Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people die in crashes involving large trucks. If a collision occurs it's crucial to get in touch with truck accident lawyers who are aware of the different factors involved.
An attorney must immediately file a claim with the insurance company of the driver as well as with the company that owns and operates the truck. This is done to maximize the amount of insurance.
Liability
Trucks comprise just 4 percent of the vehicles on the road but they are involved with more than five percent of all accidents. In the majority of these accidents, victims suffer catastrophic injuries and are permanently disabled. The financial burden of those injuries can be enormous and victims and their families need to recover damages to live their lives with dignity. Unfortunately trucking companies and their insurance providers will not leave a stone unturned in an effort to limit the amount of compensation a victim has the right to. You need an experienced and dependable semi truck accident lawyer who can confront insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley's team is equipped with the knowledge skills, experience, and determination to make a huge difference in your case.
A semi-truck, also known as a tractor-trailer or an 18-wheeler, is a huge commercial vehicle comprised of an engine (tractor unit) and a trailer that is detachable and can carry cargo. These trucks are susceptible, due to their size and weight to serious accidents if driven recklessly. Common causes of truck accidents include speeding, distracted driving, and failing to check blind spots prior to turning or changing lanes. Incorrect loading of freight can cause truck accidents too. This can cause shifting, swaying, and even the truck rolling.
In addition to the driver, other parties may share the blame in the event of a truck crash. This includes the driver's employer as well as the company that the driver transports products for or the person responsible for setting up the load. It is often difficult to prove the fault when there are several insurance companies involved, as each one will try to limit their own liability.
In some cases, the local government agency could also be accountable for any accident that occurs on its property. If, for instance an unmaintained road or a poorly-designed layout caused an accident, then the county board may be responsible for the injuries suffered by the victim. This type of claim is based on the principle of vicarious liability which holds a supervisory party liable for the actions of an employee while acting within the scope of their duties.
Damages
Any motor vehicle accident can cause severe emotional and physical trauma. However, the results of a collision with a semi truck can be more serious than other types of accidents. Not only can these vehicles cause more severe injuries however, they also have the potential to damage or destroy property, resulting in significant financial burdens. A semi truck accident lawyer can help determine the total loss and obtain the compensation you deserve.
It's recommended to speak with an injury lawyer following any kind of accident, this is particularly relevant when it comes to cases involving large trucks. In addition to the general laws that govern traffic and personal injury there are particular rules that pertain to commercial trucks. These regulations can affect how a crash happens, who is accountable, and what types of damages awarded. A lawyer can help to ensure that you understand the rules and ensure that the parties responsible are held accountable.
If a truck accident happens it is not uncommon to find a variety of parties that could be responsible, including the truck driver or the company they work for, and the company that carried the load. In addition, the fault could be assigned to the maker of the truck or any of the parts that were defective and caused the accident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide you with the evidence necessary to prove that all the parties at fault are responsible and to demonstrate that you are entitled to fair compensation.
An experienced semi truck accident attorney to defend your rights from the common tactics used by insurance companies to deny or limit your claim. The injured victims are usually desperate to receive their money to cover medical treatment and other expenses. The insurance companies are aware of this and profit from delay as a tactic to to force you into accepting lower than you should.
A lawyer can help you determine the total amount of present and future damages that you are entitled to, including medical bills, lost income damages to property, suffering and pain. utah semi truck accident law firm can help you determine how much compensatory and punitive damage to be awarded in your case. Compensatory damages aim to compensate you for your losses, whereas punitive damages are meant to penalize the party at fault and discourage others from engaging in similar actions.
Expert Witnesses
Truck accidents are different from car accidents in that they require more specific details, including the mechanics of the truck involved along with the long-term financial and medical consequences of the accident as well as the regulations that govern the industry. A semi-truck accident lawyer should have access to the right experts who can fill in knowledge gaps and provide vital evidence that could be crucial to the client's claim.
The specialists in accident reconstruction are one of the most reliable experts a semi truck accident lawyer can call upon. These experts are knowledgeable and are able to analyze the scene of an accident, evaluate both the truck and the vehicle involved in it as well as determine the root of the crash, and explain their findings in a way that is easily comprehendable. They are often an essential part of any successful lawsuit because they can aid jurors in understanding why the accident happened and who might be responsible for it.
Expert witnesses can also determine the damages that can be claimed and their worth. For instance, a health planner could be hired to demonstrate the impact a serious accident could have on a victim's ability to work, their medical needs for the remaining years of their lives and any other long-term repercussions. An economist can also assist determine the amount of compensation for lost earnings which is a major part of any compensation award.
Experts in toxicology forensics and the identification of alcohol and drugs are also very helpful for a successful case. These experts can help draw a clear line between alcohol consumption and the crash. This is particularly important when the trucker was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash. A metallurgist is an excellent expert witness. They can conduct tests on metal components of the truck involved in the accident to determine if they were overloaded.
In some instances, an attorney for an New York semi truck accident will retain an expert to look into the trucking company and how it operates. This is particularly crucial in the event that the trucker was employed by a large company and could be required to follow certain standards which other drivers aren't. A qualified expert can review the safety policies of the trucking company the hiring procedures, hiring practices and any other information that might help to determine fault.
Time Limits
When a truck collision occurs, evidence is often lost or destroyed. It is crucial to get in touch with a semi-truck crash attorney as quickly as possible. Our lawyers will conduct an extensive investigation to determine who is responsible for your injuries. We will work with accident reconstruction experts along with medical professionals and financial analysts to help you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
The most common cause of a truck accident is driver negligence. This can include driving distracted or impaired or reckless driving. The trucking company that owns and operates the truck could also be accountable for a crash in the event they fail to comply with safety rules or hire unqualified drivers.
Another reason for a truck accident is the inadvertent maintenance of the vehicle. Failure to examine or repair a truck's brakes, tires, or other components could lead to a dangerous crash. It's crucial to ensure that your truck accident attorney understands the maintenance needs of large trucks, so that they can examine any issues that may affect the truck's safety.
A third issue is that a poorly loaded trailer or cargo could lead to an accident involving a truck. A truck that isn't loaded properly can cause the truck or trailer to be jackknifed if not properly loaded. This is a serious accident that can cause severe or fatal injuries to other motorists driving on the road.
The negligence of other drivers can also lead to truck accidents. They may cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong lane. These actions can cause the truck to veer off the road and crash 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 is usually the one to take the brunt, leading to serious injuries, and even death. These accidents occur when a truck driver falls asleep, or is swerving to avoid another vehicle or is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Trucks can also cause accidents by spilling hazardous materials. These accidents could cause environmental damage and health risks to humans who come in contact with the chemicals.