Semi Truck Compensation Tips From The Best In The Business
Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people die in accidents caused by large trucks. In the event of a crash it's essential to work with truck accident lawyers who understand the various factors involved.
Attorneys must immediately initiate a claim with the insurance company of the driver as well with the company that operates and owns the truck. This is done so as to maximize the available insurance.
Liability
Trucks constitute just 4 percent of the vehicles that are on the roads, yet they are involved in nearly 55% of all accidents. Most of those accidents result in severe injuries, with victims suffering permanent, life-changing disabilities. These injuries can have a massive financial impact, and victims and their families must be compensated for their loss in order to live with dignity. The insurance companies of trucking companies will do everything possible to cut down on the amount of compensation the victim is due. That's why you need an experienced and dependable semi truck accident attorney that will stand up to insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the experience, expertise and determination to make a difference in your case.
Semi-trucks, referred to by the names tractor-trailer or 18-wheeler, are large commercial vehicles which comprise the truck unit (tractor) and an attached trailer that is used to transport cargo. Due to their size and weight they are vulnerable to serious accidents when 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 not securing blind spots before changing lanes or turning. Unsafe loading of freight could also cause truck accidents. This can result in shifting, swaying or even rolling the truck.
In addition to the driver, other parties could share the blame in truck accidents. This includes the driver's company, the company that the driver is responsible for hauling goods and even the person who is responsible for setting up the load. The process of proving fault can be more difficult when multiple insurance companies are involved in the matter, because they each attempt to limit their own liability.
In certain instances a local government entity may also share liability for a crash that occurs on their property. If, for example, a poorly maintained road or a poorly-designed layout contributed to an accident then the county board could be liable for the damage suffered by the victim. This kind of claim is based on the principle of vicarious responsibility, which makes a supervisory party liable for the actions of an employee while acting within the scope of their job.
Damages
The emotional and physical trauma that follows any motor vehicle accident could be a lot. However, the effects of a collision with a semi-truck are more severe than other types of accidents. Not only can these vehicles cause more severe injuries, but they also have the potential to destroy or damage property, resulting in significant financial burdens. A semi truck accident attorney can help you determine the extent of your losses and pursue appropriate compensation for them.
Although it's generally best to consult an injury lawyer following any kind of accident this is especially relevant in cases involving large trucks. Commercial trucks are subject to particular rules in addition to laws that regulate traffic, personal injury and other laws. These can affect how the accident occurs, who is accountable, and the kinds of damages that can be awarded. Lawyers can ensure that you are aware of regulations and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
When a truck collision occurs, it is not uncommon for there to be a number of people who are responsible, including the truck driver as well as the company they work for, and the company that hauled the load. In addition, the fault could be attributed to the company that made the truck of the truck, or any defective components that led to the accident. A semi truck accident attorney can provide the evidence necessary to prove that all at-fault parties are responsible and that you have the right to fair compensation.
A skilled semi truck accident attorney on your side can safeguard you from the most common strategies used by insurance companies to reduce or deny your claim. Injured victims are often desperate to receive their compensation to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies take advantage of this by using delay to force you to accept lower than you should.
An attorney can assist you determine all the future and present damages you are entitled to, such as medical bills, lost income property damage, suffering and pain. A lawyer can also assist you determine the proper amount of compensatory and punitive damages to award in your case. Compensatory damages aim to reimburse you for your losses, whereas punitive damages are meant to punish the person at fault and deter others from committing similar actions.
Expert Witnesses
As opposed to a typical car crash scenario, truck accidents generally contain a large amount of specific information regarding industry regulations such as truck mechanics, the long-term economic and medical consequences of the accident. A semi-truck accident lawyer should be able to access experts who can fill in gaps and provide crucial testimony that could be crucial to the client's case.
Accident reconstruction specialists are among the most reliable experts that a semi truck accident lawsuit-truck accident attorney could rely on. They are experienced professionals who are skilled at examining an accident scene, assess the vehicle and truck involved in the crash, determine what caused it and explain their findings in simple, easy-to-understand terms. They are usually a vital component of any successful lawsuit as they assist the jury in understanding how the crash occurred, and which parties could be responsible for it.
Expert witnesses can also help determine the damages that can be claimed and their value. For instance, a life care planner could be hired to illustrate the impact a serious accident could have on the victim's ability to work, their medical needs for the remainder of their lives and any other repercussions that may be long-term. In addition, an economist could assist in calculating things such as lost earnings damages, which will constitute a substantial portion of any compensation award.
Forensic toxicologists as well as experts in the recognition of alcohol and drug use can also be a huge asset to a successful claim. They can assist in drawing a clear line between alcohol consumption and the crash. This is especially true when the trucker was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash. A metallurgist can be an excellent expert witness. They can conduct tests on metal components of the truck involved in the crash to determine if they loaded to the limit.
In some cases an attorney representing a New York semi truck accident will retain an expert to look into the trucking business and how it operates. This is particularly important when the trucker was employed by an enormous trucking company and was subject to standards that other drivers were not. The expert can examine the safety policies of the trucking company, as well as their hiring practices and any other information that might aid in determining the source of the problem.
Time Limits
When a truck crash occurs, evidence is often lost or destroyed. It is crucial to speak with a semi truck accident attorney as quickly as possible. Our lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation to determine who's responsible for your injuries. We'll collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists doctors, medical professionals, and financial analysts to help you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
The most frequently cited cause of a truck collision is driver error. This can include driving distracted, driving under the influence or reckless driving. The trucking company that owns and operates the truck could also be liable for a crash if they fail to follow safety regulations or hire inexperienced drivers.
Another cause of a truck accident is the inadvertent maintenance of the vehicle. Failure to inspect or repair brakes, tires or other components of a truck could result in danger in an accident. It's crucial to ensure that your lawyer for truck accidents knows the requirements for maintenance of large trucks so that they can investigate any issues with the safety of the truck.
Another reason for a truck crash is a poorly loaded trailer or cargo. A truck that isn't properly loaded could cause the truck or trailer to be jackknifed if not properly loaded. This is a serious incident that could cause serious or fatal injuries to motorists in the road.
Accidents involving trucks are also caused by the negligent driving of other drivers. They could cut off the driver of the truck or merge into the wrong lane. These actions can cause the truck to drift off the road and collide with other vehicles or pedestrians.
One of the most deadly truck accidents is head-on collisions. The front of the car is typically the one to take the brunt, resulting in grave injuries or even death. These accidents happen when a truck driver falls asleep, or swerves to avoid a vehicle, or is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Trucks can also cause accidents by spilling hazardous substances. These accidents can cause environmental damage as well as human health hazards for those who come into contact with the chemicals.