Truck Accident Attorneys

Each year, 5,000 people are killed in accidents involving large trucks. If a collision occurs it is crucial to work with truck accident lawyers that understand the various aspects involved.

An attorney should immediately initiate a claim with the insurance company of the driver and with the company that owns and operates the truck. This is done in order to maximize the amount of insurance available.

Liability

Trucks constitute just 4 percent of all vehicles on the road, however they are involved in over five percent of all accidents. The majority of these accidents result in catastrophic injuries, which result in permanent and life-altering disabilities. These injuries can have a significant financial impact, and victims and families need to be compensated so that they can live with dignity. Unfortunately, trucking companies and their insurance providers will do everything they can in an effort to limit the amount of compensation that a victim is entitled to. That's why you need an experienced, skilled semi truck accident lawyer who can stand up to the insurance companies and their attorneys. John Hensley and his team have the experience, expertise and strength to make an impact in your case.

A semi-truck, also known as a tractor-trailer or an 18-wheeler, is a huge commercial vehicle comprised of an engine (tractor unit) and a detachable trailer that carries cargo. Because of their size and weight they are susceptible to serious accidents when they are driven in reckless manner or if the driver is not exercising reasonable care when driving the vehicle. Accidents involving trucks are usually caused by speeding, distracted drivers and a failure to look for blind spots when turning or changing lanes. Another reason for truck accidents is improper loading of the freight that can result in shifting and swaying that could result in the truck rolling over.

In addition to the driver of the truck there are other parties who could share liability in a truck accident, such as the employer of the driver as well as the company they haul product for, and the person who is responsible for setting up 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 cases, the local government entity could also be responsible in the event of an accident on its property. For instance, if poor road layout or maintenance issues resulted in an accident, the county board could be liable for the damage caused by the victim. This kind of claim is based on the principle of vicarious responsibilities, which makes supervisory employees liable for an employee's actions while doing their job.

Damages

The emotional and physical trauma that accompanies any motor vehicle crash can be extreme. The effects of a collision involving semi-trucks can be more severe than other kinds of accidents. Not only do these vehicles cause more severe injuries however, they also have the potential to damage or destroy property and cause significant financial burdens. A semi truck accident attorney can assist you in determining the totality of your losses, and seek the right compensation for them.

It is always a good idea regardless of the kind of accident that happened to talk to an attorney for personal injuries. This is especially true when it comes to cases involving large vehicles. In addition to the general laws that govern traffic and personal injury there are specific regulations that pertain to commercial trucks. These regulations can have a significant impact on how a collision is handled, the parties responsible and the type of damages that may be awarded. A lawyer can help you to understand these rules and ensure that the parties responsible are held liable.

It is not unusual for multiple parties to be accountable in a truck-related accident including the driver, their employer, and the company that hauled the cargo. A truck manufacturer, or any defective parts may also be accountable for the accident. A semi truck accident attorney can provide the evidence needed to demonstrate that all parties at fault are liable and that you are entitled to fair compensation.

A semi truck accident lawyer with experience will protect you from common tactics used by insurance companies to deny or limit your claim. The injured victims are usually looking for money to cover medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies know this and profit from delay as a tactic to pressure you into accepting lower than you should.

An attorney can help determine all of the future and present damages you are entitled to, including medical bills as well as lost income property damage, suffering and semi truck accident attorney pain. An attorney can also help you determine the proper amount of punitive and compensatory damages to award in your case. Compensatory damages are intended to compensate you for your losses, whereas punitive damages are designed to punish the at-fault party and deter others from doing similar acts.

Expert Witnesses

Unlike a normal car accident case, truck accidents typically involve a significant amount of specialized information about industry regulations, truck mechanics, and the long-term economic and medical consequences of the collision. A semi-truck crash lawyer must have access to the appropriate experts who can fill in gaps of knowledge and provide vital testimony that may be crucial to a client's claim.

Specialists in accident reconstruction are some of the most reliable experts that a semi truck accident law firms-truck attorney can contact. These are seasoned professionals who are able to analyze the scene of an accident, evaluate the truck and vehicle involved in the crash, figure out what caused the accident and then explain their findings in clear, easy-to-understand terms. They are often a key element of a successful lawsuit because they can assist jurors in understanding how a particular crash happened, and which parties might be accountable for it.

Expert witnesses can also help identify the damages that are applicable and how much those damages will be worth. For instance, a life care planner can be hired to show the impact that a accident could have on a victim's ability to work, their medical requirements for the remainder of their lives and any other long-term repercussions. An economist can also calculate damages for lost earnings, which are a major component of any compensation award.

Experts in toxicology in the forensic field and the identification of alcohol and drugs are also very helpful in a successful claim. These types of experts could help to draw a straight line between alcohol consumption and the crash, especially when the driver may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident. A metallurgist is also an excellent expert witness. They can test metal components of the truck involved in the crash to determine if they loaded to the limit.

In some instances, a New York semi-truck accident attorney will hire an expert to look into the trucking company and the way it operates. This is especially important in the event that the trucker was employed by a large trucking business and could be subject to certain requirements that other drivers aren't. An expert can look into the trucking company's safety procedures, hiring practices, and any other information that might assist in determining the cause of the accident.

Time Limits

When a truck accident happens there is a high likelihood that evidence will be lost or destroyed. It's crucial to contact a semi-truck accident attorney as soon as you can. Our lawyers can conduct an extensive investigation to determine the responsible parties for your injuries. We'll work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals and financial analysts to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.

The most frequent reason for a truck accident is driver negligence. This could include driving unintentionally, driving while under the influence, Semi Truck Accident Attorney or driving irresponsibly. The trucking company that operates and owns the truck could also be liable for accidents if they fail to follow safety regulations or hire inexperienced drivers.

Another reason behind a truck accident is poor maintenance on the vehicle. Failure to examine or repair tires, brakes, or other parts of a truck can lead to the risk of a fatal accident. It's crucial to ensure that your truck accident attorney understands the maintenance needs of large trucks, so that they can examine any issues that may affect the truck's safety.

A third issue is that a poorly loaded trailer or cargo could lead to an accident involving a truck. A poorly loaded truck can cause the trailer or truck to jackknife if it is not properly loaded. This is a serious crash that could result in serious or fatal injuries to motorists.

Accidents involving trucks are also caused by reckless driving of other drivers. They might cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong direction. These actions can cause the truck driver to deviate from the road, which could cause it to hit other vehicles and pedestrians.

One of the most fatal truck accidents is a head-on collision. The front of the passenger vehicle is usually the one that takes the brunt of the damage, resulting in serious injuries, and even death. These accidents happen when a truck driver falls asleep, or is swerving to avoid another vehicle or is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. There are also accidents involving trucks spilling their loads of dangerous materials. These accidents could cause environmental harm as well as health risks for people who come in contact with the chemicals.