Truck Accident Attorneys
Each year, 5,000 people die in accidents caused by large trucks. It is essential to get help from truck accident attorneys who are aware of the various factors.
An attorney should immediately file a claim with the insurance company of the driver and with the company that operates and owns 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 however, they are involved in more than half of all motor vehicle accidents. In the majority of these accidents, victims suffer severe injuries and become permanently disabled. The financial burden of these injuries can be immense, and victims and their families have to seek damages in order to be able to live their lives in dignity. Unfortunately trucking companies and insurance providers will make no effort in an effort to limit the amount of compensation a victim is entitled to. This is why you require a strong, experienced semi truck accident lawyer who is able to stand up against insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley's team has the knowledge of experience, expertise, and the strength to make a huge difference in your case.
A semi-truck, also known as a tractor-trailer, or an 18-wheeler, is a huge commercial vehicle made up of an engine (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 check blind spots prior to changing lanes or turning. Another reason for truck accidents is improper loading of the cargo, which can cause shifting and swaying which could lead to the truck rolling over.
In addition to the truck driver Other parties could be liable in a truck accident, including the employer of the driver and the company they transport products for, and even the person who arranges the load. Finding fault is more difficult when multiple insurers are involved in the matter, because they all attempt to limit their own liability.
In some instances a local government entity could also share responsibility for accidents that occur on their property. If, for instance a road that was not maintained or a poorly-designed layout resulted in an accident, then the county board may be responsible for the injuries suffered by the victim. This type of claim is based upon the principle of vicarious liability, which makes supervisory employees liable for the actions of employees performing the duties of their job.
Damages
Every motor vehicle accident can cause extreme physical and emotional trauma. However, the effects of a collision with a semi-truck can be more serious than most other types of accidents. Not only can these vehicles cause more severe injuries, but they also have the potential to cause damage to property or destruction which can result in substantial financial burdens. A semi truck accident lawyer can assist you to determine the total loss and seek appropriate compensation.
It's always a good idea, regardless of the kind of accident that happened to talk to an attorney for personal injuries. This is particularly true in cases involving large vehicles. In addition to the general laws that regulate personal injury and traffic, there are special regulations applicable to commercial vehicles. These rules could have a significant effect on how a collision is handled, the parties responsible and the types damages that are possible to award. A lawyer can help to ensure that you know the regulations and ensure that the parties responsible are held accountable.
It is not unusual for multiple parties to be held responsible in a truck-related accident which includes the driver and their employer, as well the company that carried the cargo. In addition, the fault could be assigned to the maker of the truck or any defective parts that contributed to the accident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide the evidence needed to prove that all parties responsible are accountable and to prove that you have a right to fair compensation.
A seasoned semi truck accident lawyer on your side can protect you from the usual tactics that insurance companies use to deny or reduce your claim. Injured victims are often desperate to get their money to pay for medical treatments and other expenses. Insurance companies take advantage of this by using delay to force you into accepting lower than you should.
A lawyer can help you determine the damages you are entitled to in the future and in the present, including medical bills, lost income, and property damage. A lawyer can also help you determine the right amount of compensatory and punitive damages to award in your case. Compensatory damages are intended to reimburse you for your losses, whereas punitive damages are intended to punish the responsible party and deter others from doing similar acts.
Expert Witnesses
Truck accidents differ from car accidents in that they require a lot more detailed information, such as the mechanics involved in truck accidents along with the long-term financial and medical effects of the crash and the governing regulations for the industry. A semi-truck accident lawyer should have access to the right experts who can fill in knowledge gaps and provide evidence that could be vital to a client's legal case.
Accident reconstruction specialists are one of the most useful experts that a semi-truck accident lawyer can rely on. These are seasoned professionals who know how to examine the scene of an accident, analyze the vehicle and truck involved in the crash, determine the reason for the crash and explain their findings in clear, simple terms. They are often a key element in any successful lawsuit since they can aid jurors in understanding why the accident happened and which parties could be responsible for it.
Expert witnesses can also help determine the damages that are applicable and their worth. A life care planner, for instance can be hired to determine the effect of a serious accident on the victim's ability to work and their medical needs over their lifetime. Likewise, an economist can assist in calculating things such as lost earnings damages, which could be a major component of any compensation award.
Experts in toxicology forensics and identification of alcohol and drugs can also be very valuable for a successful claim. These experts can assist in drawing a clear line between alcohol consumption and the incident, particularly when the trucker was been under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash. waukegan semi truck accident case can be a valuable expert witness. They can conduct tests on metal components of the truck involved in the crash to determine if they were loaded to the limit.
In some instances an attorney in a New York semi truck accident will hire an expert to look into the trucking business and how it operates. This is important, especially when the trucker worked for an established 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 and any other information which could assist in determining fault.
Time Limits
When a truck collision occurs there is a high likelihood that evidence will be lost or destroyed. It is imperative to speak with a semi-truck accident attorney as soon as you can. Our attorneys can conduct an exhaustive investigation to identify the responsible parties for your injuries. We'll work with accident reconstruction experts as well as medical professionals and financial experts to assist you in getting the compensation you require.
The most common cause of a truck collision is driver error. This can include driving distracted, driving under the influence or reckless driving. Trucking companies that fail to adhere to safety regulations or hire employees with no qualifications could also be held responsible for accidents.
Improper maintenance of the vehicle is a further cause of a truck crash. Failure to inspect or repair brakes, tires, or other parts of a truck can lead to a dangerous accident. It is crucial to ensure that your attorney for truck accidents knows the requirements for maintenance of large trucks, so that they can investigate any issues with the safety of the truck.
Thirdly, a trailer that isn't properly loaded or cargo could cause an accident with a truck. A truck that isn't loaded properly can cause the trailer or truck to be jackknifed if not properly loaded. This is a serious hazard that can cause serious or fatal injuries to motorists in the road.
Inattention of other drivers could cause truck accidents too. They could cut off the driver of the truck or merge into wrong lane. These actions could cause the driver of the truck to veer from the road, and cause it to hit other vehicles and pedestrians.
One of the most deadly truck accidents is a head-on collision. The front end of a passenger vehicle typically bears the brunt of the impact, which can result in serious injuries or death. These kinds of accidents typically occur on undivided highways when the truck driver falls asleep, turns to avoid another vehicle or is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Trucks can cause accidents as well by spilling their hazardous materials. These accidents can cause environmental damage and human health hazards for those who come into contact with the chemicals.