Truck Accident Attorneys
Each year, 5,000 people are killed in crashes involving large trucks. If a crash does occur, it's important to consult with truck accident lawyers that understand the different factors involved.
An attorney must immediately initiate a claim with the insurance company of the driver and with the company that operates and owns the truck. This will maximize the amount of available insurance.
Liability
Trucks account for only 4 percent of all vehicles that are on the roads, yet they are involved in over 55% of all accidents. In the majority of these accidents, victims suffer catastrophic injuries and are permanently disabled. These injuries can have a massive financial impact, and the victims and families need to be compensated in order to live their lives with dignity. Insurance companies and trucking companies will do everything to cut down on the amount of compensation the victim is entitled to. You need an experienced strong, reputable semi truck accident lawyer to confront insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley's team is equipped with the knowledge, 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 an engine (tractor unit) and a detachable trailer that carries cargo. Due to their size and weight they are susceptible to serious accidents if they are driven in reckless manner or when the driver is not exercising reasonable care when driving the vehicle. idaho semi truck accident lawsuit of accidents involving trucks include speeding, distracted driving and not securing blind spots prior to changing lanes or turning. Another reason for truck accidents is improper loading of the freight, which could cause shifting and swaying that could result in the truck rolling over.
In addition to the driver of the truck and other drivers, other parties could share liability in a truck crash including the employer of the driver, the company they haul product for, and even the person who is responsible for setting up the load. It is difficult to establish fault when there are multiple insurance companies involved, because each will seek to limit its own liability.
In certain instances, a local government agency could also share responsibility for a crash that occurs on their property. For instance, if poor road layout or a lack of maintenance contributed to an accident, the county board could be held accountable for the damages caused by the victim. This kind of claim is based on the principle of vicarious accountability that makes supervisory employees liable for an employee's actions while performing their duties.
Damages
The emotional and physical trauma that accompanies any motor vehicle accident could be a lot. However, the consequences of a collision with a semi truck can be more serious than other types of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage property. This can lead to a significant financial burden. A semi truck accident lawyer can help determine the extent of your losses and seek appropriate compensation.
It is always a good idea regardless of the kind of accident that happened to consult an attorney who specializes in personal injury. This is particularly true when dealing with large vehicles. Commercial trucks are subject to particular regulations in addition to the laws that govern traffic, personal injury and other laws. These can affect how the crash occurs, who is responsible, and the kinds of damages that may be awarded. A lawyer can help you get the most out of these regulations and ensure that the parties at fault are held liable.
It is not unusual that several parties are accountable for an accident involving a truck including the driver and their employer, as well the company that carried the cargo. In addition, fault may be assigned to the maker of the truck, or any of the parts that were defective and caused the accident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide the evidence needed to show that all those responsible are liable and to show that you are entitled fair compensation.
A semi truck accident lawyer who has experience can help you avoid common strategies used by insurance companies to deny or reduce your claim. Victims of injuries often feel needing to get their money so that they can pay for medical treatment and other expenses. The insurance companies are aware of this and take advantage of delay as a way to pressure you into accepting lower than you should.
An attorney can assist you in determining the damages you are entitled to in the future and present which includes medical expenses, lost income and property damage. A lawyer can assist you determine how much punitive and compensatory damages you can be awarded in your particular case. Compensation damages are designed to reimburse you for your losses, whereas punitive damages aim to punish the at-fault party and discourage others from engaging in similar acts.
Expert Witnesses
The nature of truck accidents is different from car accidents in that they require a lot more detailed information, such as the mechanics involved in truck accidents as well as the long-term economic and medical consequences of the accident as well as the regulations that govern the industry. An attorney for semi-truck accidents should be able to access experts who can fill in knowledge gaps and provide vital evidence that could be crucial to the client's case.
Accident reconstruction specialists are among the most knowledgeable experts that a semi-truck accident lawyer could rely on. These experts are highly skilled and can assess the accident scene, analyze the truck as well as the vehicle involved as well as determine the root of the crash, and explain their findings in a manner that is clear and comprehendable. They are often an essential component of any successful lawsuit, as they assist jurors in understanding how the crash occurred, and which parties could be accountable for it.
Expert witnesses can also determine the extent of damages that are relevant and their worth. A life care planner, for instance can be hired to determine the effect of an accident of a serious nature on a person's ability to work and their medical needs throughout their lifetime. An economist can also assist calculate the damages for lost earnings which is a significant component of any compensation award.
Forensic toxicologists as well as experts in the field of recognition of alcohol and drugs are also essential in a successful case. These experts can help draw a direct line between intoxication and the crash. This is particularly important when the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash. A metallurgist can also be a useful expert witness, because they can conduct tests on metal components of the truck that might have been involved in the collision to determine whether they were overloaded.
In some instances the New York semi-truck accident attorney will employ an expert to investigate the trucking company itself and how it functions. This is especially crucial in the event that the trucker was employed by a large trucking company and is subject to certain standards that other drivers are not. An expert can look into the safety policies of the trucking company hiring practices, safety procedures, and any other information that could help to determine fault.
Time Limits
Evidence is usually lost or destroyed in a truck accident. It is imperative to speak with a semi-truck accident attorney as soon as you can. Our lawyers can conduct an extensive investigation to determine who is responsible for your injuries. We'll collaborate with experts in accident reconstruction doctors, medical professionals and financial experts to help you get the compensation you need.
The most frequent cause of truck accidents is driver negligence. This could include driving while distracted or impaired or driving recklessly. Trucking companies that do not adhere to safety regulations or hire unqualified employees may be held accountable for accidents.
Unprofessional maintenance of the vehicle is another reason for the possibility of a crash with a truck. Inability to inspect or repair a truck's brakes, tires, or any other component could cause a dangerous crash. It is essential that your lawyer for truck accidents is aware of the requirements for maintenance on large trucks so that they can determine any safety issues.
A third reason for a truck accident is a trailer that is not properly loaded or cargo. A poorly loaded truck can cause the trailer or truck to jackknife if not properly loaded. This is a serious crash that can cause serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
The negligence of other drivers can also cause truck accidents. They could cut off the driver of the truck or merge into the wrong lanes. These actions could cause the truck to drift off the road, and then collide with pedestrians or other vehicles.
A head-on collision between the truck and a passenger vehicle is one of the most dangerous types of truck accidents. The front of the passenger vehicle is usually the one to take the brunt of the damage, resulting in grave injuries or even death. These kinds of accidents typically occur on roads with no other traffic when the truck driver is asleep, steers away from another vehicle or is under the effects of alcohol or drugs. Trucks are also prone to accidents due to spilling hazardous materials. These accidents can cause environmental harm as well as health risks for people who come into contact with the chemicals.