Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 individuals are killed in accidents involving large trucks. If a crash does occur it is crucial to consult with truck accident lawyers who are aware of the various factors involved.
A lawyer should immediately file 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
Although trucks account for only 4 percent of the vehicles on the road yet they are involved more than five percent of all vehicle accidents. In the vast majority of these accidents, the victims suffer catastrophic injuries and are permanently disabled. These injuries can have a significant financial impact, and the victims and families need to be compensated in order to live their lives with dignity. Trucking companies and their insurers will do everything in their power to minimize the amount of compensation a victim is due. You need an experienced, strong semi truck accident lawyer to take on the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the expertise, experience and power to make a difference in your case.
Semi-trucks, also known by the names tractor-trailer, 18-wheeler and tractor are large commercial vehicles comprised of an engine (tractor) and an attached trailer which transports cargo. Due to their size and weight they are vulnerable to serious accidents when they are driven recklessly or when the driver is not exercising reasonable care when driving the vehicle. sterling heights semi truck accident law firm are usually caused by drivers who speed, distracted drivers and a failure to look for blind spots when changing lanes or turning. Another reason for truck accidents is the improper loading of freight that can result in shifting and swaying that could result in the truck rolling over.
In addition to the truck driver there are other parties who could share the blame in a truck crash, including the employer of the driver and the company they transport product for, and even the person who sets up the load. Proving fault is more difficult when multiple insurers are involved in the incident, since they all try to limit their own liability.
In some instances the local government agency could also be responsible for a crash that occurs on their property. If, for instance a road that is not maintained or a poorly-designed layout caused an accident, the county board could be held accountable for the damages suffered by the victim. This type of claim is based on the principle of vicarious responsibility, which is the law that holds a supervisor responsible for the actions of an employee performing their duties.
Damages
Any motor vehicle accident can cause severe physical and emotional trauma. The results of a collision involving semi-trucks can be more severe than other kinds of accidents. Not only can these vehicles cause more severe injuries however, they can also destroy or damage property which can result in substantial financial burdens. An attorney for semi-truck accidents can assist you in determining the full extent of your losses and seek appropriate compensation for them.
It is always a good idea, regardless of the type of accident that has occurred to talk to a personal injury attorney. This is especially true in cases involving large-sized vehicles. In addition to the general laws that govern personal injury and traffic, there are special regulations for commercial trucks. These can affect how the crash occurs, who is responsible, and the kinds of damages that could be awarded. Lawyers can ensure that you are aware of the regulations and ensure that the parties responsible for the crash are held accountable.
It is not uncommon that several parties are accountable for a truck crash including the driver or their employer, as well as the company who hauled the cargo. A truck manufacturer or any defective component could also be accountable for the incident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide you with the evidence needed to show that all parties responsible are accountable and that you are entitled to fair compensation.
A skilled semi truck accident lawyer on your side can protect your rights from the common strategies that insurance companies employ to deny or reduce your claim. Victims of injuries are often needing to get their money to pay for medical treatments and other expenses. Insurance companies take advantage of this by attempting to make you accept lower than you should.
An attorney can help determine the damages you are entitled to in the future and in the present, including medical bills, lost income, and property damage. An attorney can also help you determine the appropriate amount of punitive and compensatory damages to award in your case. Compensatory damages are intended to compensate you for the losses. Punitive damages aim to penalize the person who is at fault and deter other people from committing similar criminal acts.
Expert Witnesses
As opposed to a typical car crash scenario, truck accidents generally include a great deal of specific information regarding industry regulations, truck mechanics, and the long-term medical and economic effects of the accident. A semi-truck crash lawyer should have access to the right experts who can fill in gaps of knowledge and provide vital testimony that could be essential to a client's case.
Accident reconstruction specialists are some of the most knowledgeable experts a semi truck accident attorney can call on. These experts are knowledgeable and know how to assess an accident scene, assess both the truck and the vehicle involved, determine the cause of the crash, and present their findings in a way that is easily comprehendable. They are usually a vital part of any successful lawsuit since they can assist the jury in understanding how the crash occurred, and which parties might be accountable for it.
Expert witnesses can also identify the damage that is applicable and their worth. For instance, a life care planner could be enlisted to explain the impact that a accident might have on a victim's ability to work, their medical requirements for the rest of their lives, and any other repercussions that may be long-term. Likewise, an economist can help to calculate things like lost earnings damages, which will constitute a substantial portion of any compensation award.
Forensic toxicologists and experts in the recognition of alcohol and drug use can also be a huge asset in a successful case. These types of experts can aid in drawing a clear line between alcohol consumption and the accident, especially when the trucker was been under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident. A metallurgist is also an excellent expert witness because they can conduct tests on metal components of the truck that could have been involved in the collision to determine whether they were overloaded.
In certain cases there are occasions when a New York semi-truck accident attorney will employ an expert to look into the trucking company and the way it operates. This is particularly important 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 can look into the trucking company's safety procedures the hiring procedures, hiring practices and any other information which could assist in determining the cause of the accident.
Time Limits
When a truck accident happens, evidence is often lost or destroyed. It is imperative to speak with a semi truck accident attorney as quickly as possible. Our lawyers can conduct a thorough investigation to determine who's responsible for your injuries. We'll work with accident reconstruction experts medical professionals, financial experts and experts to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
The most frequently cited cause of a truck accident is driver error. This can be caused by driving distracted or under the influence or reckless driving. The trucking company that owns and operates the truck could be accountable for a crash if they fail to follow safety regulations or hire unqualified drivers.
Incorrect maintenance of the vehicle is a further cause of an accident involving a truck. Failure to properly inspect or repair the brakes, tires, or other parts of a vehicle can result in danger in an accident. It is crucial to ensure that your truck accident lawyer understands the maintenance needs of large trucks in order to investigate any issues with the truck's safety.
A third reason for a car accident is a trailer that is not properly loaded or cargo. A truck that isn't properly loaded could cause the truck or trailer to be jackknifed if not properly loaded. This is a serious crash which can result in serious or fatal injuries to motorists who are driving.
Other drivers' negligence can also cause truck accidents. They could cut off the driver of the truck or merge into wrong lanes. These actions could cause the truck to drift off the road, and then collide with pedestrians or other vehicles.
One of the most fatal truck accidents is a head-on collision. The front of the passenger vehicle is typically the one that takes the brunt, resulting in serious injury and even death. These accidents happen when a truck driver is asleep, or is swerving to avoid another vehicle, or is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Trucks may also cause accidents by spilling their hazardous materials. These accidents could cause environmental harm and health hazards to people who come into contact with the chemicals.