Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people are killed in crashes with large trucks. If a collision occurs it's essential to consult with truck accident lawyers that understand the various factors involved.
Attorneys must immediately initiate a claim with the insurance company of the driver as well with the company that operates and owns the truck. This is done in order to get the most insurance possible.
Liability
Although trucks comprise only 4 percent of the vehicles on the road yet they are involved more than half of all motor vehicle accidents. The vast majority of those accidents involve catastrophic injuries, with victims suffering permanent and life-altering disabilities. The financial burden associated with these injuries can be enormous and the families of victims must seek compensation in order to live their lives with dignity. The insurance companies of trucking companies will do everything they can to cut down on the amount of compensation the victim is due. This is why you require an experienced, dependable semi truck accident attorney that can stand up to insurance companies and their attorneys. John Hensley and his team have the experience, knowledge and strength to make an impact on your case.
Semi-trucks, also known by the names tractor-trailer and 18-wheeler are large commercial vehicles that consist of a truck unit (tractor) and an attached trailer which transports cargo. Because of their size and weight they are vulnerable to serious accidents if they are driven in reckless manner or if the driver is not exercising reasonable care when operating the vehicle. Common causes of truck accidents include speeding, distracted driving and failing to check blind spots prior to changing lanes or turning. Incorrect loading of cargo can cause truck accidents as well. This can cause shifting, swaying, and even the truck rolling.
In addition to the driver, other parties could share the responsibility for truck accidents. This includes the company that is responsible for the driver and the company the driver transports goods for or the person who arranges the load. It isn't easy to prove the fault when there are several insurance companies involved, since each will attempt to limit its own liability.
In some cases, local government agencies could also be responsible for accidents that occur on their property. For instance, if poorly designed road layout or maintenance issues contributed to an accident the county board may be responsible for the damages that the victim has suffered. This kind of claim is based on the principle of vicarious liability, which holds a supervisory party liable for the actions of employees while acting within the scope of their work.
Damages
Every motor vehicle accident can cause severe physical and emotional trauma. However, chula vista semi truck accident case of a collision with a semi-truck can be more serious than most other kinds of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage property. This can result in significant financial burden. A semi truck accident lawyer can help determine the full extent of your losses and seek appropriate compensation.
It's an excellent idea to consult an injury lawyer following any kind of accident this is especially important when it comes to cases involving large trucks. Commercial trucks are subjected to specific rules in addition to laws that regulate traffic, personal injury and other laws. These regulations can affect how a crash happens, who is accountable, and the kinds of damages that may be awarded. An attorney can ensure that you understand the regulations and ensure that the parties responsible for the crash are held accountable.
It is not unusual for multiple parties to be held responsible for a truck accident which includes the driver or their employer, as well as the company that hauled the cargo. In addition, blame can be attributed to the manufacturer 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 responsible are accountable and to prove that you are entitled to fair compensation.
A semi truck accident lawyer with years of experience can help you avoid common tactics used by insurance firms to deny or reduce your claim. Injured victims are often desperate to receive their compensation to pay for medical treatments and other expenses. Insurance companies take advantage of this by attempting to force you to accept less than you deserve.
An attorney can assist you in determining the damages you are entitled to in the future and in the present such as medical bills, lost income, and property damage. A lawyer can also assist you determine the proper amount of punitive and compensatory damages to award in your case. Compensatory damages are intended to compensate you for the losses. Punitive damages aim to penalize the person who is responsible 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, like the mechanics involved in truck accidents, the long-term economic and medical consequences of the accident and the governing regulations for the industry. An attorney for semi-truck accidents 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.
The specialists in accident reconstruction are one of the most valuable experts a semi truck accident lawyer can rely on. These are seasoned professionals who are able to analyze the scene of an accident, analyze the vehicle and truck involved in the collision, identify what caused the accident and explain their findings in clear, easy to understand terms. They are usually a vital element in any successful lawsuit as they help the jury understand how the accident happened and which parties could be accountable for it.
Expert witnesses can help determine what damages are enforceable and how much those damages will be worth. For instance, a life insurance planner could be hired to show the impact a serious crash might have on a victim's ability to work, their medical requirements for the rest of their lives, as well as any other long-term effects. An economist can also calculate damages for lost earnings that are a key part of any compensation award.
Forensic toxicologists as well as experts in the recognition of alcohol and drug use can also be invaluable for a successful claim. These experts can help draw a clear line between alcohol consumption and the crash. This is especially the case when the trucker was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of crash. A metallurgist is also an expert witness. They can test metal components of the truck involved in the crash to determine if they overloaded.
In some instances in some cases, a New York semi-truck accident attorney will employ an expert to study the trucking company itself and how it functions. This is particularly crucial when the trucker is employed by a large trucking company and might be required to follow certain standards 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 could aid in determining the source of the problem.
Time Limits
Evidence is often destroyed or lost in a truck accident. That's why it's important to contact a semi truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Our lawyers will conduct an extensive investigation to determine who is responsible for your injuries. We will work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals and financial analysts to ensure you get the compensation that you deserve.
The most common cause for truck accidents is driver negligence. This can include driving distracted or impaired or driving recklessly. Trucking companies that do not adhere to safety guidelines or hire unqualified workers could also be held responsible for accidents.
Improper maintenance of the vehicle is another reason for crashes involving trucks. Inability to inspect or repair the truck's brakes, tires or other parts can lead to a dangerous crash. It is essential that your truck accident lawyer is aware of the requirements for maintenance on large trucks in order to investigate any safety issues.
A third issue is that a poorly loaded trailer or cargo could lead to an accident involving a truck. A truck that isn't properly loaded could cause the truck or trailer to be jackknifed if not properly loaded. This is a serious incident which can result in serious or fatal injuries to other motorists driving on the road.
The negligence of other drivers can also lead to truck accidents. They may cut off the driver of the truck or merge into the wrong lane. These actions can cause the driver of the truck to turn off the road, causing it cause collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians.
One of the most fatal truck accidents is the head-on collision. The front of the passenger car is typically the one who takes the brunt, resulting in serious injuries, and even death. These types of accidents usually occur on roads with no other traffic when the truck driver is asleep, steers away from another vehicle, or is under the under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Trucks can cause accidents as well by spilling hazardous materials. These accidents could cause environmental damage and health risks for humans who come in contact with the chemicals.