Truck Accident Attorneys

Every year, 5,000 people are killed in accidents involving large trucks. If a collision occurs it is crucial to consult with truck accident lawyers who are aware of the various factors involved.

A lawyer should immediately set up claims with the insurance company, as well as the company which is the owner of the truck. This is done so as to maximize the insurance coverage available.

Liability

Trucks constitute just 4 percent of the vehicles on the road, however they are involved with more than half of all accidents. The majority of these accidents result in severe injuries, with victims suffering permanent and life-altering disabilities. The financial burden associated with these injuries can be immense, and the victims and their families require compensation in order to live a life of dignity. Unfortunately trucking companies and their insurance companies will do everything they can in an effort to limit the amount of the compensation a victim is entitled to. You need a seasoned strong, reputable semi truck accident lawyer who can fight the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the knowledge, experience and strength to make an impact on your case.

Semi-trucks, referred to by the names tractor-trailer or 18-wheeler are commercial vehicles of a large size comprised of a truck unit (tractor) and an attached trailer which transports cargo. Because of their size and weight, these trucks are prone to serious accidents if they are driven in reckless manner or if the driver is not exercising reasonable care while operating the vehicle. Truck accidents are often caused by drivers who speed, distracted drivers and the inability to spot blind spots when changing lanes or turning. Incorrect loading of cargo can cause truck accidents too. This can result in shifting, swaying or even rolling the truck.

In addition to the driver of the truck and other drivers, other parties could share the blame in a truck accident, including the employer of the driver, the company they haul products for, or even the person that sets up the load. The process of proving fault can be more difficult if multiple insurers are involved in the incident, because they each attempt to limit their own liability.

In some cases, the local government agency might also be responsible in the event of an accident on its property. If, for example an unmaintained road or a poorly designed layout caused an accident, then the county board may be responsible for the injuries suffered by the victim. This kind of claim is based upon the principle of vicarious liability, which holds a supervisory person liable for the actions of an employee while acting in the scope of their job.

Damages

Every motor vehicle accident can result in extreme emotional and physical trauma. The consequences of a collision with semi-trucks are more severe than other types of accidents. Not only can these vehicles cause more serious injuries however, they also have the potential to cause property damage or destruction that can lead to significant financial burdens. A semi truck accident lawyer can help you determine the full extent of your losses and pursue appropriate compensation for them.

It's recommended to speak with an attorney for injury after any type of accident, this is especially important when it comes to cases involving large trucks. In addition to the general laws that govern personal injury and traffic, there are special regulations applicable to commercial trucks. These rules can have a major impact on how a collision occurs, the parties accountable and the types damages that may be awarded. A lawyer can help you get the most out of these regulations and ensure that the parties responsible are held accountable.

If a truck accident happens it is not uncommon to find a variety of parties to be accountable for the accident, including the driver of the truck as well as the company they work for, as well as the company that carried the load. A truck manufacturer, or any defective parts could also be held responsible for the incident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide the evidence required to show that all parties at fault are accountable and that you have the right to fair compensation.

A semi truck accident law firm truck accident lawyer with years of experience will protect you from common tactics used by insurance firms to deny or reduce your claim. Victims of injuries are often desperate to collect their money to pay for medical treatments and other expenses. Insurance companies take advantage of this by using delay to force you into accepting lower than you should.

A lawyer can help you determine the damages you are entitled to in the near and future including medical bills, lost income and property damage. A lawyer can assist you determine how much punitive and compensatory damages to decide on in your particular case. Compensatory damages are intended to compensate you for your losses. Punitive damages seek to punish the person at fault and deter other people from committing similar crimes.

Expert Witnesses

The nature of truck accidents is different from car accidents in that they require more specialized information, including the mechanics of the truck involved and the long-term economic as well as medical effects of the accident and the governing regulations for the industry. A semi-truck crash lawyer should be able to access the right experts, who can fill in the gaps of knowledge and provide vital evidence that could be vital to a client's claim.

Accident reconstruction specialists are among the most reliable experts that a semi-truck accident attorney might want to call. These professionals are experienced and can assess the accident scene, analyze both the truck and the vehicle involved in it to determine the cause of the crash, and present their findings in a way that is easily understandable. They are often an essential element of a successful lawsuit because they can help the jury understand how the accident happened and which parties could be accountable for it.

The right expert witnesses can also help identify the damages that are applicable and how much the damages will be worth. For instance, a life care planner could be hired to demonstrate the impact that a serious accident might have on a victim's ability to work, their medical requirements for the remainder of their lives and any other repercussions that may be long-term. An economist can also assist calculate damages for lost earnings which is a significant element of any compensation award.

Experts in toxicology for forensics and identification of alcohol and drugs can be extremely helpful in a successful claim. These types of experts can assist in drawing a clear line between intoxication and the incident, particularly when the driver may have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident. A metallurgist is also an excellent expert witness since they can conduct tests on the metal components of the truck that could be involved in the accident to determine whether they were laden with.

In certain cases the New York semi-truck accident attorney will engage an expert to examine the trucking company's operations and how it operates. This is particularly important if the trucker was employed by a large trucking business and is subject to certain standards which other drivers aren't. An expert could examine the safety policies of the trucking company and hiring practices, as well as any other information which could assist in determining the cause of the accident.

Time Limits

If a truck accident occurs, evidence is often lost or destroyed. That's why it's important to speak with a semi truck accident attorney as soon as you can. Our attorneys will conduct an extensive investigation to determine all the liable parties for your injuries. We'll work with experts in accident reconstruction doctors, medical professionals and financial experts to help you get the compensation you deserve.

The most common reason for truck accidents is driver carelessness. This can include driving distracted, driving under the influence or driving recklessly. Trucking companies that fail to adhere to safety regulations or hire employees who are not qualified could also be accountable for accidents.

Incorrect maintenance of the vehicle can also be a cause of an accident involving a truck. Inability to inspect or repair the brakes, tires, or any other component could cause a dangerous crash. It is crucial that your lawyer for truck accidents understands the maintenance requirements of large trucks so that they can investigate any safety issues.

Another reason 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 if not properly loaded. This is a serious crash that can cause severe or fatal injuries to other motorists in the road.

Accidents involving trucks are also caused by reckless driving of other drivers. They may cut off the driver of the truck or merge into the wrong lane. These actions can cause the truck to turn off the road and collide with pedestrians or other vehicles.

A head-on collision between the truck and a passenger vehicle is one of the most dangerous types of truck crashes. The front of the passenger vehicle is typically the one who takes the brunt, resulting in serious injuries and sometimes even death. These kinds of accidents typically occur on undivided highways when the truck driver falls asleep, turns to avoid another vehicle or is under the effects of alcohol or drugs. Trucks can cause accidents as well by spilling dangerous materials. These accidents can cause environmental damage and health hazards for humans who come in contact with the chemicals.