Truck Accident Attorneys

Every year, 5,000 people are killed in crashes involving large trucks. If a crash does occur it's essential to consult with truck accident lawyers who understand the various aspects involved.

A lawyer should immediately set up claims with the insurance company as well as the company which is the owner of the truck. This is done to maximize the amount of insurance.

Liability

While trucks comprise just 4 percent of vehicles on the road however, they are involved in more than half of all motor vehicle accidents. Most of those accidents result in catastrophic injuries, with victims suffering permanent, life-changing disabilities. The financial burden of those injuries can be immense, and victims and their families have to seek damages to allow them to live a life of dignity. Unfortunately trucking companies and insurance companies will do everything they can in their efforts to reduce the amount of the compensation a victim is entitled to. You need a knowledgeable strong and experienced semi truck accident lawyer who can tackle the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley's team possesses the expertise, experience, and strength to make a huge difference in your case.

A semi-truck also referred to as a tractor-trailer, or an 18-wheeler, is a huge commercial vehicle that consists of the truck (tractor unit) and an detachable trailer which carries cargo. Due to their size and weight they are prone to serious accidents when they are driven in reckless manner or if drivers fail to exercise reasonable care when driving the vehicle. Common causes of truck accidents include speeding, distracted driving, and failing to check blind spots before changing lanes or turning. Unsafe loading of freight could cause truck accidents too. This can lead to shifting, swaying, and even rolling the truck.

In addition to the driver of the truck and other drivers, other parties could share the blame in a truck accident, such as the driver's employer, the company they haul products for, or even the person that sets up the load. It is difficult to establish fault when there are multiple insurance companies involved as each will try to limit their own liability.

In some cases, local government agencies could also share responsibility for accidents that occur on their property. If, for example, a poorly maintained road or a layout that was poorly planned caused an accident, the county board could be liable for the damages suffered by the victim. This kind of claim is based on the concept of vicarious liability which holds an authority party responsible for the actions of an employee while acting within the scope of their job.

Damages

Any accident involving a motor vehicle can cause severe emotional and physical trauma. The effects of a collision with semi-trucks can be more severe than other types of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage to property. This could result in a substantial financial burden. A semi truck accident attorney can assist you in determining the extent of your losses and pursue an appropriate amount of compensation.

It's always a good idea regardless of the kind of accident that happened, to consult a personal injury attorney. This is especially true when dealing with large vehicles. Commercial trucks are subject to special regulations in addition laws that regulate personal injury, traffic and other laws. These rules could have a significant effect on the way a crash occurs, the parties responsible and the kind of damages that are possible to award. A lawyer can ensure that you are aware of the regulations and that the parties at fault are held accountable.

It is not uncommon for multiple parties to be held responsible in a truck-related accident including the driver, their employer, and the company that transported the cargo. A truck manufacturer or defective parts may also be held responsible for the accident. A semi truck accident attorney can provide the evidence necessary to prove that all parties at fault are responsible and that you are entitled to fair compensation.

A semi truck accident attorneys truck accident lawyer with years of experience will protect you from common tactics used by insurance firms to deny or reduce your claim. The injured victims are usually eager to receive compensation to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies take advantage of this by using delay to force you to accept less than you deserve.

An attorney can help determine the damages you are entitled to in the future and in the present such as medical expenses, lost income and property damage. An attorney can help determine the amount of punitive and compensatory damages you can award in your case. Compensatory damages are intended to compensate you for the losses. Punitive damages are designed to punish the party who was at fault and discourage other people from engaging in similar crimes.

Expert Witnesses

Truck accidents are different from car accidents in that they require more detailed details, including the truck mechanics involved, the long-term economic and medical effects of the crash and the regulations for the industry. A semi-truck accident lawyer should have access to experts who can fill in knowledge gaps and provide evidence that could be vital to a client's case.

Accident reconstruction specialists are among the most valuable experts that a semi-truck accident lawyer could rely on. They are experts with years of experience who know how to examine the scene of an accident, evaluate the truck and other vehicles involved in the accident, determine what caused the accident, and explain their findings in simple, easy-to-understand terms. They are usually an essential element of a successful lawsuit, because they can help jurors comprehend how the crash took place and who is accountable.

Expert witnesses can help determine which damages are applicable and how much those damages will be worth. A life care planner, for instance is a person who can show the impact of an accident that is severe on a person's ability to work and their medical requirements throughout their lifetime. An economist, for instance, can assist in calculating things like lost earnings damages, which will be a significant component of any compensation award.

Experts in toxicology in the forensic field and the identification of alcohol and drugs can be extremely helpful to a successful claim. These experts can help to draw a straight line between alcohol consumption and the accident, particularly when the driver may have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the collision. A metallurgist is a valuable expert witness. They can test metal components of the truck involved in the accident to determine if they were overloaded.

In certain instances, an attorney for a New York semi truck accident will employ an expert to study the trucking firm and how it operates. This is essential, particularly in the case of a trucker who worked for a large trucking firm and was subject to the same standards as other drivers were not. An expert could examine the safety protocols of the trucking company hiring practices, safety procedures, and any other information that could aid in determining the source of the problem.

Time Limits

When a truck collision occurs the evidence is often lost or destroyed. This is the reason it's so important to contact a semi truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Our lawyers will conduct an extensive investigation to determine who's responsible for your injuries. We'll collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists along with medical professionals and financial analysts to ensure you get the money you deserve.

The most common cause for a truck accident involves driver carelessness. It could be due to driving distracted, driving under the influence or driving recklessly. The trucking company that owns and operates the truck may also be responsible for accidents in the event that they do not follow safety regulations or hire unqualified drivers.

Incorrect maintenance of the vehicle is a further cause of a truck crash. A failure to inspect or repair the truck's brakes, tires or other parts can cause a dangerous crash. It is essential to ensure that your lawyer for truck accidents knows the requirements for maintenance of large trucks in order to examine any issues that may affect the truck's safety.

A third issue is that a poorly loaded trailer or cargo could lead to an accident with a truck. A truck that is not properly loaded can cause the trailer or truck to jackknife if it is not properly loaded. This is a serious crash that could result in serious or fatal injuries to motorists.

Accidents involving trucks are also caused by negligent driving from other drivers. They might cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong lane. These actions could cause the truck to drift off the road and crash with other vehicles or pedestrians.

A head-on collision between the truck and a passenger vehicle is one of the most fatal kinds of truck crashes. The front of the passenger vehicle is usually the one that bears the brunt, resulting in grave injuries or even death. These accidents occur when a truck driver is asleep or turns around to avoid another vehicle, or is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Trucks are also prone to accidents due to spilling their hazardous materials. These accidents could cause environmental damage and dangers to human health for those who come in contact with the chemicals.