Truck Accident Attorneys

Every year, 5,000 people die in accidents involving large vehicles. If a crash does occur it's essential to find truck accident lawyers who understand the various aspects involved.

A lawyer should promptly initiate claims with the insurance company as and the company that owns the truck. This is done in order to maximize the available insurance.

Liability

Trucks constitute just 4 percent of the vehicles on the road, but they are involved in more than half of all accidents. The majority of these accidents result in catastrophic injuries, with victims suffering permanent, life-changing disabilities. These injuries can have a massive financial impact on the victim, and the victim and families need to be compensated for their loss in order to live with dignity. The insurance companies of trucking companies will do everything in their power to cut down on the amount of compensation a victim is due. You require a skilled strong and experienced semi truck accident lawyer who can take on the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the expertise, experience and the strength to make a difference in your case.

A semi-truck, also referred to as a tractor-trailer, or an 18-wheeler, is a massive commercial vehicle consisting of the truck (tractor unit) and a trailer that is detachable and can carry cargo. These trucks are more prone due to their size and weight to serious accidents if they are driven recklessly. The most common causes of accidents involving trucks include speeding, distracted driving and failing to look over blind spots prior to turning or changing lanes. Another cause of truck accidents is the improper loading of freight which can lead to shifting and swaying that could potentially result in the truck rolling over.

In addition to the driver of the truck there are other parties who could share the blame in a truck crash including the employer of the driver and the company they transport products for, and even the person that sets up the load. It can be difficult to prove the fault when there are several insurance companies involved as each will seek to limit their own liability.

In some cases, local government agencies could also be liable for a crash that occurs on their property. If, for example, a poorly maintained road or a layout that was poorly planned contributed to an accident then the county board could be held accountable for the damage suffered by the victim. This kind of claim is based on the principle of vicarious accountability that makes a supervisor accountable for the actions of an employee while acting in the scope of their job.

Damages

The physical and emotional trauma that comes with any motor vehicle crash can be severe. The effects of a collision involving a semi-truck can be more severe than other kinds of accidents. Not only do these vehicles cause more severe injuries, but they also have the potential to destroy or damage property that can lead to significant financial burdens. A semi truck accident lawyer can assist you in determining the full extent of your loss and pursue appropriate compensation for them.

While it's generally a good idea to consult an injury attorney after any kind of accident this is particularly relevant in cases involving large trucks. In addition to the general laws that govern personal injury and traffic there are particular rules applicable to commercial trucks. They affect how a crash occurs, who is accountable, and what types of damages that may be awarded. An attorney can ensure that you are aware of rules and ensure that the parties responsible for lawsuit the crash are held accountable.

When a truck collision occurs it is not unusual to have several people who are responsible which include the driver of the truck and the company they work for, as well as the company that carried the load. A truck manufacturer or any defective parts may be liable for the incident. An attorney for semi truck accident attorney-truck accidents can provide the detailed evidence required to show that all at-fault parties are responsible and you have the right to fair compensation.

A semi truck accident lawyer who has experience will protect you from typical tactics employed by insurance companies to deny or reduce your claim. Victims of injuries are often needing to get their money so that they can pay for medical treatment and other expenses. The insurers know this and profit from delay as a tool to try to force you into accepting less than what you are entitled to.

An attorney can help determine the damages you are entitled to in the future and present, including medical expenses, lost income and property damage. A lawyer can also help you determine the appropriate amount of compensatory and punitive damages to award in your particular case. Compensation damages are designed to reimburse you for your losses, whereas punitive damages are designed to punish the at-fault party and deter others from doing similar crimes.

Expert Witnesses

In contrast to a typical car accident case, truck crashes typically include a great deal of specific information on industry regulations, truck mechanics, and the long-term economic and medical consequences of the collision. A semi-truck crash attorney should be able to access the right experts who can fill in the gaps of knowledge and provide vital testimony that could be essential to a client's case.

Specialists in accident reconstruction are one of the most useful experts that a semi-truck accident lawyer could rely on. These experts are knowledgeable and are able to analyze an accident scene, assess both the truck and the vehicle involved and determine the reason for the crash, and present their findings in a way that is easily comprehendable. They are often a key element in any successful lawsuit since they can assist the jury in understanding how a particular crash happened, and which parties might be accountable for it.

Expert witnesses can also identify the damage that is applicable and the worth. For instance, a health planner can be enlisted to explain the effect a serious crash might 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 can also help calculate the damages for lost earnings which is a significant element of any compensation award.

Experts in toxicology forensics as well as identification of drugs and alcohol can also be very valuable in a successful claim. These types of experts could help to draw a straight line between alcohol 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 a valuable expert witness. They can examine the metal components of the truck involved in the crash to determine if they loaded too much.

In some cases, an attorney for a New York semi truck accident will employ an expert to study the trucking business and how it operates. This is essential, particularly in the case of a trucker who worked for a large trucking company and was subject to standards that other drivers weren't. The expert can examine the safety procedures of the trucking company, as well as their hiring practices as well as any other information that may assist in determining fault.

Time Limits

Evidence is usually destroyed or lost in a truck crash. This is the reason it's so important to speak with a semi truck accident lawyer as quickly as you can. Our lawyers can conduct an extensive investigation to determine all responsible parties for your injuries. We'll collaborate with experts in accident reconstruction as well as medical professionals and financial experts to assist you in getting the compensation you need.

The most common cause for a truck accident involves driver negligence. This could result from driving while in a hurry, driving under the influence, or driving recklessly. The trucking company that operates and owns the truck may also be at fault for an accident in the event they fail to comply with safety regulations or hire inexperienced drivers.

Another reason for a truck accident is improper maintenance on the vehicle. Inability to check or repair the brakes, tires, or other parts of a truck could result in danger in an accident. It is essential that your truck accident lawyer is aware of the requirements for maintenance on large trucks so that they can investigate any safety issues.

Another reason for a truck crash is a poorly loaded trailer or cargo. If a truck isn't properly loaded, it could cause the trailer to shift on the road or cause the truck to hit the ground. This is a serious incident that can cause severe or fatal injuries to other motorists on the road.

Accidents involving trucks are also caused by negligent driving from other drivers. They could cut off the driver of the truck or merge into the wrong lanes. These actions could cause the truck driver to veer from the road, which could cause it to collide with other vehicles and pedestrians.

A head-on collision between trucks and a passenger vehicle is among the most dangerous types of truck accidents. The front of the car is typically the one that takes the brunt, resulting in serious injury and even death. These accidents happen when a truck driver falls asleep or swerves in order to avoid another vehicle, or is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. There are also accidents that involve trucks that spill their load of dangerous materials. These accidents could cause environmental damage as well as health risks for people who come in contact with the chemicals.