Truck Accident Attorneys

Each year, 5,000 people are killed in crashes with large trucks. It is important to engage with lawyers for truck accidents who understand the different factors.

A lawyer should immediately file claims with the insurance company as in the case of the company that owns the truck. This is done in order to maximize the amount of insurance available.

Liability

While trucks make up only 4 percent of vehicles on the road, they are involved in more than a fifth of all vehicular accidents. The majority of these accidents cause catastrophic injuries with victims suffering permanent, life-altering disabilities. These accidents can have a devastating financial impact, and the victims and their families should be compensated for their loss in order to live with dignity. Unfortunately trucking firms and their insurance providers will not leave a stone unturned in their efforts to reduce the amount of compensation that a victim is entitled to. You need a seasoned strong and experienced semi truck accident lawyer who can take on the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the experience, knowledge and strength to make the difference in your case.

Semi-trucks, referred to by the names tractor-trailer, 18-wheeler and tractor, are large commercial vehicles comprised of an engine (tractor) and an attached trailer to transport cargo. Because of their weight and size they are vulnerable to serious accidents if they are driven in reckless manner or when the driver does not exercise reasonable care when operating the vehicle. Truck accidents are usually caused by drivers who speed, distracted drivers, and firm failure to check blind spots when turning or changing lanes. Improper loading of freight can cause truck accidents too. This can cause shifting, swaying, or even the truck rolling.

In addition to the driver, other parties can be liable in a truck accident. This includes the driver's employer, the company that the driver hauls product for or even the person who is responsible for setting up the load. It can be difficult to prove the responsibility when there are multiple insurance companies involved as each will try to limit its own liability.

In certain instances, the local government agency might be held accountable in the event of an accident on its property. For instance, if poorly designed road layout or inadequate maintenance resulted in an accident, the county board could be held accountable for the damages sustained by the victim. This type of claim is based on the principle of vicarious responsibility, which makes a supervisor accountable for the actions of employees performing their duties.

Damages

The emotional and physical trauma that can result from a motor vehicle accident could be severe. However, the consequences of a collision with a semi-truck are more severe than most other kinds of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage property. This can lead to a substantial financial burden. A semi truck accident lawyer can assist you in determining the extent of your losses and pursue an appropriate amount of compensation.

While it's generally a good idea to consult an injury attorney after any type of accident, this is especially important for cases involving large-sized trucks. Commercial trucks are subject to special rules in addition to laws that govern personal injury, traffic and other laws. These rules could have a significant effect on the way a crash is handled, the parties responsible and the kinds of damages that may be awarded. A lawyer can assist you to understand these rules and ensure that the parties responsible are held liable.

When a truck crash occurs it is not unusual to find a variety of parties who could be accountable such as the truck driver or the company they work for, as well as the company that carries the load. In addition, blame can be attributed to the company that made the truck of the truck or to any defective parts that contributed to the accident. A mountain grove semi truck accident attorney truck accident lawyer can provide you with the evidence necessary to prove that all parties at fault are accountable and to prove that you are entitled to fair compensation.

A semi truck accident lawyer with experience will protect you from typical tactics employed by insurance firms to deny or reduce your claim. Injured victims often feel desperate to get their money so that they can pay for medical treatments and other expenses. Insurance companies profit from this by attempting to force you to accept less than you deserve.

A lawyer can help you determine the damages you are entitled to in the near and future including medical expenses, firm lost income and property damage. A lawyer can help you determine the amount of compensatory and punitive damage to decide on in your particular case. Compensation damages are designed to pay you back for your losses, whereas punitive damages aim to punish the responsible party and discourage others from engaging in similar acts.

Expert Witnesses

The nature of truck accidents is different from car accidents in that they require a lot more specialized information, such as the mechanics involved in truck accidents as well as the long-term economic and medical effects of the accident, and industry regulations. A semi-truck crash lawyer should have access to the appropriate experts who can fill in gaps of knowledge and provide vital testimony that could be essential to a client's claim.

Accident reconstruction specialists are some of the most knowledgeable experts that a semi-truck attorney can contact. These are seasoned professionals who know how to examine the scene of an accident, evaluate the truck and vehicle involved in the accident, determine what caused it and present their findings in clear, easy to understand terms. They are often a key part of a successful lawsuit as they help jurors understand why a crash took place and who may be accountable.

Expert witnesses can also assist to determine what damages are enforceable and how much the damages will be worth. For instance, a health planner could be hired to show the impact a serious accident could have on a victim's ability to work, their medical needs for the remainder of their lives and any other long-term consequences. Additionally, an economist can assist in calculating things such as lost earnings damages, which could constitute a substantial portion of any compensation award.

Experts in toxicology for forensics and drug and alcohol identification are also very helpful in a successful claim. These types of experts can help draw a clear line between intoxication and the accident, particularly when the trucker might have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the collision. A metallurgist could also be an effective expert witness because they can conduct tests on metal components of the truck that might have been involved in the accident to determine if they were over-loaded.

In some instances there are occasions when a New York semi-truck accident attorney will hire an expert to study the trucking firm itself and the way in which it operates. This is particularly important in the event that the trucker was employed by a large trucking firm and may be subject to certain rules that other drivers aren't. An expert can look into the safety procedures of the trucking firm, hiring practices, and any other information which could assist in determining the cause of the accident.

Time Limits

Evidence is usually destroyed or lost in a truck accident. It is essential to speak with a medford semi truck accident attorney truck accident attorney as soon as you can. Our attorneys can conduct an extensive investigation to determine the responsible parties for your injuries. We will work with experts in accident reconstruction as well as medical professionals and financial experts to ensure you receive the compensation you require.

The most common reason for a truck accident involves driver carelessness. This could include driving unintentionally, driving while under the influence, or driving irresponsibly. The trucking company that operates and owns the truck could be liable for the accident in the event that they do not follow safety guidelines or employ unqualified drivers.

Incorrect maintenance of the vehicle is another cause of crashes involving trucks. Failure to inspect or repair brakes, tires or other components of a truck can cause an accident that is dangerous. It is vital that your lawyer for truck accidents is aware of the requirements for maintenance on large trucks so that they can look into any safety issues.

A third reason is that a trailer that is not properly loaded or cargo could lead to an accident involving a truck. A truck that is not properly loaded can cause the trailer or truck to jackknife when it's not properly loaded. This is a serious incident that can cause severe or fatal injuries to other motorists on the road.

Drivers' negligence by other drivers can also result in truck accidents. They could cut off the driver of the truck or merge into the wrong lane. These actions can cause the truck's wheels to slide off the road and collide with pedestrians or other vehicles.

One of the most deadly truck accidents is the head-on collision. The front of the passenger vehicle usually takes the brunt of the impact, resulting in serious injuries, and sometimes death. These accidents occur when a truck driver is asleep or turns around to avoid a vehicle, or is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Trucks are also prone to accidents due to spilling their hazardous materials. These accidents can cause environmental harm and health hazards to people who come in contact with the chemicals.