Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people are killed in accidents involving large vehicles. It is important to engage with lawyers for truck accidents who are knowledgeable about the various causes.
Attorneys must immediately file a claim with the insurance company of the driver as well with the company that owns and operates the truck. This is done so as to get the most insurance possible.
Liability
Trucks constitute just 4 percent of the vehicles on the road, but they are involved in over 55% of all accidents. In the majority of these accidents, the victims suffer serious injuries and are permanently disabled. These injuries can have a massive financial impact on the victim, and the victim and their families must be compensated so that they can live with dignity. The insurance companies of trucking companies will do everything possible to minimize the amount of compensation a victim is due. This is why you require an experienced, skilled semi truck accident lawyer who can stand up to insurance companies and their attorneys. John Hensley's team has the expertise and experience to make a difference in your case.
Semi-trucks are also known by the names tractor-trailer, 18-wheeler and tractor are large commercial vehicles made up of an engine (tractor) and an attached trailer that is used to transport cargo. Due to 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 while driving the vehicle. Truck accidents are usually caused by distracted drivers, speeding as well as the failure to observe blind spots when turning or changing lanes. Another cause of truck accidents is the improper loading of freight which can lead to shifting and swaying that could result in the truck rolling over.
In addition to the driver, other people can share responsibility in truck accidents. This includes the driver's company and the company the driver is responsible for hauling goods or even the person responsible for setting up the load. It isn't easy to prove the fault when there are several insurance companies involved, because each will try to limit its own liability.
In some instances the local government agency could also be liable in the event of an accident on its property. For instance, if a poorly designed road layout or a lack of maintenance contributed to an accident, the county board may be responsible for the damages sustained by the victim. This type of claim is based upon the principle of vicarious responsibility that is the law that holds a supervisor responsible for the actions of employees doing their duties.
Damages
The physical and emotional trauma that comes with any motor vehicle accident can be a lot. However, the effects of a collision with a semi-truck are more severe than other types of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage to property. This could result in a significant financial burden. A semi truck accident lawyer can assist you to determine the full extent of your losses and pursue the appropriate compensation.
It's always a good idea, regardless of the kind of accident that took place to consult an attorney for personal injury. This is especially important when it comes to cases involving large vehicles. Commercial trucks are subject to particular regulations in addition to the laws that govern personal injury, traffic and other laws. These regulations can affect how a crash occurs, who is responsible, and the types of damages awarded. An attorney can help you learn about these rules and ensure that the parties at fault are held liable.
If a truck accident happens it is not uncommon for there to be several parties to be accountable, including the truck driver and the company they work for, and the company that carries the load. A truck manufacturer or any defective parts may be liable for the accident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide the evidence needed to show that all parties at fault are liable and to show that you are entitled to fair compensation.
A semi 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. Victims of injuries often feel desperate to get their money so that they can pay for medical treatment and other expenses. The insurers know this and take advantage of delay as a strategy to pressure you into accepting less than what you are entitled to.
A lawyer can help you determine all of the present and future damages that you are entitled to, such as medical bills as well as lost income, property damage, and suffering and pain. A lawyer can assist you determine the amount of punitive and compensatory damages to decide on in your particular case. Compensatory damages aim to compensate you for your losses. Punitive damages aim to punish the person who is at fault and prevent other people from committing similar criminal acts.
Expert Witnesses
As opposed to a typical car crash situation, truck accidents usually involve a lot of highly specific information regarding industry regulations including truck mechanics, the long-term economic and medical effects of the crash. An attorney for semi-truck accidents should have access the right experts who can fill in knowledge gaps and provide crucial evidence that could be crucial to a client's legal case.
The specialists in accident reconstruction are among the most reliable experts that a semi-truck accident attorney could call upon. These professionals are experienced and can assess the scene of an accident, evaluate the truck as well as the vehicle involved in it to determine the cause of the accident, and explain their findings clearly and comprehendable. They are usually an essential element of a successful lawsuit, because they can help jurors understand how a crash took place and who may be accountable.
Expert witnesses can also help to identify the damages that are applicable and how much those damages will be worth. For instance, a life insurance planner can be hired to show the impact a serious accident could have on a victim's ability to work, their medical needs for the remainder of their lives and any other long-term repercussions. An economist may also be able to determine the amount of compensation for lost earnings which is a major part of any compensation award.
Forensic toxicologists as well as experts in the recognition of alcohol and drug use are also essential to a successful claim. st charles semi truck accident law firm can aid in drawing a clear line between alcohol consumption and the accident, especially when the trucker might have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash. A metallurgist can also be an effective expert witness since they can conduct tests on the metal components of the truck that could be involved in the crash to determine whether they were overloaded.
In some instances there are occasions when a New York semi-truck accident attorney will hire an expert to examine the trucking company and the way in which it operates. This is particularly important if the trucker worked for an established trucking company and was subject to the same standards as other drivers were not. An expert could examine the safety procedures of the trucking firm hiring practices, safety procedures, and any other information that might help to determine fault.
Time Limits
If a truck accident occurs, evidence is often lost or destroyed. It's crucial to speak with a semi truck accident attorney as soon as you can. Our lawyers can conduct a thorough investigation to determine who's accountable for your injuries. We will work with accident reconstruction experts medical professionals, financial experts and experts to help you get the compensation you require.
The most common cause for truck accidents is driver negligence. It could be due to driving while distracted or under the influence or reckless driving. Trucking companies who fail to adhere to safety regulations or hire unqualified employees may also be held responsible for accidents.
Another cause of a truck accident is poor maintenance on the vehicle. Failure to properly inspect or repair tires, brakes, or other parts of a truck can lead to an accident that is dangerous. It is essential that your truck accident lawyer is aware of the maintenance requirements for large trucks so that they can examine any safety concerns.
Thirdly, a poorly-loaded trailer or cargo could lead to accidents with trucks. If a truck is not properly loaded, it could cause the trailer to shift on the road or cause the truck to hit the ground. This is a serious crash that could cause serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
Accidents involving trucks are also caused by reckless driving of other drivers. They could cut off the driver of the truck or merge into wrong lanes. These actions can cause the truck's wheels to slide off the road and crash with other vehicles or pedestrians.
One of the most dangerous truck accidents is head-on collisions. The front end of a passenger vehicle is usually the one to take the brunt of the impact, resulting in serious injuries, and sometimes death. These types of accidents usually occur on roads with no other traffic when the truck driver is asleep, steers away from another vehicle or is driving under the effects of alcohol or drugs. There are also accidents involving trucks spilling their loads of hazardous substances. These accidents could cause environmental harm and health hazards for humans who come in contact with the chemicals.