15 Shocking Facts About Semi Truck Compensation That You Didn t Know
Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people are killed in accidents involving large trucks. It is essential to engage with lawyers for truck accidents who are knowledgeable about the various causes.
A lawyer should immediately file claims with the insurance company of the driver company as in the case of the company that owns the truck. This is done to maximize the amount of available insurance.
Liability
Trucks account for only 4 percent of the vehicles that are on the roads, yet they are involved in more than 55% of all accidents. In the vast majority of these accidents, victims suffer severe injuries and are permanently disabled. The financial burden of those injuries can be huge, and victims and their families need to recover damages to ensure they can be able to live their lives in dignity. Unfortunately trucking companies and insurance providers will do everything they can in an effort to limit the amount of compensation a victim is entitled to. That's why you need an experienced, skilled semi truck accident attorney that will stand up to insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the experience, knowledge and the strength to make an impact in your case.
A semi-truck also referred to as a tractor-trailer or an 18-wheeler is a big commercial vehicle consisting of an engine (tractor unit) and an detachable trailer which carries cargo. Due to their size and weight they are vulnerable to serious accidents if they are driven in reckless manner or when drivers fail to exercise reasonable care while operating the vehicle. Accidents involving trucks are usually caused by speeding, distracted drivers and the inability to spot blind spots when turning or changing lanes. Unsafe loading of freight could also cause truck accidents. This can lead to shifting, swaying, or even rolling the truck.
In addition to the driver, other parties can share responsibility in an accident involving a truck. This includes the driver's employer, the company that the driver is responsible for hauling goods and even the person who arranges the load. It is often difficult to prove the responsibility when there are multiple insurance companies involved as each will try to limit their own liability.
In some instances a local government entity could also be liable in the event of a crash on their property. If, for example a road that is not maintained or a poorly laid-out layout resulted in an accident, then the county board could be held accountable for the victim's damages. This kind of claim is based on the principle of vicarious accountability that holds a supervisory person liable for an employee's actions while doing their job.
Damages
The emotional and physical trauma that accompanies any motor vehicle accident can be severe. However, the effects of a collision with a semi-truck can be more serious than other types of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage to property. This could result in significant financial burden. A semi truck accident attorney can help you determine the extent of your losses and pursue appropriate compensation for them.
It's a good idea to consult an injury attorney after any kind 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 specific regulations that pertain to commercial trucks. They affect how a crash occurs, who's responsible, and the types of damages that can be awarded. A lawyer can help to ensure that you are aware of rules and that those responsible are held accountable.
It is not uncommon for multiple parties to be held responsible for an accident involving a truck, including the driver as well as their employer and the company that hauled the cargo. In addition, fault may be assigned to the manufacturer of the truck or any of the parts that were defective and caused the accident. A semi truck accident attorney can provide the evidence needed to demonstrate that all at-fault parties are responsible and you have the right to fair compensation.
Having an experienced semi truck accident lawyer at your side can shield your rights from the common strategies that insurance companies employ to deny or limit your claim. Injured victims are often seeking money to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies know this and take advantage of it, using delay as a tactic to pressure you to accept lower than you should.
An attorney can help you determine all of the future and present damages you are entitled to, such as medical bills loss of income property damage, suffering and pain. A lawyer can also assist you determine the right amount of punitive and compensatory damages to award in your case. Compensatory damages are intended to compensate you for your losses, while punitive damages are designed to penalize the party at fault and discourage others from engaging in similar acts.
Expert Witnesses
Unlike a normal car accident situation, truck accidents usually contain a large amount of specific information on industry regulations, truck mechanics, and the long-term economic and medical impacts of the crash. A semi-truck accident attorney should have access the right experts who can fill in the gaps and provide crucial evidence that could be vital to a client's case.
Specialists in accident reconstruction are one of the most useful experts that a semi truck accident law firm-truck accident lawyer could call upon. These experts are knowledgeable and are able to evaluate an accident scene, assess the truck as well as the vehicle involved in it and determine the reason for the accident, and explain their findings clearly and comprehendable. They are often an essential part of any successful lawsuit, as they aid jurors in understanding why a particular crash happened, and who might be accountable for it.
The right expert witnesses can also help identify the damages that are applicable and how much those damages will be worth. A life care planner, for example, can be hired to show the impact of an accident of a serious nature on the ability of a victim to work and their medical needs throughout their lives. An economist can also help calculate damages for lost earnings that are a key component of any compensation payout.
Experts in forensic toxicology and drug and alcohol identification are also extremely valuable in a successful claim. These types of experts could help to draw a straight line between drunkenness and the incident, particularly when the driver may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the collision. A metallurgist may also be an expert witness since they can conduct tests on the metal components of the truck that could have been involved in the collision to see whether they were laden with.
In certain cases, an attorney for an New York semi truck accident will hire an expert to look into the trucking company and the way it operates. This is especially crucial when the trucker is employed by a large trucking firm and may be subject to certain standards that other drivers do not. The right expert can examine the safety procedures of the trucking firm hiring practices, safety procedures, and any other information that could assist in determining the cause of the accident.
Time Limits
Evidence is usually lost or destroyed during a truck accident. It is imperative to speak with a semi truck accident attorney as soon as you can. Our attorneys can conduct a thorough investigation to find all the liable parties for your injuries. We'll collaborate with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals and financial experts to assist you in getting the compensation you require.
The most common reason for a truck crash is driver negligence. This could include driving while distracted, driving under the influence or driving recklessly. The trucking company that owns and operates the truck could also be accountable for a crash if they fail to follow safety rules or hire unqualified drivers.
Incorrect maintenance of the vehicle is another cause of the possibility of a crash with a truck. Failure to inspect or repair tires, brakes or other components of a vehicle can result in danger in an accident. It is crucial that your lawyer for truck accidents knows the maintenance requirements of large trucks in order to investigate any safety issues.
Another reason for a truck crash is a trailer that is not properly loaded or cargo. A truck that isn't loaded properly can cause the truck or trailer to jackknife when it's not properly loaded. This is a serious accident that could result in serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
Inattention of other drivers could also result in truck accidents. They could cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong direction. These actions could cause the truck driver to turn off the road, and cause it to hit other vehicles and pedestrians.
A head-on collision between a truck and a passenger vehicle is among the most dangerous types of truck accidents. The front of the passenger car is typically the one to take the brunt, which can result in serious injuries, and even death. These types of accidents usually occur on roads with no other traffic when the truck driver is asleep, turns to avoid another vehicle or is driving under the under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Trucks are also prone to accidents due to spilling their hazardous materials. These accidents can cause environmental damage and health risks to humans who come in contact with the chemicals.