Semi Truck Compensation Tips From The Top In The Industry
ofallon semi truck accident lawyer , 5,000 people die in crashes involving large trucks. In the event of a crash, it's important to find truck accident lawyers that understand the different factors involved.
A lawyer should immediately set up claims with the insurance company, as well as the company that is the owner of the truck. This is done in order to maximize the available insurance.
Liability
Trucks constitute just 4 percent of the vehicles on the road, however they are involved in over 55% of all accidents. In the vast majority of these accidents, victims suffer catastrophic injuries and are permanently disabled. The financial burden of these injuries can be immense, and the victims and their families require compensation to allow them to live a life of dignity. Insurance companies and trucking firms will do everything to reduce the amount of compensation that the victim is due. You require a skilled and dependable semi truck accident lawyer to fight the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the expertise, experience and strength to make an impact in your case.
Semi-trucks, also known under the terms tractor-trailer and 18-wheeler, are large commercial vehicles comprised of one truck unit (tractor) and an attached trailer which transports cargo. Because of their size and weight they are vulnerable to serious accidents if they are driven recklessly or when a driver fails to exercise reasonable care while operating the vehicle. Accidents involving trucks are usually caused by drivers who speed, distracted drivers and the inability to spot 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 of the truck, other parties may be responsible in a crash, including the driver's employer and the company they transport products for, and even the person that sets up the load. It is difficult to establish the fault when there are several insurance companies involved as each one will try to limit their own liability.
In certain instances, the local government agency might be held accountable in the event of an accident on its property. If, for instance a road that was not maintained or a poorly designed layout resulted in an accident, then the county board could be responsible for the injuries suffered by the victim. This kind of claim is based on the concept of vicarious liability, which holds a supervisory party liable for the actions of an employee in the course of their work.
Damages
The physical and emotional trauma that comes with any motor vehicle accident can be severe. The effects of a collision with semi-trucks can be more severe than other kinds of accidents. Not only do these vehicles cause more serious injuries, but they also have the potential to damage or destroy property which can result in substantial financial burdens. A semi truck accident lawyer can assist you in determining the full extent of your losses, and seek appropriate compensation for them.
It's recommended to speak with an attorney for injury after any type of accident, this is especially relevant when it comes to cases involving large trucks. Commercial trucks are subject to special regulations, in addition to the laws that govern personal injury, traffic and other laws. These rules could have a significant effect on the way a crash occurs, the parties accountable and the kinds of damages that could be awarded. Lawyers can ensure that you are aware of the regulations and ensure that the parties at fault are held accountable.
If a truck accident happens it is not uncommon to have several people who are responsible which include the driver of the truck and the company they work for, as well as the company that hauled the load. A truck manufacturer or any defective parts may also be accountable for the incident. An attorney for semi-truck accidents can provide the evidence required to show that all at-fault parties are responsible and that you have the right to fair compensation.
A semi truck accident lawyer with years of experience will protect you from common strategies used by insurance companies to deny or decrease your claim. Injured victims are often desperate to receive their money to cover medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies take advantage of this by attempting to force you into accepting less than you are entitled to.
An attorney can assist you in determining the damages you are entitled to both in the future and now such as medical bills, lost income, and property damage. A lawyer can also help you determine the appropriate amount of punitive and compensatory damages to award in your particular case. Compensatory damages are meant to reimburse you for your losses, whereas punitive damages are intended to punish the person at fault and discourage others from committing similar acts.
Expert Witnesses
Contrary to a typical car accident case, truck accidents typically involve a significant amount of specific information about the industry's regulations, truck mechanics, and the long-term economic and medical effects of the collision. 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.
The specialists in accident reconstruction are one of the most reliable experts a semi truck attorney can contact. They are skilled professionals who know how to examine the scene of the accident, examine the truck and other vehicles involved in the accident, determine the cause of the crash, and explain their findings in clear, simple terms. They are often an important element of a successful lawsuit, as they help jurors understand why a crash took place and who is accountable.
The right expert witnesses can also help to determine which damages are applicable and how much those damages will be worth. For instance, a health planner could be enlisted to explain the impact that a serious accident could have on a victim's ability to work, their medical needs for the remainder of their lives and any other repercussions that may be long-term. Additionally, an economist can assist in calculating things such as lost earnings damages, which could be a significant component of any compensation award.
Experts in toxicology forensics and the identification of alcohol and drugs can be extremely helpful for a successful case. They can assist in drawing an exact line between intoxication and the accident. This is especially the case when the trucker was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of crash. A metallurgist is also an excellent expert witness since they can perform tests on the metal components of the truck that might have been involved in the crash to determine if they were over-loaded.
In some cases an attorney in an New York semi truck accident will employ an expert to look into the trucking business and how it operates. This is particularly important when the trucker was employed by an established trucking company and was subject to standards that other drivers were not. An expert could examine the safety policies of the trucking company hiring practices, safety procedures, and any other information that could aid in determining fault.
Time Limits
When a truck crash occurs there is a high likelihood that evidence will be lost or destroyed. It's crucial to contact a semi-truck accident attorney as quickly as possible. Our attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation to determine who's accountable for your injuries. We will collaborate with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals and financial analysts to ensure you get the money you are entitled to.
The most frequently cited cause of a truck collision is negligence by the driver. This could include driving while distracted or under the influence or reckless driving. The trucking company that owns and operates the truck may also be liable for an accident when they fail to adhere to safety regulations or hire unqualified drivers.
Unprofessional maintenance of the vehicle is another cause of the possibility of a crash with a truck. Failure to inspect or repair tires, brakes or other components of a vehicle can result in a dangerous accident. It is essential that your lawyer for truck accidents is aware of the requirements for maintenance on large trucks so that they can examine any safety concerns.
Thirdly, a poorly-loaded trailer or cargo could cause an accident involving a truck. A poorly loaded truck can cause the trailer or truck to jackknife when it's not properly loaded. This is a serious crash that can cause serious or fatal injuries to motorists on the road.
Accidents involving trucks are also caused by negligent driving from other drivers. They could cut off the driver of the truck or merge into the wrong lanes. These actions can cause the truck's wheels to slide off the road and crash with other vehicles or pedestrians.
A head-on collision between trucks and a passenger vehicle is one of the most fatal types of truck accidents. The front of the passenger vehicle usually takes the brunt of the impact, resulting in serious injuries and death. These kinds of accidents typically occur on highways with no traffic lanes when the truck driver is asleep, swerves to avoid another vehicle or is under the under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Trucks may also cause accidents by spilling hazardous substances. These accidents could cause environmental damage and dangers to human health for those who come in contact with the chemicals.