Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 individuals die in accidents caused by large trucks. If a crash does occur it's essential to consult with truck accident lawyers that understand the various factors involved.
An attorney should immediately file a claim with the insurance company of the driver, as well as with the company that operates and owns the truck. This is done in order to maximize the available insurance.
Liability
Trucks make up only 4 percent of all vehicles on the road, but they are involved in nearly five percent of all accidents. The majority of these accidents involve catastrophic injuries, with victims suffering permanent, life-altering disabilities. These accidents can have a devastating financial impact, and the victims and their families should be compensated to live with dignity. Insurance companies and trucking firms will do everything to cut down on the amount of compensation that the victim is entitled to. This is why you need an experienced, dependable semi truck accident lawyer who will stand up to insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley's team has the expertise of experience, expertise, and the strength to make a significant difference in your case.
A semi-truck also referred to as a tractor-trailer or an 18-wheeler is a big commercial vehicle consisting of the truck (tractor unit) and a trailer that is detachable and can carry cargo. These trucks are vulnerable due to their size and weight to serious accidents if they are driven in reckless manners. Common causes of truck accidents include speeding, distracted driving, and failing to check blind spots prior to changing lanes or turning. Another cause of truck accidents is the improper loading of freight that can result in shifting and swaying that could result in the truck rolling over.
In addition to the driver, other parties may share the responsibility for a truck accident. This includes the driver's employer, the company that the driver is responsible for hauling goods, or even the person who arranges the load. It can be difficult to prove the fault when there are several insurance companies involved, because each will try to limit their own liability.
In certain instances the local government agency may be held accountable for accidents that occur on its property. For example, if a poorly designed road layout or a lack of maintenance resulted in an accident, the county board may be responsible for the damages caused by the victim. This type of claim is based on the concept of vicarious responsibility, which makes an authority party responsible for the actions of an employee while acting within the scope of their work.
Damages
The emotional and physical trauma that accompanies any motor vehicle crash can be extreme. However, the effects of a collision with a semi truck are more severe than other types of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage to property. This can result in a significant financial burden. A semi truck accident lawyer can help you determine the totality of your losses, and seek the right compensation for them.
It is always a good idea regardless of the type of accident that took place, to consult an attorney for personal injury. This is especially true in cases involving large-sized vehicles. In addition to the general laws that govern traffic and personal injury there are specific regulations applicable to commercial vehicles. These can affect how the accident occurs, who is responsible, and the kinds of damages that can be awarded. An attorney can ensure that you know the rules and that those responsible are held accountable.
It is not uncommon that several parties are accountable for a truck crash which includes the driver and their employer, as well the company that hauled the cargo. In addition, the fault could be assigned to the maker of the truck or to any faulty parts that caused the accident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide you with the evidence necessary to prove that all parties at fault are accountable and that you have a right to fair compensation.
A seasoned semi truck accident attorney on your side can safeguard you against the common strategies used by insurance companies to deny or reduce your claim. Victims of injuries often feel needing to get their money so that they can pay for medical treatments and other expenses. Insurance companies take advantage of this by using delay to make you accept lower than you should.
An attorney can help you determine all the present and future damages that you are entitled to, such as medical bills as well as lost income, property damage, and suffering and pain. A lawyer can also help you determine the appropriate amount of compensatory and punitive damages to award in your particular case. Compensation damages are designed to reimburse you for your losses, whereas punitive damages are meant to punish the at-fault party and deter others from committing similar crimes.
Expert Witnesses
As opposed to a typical car crash scenario, truck accidents generally contain a large amount of specific information about the industry's regulations such as truck mechanics, the long-term medical and economic impacts of the crash. A semi-truck accident lawyer should be able to access the right experts, who can fill in gaps in knowledge and provide evidence that can be crucial to a client's claim.
Specialists in accident reconstruction are some of the most valuable experts a semi truck accident attorney can call on. They are experienced professionals who are able to analyze the scene of an accident, evaluate the vehicle and truck involved in the crash, determine the reason for the crash and then explain their findings in simple, easy-to-understand terms. They are often an important part of a successful lawsuit as they help jurors understand why a crash took place and who may be responsible.
tustin semi truck accident law firm can also assist to determine the extent of damages that are appropriate and how much they will be worth. For instance, a life insurance planner could be hired to illustrate the impact that 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. Additionally, an economist can assist in calculating things such as lost earnings damages, which could be a significant component of any compensation award.
Forensic toxicologists as well as experts in recognition of alcohol and drugs are also essential in a successful claim. They can assist in drawing a clear line between alcohol consumption, and the accident. This is especially true when the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of crash. A metallurgist is an expert witness. They can test metal components of the truck involved in the crash to determine if they loaded to the limit.
In some cases, an attorney for an New York semi truck accident will retain an expert to investigate the trucking firm and how it operates. This is especially important if the trucker was employed by a large company and might be subject to certain rules that other drivers do not. The right expert can examine the trucking company's safety procedures, hiring practices, and any other information that could aid in determining fault.
Time Limits
Evidence is often lost or destroyed during a truck accident. This is why it's crucial to speak with a semi truck accident lawyer as soon as you can. Our attorneys can conduct a thorough investigation to determine who is responsible for your injuries. We will work with accident reconstruction experts medical professionals, financial experts and experts to help you get the compensation you require.
The most common reason for a truck accident is negligence by the driver. This could include driving in a hurry, driving under the influence, or driving irresponsibly. Trucking companies that fail to adhere to safety standards or hire unqualified employees may be held accountable for accidents.
Another cause of a truck accident is improper maintenance on the vehicle. Failure to inspect or repair tires, brakes or other components of a vehicle can result in a dangerous accident. It is essential to ensure that your truck accident lawyer is aware of the maintenance requirements of large trucks in order to investigate any issues with the safety of the truck.
A third reason for a car accident is a poorly loaded trailer or cargo. A truck that is not properly loaded can cause the truck or trailer to be jackknifed if not properly loaded. This is a serious crash that could cause serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
Accidents involving trucks are also caused by negligent driving by other drivers. They might cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong direction. These actions could cause the truck driver to deviate from the road, and cause it to collide with other vehicles and pedestrians.
A head-on collision between a truck and a passenger vehicle is one of the most fatal kinds of truck accidents. The front of the car is usually the one that takes the brunt, leading to serious injury and even death. These types of accidents often occur on roads that are not divided when the truck driver is asleep, swerves to avoid another vehicle or is under the impaired by alcohol or drugs. There are also accidents that involve trucks that spill their load of hazardous substances. These accidents can cause environmental damage and risk to the health of people who come into contact with the chemicals.