Truck Accident Attorneys
Each year, 5,000 people are killed in crashes with large trucks. If a crash does occur it is crucial to work with truck accident lawyers who know the various elements involved.
A lawyer should immediately set up claims with the driver's insurance company as well as the company which is the owner of 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 vast majority of those accidents result in severe injuries, that result in victims suffering permanent and life-changing disabilities. These injuries can have a significant financial impact, and the victims and their families should be compensated to live with dignity. Unfortunately, trucking companies and their insurance companies will make no effort in their efforts to reduce the amount of compensation a victim is entitled to. That's why you need a strong, experienced semi truck accident lawyer who can stand up to the insurance companies and their attorneys. John Hensley and his team have the experience, knowledge and determination to make an impact on your case.
A semi-truck, also referred to as a tractor-trailer or an 18-wheeler, is a massive commercial vehicle that consists of an engine (tractor unit) and a detachable trailer that carries cargo. These trucks are more prone due to their weight and size to serious accidents if driven recklessly. Truck accidents are usually caused by drivers who speed, distracted drivers, and failure to check blind spots when changing lanes or turning. 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 could be liable in a truck accident. This includes the company that is responsible for the driver or the company the driver transports products for and even the person who sets up the load. Finding fault can be more difficult if multiple insurers are involved in the case because they each attempt to limit their own liability.
In certain instances the local government agency may also be accountable in the event of an accident on its property. For instance, if a poorly designed road layout or inadequate maintenance caused an accident, the county board may be liable for the damage sustained by the victim. This kind of claim is based on the concept of vicarious liability that holds an authority party responsible for the actions of employees when they are acting within the confines of their employment.
Damages
Any accident involving a motor vehicle can result in extreme physical and emotional trauma. However, the results of a collision with a semi-truck can be more serious than other types of accidents. Not only do these vehicles cause more serious injuries as well, but they can also cause damage to property or destruction which can result in substantial financial burdens. A semi truck accident lawyer can assist you to determine the total loss and get the right compensation.
Although it's generally an excellent idea to consult an injury lawyer following any type of accident, this is especially important for cases involving large-sized trucks. Commercial trucks are subject to particular rules in addition to laws that govern personal injury, traffic and other laws. They affect how a accident occurs, who is accountable, and the kinds of damages that could be awarded. A lawyer can help get the most out of these regulations and ensure that the parties at fault are held accountable.
When a truck crash occurs it is not uncommon for there to be several people who are responsible which include the driver of the truck or the company they work for, and the company that carried the load. The truck manufacturer or defective parts could also be held responsible for the incident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide you with the evidence needed to prove that all parties responsible are responsible and to demonstrate that you are entitled fair compensation.
boise city semi truck accident attorney seasoned semi truck accident lawyer on your side can protect you against the common strategies that insurance companies employ to deny or limit your claim. Injured victims are often desperate to receive their compensation to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies know this and take advantage of delay as a way to to force you into accepting lower than you should.
An attorney can help determine the total amount of future and present damages you are entitled to, such as medical bills as well as lost income damages to property, pain and suffering. An attorney can also help you determine the right amount of compensatory and punitive damages to award in your case. Compensatory damages are intended to reimburse you for your losses, while punitive damages aim to punish the responsible party and deter others from committing similar actions.
Expert Witnesses
The nature of truck accidents is different from car accidents in that they require more specific information, like the truck mechanics involved, the long-term economic and medical effects of the crash, and industry regulations. A semi-truck crash lawyer must have access to the appropriate experts, who can fill in the gaps in knowledge and provide testimony that could be essential to a client's claim.
The specialists in accident reconstruction are one of the most reliable experts a semi truck accident attorney can call on. They are experts with years of experience who know how to examine the scene of an accident, analyze the truck and other vehicles involved in the crash, determine what caused the accident and present their findings in simple, easy-to-understand terms. They are often an essential part of any successful lawsuit since they can assist the jury in understanding how the accident happened and who might be responsible.
The right expert witnesses can also help determine what damages are enforceable and how much those damages will be worth. For example, a life-care planner can be hired to show the impact that a accident might have on a victim's ability to work, their medical needs for the rest of their lives, and any other repercussions that may be long-term. An economist can also assist calculate the loss of earnings damages that are a key part of any compensation award.
Experts in toxicology in the forensic field and identification of alcohol and drugs can be extremely helpful to a successful claim. These types of experts could help to draw a straight line between alcohol and the incident, particularly when the driver may have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash. A metallurgist could also be an excellent expert witness as they can conduct tests on the metal components of the truck that could be involved in the accident to determine if they were over-loaded.
In some instances in some cases, a New York semi-truck accident attorney will hire an expert to examine the trucking company itself and how it operates. This is particularly important in the event that the trucker was employed by a large trucking firm and is subject to certain rules that other drivers aren't. An expert could examine the trucking company's safety procedures, hiring practices, and any other information that might assist in determining the cause of the accident.
Time Limits
Evidence is usually lost or destroyed in a truck crash. This is the reason it's so important to get in touch with a semi-truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Our lawyers can conduct a thorough investigation to find all the liable parties for your injuries. We'll collaborate with accident reconstruction experts doctors, medical professionals and financial experts to help you get the compensation you require.
The most common reason for truck accidents is driver carelessness. This can be caused by driving distracted, driving under the influence or driving recklessly. The trucking company that owns and operates the truck could be responsible for accidents when they fail to adhere to safety guidelines or employ unqualified drivers.
Incorrect maintenance of the vehicle is another reason for an accident involving a truck. Failure to check or repair the truck's brakes or tires, or other parts could cause a serious crash. It is essential to ensure that your truck accident lawyer knows the requirements for maintenance of large trucks to be able to look into any issues with the safety of the truck.
A third reason behind a truck accident is a trailer that is not properly loaded or cargo. A truck that isn't loaded properly can cause the trailer or truck to jackknife if not properly loaded. This is a serious incident that can cause serious or fatal injuries to motorists who are driving.
Inattention of other drivers could cause truck accidents too. They may cut off the driver of the truck or merge into wrong lanes. These actions could cause the truck driver to drift off the road, causing it hit other vehicles and pedestrians.
One of the most fatal truck accidents is a head-on collision. The front of the passenger car is usually the one that bears the brunt of the damage, resulting in serious injury and 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 other drugs. There are also accidents that involve trucks that spill their load of hazardous materials. These accidents can cause environmental damage and health hazards to people who come in contact with the chemicals.