Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people die in accidents caused by large trucks. If a crash does occur, it's important to work with truck accident lawyers who are aware of the different factors involved.
A lawyer should immediately file claims with the driver's insurance company, as well as the company which owns the truck. This is done so as to maximize the insurance coverage available.
Liability
While trucks make up only 4 percent of the vehicles on the road, they are involved in more than a fifth of all vehicular accidents. The vast majority of those accidents result in severe injuries, with victims suffering permanent and life-altering disabilities. The financial burden associated with these injuries can be enormous and the families of victims require compensation to live their lives with dignity. Trucking companies and their insurers will do everything in their power to reduce the amount of compensation a victim is due. You require a skilled, strong semi truck accident lawyer who is able to tackle the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the experience, knowledge and determination to make the difference in your case.
A semi-truck, also referred to as a tractor-trailer or an 18-wheeler is a big commercial vehicle comprised of the truck (tractor unit) and an detachable trailer which carries cargo. Due to their weight and size they are prone to serious accidents if they are driven in reckless manner or if a driver fails to exercise reasonable care while operating the vehicle. The most common causes of accidents involving trucks include speeding, distracted driving and failing to check blind spots before turning or changing lanes. Another cause of truck accidents is improper loading of the cargo, which can cause shifting and swaying that could result in the truck rolling over.
In addition to the driver, other parties could share responsibility in truck accidents. This includes the driver's business as well as the company that the driver is responsible for hauling goods or the person who sets up the load. It can be more difficult if multiple insurers are involved in the matter, since they all try to limit their own liability.
In certain instances the local government entity could also be liable in the event of an accident on its property. For instance, if poorly designed road layout or inadequate maintenance contributed to an accident, the county board may be held accountable for the damages caused by the victim. This type of claim is based upon the principle of vicarious liability that makes a supervisor accountable for the actions of employees performing the duties of their duties.
Damages
Any car accident can cause extreme emotional and physical trauma. However, the results of a collision with a semi truck can be more serious than other types of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage property. This can result in an enormous financial burden. A semi truck accident lawyer can assist you to determine your full losses and get the right compensation.
It is always a good idea, regardless of the type of accident that took place to consult an attorney who specializes in personal injury. This is particularly true in cases involving large vehicles. In addition to the general laws that govern traffic and personal injury there are particular rules applicable to commercial vehicles. These can affect how the crash occurs, who is responsible, and the kinds of damages awarded. An attorney can help you understand these regulations and ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable.
It is not uncommon for several parties to be accountable for an accident involving a truck including the driver or their employer, as well as the company that hauled the cargo. A truck manufacturer, or any defective components could also be accountable for the accident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide the evidence necessary to prove that all parties at fault are responsible and you have the right to fair compensation.
A semi truck accident lawyer with experience will protect you from common strategies used by insurance companies to deny or limit your claim. The injured victims are usually eager to receive compensation to cover medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies profit from this by attempting to make you accept lower than you should.
An attorney can help determine the damages you are entitled to in the near and future which includes medical bills, lost income, and property damage. A lawyer can also help you determine the appropriate amount of compensatory and punitive damages to award in your case. Compensatory damages aim to pay you back for your losses, whereas punitive damages are intended to punish the at-fault party and discourage others from engaging in similar crimes.
Expert Witnesses
In contrast to a typical car accident case, truck crashes typically contain a large amount of specific information on industry regulations including truck mechanics, the long-term medical and economic effects of the crash. A semi-truck crash lawyer must have access to the best experts who can fill in the gaps in knowledge and provide evidence that can be crucial to a client's claim.
Accident reconstruction specialists are some of the most valuable experts that a semi-truck attorney can contact. They are experts with years of experience who know how to look over the scene of an accident, analyze the vehicle and truck involved in the crash, figure out the cause of the crash and then explain their findings in clear, easy-to-understand terms. They are often an important part of a successful lawsuit, as they help jurors understand how a crash took place and who may be responsible.
Expert witnesses can also determine the damages that can be claimed and their value. A life care planner, for example is an expert who can demonstrate the impact of an accident that is severe on the ability of a victim to work and their medical needs over their lifetime. Likewise, an economist can assist in calculating things like lost earnings damages, which will constitute a substantial portion of any compensation award.
Forensic toxicologists as well as drug and alcohol recognition experts can also be a huge asset for a successful claim. These experts can help draw a clear line between intoxication and the crash, especially in cases where the trucker may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident. A metallurgist can also be an excellent expert witness because they can conduct tests on the metal components of the truck that could have been involved in the collision to determine whether they were overloaded.
In certain cases, an attorney for a New York semi truck accident will employ an expert to look into the trucking company and the way it operates. This is especially crucial in the event that the trucker was employed by a large trucking company and might be subject to certain requirements that other drivers do not. The expert can review the safety procedures of the trucking company, their hiring procedures as well as any other information that could assist in determining fault.
Time Limits
Evidence is usually destroyed or lost when a truck accident occurs. That's why it's important to get in touch with a semi-truck accident attorney as soon as you can. Our attorneys will conduct an extensive investigation to determine who is accountable for your injuries. We will collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists doctors, medical professionals, and financial analysts to help you get the money you deserve.
The most common cause of a truck collision is driver negligence. This can include driving distracted, driving under the influence or driving recklessly. nashua semi truck accident attorney that do not adhere to safety standards or hire employees who are not qualified could also be held accountable for accidents.
Incorrect maintenance of the vehicle is another cause of crashes involving trucks. Failure to examine or repair tires, brakes or other components of a truck can cause a dangerous accident. It is crucial to ensure that your truck accident attorney is aware of the maintenance requirements of large trucks so that they can look into any issues with the safety of the truck.
A third reason for a truck crash is a poorly loaded trailer or cargo. If a truck is not loaded properly, it can cause the trailer to shift 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.
Drivers' negligence by other drivers can also result in truck accidents. They may cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong direction. These actions could cause the truck to drift off the road, and then collide with pedestrians or other vehicles.
One of the most dangerous truck accidents is head-on collisions. The front of the car is typically the one who takes the brunt, which can result in serious injury and even death. These types of accidents often occur on highways with no traffic lanes when the truck driver falls asleep, swerves to avoid another vehicle or is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Trucks can cause accidents as well by spilling dangerous materials. These accidents could cause environmental harm and health hazards for humans who come into contact with the chemicals.