Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people are killed in crashes with large trucks. When a crash occurs it is crucial to consult with truck accident lawyers that understand the various elements involved.
An attorney must immediately make a claim with the insurance company of the driver as well with the company that owns and operates the truck. This is done in order to maximize the available insurance.
Liability
Although trucks comprise only 4 percent of the vehicles on the road but they are involved in more than half of all motor vehicle accidents. In the majority of these accidents, the victims suffer severe injuries and are permanently disabled. The financial burden resulting from these injuries can be enormous and the family members of the victims require compensation to ensure they can be able to live their lives in dignity. Insurance companies and trucking companies will do everything they can to reduce the amount of compensation that the victim is due. That's why you need an experienced, skilled semi truck accident lawyer who will stand up to insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley's team possesses the expertise, experience, and strength to make a difference in your case.
Semi-trucks, also known under the names tractor-trailer and 18-wheeler, are large commercial vehicles made up of a truck unit (tractor) and an attached trailer that is used to transport cargo. Due to their size and weight they are prone to serious accidents when they are driven in reckless manner or if the driver does not exercise reasonable care while operating the vehicle. Common causes of truck accidents include speeding, distracted driving and not securing blind spots before changing lanes or turning. Incorrect loading of cargo can cause truck accidents too. This could lead to shifting, swaying, and even rolling the truck.
In addition to the driver of the truck Other parties could be responsible in a crash including the driver's employer and the company they transport product for, and the person who sets up the load. It is difficult to establish that someone is at fault when there are multiple insurance companies involved as each one will try to limit their own liability.
In certain instances the local government agency could also be accountable for an accident that occurs on its property. If, for vallejo semi truck accident lawyer unmaintained road or a poorly laid-out layout caused an accident, then the county board could be responsible for the victim's damages. This kind of claim is based on the principle of vicarious liability which holds the supervisory party accountable for the actions of employees when they are acting within the confines of their employment.
Damages
Any motor vehicle accident can result in extreme emotional and physical trauma. The effects of a collision with semi-trucks are more severe than other kinds of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage to property. This could lead to a significant financial burden. A semi truck accident lawyer can assist you to determine the full extent of your losses and get the right compensation.
It's always a good idea regardless of the type of accident that has occurred to speak with a personal injury attorney. This is especially true in cases involving large vehicles. In addition to the general laws that govern traffic and personal injury, there are special regulations for commercial trucks. These regulations could have a significant effect on how a crash is handled, the parties responsible and the kinds of damages that could be awarded. A lawyer can help you to understand these rules and ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable.
When a truck collision occurs it is not unusual to have several parties that could be responsible such as the truck driver, the company they work for, and the company that hauled the load. In addition, fault may be assigned to the maker of the truck or any faulty parts that caused the accident. An attorney who is a semi truck accident can provide the specific evidence to show that all at-fault parties are liable and that you are entitled to fair compensation.
A semi truck accident lawyer who has experience will be able to protect you from common tactics used by insurance companies to deny or reduce your claim. The injured victims are usually looking for money in order to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies know this and take advantage of it, using delay as a tool to to force you to accept less than you deserve.
A lawyer can help you determine the damages you are entitled to in the future and in the present which includes medical bills, lost income, and property damage. An attorney can also help you determine the right amount of punitive and compensatory damages to award in your case. Compensation damages are designed to compensate you for your losses. Punitive damages aim to penalize the party responsible and deter others from committing similar crime.
Expert Witnesses
Truck accidents differ from car accidents in that they require more detailed information, such as the mechanics of the truck involved, the long-term economic and medical effects of the crash as well as the regulations that govern the industry. A semi-truck crash attorney should have access to the right experts who can fill in gaps of knowledge and provide crucial testimony that may be crucial to a client's claim.
The specialists in accident reconstruction are one of the most effective experts that a semi-truck attorney can contact. They are experts with years of experience who are skilled at examining the scene of an accident, evaluate the truck and vehicle involved in the crash, figure out what caused it and explain their findings in clear, easy to understand terms. They are usually an essential element of a successful lawsuit, because they can help jurors understand why a crash took place and who is responsible.
The right expert witnesses can also help determine the extent of damages that are appropriate and how much they will be worth. A life care planner, for instance, can be hired to illustrate the effects of an accident that is severe on the victim's ability to work as well as their medical needs throughout their lifetime. An economist can also help calculate the loss of earnings damages that are a key part of any compensation award.
Forensic toxicologists and experts in recognition of alcohol and drugs are also essential in a successful case. They can assist in drawing a direct line between intoxication and the accident. This is especially true when the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash. A metallurgist could also be an expert witness because they can conduct tests on the metal components of the truck that might be involved in the crash to determine if they were over-loaded.
In some cases, an attorney for a New York semi truck accident will hire an expert to look into the trucking firm and how it operates. This is especially important in the event that the trucker was employed by a large company and may be required to follow certain standards that other drivers are not. The expert can examine the safety protocols of the trucking company, the hiring practices of their employees and any other information that might assist in determining fault.
Time Limits
If a truck accident occurs, evidence is often lost or destroyed. This is why it's crucial to contact a semi truck accident lawyer as quickly as you can. Our lawyers can conduct an extensive investigation to determine the responsible parties for your injuries. We'll collaborate with accident reconstruction experts along with medical professionals and financial analysts to help you get the compensation that you are entitled to.
The most common reason for a truck accident involves driver carelessness. This could include driving while distracted or under the influence or reckless driving. Trucking companies that don't adhere to safety regulations or hire employees who are not qualified could also be held accountable for accidents.
Another reason for a truck accident is the lack of maintenance on the vehicle. Inability to check or repair brakes, tires or other components of a vehicle can result in an accident that is dangerous. It's important to make sure that your attorney for truck accidents understands the maintenance needs of large trucks in order to look into any issues with the truck's safety.
Another reason for a truck crash is a trailer that is not properly loaded or cargo. If a truck is not loaded properly, it can cause the trailer to shift while on the road or cause the truck to become jackknifed. This is a serious crash which can result in serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
The negligence of other drivers can also result in truck accidents. They could cut off the driver of the truck or merge into the wrong lane. These actions can cause the driver of the truck to veer from the road, which could cause it to cause collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians.
A head-on collision between a truck and a passenger vehicle is among the most deadly kinds of truck crashes. The front of the passenger car is usually the one who takes the brunt, which can result in serious injuries, and even death. These accidents occur when a truck driver falls asleep, or swerves to avoid another vehicle or is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Trucks can also cause accidents by spilling hazardous materials. These accidents could cause environmental damage and human health hazards for those who come in contact with the chemicals.