Truck Accident Attorneys
Each year, 5,000 people are killed in crashes with large trucks. It is essential to work with truck accident attorneys who are knowledgeable of the different causes.
A lawyer should promptly initiate claims with the insurance company, as well as the company which owns the truck. This will maximize the amount of insurance.
Liability
While trucks comprise just 4 percent of vehicles on the road however, they are involved in more than five percent of all vehicle accidents. Most of those accidents result in catastrophic injuries, with victims suffering permanent and life-altering disabilities. The financial burden of those injuries can be enormous and the family members of the victims require compensation to allow them to live their lives with dignity. Unfortunately, trucking companies and their insurance companies will not leave a stone unturned in their efforts to reduce the amount of compensation a victim is entitled to. This is why you need an experienced and dependable semi truck accident attorney that will stand up to insurance companies and their attorneys. John Hensley's team possesses the expertise and experience to make a significant difference in your case.
A semi-truck, also referred to as a tractor-trailer, or an 18-wheeler, is a massive commercial vehicle consisting of an engine (tractor unit) and an detachable trailer which carries cargo. Due to their size and weight, these trucks are prone to serious accidents when they are driven recklessly or if drivers fail to exercise reasonable care while operating the vehicle. Truck accidents are usually caused by speeding, distracted drivers and the inability to spot blind spots when turning or changing lanes. Improper loading of freight can also cause truck accidents. This can cause shifting, swaying, and even rolling the truck.
In addition to the truck driver there are other parties who could be responsible in a crash, including the driver's employer, the company they haul product for, and the person who arranges the load. Finding fault is more difficult when multiple insurers are involved in the case because they each attempt to limit their own liability.
In some instances the local government agency could also share responsibility in the event of a crash on their property. If, for example a road that is not maintained or a poorly-designed layout caused an accident, the county board could be responsible for the damage suffered by the victim. This type of claim is based on the principle of vicarious accountability, which holds a supervisory person liable for the actions of an employee performing the duties of their duties.
Damages
Any accident involving a motor vehicle can cause extreme emotional and physical trauma. However, the effects of a collision with a semi truck can be more serious than most other types of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage to property. This can lead to a significant financial burden. A semi truck accident lawyer can assist you in determining the extent of your losses and seek the appropriate compensation for them.
Although it's generally a good idea to consult an injury lawyer following any type of accident, this is especially important in cases involving large 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 major impact on how a collision occurs, the parties responsible and the type of damages that may be awarded. A lawyer can ensure that you understand the regulations and that the parties at fault are held accountable.
It is not unusual for multiple parties to be accountable for a truck crash, including the driver and their employer, as well the company that transported the cargo. In addition, blame can be attributed to the company that made the truck of the truck, or any of the parts that were defective and caused the accident. An attorney who is a semi truck accident can provide the detailed evidence required to show that all parties at fault are accountable and that you are entitled to fair compensation.
An experienced semi truck accident lawyer on your side can protect you from the usual tactics used by insurance companies to deny or reduce your claim. Injured victims are usually looking for money to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies know this and profit from this, using delaying as a way to pressure you into accepting less than what you are entitled to.
An attorney can assist you in determining the damages you are entitled to in the future and in the present including medical bills, lost income and property damage. An attorney can also help you determine the appropriate amount of compensatory and punitive damages to award in your case. Compensation damages are designed to compensate you for the losses. Punitive damages are designed to penalize the party who is at fault and prevent other people from engaging in similar crimes.
tacoma semi truck accident attorney
Unlike a normal car accident case, truck crashes typically involve a lot of highly specialized information about industry regulations, truck mechanics, and the long-term economic and medical consequences of the crash. A semi-truck crash lawyer should have access to the appropriate experts, who can fill in gaps of knowledge and provide crucial evidence that can be crucial to a client's claim.
Specialists in accident reconstruction are some of the most valuable experts a semi truck accident attorney can call on. They are skilled professionals who are skilled at examining the scene of the accident, examine the vehicle and truck involved in the collision, identify the reason for the crash and then explain their findings in clear, simple terms. They are usually a vital component of any successful lawsuit since they can help the jury understand how the crash occurred, and who might be accountable for it.
Expert witnesses can also determine the extent of damages that are relevant and their value. For instance, a health planner could be hired to show the impact that a serious accident could have on a victim's ability to work, their medical requirements for the duration of their lives, and any other repercussions that may be long-term. An economist may also be able to determine the amount of compensation for lost earnings which is a significant component of any compensation award.
Experts in toxicology forensics and drug and alcohol identification can be extremely helpful for a successful case. These types of experts could assist in drawing a clear line between drunkenness and the incident, particularly when the trucker was been under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash. A metallurgist is also a valuable expert witness. They can conduct tests on the metal components of the truck involved in the accident to determine if they loaded to the limit.
In certain cases the New York semi-truck accident attorney will hire an expert to study the trucking company's operations and the way in which it operates. This is essential, particularly when the trucker was employed by an established trucking company and was subject to the same standards as other drivers weren't. The expert can look into the safety protocols of the trucking company, as well as their hiring practices as well as any other information which could assist in determining fault.
Time Limits
When a truck collision occurs there is a high likelihood that evidence will be lost or destroyed. That's why it's important to get in touch with a semi-truck accident lawyer as soon as you can. Our attorneys will conduct an exhaustive investigation to identify all responsible parties for your injuries. We'll work with accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals and financial analysts to ensure you get the money you deserve.
The most common reason for a truck accident is driver negligence. This could result from driving while distracted, driving while under the influence or driving recklessly. The trucking company that operates and owns the truck could also be at fault for an accident in the event that they do not follow safety rules or hire unqualified drivers.
A vehicle that is not maintained properly is another reason for crashes involving trucks. A failure to inspect or repair the brakes, tires, or any other component could cause a dangerous crash. It is essential to ensure that your attorney for truck accidents knows the needs of maintenance for large trucks to be able to look into any issues with the safety of the truck.
A third issue is that a poorly loaded trailer or cargo could result in an accident involving a truck. If a truck isn't properly loaded, it could cause the trailer to shift while on the road or cause the truck to hit the ground. This is a serious accident that could cause serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
Inattention of other drivers could cause truck accidents too. They could cut off the driver of the truck or merge into wrong lane. These actions can cause the truck to veer off the road, and then collide with pedestrians or other vehicles.
A head-on collision between trucks and a passenger vehicle is among the most deadly kinds of truck crashes. The front of the passenger vehicle usually 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, steers away from another vehicle, or is under the impaired by alcohol or drugs. Trucks may also cause accidents by spilling their hazardous materials. These accidents can cause environmental damage as well as human health hazards for those who come in contact with the chemicals.