Truck Accident Attorneys

Every year, 5,000 people die in accidents involving large trucks. It's important that you employ truck accident lawyers who are aware of the various factors.

A lawyer should immediately initiate claims with the driver's insurance company as well as the company that is the owner of the truck. This is done so as to maximize the insurance coverage available.

Liability

Although trucks account for only 4 percent of the vehicles on the road yet they are involved more than 5 percent of all vehicular accidents. Most of those accidents result in severe injuries, which result in permanent and life-changing disabilities. These injuries can have a huge financial impact on the victim, and the victim and their families must be compensated so that they can live with dignity. Insurance companies and trucking firms will do everything to reduce the amount of compensation a victim is due. That's why you need an experienced, skilled semi truck accident lawyer who can stand up to insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley's team is equipped with the knowledge skills, experience, and determination to make a huge difference in your case.

semi truck accident attorney-trucks are also known by the terms tractor-trailer and 18-wheeler are large commercial vehicles that consist of one truck unit (tractor) and an attached trailer that transports cargo. Because of their size and weight they are prone to serious accidents when they are driven recklessly or when a driver fails to exercise reasonable care when driving the vehicle. Accidents involving trucks are usually caused by speeding, distracted drivers, and failure to check blind spots when changing lanes or turning. Incorrect loading of cargo can also cause truck accidents. This can cause shifting, swaying, or even the truck rolling.

In addition to the truck driver Other parties could be liable in a truck accident, including the driver's employer or the company they carry products for, and even the person who arranges the load. Proving fault is more difficult when multiple insurance companies are involved in the case, because they each attempt to limit their own liability.

In some instances, a local government agency may also share liability in the event of a crash 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 could be liable for the injuries suffered 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 in the course of their employment.

Damages

The physical and emotional trauma that can result from a motor vehicle accident can be extreme. The consequences of a collision involving semi-trucks are more severe than other types of accidents. Not only can these vehicles cause more severe injuries however, they also have the potential to cause property damage or destruction, resulting in significant financial burdens. A semi truck accident attorney can assist you in determining the extent of your losses and seek an appropriate amount of compensation.

Although it's generally recommended to speak with an injury lawyer following any kind of accident, this is especially relevant for cases involving large-sized trucks. Commercial trucks are subject to particular regulations in addition laws that govern traffic, personal injury and other laws. These regulations can have a significant impact on how a collision is handled, the parties responsible and the types damages that can be awarded. An attorney can help you understand these regulations and ensure that the responsible parties 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 that transported the cargo. A truck manufacturer or any defective component could also be liable for the incident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide you with the evidence required to prove that all parties at fault are responsible and to demonstrate that you have a right to fair compensation.

A skilled semi truck accident lawyer on your side can safeguard you from the usual tactics used by insurance companies to deny or reduce your claim. Injured victims often feel needing to get their money to pay for medical treatments and other expenses. Insurance companies know this and take advantage of this, using delaying as a strategy to to force you to accept less than you are entitled to.

An attorney can help determine all the future and present damages you are entitled to, including medical bills as well as lost income damages to property, semi truck accident attorney suffering and pain. An attorney can also help you determine the appropriate amount of compensatory and punitive damages to award in your particular case. Compensatory damages are intended to compensate you for the losses. Punitive damages aim to punish the person responsible and deter other people from committing similar crimes.

Expert Witnesses

The nature of truck accidents is different from car accidents in that they require more specific information, such as the mechanics involved in truck accidents and the long-term economic as well as medical effects of the accident and the regulations for the industry. A semi-truck crash attorney should have access to the appropriate experts who can fill in gaps of knowledge and provide crucial evidence that can be crucial to a client's case.

The specialists in accident reconstruction are among the most reliable experts that a semi-truck accident attorney could rely on. These professionals are experienced and are able to evaluate the scene of an accident, evaluate the truck as well as the vehicle involved in it and determine the reason for the crash, and explain their findings clearly and easily comprehendable. They are often an essential component of any successful lawsuit since they can assist the jury in understanding how the crash occurred, and which parties could be responsible.

Expert witnesses can also help determine the damage that is applicable and their value. A life care planner, for example can be hired to illustrate the effects of an accident of a serious nature on the victim's ability to work and their medical needs throughout their life. Likewise, an economist can help to calculate things like lost earnings damages, which will be a major component of any compensation award.

Forensic toxicologists and drug and alcohol recognition experts can also be invaluable in a successful claim. These types of experts could aid in drawing a clear line between alcohol consumption and the incident, particularly when the trucker was been under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident. A metallurgist is also a useful expert witness, since they can conduct tests on metal components of the truck that could have been involved in the collision to see whether they were overloaded.

In certain cases there are occasions when a New York semi-truck accident attorney will employ an expert to study the trucking company and how it functions. This is important, especially when the trucker was employed by a large trucking firm and was subject to the same standards as other drivers were not. The expert can review the safety protocols of the trucking company, their hiring practices as well as any other information which could aid in determining the source of the problem.

Time Limits

If a truck accident occurs, evidence is often lost or destroyed. It is imperative to contact a semi-truck accident attorney as soon as you can. Our attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation to find all responsible parties for your injuries. We'll work with accident reconstruction experts as well as medical professionals and financial analysts to ensure you get the compensation that you deserve.

The most common cause for truck accidents is driver carelessness. This can include driving distracted, driving under the influence or driving recklessly. Trucking companies that do not follow safety rules or hire unqualified employees may also be held responsible for accidents.

Improper maintenance of the vehicle is another reason for the possibility of a crash with a truck. Inability to check or repair tires, brakes or other components of a truck can cause an accident that is dangerous. It is essential that your truck accident lawyer is aware of the maintenance requirements for large trucks so that they can look into any safety issues.

A third issue is that a poorly loaded trailer or cargo could cause accidents with trucks. A poorly loaded truck can cause the trailer or truck to jackknife if it is not properly loaded. This is a serious crash that can cause severe or fatal injuries to other motorists on the road.

Truck accidents can also be caused by the negligent driving of other drivers. They could cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong direction. These actions can cause the truck driver to drift off the road, causing it to collide with other vehicles and pedestrians.

One of the most fatal truck accidents is head-on collisions. The front of the car is usually the one that bears the brunt, resulting in serious injuries and sometimes 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 drugs. There are also accidents that involve trucks that spill their load of hazardous substances. These accidents could cause environmental harm as well as health risks for people who come in contact with the chemicals.