Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 individuals are killed in crashes involving large trucks. If a crash does occur it's essential to consult with truck accident lawyers that understand the various elements involved.
A lawyer should promptly initiate claims with the insurance company, as well as the company that owns the truck. This is done to maximize the amount of available insurance.
Liability
Trucks account for only 4 percent of all vehicles on the road, however they are involved in nearly half of all accidents. The majority of those accidents cause catastrophic injuries which result in permanent and life-altering disabilities. The financial burden associated with these injuries can be immense, and the family members of the victims require compensation to allow them to live with dignity. Insurance companies and trucking companies will do everything possible to cut down on the amount of compensation that the victim is due. You require a skilled strong and experienced semi truck accident lawyer to take on the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the experience, knowledge and determination to make the difference in your case.
Semi-trucks, also known under the names tractor-trailer, 18-wheeler and tractor are commercial vehicles of a large size made up of the truck unit (tractor) and an attached trailer which transports cargo. Because of their weight and size, these trucks are prone to serious accidents when they are driven with recklessness or when the driver is not exercising reasonable care while driving the vehicle. Common causes of truck accidents include speeding, distracted driving and failing to look over blind spots prior to changing lanes or turning. Unsafe loading of freight could also cause truck accidents. This could lead to shifting, swaying or even the truck rolling.
In addition to the driver, other people can share the blame in the event of a truck crash. This includes the driver's business as well as the company that the driver transports products for and even the person who is responsible for setting up the load. It can be more difficult when multiple insurance companies are involved in the incident, because they all attempt to limit their own liability.
In some cases, the local government agency might be held accountable for an accident that occurs on its property. If, for instance a road that is not maintained or a poorly laid-out layout caused an accident, then the county board could be liable for the damage suffered by the victim. This kind of claim is based upon the principle of vicarious accountability, which makes a supervisor accountable for an employee's actions while performing the duties of their duties.
Damages
Any motor vehicle accident can cause severe physical and emotional trauma. The consequences of a collision with semi-trucks are more severe than other types of accidents. Not only can these vehicles cause more serious injuries however, they also have the potential to cause property damage or destruction, resulting in significant financial burdens. A semi truck accident attorney can help you determine the totality of your losses and seek the appropriate compensation for them.
It's recommended to speak with an injury attorney after any kind of accident this is especially important for cases involving large-sized trucks. In addition to the general laws that govern traffic and personal injury, there are special regulations applicable to commercial trucks. These regulations can have a significant impact on how a crash occurs, the parties responsible and the types damages that could be awarded. A lawyer can ensure that you are aware of rules and that the parties responsible for the crash are held accountable.
It is not uncommon for several parties to be accountable in a truck-related accident including the driver, their employer, and the company who hauled the cargo. A truck manufacturer or defective parts may also be held responsible for the accident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide you with the evidence necessary to prove that all parties responsible are accountable and that you are entitled fair compensation.
A semi truck accident lawyer with experience can protect you from the common tactics used by insurance companies to deny or limit your claim. The injured victims are usually looking for 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.
A lawyer can help you determine the damages you are entitled to in the future and present including medical bills, lost income, and property damage. A lawyer can also help you determine the appropriate amount of compensatory and punitive damages to award in your case. Compensatory damages aim to compensate you for your losses, whereas punitive damages aim to punish the person at fault and deter others from committing similar acts.
Expert Witnesses
Unlike a normal car accident case, truck accidents typically contain a large amount of specific information regarding industry regulations including truck mechanics, the long-term medical and economic effects of the crash. oklahoma semi truck accident law firm -truck crash attorney should be able to access the right experts who can fill in the gaps of knowledge and provide testimony that could be essential to a client's case.
The specialists in accident reconstruction are one of the most useful experts that a semi-truck accident attorney might want to call. They are skilled professionals who know how to examine the scene of an accident, evaluate the vehicle and truck involved in the accident, determine the cause of the crash and explain their findings in clear, simple terms. They are often a key part of any successful lawsuit since they can assist the jury in understanding how the crash occurred, and who might be responsible for it.
The right expert witnesses can also assist to identify the damages that are applicable and how much those damages will be worth. For instance, a life insurance planner could be hired to illustrate the impact that a serious accident could have on a victim's ability to work, their medical needs for the rest of their lives, as well as any other long-term effects. An economist can also calculate damages for lost earnings, which are a major part of any compensation award.
Forensic toxicologists as well as experts in the field of recognition of alcohol and drugs can also be a huge asset in a successful claim. These experts can help to draw a straight line between alcohol 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 a valuable expert witness. They can conduct tests on the metal components of the truck involved in the accident to determine if they were overloaded.
In certain cases an attorney in an New York semi truck accident will employ an expert who will investigate the trucking business and how it operates. This is especially important in the event that the trucker was employed by a large company and is subject to certain rules which other drivers aren't. An expert could examine the trucking company's safety procedures hiring practices, safety procedures, and any other information that might aid in determining fault.
Time Limits
When a truck accident happens there is a high likelihood that evidence will be lost or destroyed. This is why it's crucial to contact a semi truck accident lawyer as soon as you can. Our attorneys can conduct an extensive investigation to determine who is responsible for your injuries. We'll work with accident reconstruction experts as well as medical professionals and financial analysts to help you get the money you are entitled to.
The most typical cause of a truck accident involves driver negligence. It could be due to driving unintentionally, driving while under the influence or driving irresponsibly. Trucking companies that don't adhere to safety guidelines or hire employees who are not qualified could also be accountable for accidents.
Incorrect maintenance of the vehicle is another reason for an accident involving a truck. Failure to properly inspect or repair tires, brakes or other components of a vehicle can result in danger in an accident. It's crucial to ensure that your attorney for truck accidents understands the maintenance needs of large trucks, so that they can determine any issues that could affect the truck's safety.
A third reason is that a trailer that is not properly loaded or cargo could result in an accident with a truck. If a truck is not properly loaded, it may cause the trailer to shift 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.
Truck accidents are also caused by reckless driving of other drivers. They may cut off the driver of the truck or merge into the wrong lanes. These actions may cause the truck driver to veer from the road, which could cause it to cause collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians.
A head-on collision between a truck and a passenger vehicle is one of the most dangerous types of truck crashes. The front of the passenger vehicle typically takes the brunt of the impact, which can result in serious injuries or death. These types of accidents usually occur on roads with no other traffic when the truck driver falls asleep, is unable to steer clear of another vehicle or is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Trucks are also prone to accidents due to spilling dangerous materials. These accidents can cause environmental damage as well as health risks for people who come into contact with the chemicals.