Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people die in accidents caused by large trucks. It is essential to engage with lawyers for truck accidents who are knowledgeable of the different causes.
lakewood semi truck accident lawsuit should immediately initiate claims with the driver's insurance company as well as the company which owns the truck. This is done so as to maximize the available insurance.
Liability
While trucks make up only 4 percent of the vehicles on the road however, they are involved in more than half of all motor vehicle accidents. The majority of these accidents result in severe injuries, that result in victims suffering permanent and life-altering disabilities. These injuries can have a massive financial impact, and the victims and their families must be compensated in order to live their lives with dignity. Unfortunately, trucking companies and their insurance companies will not leave a stone unturned in an attempt to minimize the amount of compensation a victim has the right to. You need an experienced strong and experienced semi truck accident lawyer who can confront insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley's team has the expertise, experience, and strength to make a major difference in your case.
Semi-trucks, also known under the names tractor-trailer and 18-wheeler, are large commercial vehicles which comprise one truck unit (tractor) and an attached trailer that is used to transport cargo. Due to their size and weight they are susceptible to serious accidents when they are driven recklessly or if a driver fails to exercise reasonable care when operating the vehicle. Common causes of truck accidents include speeding, distracted driving, and not securing blind spots prior to changing lanes or turning. Another cause of truck accidents is improper loading of the freight that can result in shifting and swaying that could lead to the truck rolling over.
In addition to the driver of the truck, other parties may be liable in a truck crash including the driver's employer as well as the company they haul products for, and even the person who sets up the load. It isn't easy to prove the fault when there are several insurance companies involved, since each will attempt to limit their own liability.
In certain instances a local government entity could also be responsible in the event of a crash on their property. If, for instance a road that was not maintained or a poorly laid-out layout caused an accident, then the county board may be responsible for the injuries suffered by the victim. This type of claim is based on the concept of vicarious liability which holds a supervisory party liable for the actions of an employee who is acting within the context of their work.
Damages
The emotional and physical trauma that comes with any motor vehicle accident could be quite 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 can lead to significant financial burden. A semi truck accident attorney can assist you in determining the totality of your losses and pursue the appropriate compensation for them.
It's recommended to speak with an injury lawyer following any type of accident, this is especially relevant when it comes to cases involving large trucks. Commercial trucks are subject to special rules in addition to laws that govern personal injury, traffic and other laws. They affect how a accident occurs, who is responsible, and the kinds of damages awarded. A lawyer can help to understand these rules and ensure that the responsible parties are held liable.
If a truck accident happens it is not unusual for there to be a number of parties to be accountable which include the driver of the truck as well as the company they work for, and the company that hauled the load. A truck manufacturer, or any defective parts could also be held responsible for the accident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide the evidence needed to prove that all the parties at fault are responsible and to demonstrate that you have a right to fair compensation.
A semi truck accident lawyer with years of experience will be able to protect you from common tactics used by insurance companies to deny or reduce your claim. Injured victims are often looking for money to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies take advantage of this by using delay to make you accept less than what you're entitled to.
An attorney can help you determine the damages you are entitled to in the near and future which includes medical expenses, lost income and property damage. A lawyer can assist you determine how much punitive and compensatory damages you can decide on in your particular case. Compensatory damages aim to compensate you for your losses. Punitive damages seek to penalize the person who is responsible and deter other people from committing similar crimes.
Expert Witnesses
Unlike a normal car accident scenario, truck accidents generally include a great deal of specific information on industry regulations, truck mechanics, and the long-term economic and medical consequences of the collision. A semi-truck accident attorney should have access the right experts who can fill in the gaps and provide evidence that could be vital to a client's legal case.
Specialists in accident reconstruction are some of the most effective experts that a semi-truck accident lawyer can call upon. They are experienced professionals who are skilled at examining the scene of an accident, evaluate the vehicle and truck involved in the collision, identify the cause of the crash, and explain their findings in simple, easy-to-understand terms. They are often a key element of a successful lawsuit as they aid jurors in understanding why a particular crash happened, and who might be responsible.
Expert witnesses can also determine the damages that are applicable and their worth. A life care planner, for instance is an expert who can determine the effect of a serious accident on a person's ability to work and their medical needs throughout their life. Likewise, an economist can assist in calculating things such as lost earnings damages, which could be a significant component of any compensation award.
Forensic toxicologists and experts in the field of recognition of alcohol and drugs can also be invaluable in a successful claim. These experts can help draw a direct line between intoxication and the accident. This is especially the case when the trucker was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash. A metallurgist is also an expert witness. They can conduct tests on the metal components of the truck involved in the crash to determine if they loaded with too much.
In some cases in some cases, a New York semi-truck accident attorney will hire an expert to examine the trucking company's operations and the way it operates. This is especially important if the trucker was employed by a large trucking company and may be subject to certain requirements that other drivers are not. The right expert can examine the safety protocols of the trucking company the hiring procedures, hiring practices and any other information that may help to determine fault.
Time Limits
If a truck accident occurs the evidence is often lost or destroyed. It is essential to speak with a semi truck accident attorney as soon as you can. Our attorneys will conduct an extensive investigation to discover all responsible parties for your injuries. We'll collaborate with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals and financial experts to assist you in getting the compensation you need.
The most common reason for truck accidents is driver carelessness. This can be caused by driving distracted or impaired or driving recklessly. The trucking company that owns and operates the truck may also be at fault for the accident in the event they fail to comply with safety rules or hire unqualified drivers.
Improper maintenance of the vehicle is another cause of a truck crash. Failure to inspect or repair tires, brakes, or other parts of a truck can lead to a dangerous accident. It is crucial that your truck accident lawyer understands the maintenance requirements of large trucks in order to look into any safety issues.
Another reason for a truck accident is a trailer that is not properly loaded or cargo. A truck that is not properly loaded can cause the trailer or truck to jackknife when it's not properly loaded. This is a serious accident which can result in serious or fatal injuries to motorists driving on the road.
Inattention of other drivers could also lead to truck accidents. They might cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong direction. These actions could cause the truck's wheels to slide off the road, and then collide with other vehicles or pedestrians.
A head-on collision between a truck and a passenger vehicle is one of the most dangerous types of truck crashes. The front of the passenger vehicle typically takes the brunt of the impact, resulting in serious injuries and even death. These accidents occur when a truck driver falls asleep, or swerves to avoid a vehicle, or is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Trucks may also cause accidents by spilling dangerous materials. These accidents could cause environmental harm as well as health risks for people who come into contact with the chemicals.