Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 individuals die in accidents caused by large trucks. In the event of a crash it's crucial to consult with truck accident lawyers who know the various factors involved.
An attorney must immediately initiate a claim with the insurance company of the driver, as well as with the company that operates and owns the truck. This is done to maximize the amount of available insurance.
Liability
Although trucks comprise only 4 percent of vehicles on the road yet they are involved more than 5 percent of all vehicular accidents. In the majority of these accidents, the victims suffer catastrophic injuries and are permanently disabled. The financial burden resulting from these injuries can be enormous and victims and their families require compensation to ensure they can live their lives with dignity. Unfortunately trucking firms and their insurance companies will do everything they can in an attempt to limit the amount of compensation that a victim is entitled to. You need a seasoned, strong semi truck accident lawyer to fight the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley's team possesses the expertise, experience, and strength to make a major difference in your case.
Semi-trucks, also known under the terms tractor-trailer and 18-wheeler, are large commercial vehicles which comprise one truck unit (tractor) and an attached trailer to transport cargo. Because of their size and weight, these trucks are prone to serious accidents if they are driven recklessly or if the driver is not exercising reasonable care while operating the vehicle. The most common causes of accidents involving trucks include speeding, distracted driving, and failing to look over blind spots prior to changing lanes or turning. Another cause of truck crashes is the improper loading of freight which can lead to shifting and swaying that could lead to the truck rolling over.
In addition to the driver, other parties may share the responsibility for the event of a truck crash. This includes the driver's employer, the company that the driver transports products for, or even the person who sets up the load. The process of proving fault can be more difficult when multiple insurers are involved in the case since they all try to limit their own liability.
In certain instances, a local government agency could also be liable in the event of a crash on their property. For example, if a poorly designed road layout or inadequate maintenance contributed to an accident the county board could be held accountable for the damages sustained by the victim. This type of claim is based on the concept of vicarious liability which holds a supervisory party liable for the actions of employees while acting within the scope of their employment.
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 kinds of accidents. Not only do these vehicles cause more severe injuries and injuries, but they can also cause damage to property or destruction that can lead to significant financial burdens. An attorney for semi-truck accidents can help you determine the full extent of your loss and pursue an appropriate amount of compensation.
Although it's generally best to consult an attorney for injury after any type of accident, this is especially important for cases involving large-sized trucks. In addition to the general laws that govern personal injury and traffic there are particular rules applicable to commercial vehicles. These regulations can affect how a accident occurs, who is accountable, and what types of damages that can be awarded. Lawyers can ensure that you know the regulations and ensure that the parties responsible for the crash are held accountable.
When a truck collision occurs, it is not uncommon for there to be several parties who could be accountable for the accident, including the driver of the truck as well as the company they work for, as well as the company that carries the load. A truck manufacturer or any defective component could be liable for the accident. An attorney for semi-truck accidents can provide the specific evidence to show that all parties at fault are responsible and you are entitled to fair compensation.
A semi truck accident lawyer with experience will be able to protect you from common strategies used by insurance firms to deny or reduce your claim. Injured victims are usually eager to receive compensation to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies profit from this by using delay to force you into accepting less than you are entitled to.
An attorney can assist you in determining the damages you are entitled to in the future and present including medical bills, lost income, and property damage. A lawyer can also assist you determine the proper amount of punitive and compensatory damages to award in your case. abilene semi truck accident law firm are intended to reimburse you for your losses, whereas punitive damages are meant to penalize the party at fault and deter others from committing similar actions.
Expert Witnesses
Truck accidents are different from car accidents in that they require a lot more specialized information, including the truck mechanics involved, the long-term economic and medical effects of the crash, and industry regulations. A semi-truck crash lawyer should have access to the right experts who can fill in the gaps in knowledge and provide testimony that may be crucial to a client's claim.
Specialists in accident reconstruction are one of the most useful experts that a semi-truck accident lawyer can rely on. These experts are highly skilled and can assess the scene of an accident, examine the truck as well as the vehicle involved to determine the cause of the crash, and then explain their findings clearly and easily understandable. They are often a crucial part of a successful lawsuit, as they help jurors understand why a crash occurred and who might be accountable.
Expert witnesses can also help to identify the damages that are applicable and how much the damages will be worth. For instance, a life insurance 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 as well as any other long-term effects. An economist may also be able to determine the amount of compensation for lost earnings that are a key element of any compensation award.
Experts in toxicology for forensics as well as identification of drugs and alcohol are also very helpful to a successful claim. These types of experts could help to draw a straight line between intoxication and the accident, especially when the trucker was been under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the collision. A metallurgist is also an expert witness. They can conduct tests on the metal components of the truck involved in the accident to determine if they loaded with too much.
In certain instances an attorney in a New York semi truck accident will engage an expert to study the trucking company and the way it operates. This is especially important when the trucker is employed by a large trucking company and is subject to certain rules that other drivers are not. The expert will be able to examine the safety practices of the trucking company, as well as their hiring practices, as well as any other information that may assist in determining fault.
Time Limits
When a truck collision occurs and evidence is lost or destroyed. This is why it's imperative to contact a semi truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Our attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation to determine who's accountable for your injuries. We'll work with accident reconstruction experts doctors, medical professionals and financial experts to help you obtain the compensation you require.
The most frequent cause of truck accidents is driver negligence. It could be due to driving in a hurry, driving under the influence, or driving recklessly. The trucking company that operates and owns the truck may also be accountable for a crash if they fail to follow safety rules or hire unqualified drivers.
Another cause of a truck accident is improper maintenance on the vehicle. Failure to inspect or repair the brakes, tires or other components of a truck can cause a dangerous accident. It is important that your truck accident lawyer is aware of the requirements for maintenance on large trucks to look into any safety issues.
A third reason for a truck accident is a trailer that is not properly loaded or cargo. If a truck isn't properly loaded, it may cause the trailer to shift on the road or cause the truck to hit the ground. This is a serious accident that can cause serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
The negligence of other drivers can cause truck accidents too. They could cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong lane. These actions may cause the driver of the truck to drift off the road, causing it to cause collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians.
One of the most deadly truck accidents is the head-on collision. The front of the car is usually the one to take the brunt of the damage, resulting in serious injuries and sometimes even death. These types of accidents usually occur on roads with no other traffic when the truck driver falls asleep, turns to avoid another vehicle, or is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Trucks may also cause accidents by spilling hazardous materials. These accidents could cause environmental damage and health hazards to people who come into contact with the chemicals.