Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 individuals are killed in crashes involving large trucks. If a crash does occur it's crucial to find truck accident lawyers who know the various elements involved.
Attorneys should immediately make 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 get the most insurance possible.
Liability
Trucks make up only 4 percent of the vehicles on the road, but they are involved in nearly five percent of all accidents. Most of those accidents result in severe injuries, with victims suffering permanent and life-changing disabilities. The financial burden of these injuries can be enormous and the families of victims need to recover damages to allow them to live their lives with dignity. Trucking companies and their insurers will do everything they can to limit the amount of compensation a victim is due. That's why you need an experienced, skilled semi truck accident attorney that can stand up to the insurance companies and their attorneys. John Hensley and his team have the expertise, experience and strength to make an impact in your case.
Semi-trucks, also known by the terms tractor-trailer and 18-wheeler are commercial vehicles of a large size made up of a truck unit (tractor) and an attached trailer that transports cargo. These trucks are vulnerable due to their weight and size to serious accidents if driven recklessly. Accidents involving trucks are usually caused by speeding, distracted drivers, and failure to check blind spots when turning or changing lanes. Another cause of truck crashes is the improper loading of freight which can lead to shifting and swaying which could potentially result in the truck rolling over.
In addition to the truck driver there are other parties who could be liable in a truck accident, such as the driver's employer and the company they transport products for, or even the person who is responsible for setting up the load. The process of proving fault can be more difficult when multiple insurers are involved in the case, because they all attempt to limit their own liability.
In albany semi truck accident settlement , a local government agency could also be responsible in the event of a crash on their property. For instance, if poorly designed road layout or maintenance issues contributed to an accident the county board may be held accountable for the damages suffered by the victim. This kind of claim is based on the principle of vicarious liability, which holds an authority party responsible for the actions of employees when they are acting within the confines of their work.
Damages
Any car accident can cause extreme physical and emotional trauma. The consequences of a collision with a semi-truck can be more severe than other types of accidents. Not only can these vehicles cause more severe injuries as well, but they also have the potential to damage or destroy property that can lead to significant financial burdens. A semi truck accident lawyer can assist you to determine your full losses and obtain the compensation you deserve.
It's always a good idea regardless of the type of accident that has occurred to talk to a personal injury attorney. This is especially important in cases involving large-sized vehicles. In addition to the general laws that regulate personal injury and traffic there are specific regulations that pertain to commercial trucks. These regulations can have a significant impact on how a collision happens, the responsible parties and the types damages that are possible to award. A lawyer can ensure that you are aware of the rules and that the parties responsible are held accountable.
It is not uncommon for multiple parties to be held responsible for a truck crash, including the driver or their employer, as well as the company that hauled the cargo. A truck manufacturer, or any defective parts may also be accountable for the accident. A semi truck accident attorney can provide the specific evidence needed to demonstrate that all parties at fault are liable and that you are entitled to fair compensation.
An experienced semi truck accident attorney to defend you from the usual strategies that insurance companies employ to reduce or deny your claim. Injured victims are often desperate to receive their money in order to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies take advantage of this by attempting to force you into accepting lower than you should.
An attorney can assist you in determining the damages you are entitled to in the future and present which includes medical expenses, lost income and property damage. A lawyer can assist you determine the amount of damages to determine in your case. Compensatory damages aim to pay you back for your losses, whereas punitive damages are meant to punish the at-fault party and discourage others from committing similar actions.
Expert Witnesses
The nature of truck accidents is different from car accidents in that they require a lot more specific details, including the mechanics involved in truck accidents along with the long-term financial and medical effects of the crash and the governing regulations for the industry. A semi-truck accident attorney should have access to the right experts who can fill in gaps and provide crucial evidence that could be vital to the client's case.
Specialists in accident reconstruction are some of the most valuable experts a semi truck accident lawyer can call upon. These experts are knowledgeable and can assess the scene of an accident, evaluate both the truck and the vehicle involved in it and determine the reason for the accident, and explain their findings clearly and understandable. They are often a crucial element of a successful lawsuit as they help the jury understand how the accident happened and who could be responsible for it.
Expert witnesses can help determine which damages are applicable and how much the damages will be worth. For instance, a health planner could be hired to illustrate the impact that a serious accident might have on a victim's ability to work, their medical requirements for the duration of their lives, and any other long-term consequences. In addition, an economist could assist in calculating things such as lost earnings damages, which could be a significant part of any compensation award.
Experts in toxicology forensics and the identification of alcohol and drugs are also extremely valuable for a successful claim. These experts can help draw the line between intoxication and the crash. This is especially the case when the trucker was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of crash. A metallurgist could also be an excellent expert witness because they can conduct tests on the metal components of the truck that might be involved in the collision to determine whether they were loaded to the max.
In some cases there are occasions when a New York semi-truck accident attorney will engage an expert to investigate the trucking company's operations and how it functions. This is especially important if the trucker was employed by a large trucking business and could be subject to certain requirements that other drivers do not. The expert can examine the safety policies of the trucking company, as well as their hiring practices, as well as any other information that could aid in determining the source of the problem.
Time Limits
Evidence is usually destroyed or lost in a truck accident. This is the reason it's so important to contact a semi truck accident lawyer as soon as you can. Our attorneys can conduct a thorough investigation to determine who's responsible for your injuries. We'll work with experts in accident reconstruction as well as medical professionals and financial experts to help you get the compensation you need.
The most common cause for truck accidents is driver negligence. This can include driving distracted, driving under the influence or driving recklessly. The trucking company that operates and owns the truck may also be liable for accidents in the event they fail to comply with safety regulations or hire unqualified drivers.
Another reason for a truck accident is the lack of maintenance on the vehicle. Failure to inspect or repair the brakes, tires, or other parts of a vehicle can result in the risk of a fatal accident. It is crucial that your truck accident lawyer understands the maintenance requirements of large trucks to examine any safety concerns.
Thirdly, a poorly-loaded trailer or cargo can cause an accident with a truck. If a truck is not properly loaded, it could cause the trailer to shift while on the road or cause the truck to become jackknifed. This is a serious accident that can cause serious or fatal injuries to other motorists who are driving.
The negligence of other drivers can also lead to truck accidents. They might cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong lane. These actions could cause the truck to veer off the roadway and collide with pedestrians or other vehicles.
A head-on collision between a truck and a passenger vehicle is one of the most dangerous types of truck accidents. The front of the car is usually the one who takes the brunt, which can result in serious injuries, and even death. These kinds of accidents typically occur on roads with no other traffic when the truck driver falls asleep, steers away from another vehicle, or is under the effects of alcohol or drugs. Trucks can cause accidents as well by spilling hazardous substances. These accidents could cause environmental damage and human health hazards for those who come into contact with the chemicals.