Semi Truck Compensation Tips From The Top In The Industry
Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 individuals are killed in crashes with large trucks. It's important that you work with truck accident attorneys who are aware of the various factors.
Attorneys should immediately file a claim with the insurance company of the driver, as well as with the company that owns and operates the truck. This is done so as to maximize the insurance coverage available.
Liability
Trucks comprise just 4 percent of the vehicles that are on the roads, yet they are involved with more than 55% of all accidents. The majority of those accidents cause catastrophic injuries with victims suffering permanent, life-changing disabilities. The financial burden associated with these injuries can be enormous and the victims and their families need to recover damages to live with dignity. Insurance companies and trucking firms will do everything they can to minimize the amount of compensation that the victim is entitled to. That's why you need a strong, experienced semi truck accident law firm truck accident attorney that can stand up to the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the experience, knowledge and the strength to make a difference in your case.
A semi-truck, also known as a tractor-trailer or an 18-wheeler is a big commercial vehicle made up 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 driven recklessly. Truck accidents are usually caused by drivers who speed, distracted drivers and the inability to spot blind spots when changing lanes or turning. Another cause of truck accidents is improper loading of the freight, which could cause shifting and swaying that could potentially result in the truck rolling over.
In addition to the driver, other parties could share responsibility in an accident involving a truck. This includes the driver's employer and the company the driver hauls product for and even the person who is responsible for setting up the load. It can be difficult to prove that someone is at fault when there are multiple insurance companies involved, as each one will try to limit their own liability.
In some cases, the local government agency may be held accountable in the event of an accident on its property. For instance, if poorly designed road layout or a lack of maintenance contributed to an accident the county board may be liable for the damage caused by the victim. This type of claim is based on the principle of vicarious liability that holds the supervisory party accountable for the actions of an employee who is acting within the context of their job.
Damages
Every motor vehicle accident can cause extreme physical and emotional trauma. The effects of a collision involving semi-trucks can be more severe than other kinds of accidents. Not only can these vehicles cause more severe injuries however, they can also damage or destroy property that can lead to significant financial burdens. A semi truck accident attorney can assist you in determining the full extent of your losses and seek an appropriate amount of compensation.
It is always a good idea regardless of the type of accident that took place to talk to a personal injury attorney. This is particularly true in cases involving large-sized vehicles. Commercial trucks are subject to particular regulations in addition to the laws that regulate traffic, personal injury and other laws. These rules can have a significant impact on how a crash occurs, the parties accountable and the kinds of damages that may be awarded. A lawyer can assist you understand these regulations and ensure that the at-fault parties are held liable.
When a truck accident occurs, it is not uncommon to have several parties that could be responsible which include the driver of the truck, the company they work for, as well as the company that hauled the load. In addition, fault may be attributed to the manufacturer of the truck, or any defective parts that contributed to the accident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide the evidence needed to prove that all parties responsible are responsible and to demonstrate that you are entitled fair compensation.
Having an experienced semi truck accident attorney on your side can safeguard your rights from the common tactics that insurance companies use to reduce or deny 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 know this and profit from it, using delay as a tool to try to force you into accepting lower than you should.
An attorney can help determine the damages you are entitled to both in the future and now, including medical bills, lost income and property damage. A lawyer can help you determine the amount of damages to determine in your case. Compensatory damages are meant to compensate you for your losses, whereas punitive damages are meant to punish the responsible party and discourage others from engaging in similar actions.
Expert Witnesses
As opposed to a typical car crash case, truck accidents typically include a great deal of specific information regarding industry regulations including truck mechanics, the long-term medical and economic consequences of the collision. A semi truck accident law firms-truck accident attorney must have access to the right experts who can fill in gaps and provide vital evidence that could be crucial to the client's claim.
Specialists in accident reconstruction are some of the most reliable experts that a semi truck accident lawyers-truck accident lawyer can rely on. They are skilled professionals who are skilled at examining the scene of an accident, analyze the truck and vehicle involved in the crash, figure out the reason for the crash and explain their findings in simple, easy-to-understand terms. They are often a key element of a successful lawsuit since they can aid jurors in understanding why a particular crash happened, and who could be responsible.
Expert witnesses can also determine the damages that can be claimed and their value. A life care planner, for example is a person who can show the impact of an accident that is serious on a victim’s ability to work and their medical requirements throughout their life. An economist can also calculate the loss of earnings damages that are a key element of any compensation award.
Forensic toxicologists and experts in the recognition of alcohol and drug use can also be invaluable in a successful case. These types of experts could aid in drawing a clear line between drunkenness and the accident, especially when the trucker was been under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident. A metallurgist is also a valuable expert witness. They can examine the metal components of the truck involved in the accident to determine if they overloaded.
In some cases an attorney in an New York semi truck accident will employ an expert who will investigate the trucking company and how it operates. This is particularly crucial if the trucker was employed by a large company and semi truck Accident law firm could be required to follow certain standards that other drivers do not. The expert can examine the safety protocols of the trucking company, their hiring practices, as well as any other information that could assist in determining fault.
Time Limits
If a truck accident occurs, evidence is often lost or destroyed. This is why it's imperative to get in touch with a semi-truck accident attorney as soon as you can. Our attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation to determine who is responsible for your injuries. We'll work with experts in accident reconstruction doctors, medical professionals and financial experts to help you obtain the compensation you need.
The most common cause for truck accidents is driver carelessness. This can be caused by driving distracted or under the influence or reckless driving. The trucking company that owns and operates the truck may also be accountable for a crash if they fail to follow safety rules or hire unqualified drivers.
Another cause of a truck accident is the lack of maintenance on the vehicle. Inability to inspect or repair the brakes, tires, or other components could lead to a dangerous crash. It is crucial to ensure that your truck accident attorney understands the maintenance needs of large trucks in order to investigate any issues with the truck's safety.
A third reason is that a trailer that is not properly loaded or cargo could result in an accident involving a truck. If a truck is not properly loaded, it can cause the trailer to shift while on the road or cause the truck to jackknife. This is a serious accident that can cause severe or fatal injuries to motorists on the road.
Drivers' negligence by other drivers can also cause truck accidents. They could cut off the driver of the truck or merge into wrong lanes. These actions may cause the driver of the truck to drift off the road, causing it hit other vehicles and pedestrians.
A head-on collision between two vehicles, a truck and a vehicle is one of the most deadly kinds of truck crashes. The front of the passenger vehicle typically takes the brunt of the impact, which can result in serious injuries and death. These types of accidents usually occur on roads with no other traffic when the truck driver is asleep, turns to avoid another vehicle or is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Trucks can cause accidents as well by spilling dangerous materials. These accidents could cause environmental harm as well as health risks for people who come in contact with the chemicals.