Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people die in crashes involving large trucks. It's important that you work with truck accident attorneys who are knowledgeable of the different causes.
A lawyer should immediately set up claims with the insurance company as well as the company that is the owner of the truck. This will maximize the amount of available insurance.
Liability
Trucks account for only 4 percent of all vehicles on the road, however they are involved in more than a fifth of all accidents. The vast majority of those accidents result in catastrophic injuries, with victims suffering permanent and life-altering disabilities. The financial burden associated with these injuries can be enormous and the families of victims require compensation to live their lives with dignity. Unfortunately trucking firms and their insurance providers will leave no stone unturned in an attempt to limit the amount of compensation that a victim is entitled to. You need an experienced and dependable semi truck accident lawyer who is able to take on the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley's team is equipped with the knowledge and experience to make a significant difference in your case.
Semi-trucks, also known under the names tractor-trailer or 18-wheeler are commercial vehicles of a large size comprised of one truck unit (tractor) and an attached trailer that transports cargo. Due to their size and weight they are prone to serious accidents when they are driven recklessly or if drivers fail to exercise reasonable care while driving the vehicle. The most common causes of accidents involving trucks include speeding, distracted driving, and not securing blind spots prior to turning or changing lanes. Incorrect loading of cargo can result in truck accidents. This could lead to shifting, swaying and even the truck rolling.
In addition to the driver, other parties could share the responsibility for truck accidents. This includes the company that is responsible for the driver as well as the company that the driver hauls product for, or even the person responsible for setting up the load. Proving fault is more difficult when multiple insurers are involved in the case, as they will each try to limit their own liability.
In some instances the local government agency could also be accountable for an accident that occurs on its property. For instance, if poorly designed road layout or maintenance issues caused 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, which holds a supervisory body accountable for the actions of an employee who is acting within the context of their duties.
Damages
The emotional and physical trauma that can result from a motor vehicle accident can be a lot. The results of a collision involving semi-trucks can be more severe than other kinds of accidents. Not only can these vehicles cause more severe injuries and injuries, but they can also damage or destroy property which can result in substantial financial burdens. A semi truck accident lawyer can help you determine your full losses and get the right compensation.
While it's generally an excellent idea to consult an attorney for injury after any kind of accident this is especially important in cases involving large trucks. Commercial trucks are subject to special regulations in addition laws that govern traffic, personal injury and other laws. They can impact how a crash occurs, who is accountable, and the kinds of damages that may be awarded. Lawyers can ensure that you understand the regulations and that those responsible are held accountable.
When a truck accident occurs it is not uncommon to find a variety of parties who could be accountable such as the truck driver or the company they work for, and the company that carries the load. In addition, blame can be assigned to the maker of the truck or to any faulty parts that caused the accident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide you with the evidence necessary to prove that all parties at fault are responsible and to demonstrate that you are entitled fair compensation.
A semi truck accident lawyer with years of experience will be able to protect you from common tactics used by insurance companies to deny or decrease your claim. Victims of injuries are often eager to receive compensation in order to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. The insurance companies are aware of this and take advantage of delay as a tool to try to force you to accept lower than you should.
An attorney can help you determine all of the present and future damages that you are entitled to, such as medical bills loss of income property damage, pain and suffering. A lawyer can also assist you determine the appropriate amount of punitive and compensatory damages to award in your particular case. Compensatory damages seek to compensate you for your losses. Punitive damages seek to penalize the person who is who was at fault and discourage other people from engaging in similar crimes.
Expert Witnesses
In contrast to a typical car accident case, truck accidents typically contain a large amount of specific information on industry regulations, truck mechanics, and the long-term medical and economic impact of the crash. A semi-truck accident attorney should have access to experts who can fill in knowledge gaps and provide crucial evidence that could be vital to the client's claim.
indianapolis semi truck accident law firm in accident reconstruction are some of the most reliable experts a semi truck accident lawyer can rely on. These experts are knowledgeable and can assess the scene of an accident, examine both the truck and the vehicle involved and determine the reason for the crash, and present their findings in a manner that is clear and understandable. They are usually an essential part of a successful lawsuit, since they can assist jurors to understand how a collision took place and who may be responsible.
Expert witnesses can also determine the extent of damages that are relevant and the worth. A life care planner, for example is an expert who can show the impact of an accident of a serious nature on the victim's ability to work and their medical needs over their entire life. An economist may also be able to calculate the damages for lost earnings which is a significant element of any compensation award.
Experts in forensic toxicology and drug and alcohol identification can also be very valuable in a successful claim. They can assist in drawing a direct line between intoxication and the crash. This is particularly true when the trucker was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash. 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 loaded with too much.
In some instances an attorney in a New York semi truck accident will engage an expert to investigate the trucking company and the way it operates. This is essential, particularly in the case of a trucker who worked for a large trucking firm and was subject to standards that other drivers were not. The right expert can examine the trucking company's safety procedures and hiring practices, as well as any other information that might assist in determining the cause of the accident.
Time Limits
Evidence is usually destroyed or lost when a truck accident occurs. That's why it's important to contact a semi truck accident lawyer as soon as you can. Our attorneys can conduct an extensive investigation to determine all responsible parties for your injuries. We will work with accident reconstruction experts medical professionals, financial experts and experts to help you obtain the compensation you require.
The most common reason for a truck accident involves driver carelessness. It could be due to driving while distracted or under the influence or reckless driving. The trucking company that operates and owns the truck could be accountable for accidents if they fail to follow safety rules or hire unqualified drivers.
Another reason for a car accident is poor maintenance on the vehicle. Failure to check or repair the truck's brakes or tires or other parts can cause a serious crash. It's crucial to ensure that your attorney for truck accidents understands the maintenance needs of large trucks, so that they can look into any issues with the safety of the truck.
A third reason for a car accident is a poorly loaded trailer or cargo. A truck that isn't loaded properly can cause the trailer or truck to jackknife when it's not properly loaded. This is a serious crash which can result in serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
Accidents involving trucks are also caused by reckless driving of other drivers. They could cut off the driver of the truck or merge into wrong lanes. These actions can cause the truck to turn off the road and collide with other vehicles or pedestrians.
One of the most fatal truck accidents is the head-on collision. The front of the passenger vehicle typically takes the brunt of the impact, resulting in serious injuries and even death. These kinds of accidents typically occur on undivided highways when the truck driver is asleep, steers away from another vehicle, or is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Trucks may also cause accidents by spilling dangerous materials. These accidents can cause environmental damage as well as health risks for humans who come in contact with the chemicals.