10 Semi Truck Compensation Hacks All Experts Recommend
Truck Accident Attorneys
Each year, 5,000 people are killed in crashes with large trucks. In the event of a crash it is crucial to consult with truck accident lawyers who are aware of the different factors involved.
Attorneys must immediately submit a claim to the insurance company of the driver, as well as with the company that owns and operates the truck. This is done in order to maximize the insurance coverage available.
Liability
Although trucks comprise only 4 percent of the vehicles on the road, they are involved in more than a fifth 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 huge financial impact on victims, and their and their families should be compensated for their loss in order to live with dignity. Insurance companies and trucking companies will do everything possible to minimize the amount of compensation the victim is entitled to. This is why you need a strong, experienced semi truck accident attorney that can stand up to insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley's team is equipped with the knowledge of experience, expertise, and the strength to make a huge difference in your case.
A semi-truck, also referred to as a tractor-trailer or an 18-wheeler, is a huge commercial vehicle consisting 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 recklessly. Common causes of truck accidents include speeding, distracted driving and failing to look over blind spots prior to changing lanes or turning. Another cause of truck crashes is improper loading of the freight that can result in shifting and swaying which could lead to the truck rolling over.
In addition to the driver, other people can be liable in truck accidents. This includes the driver's business as well as the company that the driver transports goods for or even the person who sets up the load. It can be more difficult if multiple insurers are involved in the incident, as they will each try to limit their own liability.
In some instances, a local government agency could also share responsibility for an accident that occurs on their property. For instance, if poor road layout or inadequate maintenance resulted in an accident, the county board could be responsible for the injuries that the victim has suffered. This kind of claim is based upon the principle of vicarious responsibility that makes a supervisor accountable for the actions of an employee acting in the scope of their duties.
Damages
Any motor vehicle accident can result in extreme emotional and physical trauma. However, the effects of a collision with a semi-truck are more severe than most other types of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage property. This can lead to an enormous financial burden. A semi truck accident law firm truck accident attorney can help you determine the extent of your losses and seek an appropriate amount of compensation.
Although it's generally a good idea to consult an attorney for injury after any kind of accident this is particularly relevant in cases involving large vehicles. Commercial trucks are subject to special regulations in addition to the laws that govern personal injury, traffic and other laws. These can affect how the crash occurs, who is responsible, and the types of damages that could be awarded. An attorney can help you learn about these rules and ensure that the at-fault parties are held accountable.
When a truck accident occurs it is not unusual to have 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, fault may be assigned to the maker of the truck or to any of the parts that were defective and caused the accident. A semi truck accident attorney can provide the specific evidence required to show that all parties at fault are responsible and you have the right to fair compensation.
A seasoned semi truck accident attorney on your side can safeguard you from the most common tactics used by insurance companies to deny or limit your claim. Injured victims often feel desperate to get their money to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. The insurers know this and profit from this, using delaying as a strategy to to force you into accepting less than what you are entitled to.
An attorney can help you determine all of the future and present damages you are entitled to, such as medical bills and lost income damages to property, suffering and pain. A lawyer can also assist you determine the right amount of compensatory and punitive damages to award in your particular case. Compensatory damages are meant to compensate you for your losses, whereas punitive damages are intended to punish the at-fault party and deter others from doing similar actions.
Expert Witnesses
Unlike a normal car accident case, truck crashes typically involve a lot of highly specific information on industry regulations including truck mechanics, the long-term medical and economic effects of the crash. A semi-truck crash lawyer should have access to the best experts who can fill in the gaps of knowledge and provide testimony that could be essential to a client's claim.
The specialists in accident reconstruction are one of the most useful experts that a semi-truck accident lawyer might want to call. They are skilled and are able to evaluate the accident scene, analyze both the truck and the vehicle involved in it and determine the reason for the accident, and explain their findings clearly and comprehendable. They are often an important part of a successful lawsuit since they can assist jurors comprehend how the crash took place and who is accountable.
Expert witnesses can also identify the damage that is applicable and the value. A life care planner, for example can be hired to determine the effect of a serious accident on a victim’s ability to work and their medical requirements throughout their lives. An economist can also help calculate the damages for lost earnings which is a major part of any compensation award.
Forensic toxicologists as well as experts in the field of recognition of alcohol and drugs can also be invaluable for a successful claim. These experts can help to draw a straight line between alcohol consumption and the incident, particularly when the trucker was been under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the collision. A metallurgist can also be an effective expert witness since they can conduct tests on the metal components of the truck that could have been involved in the crash to determine whether they were overloaded.
In certain instances an attorney in a New York semi truck accident will employ an expert to investigate the trucking firm and how it operates. This is particularly important when the trucker worked for an established trucking company and was subject to the same standards as other drivers weren't. A qualified expert can review the safety protocols of the trucking company, hiring practices, and any other information that could aid in determining the source of the problem.
Time Limits
Evidence is usually destroyed or lost during a truck accident. It is imperative to speak with a semi truck accident attorney as soon as you can. Our attorneys can conduct an exhaustive investigation to identify all responsible parties for your injuries. We'll work with accident reconstruction experts as well as medical professionals and financial experts to assist you in getting the compensation you need.
The most frequent cause of a truck accident involves driver carelessness. This can be caused by driving distracted, driving while under the influence or driving irresponsibly. The trucking company that operates and owns the truck may also be accountable for the accident in the event they fail to comply with safety regulations or hire unqualified drivers.
Another reason behind a truck accident is improper maintenance on the vehicle. Failure to properly inspect or repair tires, brakes, or other parts of a truck can cause the risk of a fatal accident. It's important to make sure that your truck accident attorney understands the maintenance needs of large trucks to be able to look into any issues with the safety of the truck.
Thirdly, a poorly-loaded trailer or cargo could cause an accident with a truck. If a truck is not loaded properly, it can cause the trailer to shift while on the road or cause the truck to become jackknifed. This is a serious crash that could cause serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
Inattention of other drivers could also result in truck accidents. They may cut off the driver of the truck or merge into wrong lane. These actions may cause the driver of the truck to veer from the road, which could cause it to cause collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians.
One of the most dangerous truck accidents is head-on collisions. The front of the passenger vehicle is typically the one that takes the brunt, resulting in serious injuries and sometimes even 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. Trucks are also prone to accidents due to spilling their hazardous materials. These accidents can cause environmental damage as well as health risks for people who come into contact with the chemicals.