Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people are killed in crashes involving large trucks. When a crash occurs it's essential to find truck accident lawyers who understand the different factors involved.
An attorney must immediately initiate a claim with the insurance company of the driver as well as with the company that operates and owns the truck. This is done to maximize the amount of insurance.
Liability
Trucks make up only 4 percent of all vehicles on the road but they are involved in nearly five percent of all accidents. Most of those accidents result in catastrophic injuries, that result in victims suffering permanent and life-changing disabilities. These injuries can have a massive financial impact, and victims and their families must be compensated for their loss in order to live with dignity. Unfortunately trucking companies and their insurance providers will leave no stone unturned in an attempt to limit the amount of the compensation a victim is entitled to. You need a knowledgeable strong, reputable semi truck accident lawyer who can tackle the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the experience, knowledge and the strength to make a difference in your case.
Semi-trucks, referred to by the names tractor-trailer, 18-wheeler and tractor are commercial vehicles of a large size that consist of an engine (tractor) and an attached trailer to transport cargo. Because of their size and weight they are prone to serious accidents if they are driven with recklessness or when a driver fails to exercise reasonable care when operating the vehicle. Truck accidents are usually caused by drivers who speed, distracted drivers and the inability to spot blind spots when changing lanes or turning. Incorrect loading of freight can cause truck accidents too. This can lead to shifting, swaying, or even the truck rolling.
In addition to the truck driver there are other parties who could share the blame in a truck crash, including the driver's employer or the company they carry product for, and even the person who is responsible for setting up the load. It is often difficult to prove the fault when there are several insurance companies involved, since each will seek to limit their own liability.
In certain instances a local government entity could also share responsibility for a crash that occurs on their property. For example, if a poor road layout or maintenance issues caused an accident, the county board could be held accountable for the damages suffered by the victim. This type of claim is based upon the principle of vicarious liability that is the law that holds a supervisor responsible for the actions of employees doing their job.
Damages
The emotional and physical trauma that comes with any motor vehicle accident can be severe. san mateo semi truck accident lawsuit of a collision involving a semi-truck can be more severe than other types of accidents. Not only do these vehicles cause more severe injuries, but they also have the potential to destroy or damage property that can lead to significant financial burdens. A semi truck accident lawyer can help you determine the full extent of your losses and seek appropriate compensation for them.
It's always a good idea regardless of the kind of accident that took place to talk to an attorney who specializes in personal injury. This is especially true when dealing with large vehicles. In addition to the general laws that govern personal injury and traffic, there are special regulations that pertain to commercial trucks. They affect how a crash occurs, who's responsible, and the kinds of damages awarded. A lawyer can ensure that you know the rules and ensure that the parties responsible for the crash are held accountable.
When a truck accident occurs, it is not uncommon for there to be several people who are responsible, including the truck driver, the company they work for, as well as the company responsible for hauling the load. A truck manufacturer or any defective components could also be held responsible for the incident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide the evidence required to prove that all parties responsible are responsible and to demonstrate that you are entitled to fair compensation.
A seasoned semi truck accident attorney on your side can protect you from the usual tactics used by insurance companies 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 take advantage of this by using delay to force you to accept less than you are entitled to.
An attorney can assist you determine all of the future and present damages you are entitled to, including medical bills, lost income property damage, suffering and pain. A lawyer can assist you determine how much damages to decide on in your case. Compensatory damages are intended to compensate you for the losses. Punitive damages aim to punish the party who was at fault and discourage other people from engaging in similar crimes.
Expert Witnesses
As opposed to a typical car crash case, truck accidents typically include a great deal of specialized information about industry regulations such as truck mechanics, the long-term medical and economic consequences of the crash. A semi-truck accident attorney must have access the right experts who can fill in gaps and provide crucial evidence that could be vital to a client's case.
Accident reconstruction specialists are some of the most valuable experts a semi truck accident lawyer can call upon. These experts are highly skilled and are able to analyze the scene of an accident, evaluate the truck as well as the vehicle involved to determine the cause of the crash, and then explain their findings in a manner that is clear and understandable. They are often a crucial part of any successful lawsuit because they can assist jurors in understanding how an accident occurred and who might be responsible.
The right expert witnesses can also help to determine the extent of damages that are appropriate and what the damages will be worth. A life care planner, for instance is an expert who can show the impact of an accident of a serious nature on a person's ability to work and their medical needs throughout their lives. An economist can also calculate the loss of earnings damages which is a significant element of any compensation award.
Experts in forensic toxicology and identification of alcohol and drugs are also extremely valuable for a successful case. These types of experts could help draw a clear line between alcohol and the incident, particularly when the trucker was been under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident. A metallurgist can also be an expert witness. They can test metal components of the truck involved in the crash to determine if they loaded too much.
In certain cases in some cases, a New York semi-truck accident attorney will engage an expert to study the trucking company's operations and the way in which it operates. This is crucial, particularly when the trucker was employed by a large trucking firm and was subject to the same standards as other drivers were not. A qualified expert can review the trucking company's safety procedures the hiring procedures, hiring practices and any other information that could aid in determining fault.
Time Limits
If a truck accident occurs, evidence is often lost or destroyed. It's crucial to speak with a semi truck accident attorney as soon as you can. Our lawyers can conduct an extensive investigation to determine all responsible parties for your injuries. We'll work with experts in accident reconstruction doctors, medical professionals and financial experts to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
The most frequent cause of a truck accident involves driver negligence. This can be caused by driving unintentionally, driving while under the influence or driving irresponsibly. Trucking companies who fail to follow safety rules or hire unqualified workers could also be accountable for accidents.
Incorrect maintenance of the vehicle can also be a cause of the possibility of a crash with a truck. Failure to check or repair the truck's brakes, tires, or any other component could cause a dangerous crash. It is vital that your truck accident lawyer knows the maintenance requirements of large trucks to determine any safety issues.
A third reason behind a truck accident is a trailer that is not properly loaded or cargo. If a truck isn't properly loaded, it can cause the trailer to shift while on the road or cause the truck to become jackknifed. This is a serious incident that can cause serious or fatal injuries to motorists on the road.
Truck accidents can also be caused by negligent driving from other drivers. 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 other vehicles or pedestrians.
A head-on collision between a truck and a passenger vehicle is among the most dangerous types of truck crashes. The front of the passenger car is usually the one who takes the brunt of the damage, resulting in serious injuries and sometimes even death. These accidents occur when a truck driver falls asleep, or swerves to avoid another vehicle, or is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. There are also accidents involving trucks spilling their loads of hazardous materials. These accidents could cause environmental harm and health hazards to people who come in contact with the chemicals.