Say "Yes" To These 5 Semi Truck Compensation Tips
Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people die in accidents caused by large trucks. When a crash occurs it's crucial to find truck accident lawyers who understand the various factors involved.
Attorneys should immediately initiate a claim with the insurance company of the driver as well with the company that owns and operates the truck. This will maximize the amount of available insurance.
Liability
Trucks constitute just 4 percent of all vehicles that are on the roads, yet they are involved in more than five percent of all accidents. In the vast majority of these accidents, the victims suffer severe injuries and become permanently disabled. These injuries can have a significant financial impact on victims, and their and their families should be compensated in order to live their lives with dignity. The insurance companies of trucking companies will do everything in their power to cut down on the amount of compensation a victim is due. This is 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, knowledge and the strength to make an impact on your case.
A semi truck accident law firm-truck, also referred to as a tractor-trailer, or an 18-wheeler, is a huge commercial vehicle that consists of the truck (tractor unit) and a trailer that is detachable and can carry cargo. These trucks are more prone due to their weight and size, to serious accidents if they are driven in reckless manners. The most common causes of accidents involving trucks include speeding, distracted driving, and not checking blind spots prior to changing lanes or turning. Incorrect loading of freight can also cause truck accidents. This can cause shifting, swaying and even rolling the truck.
In addition to the driver, other parties could be liable in an accident involving a truck. This includes the driver's business, the company that the driver transports goods for, or even the person who sets up the load. It isn't easy to prove the fault when there are several insurance companies involved, since each will attempt to limit its own liability.
In certain instances, the local government agency might also be responsible in the event of an accident on its property. If, for instance a road that was not maintained or a poorly designed layout caused an accident, then the county board could be liable for the injuries suffered by the victim. This kind of claim is based upon the principle of vicarious liability that makes supervisory employees liable for the actions of employees performing their job.
Damages
The physical and emotional trauma that comes with any motor vehicle crash can be extreme. However, the effects of a collision with a semi-truck are more severe than the majority of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage to property. This can lead to a significant financial burden. A semi truck accident attorney can help you determine the full extent of your loss and pursue appropriate compensation for them.
It's always a good idea regardless of the type of accident that happened to speak with an attorney who specializes in personal injury. This is particularly true in cases involving large vehicles. In addition to the general laws that govern personal injury and traffic there are particular rules applicable to commercial vehicles. They affect how a crash occurs, who is accountable, and the kinds of damages that may be awarded. A lawyer can help you learn about these rules and ensure that the parties responsible are held accountable.
When a truck crash occurs it is not unusual for there to be several parties to be accountable for the accident, including the driver of the truck as well as the company they work for, as well as the company that hauled the load. In addition, the fault could be assigned to the maker of the truck or any faulty parts that caused the accident. A semi truck accident attorney can provide the specific evidence to show that all parties at fault are responsible and you have the right 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 limit your claim. Injured victims often feel desperate to get their money so that they can pay for medical treatment and other expenses. The insurance companies are aware of this and profit from delay as a tool to to force you into accepting less than you are entitled to.
An attorney can help determine the damages you are entitled to in the future and in the present such as medical bills, lost income, and property damage. A lawyer can help you determine how much punitive and compensatory damages you can award in your case. Compensation damages are designed to compensate you for the losses. Punitive damages are designed to punish the party at fault and deter other people from engaging in similar criminal acts.
Expert Witnesses
The nature of truck accidents is different from car accidents in that they require a lot more specific information, such as the truck mechanics involved and the long-term economic as well as medical effects of the crash and the regulations for the industry. A semi-truck crash lawyer must have access to the right experts, who can fill in the gaps of knowledge and provide evidence that can be crucial to a client's claim.
Specialists in accident reconstruction are among the most knowledgeable experts that a semi-truck accident lawyer might want to call. These professionals are experienced and are able to evaluate an accident scene, assess the truck as well as the vehicle involved and determine the reason for the accident, and explain their findings clearly and easily understandable. They are often a key element of a successful lawsuit as they can help the jurors understand how a crash occurred and who could be responsible.
Expert witnesses can also identify the damages that are applicable and their worth. For example, a life-care planner can be hired to illustrate the effect a serious crash might have on a victim's ability to work, their medical needs for the remaining years of their lives as well as any other long-term effects. Additionally, an economist can assist in calculating things such as lost earnings damages, which will be a significant component of any compensation award.
Forensic toxicologists as well as drug and alcohol recognition experts are also essential in a successful claim. These types of experts could aid in drawing a clear line between intoxication and the accident, especially when the trucker might have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the collision. A metallurgist is a valuable expert witness. They can conduct tests on metal components of the truck involved in the accident to determine if they loaded too much.
In certain cases the attorney for an New York semi truck accident will engage an expert to investigate the trucking company and how it operates. This is especially important in the event that the trucker was employed by a large trucking firm and may be subject to certain standards that other drivers aren't. The right expert can examine the safety protocols of the trucking company hiring practices, safety procedures, and any other information that could aid in determining the source of the problem.
Time Limits
Evidence is often destroyed or lost in a truck accident. This is why it's imperative to contact a semi truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Our lawyers can conduct a thorough investigation to find all responsible parties for your injuries. We'll collaborate with experts in accident reconstruction as well as medical professionals and financial experts to assist you in getting the compensation you deserve.
The most frequently cited reason for a truck accident is driver error. This could include driving while distracted or impaired or reckless driving. Trucking companies that do not adhere to safety standards or hire employees with no qualifications could be held accountable for accidents.
Another reason behind a truck accident is improper maintenance on the vehicle. Inability to check or repair brakes, tires or other components of a truck can cause a dangerous accident. It is essential to ensure that your truck accident lawyer knows the requirements for maintenance of large trucks to be able to examine any issues that may affect the safety of the truck.
Thirdly, a trailer that isn't properly loaded or cargo could result in a truck accident. If a truck isn't properly loaded, it can cause the trailer to shift while on the road or cause the truck to become jackknifed. This is a serious accident that can cause serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
Truck accidents can also be caused by reckless driving of other drivers. They may cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong lane. These actions could cause the truck to veer off the roadway and collide with other vehicles or pedestrians.
A head-on collision between two vehicles, a truck and a vehicle is among the most deadly kinds of truck crashes. The front of the passenger car is usually the one that bears the brunt, leading to grave injuries or even death. These accidents occur when a truck driver is asleep or turns around to avoid another vehicle, or is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. There are also accidents involving trucks that spill their load of dangerous materials. These accidents can cause environmental damage and health risks for humans who come in contact with the chemicals.