Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people die in accidents involving large vehicles. If a crash does occur it is crucial to consult with truck accident lawyers that understand the various factors involved.
A lawyer should promptly initiate 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 available insurance.
Liability
While trucks comprise just 4 percent of the vehicles on the road yet they are involved more than 5 percent of all vehicular accidents. In the vast majority of these accidents, victims suffer severe injuries and become permanently disabled. These accidents can have a devastating financial impact, and the victims and families need to be compensated so that they can live with dignity. Insurance companies and trucking companies will do everything to minimize the amount of compensation the victim is entitled to. You require a skilled strong and experienced semi truck accident lawyer who is able to tackle the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley's team possesses the expertise and experience to make a significant difference in your case.
A semi-truck, also referred to as a tractor-trailer or an 18-wheeler, is a massive commercial vehicle that consists of an engine (tractor unit) and an unattachable trailer that can carry cargo. Because of their size and weight they are prone to serious accidents when they are driven with recklessness or when the driver does not exercise reasonable care when operating the vehicle. Truck accidents are often caused by drivers who speed, distracted drivers, and failure to check blind spots when turning or changing lanes. Improper loading of freight can result in truck accidents. This can result in shifting, swaying, or even the truck rolling.
In addition to the driver of the truck Other parties could share liability in a truck accident, such as the employer of the driver or the company they carry products for, or even the person who arranges the load. The process of proving fault can be more difficult when multiple insurance companies are involved in the incident, because they all attempt to limit their own liability.
In certain instances the local government agency may be held accountable for any accident that occurs on its property. If, for instance a road that was not maintained or a layout that was poorly planned contributed to an accident then the county board could be held accountable for the victim's damages. This type of claim is based on the principle of vicarious liability which holds a supervisory party liable for the actions of employees while acting within the scope of their job.
Damages
The physical and emotional trauma that can result from a motor vehicle accident could be quite severe. The consequences of a collision with a semi-truck can be more severe than other kinds of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage property. This could result in significant financial burden. A semi truck accident lawyer can assist you to determine your full losses and obtain the compensation you deserve.
Although it's generally recommended to speak with an injury attorney after any type of accident, this is particularly relevant when it comes to cases involving large trucks. Commercial trucks are subject to special regulations, in addition to the laws that regulate personal injury, traffic and other laws. These can affect how the crash occurs, who's responsible, and the kinds of damages that can be awarded. A lawyer can help learn about these rules and ensure that the at-fault parties are held liable.
It is not uncommon that several parties are held responsible in a truck-related accident, including the driver as well as their employer and the company that carried the cargo. Additionally, the blame could be attributed to the company that made the truck of the truck or any faulty parts that caused the accident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide the evidence necessary to prove that all the parties at fault are responsible and to demonstrate that you have a right to fair compensation.
A skilled semi truck accident attorney on your side can protect you from the usual tactics used by insurance companies to deny or limit your claim. Injured victims are usually seeking money in order 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 are entitled to.
An attorney can help you determine all the present and future damages that you are entitled to, such as medical bills loss of income damages to property, suffering and pain. A lawyer can help you determine the amount of punitive and compensatory damages you can decide on in your case. Compensatory damages are meant to pay you back for your losses, while punitive damages are meant to penalize the party at fault and deter others from doing similar acts.
Expert Witnesses
The nature of truck accidents is different from car accidents in that they require a lot more specific information, such as the mechanics involved in truck accidents and the long-term economic as well as medical consequences of the accident, and industry regulations. A semi-truck accident lawyer should have access to the right experts, who can fill in the gaps in knowledge and provide testimony that could be essential to a client's case.
Accident reconstruction specialists are some of the most valuable experts a semi truck attorney can contact. They are experienced professionals who are skilled at examining an accident scene, assess the truck and other vehicles involved in the crash, determine the reason for 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 help the jury understand how the crash occurred, and who could be responsible.
Expert witnesses can also help determine what damages are enforceable and what the damages will be worth. A life care planner, for instance can be hired to show the impact of a serious accident on the victim's ability to work as well as their medical needs throughout their lives. An economist, for instance, can assist in calculating things such as lost earnings damages, which could constitute a substantial portion of any compensation award.
Forensic toxicologists and experts in the recognition of alcohol and drug use can also be invaluable for a successful claim. These experts can aid in drawing a clear line between drunkenness and the accident, especially when the trucker might have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the collision. A metallurgist may also be an expert witness since they can perform tests on the metal components of the truck that could be involved in the crash to determine if they were over-loaded.
In some instances, an attorney for an New York semi truck accident will employ an expert to look into the trucking firm and how it operates. This is especially important when the trucker is employed by a large trucking business and may be subject to certain rules that other drivers aren't. The right expert can examine the safety policies of the trucking company the hiring procedures, hiring practices and any other information that could aid in determining fault.
Time Limits
Evidence is often lost or destroyed in a truck crash. This is why it's crucial to contact a semi truck accident attorney as soon as you can. Our attorneys will conduct an extensive investigation to determine who's accountable for your injuries. We'll collaborate with experts in accident reconstruction as well as medical professionals and financial experts to help you obtain the compensation you require.
manteca semi truck accident attorney cited reason for a truck crash is the negligence of the driver. It could be due to driving while distracted or impaired or driving recklessly. Trucking companies that fail to adhere to safety regulations or hire unqualified workers could also be held accountable for accidents.
Improper maintenance of the vehicle is another reason for a truck crash. Failure to check or repair the brakes, tires or other parts can cause a dangerous crash. It is vital that your truck accident lawyer is aware of the requirements for maintenance on large trucks so that they can look into any safety issues.
A third issue is that a poorly loaded trailer or cargo could result in an accident with a truck. A truck that isn't loaded properly can cause the truck or trailer to be jackknifed if not properly loaded. This is a serious incident that can cause severe or fatal injuries to other motorists driving on the road.
Inattention of other drivers could cause truck accidents too. They may cut off the driver of the truck or merge into the wrong lane. These actions could cause the truck to turn off the road, and then collide with other vehicles or pedestrians.
One of the most fatal truck accidents is the head-on collision. The front of the passenger car is typically the one to take the brunt, resulting in serious injuries and sometimes even death. These accidents happen when a truck driver is asleep, or swerves to avoid a vehicle, or is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Trucks are also prone to accidents due to spilling hazardous substances. These accidents can cause environmental damage as well as dangers to human health for those who come in contact with the chemicals.