Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 individuals are killed in crashes with large trucks. In the event of a crash it's essential to consult with truck accident lawyers who understand the various aspects involved.
A lawyer should immediately initiate claims with the insurance company as in the case of the company that is the owner of the truck. This is done to maximize the amount of insurance.
Liability
Trucks account for only 4 percent of all vehicles that are on the roads, yet they are involved in more than a fifth of all accidents. In the vast majority of these accidents, victims suffer severe injuries and become permanently disabled. These accidents can have a devastating financial impact, and victims and their families should be compensated in order to live their lives with dignity. Unfortunately trucking companies and insurance companies will do everything they can in an attempt to limit the amount of the compensation a victim is entitled to. That's why you need an experienced, skilled semi truck accident attorney that is able to stand up against insurance companies and their attorneys. John Hensley and his team have the knowledge, experience and power to make an impact in your case.
A semi-truck, also known as a tractor-trailer, or an 18-wheeler is a big commercial vehicle that consists of the truck (tractor unit) and a detachable trailer that carries cargo. Because of their weight and size they are vulnerable to serious accidents when they are driven in reckless manner or when the driver does not exercise reasonable care while operating the vehicle. The most common causes of accidents involving trucks include speeding, distracted driving and not checking blind spots before changing lanes or turning. Another reason for truck accidents is improper loading of the cargo, which can cause shifting and swaying that could lead to the truck rolling over.
In addition to the driver, other parties could share responsibility in truck accidents. This includes the driver's company or the company the driver hauls product for, or even the person who sets up the load. It isn't easy to prove the fault when there are several insurance companies involved as each will seek to limit its own liability.
In some cases the local government agency could be held accountable for an accident that occurs on its property. For instance, if poorly designed road layout or poor maintenance caused an accident, the county board could be responsible for the injuries suffered by the victim. This type of claim is based on the principle of vicarious liability, which holds the supervisory party accountable for the actions of employees while acting within the scope of their employment.
Damages
Any motor vehicle accident can cause extreme physical and emotional trauma. The results of a collision involving semi-trucks can be more severe than other types of accidents. Not only do these vehicles cause more serious injuries, but they can also damage or destroy property that can lead to significant financial burdens. A semi truck accident lawyer can help you determine the full extent of your losses and pursue the appropriate compensation.
It's always a good idea, regardless of the kind of accident that has occurred to speak with a personal injury attorney. This is particularly true when it comes to cases involving large vehicles. In addition to the general laws that govern personal injury and traffic There are specific rules applicable to commercial vehicles. These rules can have a major impact on how a collision happens, the responsible parties and the kind of damages that are possible to award. An attorney can ensure that you are aware of regulations and that the parties at fault are held accountable.
When a truck accident occurs, it is not uncommon to have several people who are responsible for the accident, including the driver of the truck, the company they work for, as well as the company responsible for hauling the load. A truck manufacturer, or any defective parts could also be held responsible for the accident. A semi truck accident lawyer will provide the exact evidence required to show that all parties at fault are liable and that you are entitled to fair compensation.
A semi truck accident lawyer with experience will be able to protect you from typical tactics employed by insurance companies to deny or limit your claim. Injured victims are usually looking for money to cover medical treatment and other expenses. The insurers know this and profit from it, using delay as a way to try to force you into accepting less than you are entitled to.
An attorney can assist you determine all the future and present damages you are entitled to, such as medical bills and lost income damages to property, suffering and pain. A lawyer can also help you determine the proper amount of punitive and compensatory damages to award in your case. Compensatory damages are intended to compensate you for your losses. columbus semi truck accident attorney are designed to punish the party who was at fault and discourage other people from committing similar crime.
Expert Witnesses
The nature of truck accidents is different from car accidents in that they require more detailed information, including the truck mechanics involved and the long-term economic as well as medical consequences of the accident as well as the regulations that govern the industry. A semi-truck crash lawyer should have access to the best experts, who can fill in gaps of knowledge and provide crucial evidence that could be vital to a client's claim.
Specialists in accident reconstruction are some of the most effective experts a semi truck accident lawyer can call upon. These professionals are experienced and are able to evaluate the accident scene, analyze the truck as well as the vehicle involved and determine the reason for the crash, and then explain their findings in a manner that is clear and comprehendable. They are often an essential part of any successful lawsuit because they can help the jury understand how an accident occurred and who might be responsible.
Expert witnesses can help determine which damages are applicable and how much they will be worth. For example, a life-care planner can be hired to demonstrate the impact a serious accident might have on a victim's ability to work, their medical requirements for the remaining years of their lives and any other long-term consequences. In addition, an economist could assist in calculating things such as lost earnings damages, which will be a significant component of any compensation award.
Experts in toxicology for forensics and drug and alcohol identification can be extremely helpful for a successful case. These types of experts can assist in drawing a clear line between drunkenness and the incident, particularly when the trucker might have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the collision. A metallurgist can be an expert witness. They can conduct tests on metal components of the truck involved in the crash to determine if they overloaded.
In certain cases, a New York semi-truck accident attorney will engage an expert to look into the trucking company's operations and how it functions. This is particularly important when the trucker worked for a large trucking firm and was subject to standards that other drivers were not. The expert can examine the safety policies of the trucking company, their hiring procedures and any other information that might aid in determining the cause of the accident.
Time Limits
Evidence is usually destroyed or lost when a truck accident occurs. This is the reason it's so important to contact a semi truck accident lawyer as quickly as possible. Our lawyers can conduct a thorough investigation to determine who is responsible for your injuries. We'll work with experts in accident reconstruction as well as medical professionals and financial experts to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
The most frequently cited reason for a truck crash is the negligence of the driver. This can be caused by driving distracted, driving under the influence, or driving irresponsibly. Trucking companies who fail to adhere to safety regulations or hire unqualified workers could also be accountable for accidents.
Another reason behind a truck accident is improper maintenance on the vehicle. Inability to check or repair the brakes, tires, or other parts of a truck could result in an accident that is dangerous. It is important that your truck accident lawyer is aware of the maintenance requirements for large trucks to investigate any safety issues.
Thirdly, a poorly-loaded trailer or cargo could result in an accident involving a truck. If a truck isn't loaded properly, it can cause the trailer to shift while on the road or cause the truck to be jackknifed. This is a serious accident that could result in serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
The negligence of other drivers can cause truck accidents too. They might cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong lane. These actions can cause the driver of the truck to deviate from the road, causing it to hit other vehicles and pedestrians.
A head-on collision between the truck and a passenger vehicle is one of the most deadly kinds of truck crashes. The front of the car is typically the one that takes the brunt, resulting in serious injuries, and even death. These accidents happen when a truck driver is asleep, or swerves to avoid another vehicle or is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. There are also accidents involving trucks spilling their loads of hazardous substances. These accidents could cause environmental harm and health risks to humans who come in contact with the chemicals.