Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people are killed in accidents involving large vehicles. If a collision occurs it is crucial to find truck accident lawyers who are aware of the different factors involved.
An attorney should 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 to maximize the amount of available insurance.
Liability
Trucks account for only 4 percent of the vehicles on the road, but they are involved with more than five percent of all accidents. The majority of these accidents result in catastrophic injuries, with victims suffering permanent and life-changing disabilities. The financial burden of those injuries can be huge, and the families of victims need to recover damages to ensure they can live their lives with dignity. The insurance companies of trucking companies will do everything in their power to reduce the amount of compensation that the victim is entitled to. This is why you need a strong, experienced semi truck accident lawyer who will stand up to insurance companies and their attorneys. John Hensley's team has the knowledge of experience, expertise, and the strength to make a major difference in your case.
A semi-truck also referred to as a tractor-trailer or an 18-wheeler, is a huge commercial vehicle made up of an engine (tractor unit) and an detachable trailer which carries cargo. These trucks are susceptible, due to their weight and size to serious accidents if they are driven recklessly. Truck accidents are often caused by distracted drivers, speeding and a failure to look for blind spots when turning or changing lanes. Another reason for truck accidents is improper loading of the freight that can result in shifting and swaying which could result in the truck rolling over.
In addition to the driver of the truck Other parties could share liability in a truck accident, including the employer of the driver as well as the company they haul products for, or even the person who is responsible for setting up the load. It is more difficult when multiple insurance companies are involved in the case since they all try to limit their own liability.
In some instances, the local government agency may be held accountable in the event of an accident on its property. For instance, if a poorly designed road layout or maintenance issues caused an accident, the county board may be liable for the damage caused by the victim. This type of claim is based on the principle of vicarious liability, which is the law that holds a supervisor responsible for the actions of employees performing their duties.
Damages
Every motor vehicle accident can cause severe emotional and physical trauma. The consequences of a collision involving a semi-truck can be more severe than other types of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage property. This can lead to a significant financial burden. A semi truck accident lawyer can assist you to determine your full losses and get the right compensation.
It is always a good idea regardless of the kind of accident that has occurred to speak with an attorney for personal injuries. This is particularly true in cases involving large-sized vehicles. Commercial trucks are subject to special regulations, in addition to the laws that regulate personal injury, traffic and other laws. These regulations can affect how a accident occurs, who is responsible, and the types of damages awarded. Lawyers can ensure that you understand the regulations and ensure that the parties at fault are held accountable.
When a truck accident occurs it is not unusual for there to be a number of parties to be accountable such as the truck driver as well as the company they work for, as well as the company that hauled the load. Additionally, the blame could be attributed to the company that made the truck of the truck or any defective components that led to the accident. An attorney who is a semi truck accident can provide the evidence necessary to prove that all parties at fault are responsible and that you are entitled to fair compensation.
A semi truck accident lawyer who has experience will protect you from typical tactics employed by insurance companies to deny or reduce your claim. Injured victims are usually looking for money in order to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies take advantage of this by attempting to make you accept less than what you're entitled to.
A lawyer can help you determine the damages you are entitled to in the near and future which includes medical bills, lost income and property damage. An attorney can help you determine the amount of punitive and compensatory damages to decide on in your case. Compensatory damages are intended to compensate you for your losses, whereas punitive damages are meant to punish the person at fault and deter others from committing similar crimes.
Expert Witnesses
Truck accidents are different from car accidents in that they require a lot more detailed information, including the mechanics involved in truck accidents, the long-term economic and medical effects of the accident and the governing regulations for the industry. An attorney for semi-truck accidents should have access to experts who can fill in knowledge gaps and provide vital evidence that could be vital to a client's legal case.
Specialists in reconstruction of accidents are one of the most knowledgeable experts a semi truck accident lawyer can call upon. They are skilled professionals who know how to examine the scene of an accident, analyze the truck and other vehicles involved in the collision, identify the cause of the crash, and explain their findings in clear, easy-to-understand terms. They are usually an essential part of a successful lawsuit, because they can help jurors comprehend how the crash took place and who is accountable.
Expert witnesses can also identify the damages that can be claimed and their value. For instance, a life insurance planner can be enlisted to explain the impact that a accident could have on the victim's ability to work, their medical requirements for the duration of their lives, and any other long-term repercussions. Likewise, an economist can assist in calculating things like lost earnings damages, which will be a significant component of any compensation award.
Experts in toxicology forensics and drug and alcohol identification are also very helpful to a successful claim. These experts can aid in drawing a clear line between alcohol and the accident, particularly when the trucker was been under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash. A metallurgist may also be an expert witness since they can conduct tests on metal components of the truck that might be involved in the collision to determine whether they were overloaded.
In some cases the attorney for an New York semi truck accident will hire an expert to look into the trucking business and how it operates. This is especially crucial if the trucker was employed by a large company and may be required to follow certain standards that other drivers aren't. The expert can examine the safety protocols of the trucking company, their hiring practices, as well as any other information that might help determine fault.
Time Limits
When a truck collision occurs and evidence is lost or destroyed. It's crucial to speak with a semi truck accident attorney as soon as you can. Our lawyers can conduct an extensive investigation to determine who's responsible for your injuries. We'll work with experts in accident reconstruction doctors, medical professionals and financial experts to assist you in getting the compensation you need.
The most typical cause of a truck accident involves driver carelessness. This could result from driving while unintentionally, driving while under the influence or driving irresponsibly. Trucking companies that don't follow safety rules or hire employees who are not qualified could also be held accountable for accidents.
A vehicle that is not maintained properly is another cause of a truck crash. Failure to check or repair the truck's brakes or tires or other parts can cause a serious crash. It is crucial that your truck accident lawyer is aware of the requirements for maintenance on large trucks so that they can investigate any safety issues.
virginia beach semi truck accident law firm behind a truck accident 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 when it's not properly loaded. This is a serious crash that could cause serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
Inattention of other drivers could cause truck accidents too. They may cut off the driver of the truck or merge into wrong lanes. These actions could cause the truck driver to drift off the road, and cause it to cause collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians.
One of the most deadly truck accidents is the head-on collision. The front end of a passenger vehicle typically takes the brunt of the impact, which can result in serious injuries or death. These types of accidents often occur on highways with no traffic lanes when the truck driver falls asleep, is unable to steer clear of another vehicle, or is under the under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Trucks may also cause accidents by spilling hazardous materials. These accidents can cause environmental damage as well as health risks for people who come in contact with the chemicals.