Why Semi Truck Compensation Is Much More Hazardous Than You Think
Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people are killed in accidents involving large trucks. It is crucial to get help from truck accident attorneys who are knowledgeable about the various causes.
An attorney must immediately submit a claim to the insurance company of the driver and 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 in more than half of all accidents. The majority of those accidents result in severe injuries, with victims suffering permanent and life-changing disabilities. The financial burden of those injuries can be enormous and the family members of the victims need to recover damages to allow them to be able to live their lives in dignity. Trucking companies and their insurers will do everything in their power to limit the amount of compensation the victim is entitled to. That's why you need a strong, experienced semi truck accident attorney that can stand up to insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley's team is equipped with the knowledge skills, experience, and determination to make a difference in your case.
A semi-truck, also referred to as a tractor-trailer, or an 18-wheeler is a large commercial vehicle that consists of a truck (tractor unit) and a trailer that is detachable and can carry cargo. Due to their size and weight, these trucks are prone to serious accidents when they are driven with recklessness or if a driver fails to exercise reasonable care when operating the vehicle. Common causes of truck accidents include speeding, distracted driving, and not securing blind spots prior to turning or changing lanes. Another cause of truck accidents is improper loading of the cargo, which can cause shifting and swaying which could potentially result in the truck rolling over.
In addition to the driver, other parties could be liable in an accident involving a truck. This includes the driver's employer as well as the company that the driver transports goods for and even the person who arranges the load. Finding fault can be more difficult when multiple insurers are involved in the case because they all attempt to limit their own liability.
In some cases, a local government agency could also be liable for a crash that occurs on their property. For example, if a poor road layout or inadequate maintenance contributed to an accident the county board may be responsible for the injuries that the victim has suffered. This type of claim is based upon the principle of vicarious responsibility, which holds a supervisory person liable for an employee's actions while acting in the scope of their duties.
Damages
The emotional and physical trauma that follows any motor vehicle crash can be severe. However, the consequences of a collision with a semi truck are more severe than the majority of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage property. This can result in a significant financial burden. An attorney for semi-truck accidents can help you determine the extent of your losses and pursue the right compensation for them.
It is always a good idea, regardless of the kind of accident that took place to talk to a personal injury attorney. This is especially important in cases involving large vehicles. Commercial trucks are subject to specific rules in addition to laws that govern traffic, personal injury and other laws. These can affect how the crash occurs, who is accountable, and the kinds of damages that may be awarded. A lawyer can help to ensure that you know the rules and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
When a truck accident occurs, it is not uncommon to have several parties who could be accountable, including the truck driver, the company they work for, as well as the company that carried the load. A truck manufacturer or any defective parts may also be liable for the accident. A semi truck accident attorney will provide the exact evidence required to show that all parties at fault are accountable and that you are entitled to fair compensation.
An experienced semi truck accident lawyer to defend you from the most common strategies used by insurance companies to reduce or deny your claim. Injured victims are often needing to get their money so that they can pay for medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies profit from this by using delay to force you to accept less than you are entitled to.
An attorney can assist you determine the total amount of present and future damages that you are entitled to, including medical bills and lost income damages to property, suffering and pain. An attorney can help you determine how much punitive and compensatory damages to determine in your case. Compensatory damages are meant to pay you back for your losses, whereas punitive damages aim to punish the at-fault party and deter others from doing similar crimes.
Expert Witnesses
Unlike a normal car accident case, truck accidents typically involve a lot of highly specific information about the industry's regulations as well as truck mechanics and the long-term economic and medical impacts of the collision. A semi-truck crash lawyer must be able to access the right experts who can fill in the gaps in knowledge and provide testimony that could be essential to a client's case.
Accident reconstruction specialists are some of the most knowledgeable experts that a semi-truck accident attorney can call on. They are skilled professionals who are able to analyze the scene of the accident, examine the vehicle and truck involved in the crash, determine the reason for the crash, and explain their findings in clear, easy-to-understand terms. They are usually an essential element of a successful lawsuit, since they can assist jurors understand how a crash occurred and who could be accountable.
Expert witnesses can also assist to determine the extent of damages that are appropriate and how much those damages will be worth. A life care planner, for instance can be hired to determine the effect of an accident that is serious on the victim's ability to work and their medical requirements throughout their lifetime. Likewise, an economist can assist in calculating things such as lost earnings damages, which could be a major component of any compensation award.
Forensic toxicologists and experts in the field of recognition of alcohol and drugs are also essential in a successful claim. These types of experts could help draw a clear 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 also an excellent expert witness. They can test metal components of the truck involved in the accident to determine if they were loaded too much.
In some instances, a New York semi-truck accident attorney will employ an expert to examine the trucking company itself and the way it operates. This is particularly important when the trucker is employed by a large trucking business and might be subject to certain requirements that other drivers do not. st joseph semi truck accident law firm can look into the safety practices of the trucking company, as well as their hiring practices, as well as any other information that could help determine fault.
Time Limits
Evidence is often destroyed or lost in a truck accident. This is why it's crucial to get in touch with a semi-truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Our attorneys will conduct an exhaustive investigation to identify all the parties responsible for your injuries. We will work with accident reconstruction specialists doctors, medical professionals, and financial analysts to help you get the compensation you deserve.
The most common cause of a truck accident is the negligence of the driver. It could be due to driving unintentionally, driving while under the influence or driving irresponsibly. The trucking company that owns and operates the truck could be responsible for the accident if they fail to follow safety rules or hire unqualified drivers.
Another reason behind a truck accident is improper maintenance on the vehicle. Failure to examine or repair the truck's brakes, tires, or other parts could result in a deadly crash. It is crucial to ensure that your truck accident lawyer is aware of the maintenance requirements of large trucks so that they can look into any issues with the safety of the truck.
Thirdly, a poorly-loaded trailer or cargo could cause an accident involving a truck. If a truck isn't properly loaded, it may cause the trailer to shift while on the road or cause the truck to be jackknifed. This is a serious incident that could cause serious or fatal injuries to other motorists who are driving.
Truck accidents can also be caused by reckless driving of other drivers. They could cut off the driver of the truck or merge into the wrong lane. These actions can cause the driver of the truck to veer from the road, causing it to hit other vehicles and pedestrians.
A head-on collision between the truck and a passenger vehicle is among the most fatal types of truck crashes. The front end of the passenger vehicle usually takes the brunt of the impact, which can result in serious injuries and even death. These types of accidents usually occur on roads that are not divided when the truck driver falls asleep, turns to avoid another vehicle or is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Trucks are also prone to accidents due to spilling hazardous materials. These accidents could cause environmental damage and health hazards to people who come in contact with the chemicals.