicle, or is under the impaired by alcohol or drugs. Trucks can cause accidents as well by spilling dangerous materials. These accidents can cause environmental damage as well as health risks for humans who come into contact with the chemicals.