Why All The Fuss Over Semi Truck Compensation
Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people are killed in accidents involving large vehicles. When a crash occurs it's crucial to consult with truck accident lawyers who understand the various elements involved.
Attorneys must immediately initiate a claim with the insurance company of the driver and with the company that operates and owns the truck. This is done so as to maximize the amount of insurance available.
Liability
Although trucks account for only 4 percent of vehicles on the road but they are involved in more than five percent of all vehicle accidents. Most 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 victims and their families need to recover damages to be able to live their lives in dignity. Unfortunately trucking firms and their insurance companies will not leave a stone unturned in their efforts to reduce the amount of the compensation a victim is entitled to. You need a knowledgeable and dependable semi truck accident lawyer who is able to confront insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the experience, knowledge and the strength to make the difference in your case.
A semi-truck, also known as a tractor-trailer or an 18-wheeler is a large commercial vehicle comprised of an engine (tractor unit) and an unattachable trailer that can carry cargo. These trucks are prone, due to their weight and size, to serious accidents if driven in reckless manners. 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 cause shifting, swaying, and even rolling the truck.
In addition to the driver, other parties can share responsibility in a truck accident. This includes the driver's business, the company that the driver transports products for or even the person responsible for setting up the load. It isn't easy to prove that someone is at fault when there are multiple insurance companies involved, since each one will try to limit its own liability.
In some instances the local government agency could also share responsibility in the event of a crash on their property. If, for instance a road that is not maintained or a poorly designed layout contributed to an accident then the county board may be responsible for the victim's damages. This kind of claim is based upon the principle of vicarious liability that holds a supervisory person liable for an employee's actions while performing the duties of their job.
Damages
Every motor vehicle accident can cause extreme physical and emotional trauma. However, the results of a collision with a semi-truck can be more serious than the majority of accidents. Not only can these vehicles cause more severe injuries as well, but they also have the potential to damage or destroy property and cause significant financial burdens. A semi truck accident lawyer can assist you in determining the full extent of your loss and pursue appropriate compensation for them.
While it's generally recommended to speak with an injury lawyer following any type of accident, this is particularly important for cases involving large-sized trucks. In addition to the general laws that govern personal injury and traffic, there are special regulations applicable to commercial vehicles. These rules can have a major impact on the way a crash occurs, the parties accountable and the kind of damages that are possible to award. A lawyer can help to ensure that you understand the regulations and ensure that the parties responsible for the crash are held accountable.
When a truck crash occurs, it is not uncommon to have several parties to be accountable, including the truck driver or the company they work for, and the company that carried the load. In addition, blame can be assigned to the maker of the truck or to any faulty parts that caused the accident. A semi truck accidents truck accident lawyer can provide the evidence to show that all parties at fault are responsible and that you have the right to fair compensation.
A semi truck accident lawyer with years of experience will protect you from common tactics used by insurance companies to deny or limit your claim. Injured victims are often desperate to collect their money to pay for medical treatments and other expenses. Insurance companies know this and take advantage of this, using delaying as a strategy to try to force you into accepting less than you are entitled to.
An attorney can help determine the damages you are entitled to both in the future and now such as medical bills, lost income, and property damage. An attorney can help you determine the amount of compensatory and punitive damage to award in your particular case. Compensation damages are designed to compensate you for the losses. Punitive damages aim to penalize the party responsible and deter others from committing similar criminal acts.
Expert Witnesses
Unlike a normal car accident case, truck crashes typically include a great deal of specialized information about industry regulations as well as truck mechanics and the long-term economic and medical impact of the accident. A semi-truck accident attorney must have access the right experts who can fill in gaps and provide vital evidence that could be vital to the client's case.
Specialists in accident reconstruction are among the most valuable experts that a semi-truck accident lawyer might want to call. These professionals are experienced and can assess an accident scene, assess the truck as well as the vehicle involved as well as determine the root of the crash, and then explain their findings clearly and understandable. They are often a crucial part of a successful lawsuit, because they can help jurors comprehend how the crash occurred and who could be accountable.
Expert witnesses can also help to determine what damages are enforceable and what the damages will be worth. For instance, a life care planner can be enlisted to explain the effect a serious accident could have on the victim's ability to work, their medical requirements for the remainder of their lives and any other long-term consequences. Additionally, an economist can assist in calculating things such as lost earnings damages, which could constitute a substantial portion of any compensation award.
Forensic toxicologists as well as experts in the field of recognition of alcohol and drugs can be extremely valuable in a successful claim. They can help draw a direct line between intoxication and the accident. This is especially true when the trucker was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of crash. A metallurgist is also an effective expert witness since they can conduct tests on metal components of the truck that might have been involved in the accident to determine if they were over-loaded.
In certain cases the New York semi-truck accident attorney will hire an expert to examine the trucking company and the way in which it operates. This is particularly important if the trucker was employed by a large trucking firm and might be subject to certain standards that other drivers aren't. A qualified expert can review the safety protocols of the trucking company, hiring practices, and any other information that may aid in determining fault.
Time Limits
If a truck accident occurs and evidence is lost or destroyed. This is why it's imperative to contact a semi truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Our attorneys can conduct a thorough investigation to determine who's accountable for your injuries. We will collaborate with accident reconstruction experts along with medical professionals and financial analysts to help you receive the compensation you deserve.
The most frequent cause of a truck accident is the negligence of the driver. It could be due to driving distracted, driving under the influence or driving recklessly. The trucking company that operates and owns the truck could be at fault for an accident in the event that they do not follow safety guidelines or employ unqualified drivers.
Another cause of a truck accident is poor maintenance on the vehicle. Inability to check or repair brakes, tires, or other parts of a truck can cause a dangerous accident. It's crucial to ensure that your truck accident lawyer understands the maintenance needs of large trucks to be able to determine any issues that could affect the safety of the truck.
Thirdly, a poorly-loaded trailer or cargo could result in an accident with a truck. If a truck isn't properly loaded, it could cause the trailer to shift while on the road or cause the truck to be jackknifed. This is a serious accident that can cause serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
Other drivers' negligence can also result in truck accidents. They may cut off the driver of the truck or merge into the wrong lanes. These actions could cause the truck to turn off the roadway and collide with pedestrians or other vehicles.
One of the most dangerous truck accidents is one that involves a head-on collision. The front end of a passenger vehicle typically bears the brunt of the impact, resulting in serious injuries, and sometimes death. These types of accidents often occur on roads that are not divided when the truck driver is asleep, steers away from another vehicle or is driving under the under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Trucks may also cause accidents by spilling dangerous materials. These accidents can cause environmental damage and risk to the health of people who come in contact with the chemicals.