Truck Accident Attorneys

Every year, 5,000 people die in accidents involving large vehicles. In the event of a crash it's crucial to find truck accident lawyers who understand the different factors involved.

A lawyer should immediately file claims with the insurance company as in the case of the company that owns the truck. This will maximize the amount of available insurance.

Liability

While trucks make up only 4 percent of vehicles on the road, they are involved in more than 5 percent of all vehicular accidents. In the vast majority of these accidents, the victims suffer serious injuries and are permanently disabled. These injuries can have a massive financial impact, and the victims and families need to be compensated so that they can live with dignity. Insurance companies and trucking firms will do everything possible to minimize the amount of compensation the victim is due. This is why you need an experienced, skilled semi truck accident attorney that will stand semi truck accident attorney up to insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the experience, knowledge and determination to make a difference in your case.

Semi-trucks, also known under the terms tractor-trailer and 18-wheeler are large commercial vehicles comprised of an engine (tractor) and an attached trailer which transports cargo. Because of their size and weight they are susceptible to serious accidents when they are driven recklessly or when a driver fails to exercise reasonable care when operating the vehicle. Common causes of truck accidents include speeding, distracted driving and not checking blind spots prior to turning or changing lanes. Incorrect loading of freight can result in truck accidents. This can lead to shifting, swaying or even the truck rolling.

In addition to the driver, other people can be liable in the event of a truck crash. This includes the company that is responsible for the driver and the company the driver transports products for, or even the person responsible for setting up the load. The process of proving fault can be more difficult when multiple insurance companies are involved in the case, because they each attempt to limit their own liability.

In certain instances, the local government agency could be held accountable for an accident that occurs on its property. For instance, if poor road layout or a lack of maintenance contributed to an accident the county board could be liable for the damage that the victim has suffered. This kind of claim is based on the concept of vicarious liability that holds an authority party responsible for the actions of an employee when they are acting within the confines of their employment.

Damages

Any motor vehicle accident can cause extreme emotional and physical trauma. The consequences of a collision with a semi-truck can be more severe than other kinds of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage property. This could lead to significant financial burden. A semi truck accident attorney can help you determine the totality of your loss and pursue the right compensation for them.

It's a good idea to consult an injury attorney after any type of accident, this is particularly relevant when it comes to cases involving large trucks. In addition to the general laws that govern traffic and personal injury there are particular rules applicable to commercial trucks. These regulations can affect how a accident occurs, who is responsible, and the types of damages that can be awarded. An attorney can ensure that you understand the regulations and that the parties at fault are held accountable.

When a truck collision occurs it is not uncommon for there to be a number of parties who could be accountable such as the truck driver, the company they work for, as well as the company that hauled the load. A truck manufacturer, or any defective component could also be held responsible for the incident. A semi truck accident attorney can provide the detailed evidence needed to demonstrate 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 strategies used by insurance companies to deny or decrease your claim. Victims of injuries are often desperate to collect their money so that they can pay for medical treatment and other expenses. The insurers know this and take advantage of this, using delaying as a tool to try to force you to accept lower than you should.

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 right amount of punitive and compensatory damages to award in your case. Compensation damages are designed to compensate you for the losses. Punitive damages aim to punish the party responsible and deter other people from engaging in similar crime.

Expert Witnesses

In contrast to a typical car accident case, truck crashes typically include a great deal of specific information regarding industry regulations such as truck mechanics, the long-term economic and medical effects of the crash. A semi truck accident law firm-truck crash lawyer should have access to the appropriate experts who can fill in gaps of knowledge and provide crucial testimony that could be essential to a client's case.

The specialists in accident reconstruction are among the most valuable experts that a semi-truck accident lawyer could rely on. They are experts with years of experience who know how to examine the scene of an accident, evaluate the vehicle and truck involved in the accident, determine the cause of the crash and explain their findings in clear, simple terms. They are often a crucial element in any successful lawsuit because they can assist jurors in understanding how the accident happened and which parties could be responsible.

Expert witnesses can also establish the damages that are applicable and the worth. A life care planner, for instance can be hired to determine the effect of a serious accident on the victim's ability to work as well as their medical needs throughout their life. An economist can also assist calculate damages for lost earnings which is a significant element of any compensation award.

Experts in toxicology forensics and identification of alcohol and drugs can be extremely helpful for a successful claim. They can help draw the line between intoxication and the crash. This is especially true when the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash. A metallurgist can be an expert witness. They can examine the metal components of the truck involved in the crash to determine if they were loaded to the limit.

In some cases the attorney for an New York semi truck accident will hire an expert to look into the trucking business and how it operates. This is especially important if the trucker was employed by a large trucking firm and could be subject to certain requirements which other drivers aren't. The expert will be able to examine the safety protocols of the trucking company, the hiring practices of their employees, as well as any other information that could aid in determining the source of the problem.

Time Limits

Evidence is usually destroyed or lost in a truck accident. It is crucial to speak with a semi-truck accident attorney as quickly as possible. Our lawyers can conduct an exhaustive investigation to identify all the liable parties for your injuries. We will work with experts in accident reconstruction medical professionals, financial experts and experts to help you get the compensation you deserve.

The most common reason for a truck accident involves driver carelessness. This could include driving unintentionally, driving while under the influence, or driving recklessly. The trucking company that operates and owns the truck could also be at fault for the accident in the event that they do not follow safety regulations or hire inexperienced drivers.

Incorrect maintenance of the vehicle is another reason for a truck crash. Failure to check or repair the brakes, tires, or other components could cause a serious crash. It's important to make sure that your truck accident lawyer knows the requirements for maintenance of large trucks in order to examine any issues that may affect the safety of the truck.

A third reason behind a truck accident is a trailer that is not properly loaded or cargo. If a truck is not properly loaded, it can cause the trailer to shift on the road or cause the truck to be jackknifed. This is a serious accident which can result in serious or fatal injuries to other motorists who are driving.

Other drivers' negligence can also cause truck accidents. They may cut off the driver of the truck or merge into wrong lane. These actions can cause the truck to veer off the road, and then collide with other vehicles or pedestrians.

One of the most fatal truck accidents is the head-on collision. The front end of the passenger vehicle typically takes the brunt of the impact, which can result in serious injuries and death. These accidents happen when a truck driver is asleep or swerves in order to avoid another vehicle or is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. There are also accidents involving trucks that spill their loads of hazardous materials. These accidents can cause environmental damage and health risks to humans who come in contact with the chemicals.