Truck Accident Attorneys

Every year, 5,000 people are killed in accidents involving large vehicles. In the event of a crash it is crucial to get in touch with truck accident lawyers who understand the various elements involved.

An attorney should immediately file a claim with the insurance company of the driver and with the company that owns and operates the truck. This is done in order to maximize the amount of insurance available.

Liability

Trucks account for only 4 percent of all vehicles on the road, however they are involved with more than a fifth of all accidents. In the vast majority of these accidents, victims suffer serious injuries and are permanently disabled. These injuries can have a massive financial impact, and the victims and families need to be compensated for their loss in order to live with dignity. Unfortunately trucking firms and their insurance providers will not leave a stone unturned in their efforts to reduce the amount of compensation that a victim is entitled to. This is why you require a strong, experienced semi truck accidents truck accident lawyer who can stand up to the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the expertise, experience and the strength to make the difference in your case.

Semi-trucks, also known by the names tractor-trailer or 18-wheeler are large commercial vehicles which comprise the truck unit (tractor) and an attached trailer which transports cargo. Due to their weight and size they are susceptible to serious accidents if they are driven recklessly or when the driver is not exercising reasonable care while operating the vehicle. The most common causes of accidents involving trucks include speeding, distracted driving and failing to look over blind spots before turning or changing lanes. Unsafe loading of freight could cause truck accidents as well. This can lead to shifting, swaying and even the truck rolling.

In addition to the driver, other people can share responsibility in truck accidents. This includes the company that is responsible for the driver and the company the driver hauls product for, or even the person who arranges the load. Proving fault can be more difficult if multiple insurers are involved in the case, because they each attempt to limit their own liability.

In certain instances the local government entity could also be accountable for accidents that occur on its property. For example, if a poor road layout or maintenance issues caused an accident, the county board may be held accountable for the damages that the victim has suffered. This kind of claim is based upon the principle of vicarious liability that is the law that holds a supervisor responsible for the actions of an employee while acting in the scope of their job.

Damages

The emotional and physical trauma that follows any motor vehicle accident can be quite severe. The results of a collision with semi-trucks can be more severe than other kinds of accidents. Not only can these vehicles cause more severe injuries and injuries, but they can also destroy or damage property that can lead to significant financial burdens. A semi truck accident attorney can assist you in determining the totality of your losses and seek appropriate compensation for them.

Although it's generally an excellent idea to consult an injury attorney after any kind of accident this is particularly important in cases involving large trucks. In addition to the general laws that govern personal injury and traffic, there are special regulations applicable to commercial vehicles. These regulations could have a significant effect on the way a crash occurs, the parties responsible and lawyers the kind of damages that may be awarded. Lawyers can ensure that you are aware of the regulations and ensure that the parties responsible are held accountable.

When a truck accident occurs it is not unusual to have several people who are responsible such as the truck driver, the company they work for, and the company that carries the load. In addition, blame can be attributed to the company that made the truck of the truck or to any faulty parts that caused the accident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide the detailed evidence needed to demonstrate that all at-fault parties are liable and that you are entitled to fair compensation.

A semi truck accident lawyer with years of experience will be able to protect you from common tactics used by insurance companies to deny or decrease your claim. Victims of injuries are often needing to get their money to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies take advantage of this by attempting to force you into accepting less than what you're entitled to.

An attorney can help determine all of the present and future damages that you are entitled to, including medical bills loss of income property damage, suffering and pain. An attorney can help determine how much punitive and lawyers compensatory damages to determine in your particular case. Compensatory damages aim to compensate you for your losses, whereas punitive damages are intended to punish the responsible party and deter others from doing similar crimes.

Expert Witnesses

As opposed to a typical car crash case, truck accidents typically involve a significant amount of specific information regarding industry regulations, truck mechanics, and the long-term economic and medical impacts of the collision. A semi truck accident lawyers-truck crash lawyer should have access to the right experts, who can fill in gaps of knowledge and provide evidence that can be crucial to a client's case.

Specialists in accident reconstruction are some of the most reliable experts that a semi-truck accident lawyer can rely on. They are experienced professionals who are skilled at examining the scene of the accident, examine the truck and other vehicles involved in the accident, determine the cause of the crash and then explain their findings in simple, easy-to-understand terms. They are often a key element of a successful lawsuit, as they aid jurors in understanding why the crash occurred, and which parties might be responsible.

Expert witnesses can also determine the damage that is applicable and their value. A life care planner, for instance is an expert who can demonstrate the impact of an accident that is serious on a person's ability to work and their medical requirements throughout their entire life. An economist can also help determine the amount of compensation for lost earnings that are a key element of any compensation award.

Experts in toxicology for forensics and drug and alcohol identification can also be very valuable in a successful claim. They can assist in drawing a direct line between intoxication and the accident. This is especially the case when the trucker was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of crash. A metallurgist is an excellent expert witness. They can conduct tests on metal components of the truck involved in the crash to determine if they loaded with too much.

In some cases an attorney representing an New York semi truck accident will engage an expert who will investigate the trucking firm and how it operates. This is crucial, particularly in the case of a trucker who worked for an enormous trucking company and was subject to the same standards as other drivers were not. The expert will be able to examine the safety procedures of the trucking company, the hiring practices of their employees as well as any other information that may aid in determining the cause of the accident.

Time Limits

Evidence is usually lost or destroyed when a truck accident occurs. It is crucial to contact a semi-truck accident attorney as soon as you can. Our lawyers can conduct an extensive investigation to discover all the parties responsible for your injuries. We'll partner with experts in accident reconstruction medical professionals, financial experts and experts to assist you in getting the compensation you need.

The most common reason for truck accidents is driver carelessness. This can include driving distracted or impaired or driving recklessly. The trucking company that operates and owns the truck could also be at fault for a crash in the event they fail to comply with safety guidelines or employ unqualified drivers.

Another reason for a truck accident is the inadvertent maintenance of the vehicle. A failure to inspect or repair the brakes, tires or other parts can lead to a dangerous crash. It is crucial to ensure that your truck accident attorney knows the requirements for maintenance of large trucks, so that they can look into any issues with the safety of the truck.

A third issue is that a poorly loaded trailer or cargo could cause a truck accident. A truck that isn't loaded properly can cause the truck or trailer to be jackknifed if not properly loaded. This is a serious accident that could result in serious or fatal injuries to motorists.

Inattention of other drivers could also result in truck accidents. They may cut off the driver of the truck or merge into wrong lane. These actions could cause the driver of the truck to deviate from the road, causing it cause collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians.

A head-on collision between trucks and a passenger vehicle is among the most deadly kinds of truck accidents. The front of the passenger vehicle is usually the one that bears the brunt, which can result in serious injury and even death. These types of accidents usually occur on highways with no traffic lanes when the truck driver falls asleep, turns to avoid another vehicle, or is under the effects of alcohol or drugs. There are also accidents that involve trucks spilling their loads of hazardous materials. These accidents can cause environmental damage and health risks to humans who come in contact with the chemicals.