10 Semi Truck Compensation Tricks All Experts Recommend
Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 individuals are killed in crashes with large trucks. If a crash does occur it's crucial to find truck accident lawyers who are aware of the various elements involved.
A lawyer should immediately set up claims with the insurance company of the driver company as well as the company that is the owner of the truck. This is done in order to get the most insurance possible.
Liability
Trucks account for only 4 percent of all vehicles on the road, but they are involved in over a fifth of all accidents. Most of those accidents cause catastrophic injuries with victims suffering permanent, life-altering disabilities. The financial burden of these injuries can be huge, and the victims and their families must seek compensation to allow them to live a life of dignity. Unfortunately, trucking companies and their insurance providers will make no effort in their efforts to reduce the amount of compensation that a victim is entitled to. This is why you need an experienced, dependable semi truck accident lawyer who can stand up to the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley's team possesses the expertise skills, experience, and determination 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 that consists of a truck (tractor unit) and a detachable trailer that carries cargo. These trucks are vulnerable due to their weight and size, to serious accidents if they are driven in reckless manners. Truck accidents are usually caused by distracted drivers, speeding and the inability to spot blind spots when turning or changing lanes. Improper loading of freight can also cause truck accidents. This could lead to shifting, swaying and even the truck rolling.
In addition to the driver, other parties may share responsibility in an accident involving a truck. This includes the driver's company and the company the driver transports products for or the person who arranges the load. Proving fault can be more difficult when multiple insurance companies are involved in the matter, because they each attempt to limit their own liability.
In some instances, the local government agency might also be accountable for accidents that occur on its property. If, for instance an unmaintained road or a poorly designed layout caused an accident, then the county board may be responsible for the damage suffered by the victim. This type of claim is based upon the principle of vicarious responsibility that is the law that holds a supervisor responsible for the actions of an employee while performing their duties.
Damages
Any motor vehicle accident can cause severe physical and emotional trauma. The results of a collision with semi-trucks are more severe than other kinds of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage to property. This could lead to a significant financial burden. A semi truck accident lawyer can help you determine the totality of your loss and pursue the right compensation for them.
Although it's generally a good idea to consult an injury lawyer following any kind of accident this is particularly important when it comes to cases involving large trucks. In addition to the general laws that govern traffic and personal injury there are particular rules that pertain to commercial trucks. They can impact how a crash occurs, who is accountable, and the kinds of damages that could be awarded. A lawyer can help you get the most out of these regulations and ensure that the at-fault parties are held liable.
It is not uncommon that several parties are held responsible for a truck crash including the driver, their employer, and the company that hauled the cargo. In addition, the fault could be attributed to the company that made the truck of the truck or any of the parts that were defective and caused the accident. A semi truck accident attorney truck accident lawyer can provide the specific evidence required to show that all parties at fault are accountable and that you have the right to fair compensation.
A seasoned semi truck accident lawyer on your side can safeguard you from the most common strategies used by insurance companies to reduce or deny your claim. Injured victims are often desperate to get their money so that they can pay for medical treatment and other expenses. The insurers know this and profit from it, using delay as a tool to pressure you to accept less than you deserve.
A lawyer can help you determine the total amount of present and future damages that you are entitled to, such as medical bills and lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering. A lawyer can also help you determine the right amount of compensatory and punitive damages to award in your case. Compensatory damages aim to compensate you for your losses, while punitive damages aim to penalize the party at fault and discourage others from committing similar actions.
Expert Witnesses
Unlike a normal car accident scenario, truck accidents generally involve a lot of highly specific information about the industry's regulations including truck mechanics, the long-term economic and medical effects of the crash. A semi-truck crash lawyer should have access to the appropriate experts who can fill in the gaps of knowledge and provide crucial testimony that may be crucial to a client's case.
The specialists in accident reconstruction are among the most reliable experts that a semi-truck accident lawyer could call upon. These are seasoned professionals who are skilled at examining the scene of the accident, examine the truck and other vehicles involved in the accident, determine what caused the accident and present their findings in simple, easy-to-understand terms. They are often a crucial part of any successful lawsuit because they can help the jury understand how an accident occurred and which parties could be responsible.
The right expert witnesses can help determine which damages are applicable and how much those damages will be worth. For instance, a life care planner could be hired to demonstrate the impact a serious accident could have on the victim's ability to work, their medical requirements for the remainder of their lives and any other long-term consequences. Likewise, an economist can assist in calculating things such as lost earnings damages, which will be a significant component of any compensation award.
Experts in toxicology in the forensic field and drug and alcohol identification can also be very valuable to a successful claim. These experts can aid in drawing a clear line between alcohol 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 can also be an expert witness. They can examine the metal components of the truck involved in the crash to determine if they overloaded.
In certain cases an attorney representing a New York semi truck accident will retain an expert to look into the trucking firm and how it operates. This is especially crucial if the trucker was employed by a large trucking business and is subject to certain requirements that other drivers do not. An expert can look into the safety procedures of the trucking firm, hiring practices, and any other information that may aid in determining fault.
Time Limits
When a truck crash occurs the evidence is often lost or destroyed. That's why it's important to get in touch with a semi-truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Our lawyers can conduct an extensive investigation to determine the responsible parties for your injuries. We'll partner with experts in accident reconstruction as well as medical professionals and financial experts to assist you in getting the compensation you deserve.
The most common reason for truck accidents is driver carelessness. It could be due to driving in a hurry, driving under the influence, or driving recklessly. The trucking company that operates and owns the truck could also be accountable for accidents when they fail to adhere to safety regulations or hire inexperienced drivers.
Unprofessional maintenance of the vehicle can also be a cause of the possibility of a crash with a truck. Failure to check or repair a truck's brakes, tires, or other parts could result in a deadly crash. It's important to make sure that your lawyer for truck accidents is aware of the maintenance requirements of large trucks to be able to determine any issues that could affect the safety of the truck.
Another reason for a truck accident is a poorly loaded trailer or cargo. A poorly loaded truck can cause the trailer or truck to jackknife if not properly loaded. This is a serious incident that could cause serious or fatal injuries to other motorists who are driving.
Accidents involving trucks are also caused by negligent driving by other drivers. They might cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong lane. These actions may cause the driver of the truck to drift off the road, and cause it to hit other vehicles and pedestrians.
One of the most fatal truck accidents is head-on collisions. The front end of the passenger vehicle is usually the one to take the brunt of the impact, resulting in serious injuries and even death. These kinds of accidents typically occur on roads with no other traffic when the truck driver falls asleep, is unable to steer clear of another vehicle, or is under the impaired by alcohol or drugs. There are also accidents that involve trucks that spill their load of hazardous materials. These accidents can cause environmental damage and risk to the health of people who come into contact with the chemicals.