Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 individuals die in accidents caused by large trucks. It's important that you work with truck accident attorneys who are knowledgeable of the different causes.
An attorney should immediately submit a claim to the insurance company of the driver and with the company that operates and owns the truck. This is done so as to maximize the available insurance.
Liability
Although trucks comprise only 4 percent of vehicles on the road but they are involved in more than a fifth of all vehicular accidents. The majority of those accidents result in catastrophic injuries, that result in victims suffering permanent and life-altering disabilities. These injuries can have a huge financial impact on the victim, and the victim and their families should be compensated so that they can live with dignity. The insurance companies of trucking companies will do everything possible to limit the amount of compensation the victim is entitled to. You need an experienced strong and experienced semi truck accident lawyer who is able to confront insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the expertise, experience and the strength to make an impact on your case.
A semi-truck, also referred to as a tractor-trailer or an 18-wheeler, is a huge commercial vehicle that consists of a truck (tractor unit) and an detachable trailer which carries cargo. Because of their weight and size 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 failing to look over blind spots prior to turning or changing lanes. Incorrect loading of freight can cause truck accidents as well. This can result in shifting, swaying or even rolling the truck.
In addition to the truck driver Other parties could share liability in a truck accident, such as the driver's employer, the company they haul product for, and the person who is responsible for setting up the load. It is difficult to establish the responsibility when there are multiple insurance companies involved as each will try 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 instance a road that was not maintained or a layout that was poorly planned contributed to an accident then the county board could be liable for the victim's damages. This type of claim is based on the concept of vicarious liability, which holds a supervisory body accountable for the actions of an employee when they are acting within the confines of their duties.
Damages
The physical and emotional trauma that comes with any motor vehicle crash can be severe. However, the results of a collision with a semi truck are more severe than most other types of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage to property. This could result in a significant financial burden. A semi truck accident lawyer can assist you to determine the extent of your losses and get the right compensation.
While it's generally recommended to speak with an attorney who can help you after any type of accident, this is particularly important for cases involving large-sized trucks. Commercial trucks are subject to special regulations in addition to the laws that regulate traffic, personal injury and other laws. These rules can have a significant impact on the way a crash occurs, the parties responsible and the types damages that could be awarded. Lawyers can ensure that you know the regulations and that the parties responsible for the crash are held accountable.
When a truck accident occurs it is not uncommon to find a variety of parties who could be accountable which include the driver of the truck or the company they work for, as well as the company responsible for hauling the load. In addition, blame can 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 parties at fault are accountable and that you have the right to fair compensation.
A semi truck accident lawyer who has experience will protect you from common tactics used by insurance companies to deny or decrease your claim. Victims of injuries are often desperate to get their money to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies profit from this by using delay 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, including medical bills, lost income, and property damage. An attorney can also help you determine the proper amount of compensatory and punitive damages to award in your particular case. Compensatory damages are intended to pay you back for your losses, whereas punitive damages are designed to punish the person at fault and discourage others from committing similar acts.
Expert Witnesses
Truck accidents differ from car accidents in that they require a lot more detailed information, like the mechanics of the truck involved, the long-term economic and medical effects of the accident as well as the regulations that govern the industry. A semi-truck accident lawyer should have access the right experts who can fill in the gaps and provide vital evidence that could be crucial to a client's legal case.
Specialists in accident reconstruction are some of the most effective experts a semi truck accident attorney can call on. They are skilled professionals who are able to analyze the scene of an accident, analyze the truck and other vehicles involved in the accident, determine the reason for the crash and explain their findings in clear, easy-to-understand terms. They are usually an essential element of a successful lawsuit, as they help jurors to understand how a collision occurred and who might be accountable.
The right expert witnesses can also help determine the extent of damages that are appropriate and what the damages will be worth. A life care planner, for instance is a person who can determine the effect of a serious accident on a victim’s ability to work and their medical needs over their life. An economist may also be able to calculate the damages for lost earnings that are a key element of any compensation award.
Experts in toxicology for forensics and drug and alcohol identification can be extremely helpful in a successful claim. These types of experts could assist in drawing a clear line between drunkenness and the accident, especially when the driver may have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash. A metallurgist can also be an expert witness. They can examine the metal components of the truck involved in the crash to determine if they were loaded to the limit.
In some cases there are occasions when a New York semi-truck accident attorney will engage an expert to look into the trucking firm itself and the way it operates. This is crucial, particularly if the trucker worked for a large trucking company and was subject to the same standards as other drivers weren't. The expert can examine the safety policies of the trucking company, the hiring practices of their employees and any other information that might aid in determining the source of the problem.
Time Limits
Evidence is usually destroyed or lost when a truck accident occurs. This is why it's crucial to contact a semi truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Our lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation to determine who is accountable for your injuries. We will work with accident reconstruction experts medical professionals, financial experts and experts to ensure you receive the compensation you need.
The most typical cause of truck accidents is driver negligence. This could include driving distracted, driving under the influence or driving irresponsibly. Trucking companies that do not adhere to safety regulations or hire unqualified workers could be held accountable for accidents.
Another reason behind a truck accident is improper maintenance on the vehicle. Failure to check or repair the truck's brakes, tires or other parts can result in a deadly crash. It is crucial to ensure that your truck accident attorney knows the needs of maintenance for large trucks in order to investigate any issues with the truck's safety.
Another reason for a truck crash is a trailer that is not properly loaded or cargo. A truck that isn't properly loaded could cause the trailer or truck to jackknife if it is not properly loaded. This is a serious accident that can cause serious or fatal injuries to other motorists driving on the road.
tampa semi truck accident case of other drivers could cause truck accidents too. They may cut off the driver of the truck or merge into the wrong lane. These actions could cause the driver of the truck to veer from the road, causing it be in collision 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 accidents. The front end of a passenger vehicle is usually the one to take the brunt of the impact, resulting in serious injuries, and sometimes death. These accidents occur when a truck driver falls asleep or turns around to avoid another vehicle or is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. There are also accidents that involve trucks that spill their load of dangerous materials. These accidents could cause environmental damage and risk to the health of people who come in contact with the chemicals.