How Semi Truck Compensation Changed My Life For The Better
Truck Accident Attorneys Every year, 5,000 people die in accidents involving large trucks. It's important that you employ truck accident lawyers who are knowledgeable about the various causes. A lawyer should immediately set up claims with the driver's insurance company as in the case of the company that owns the truck. This is done in order to maximize the available insurance. Liability Trucks constitute just 4 percent of the vehicles on the road, but they are involved in more than a fifth of all accidents. In the vast majority of these accidents, the victims suffer catastrophic injuries and are permanently disabled. The financial burden of these injuries can be enormous and the family members of the victims must seek compensation to ensure they can live with dignity. Trucking companies and their insurers will do everything in their power to reduce the amount of compensation the victim is entitled to. You need an experienced strong, reputable semi truck accident lawyer to fight the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the expertise, experience and the strength to make the difference in your case. A semi-truck, also referred to as a tractor-trailer or an 18-wheeler is a large commercial vehicle comprised of an engine (tractor unit) and a trailer that is detachable and can carry cargo. Because of their size and weight they are vulnerable to serious accidents when they are driven with recklessness or when the driver is not exercising reasonable care when operating the vehicle. The most common causes of accidents involving trucks include speeding, distracted driving, and failing to check blind spots before changing lanes or turning. Incorrect loading of cargo can result in truck accidents. This could lead to shifting, swaying or even the truck rolling. In addition to the truck driver there are other parties who could be liable in a truck crash, including the driver's employer as well as the company they haul products for, or even the person that sets up the load. Finding fault is more difficult when multiple insurers are involved in the case, because they each attempt to limit their own liability. In some cases, local government agencies could also be liable in the event of a crash on their property. For instance, if a poorly designed road layout or maintenance issues contributed to an accident the county board could be liable for the damage suffered by the victim. This type of claim is based on the concept of vicarious liability, which holds the supervisory party accountable for the actions of an employee who is acting within the context of their work. Damages The emotional and physical trauma that comes with any motor vehicle crash can be a lot. The effects 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 as well, but they also have the potential to destroy or damage property, resulting in significant financial burdens. A semi truck accident lawyer can assist you to determine the full extent of your losses and seek appropriate compensation. Although it's generally an excellent idea to consult an attorney for injury after any type of accident, this is particularly important for cases involving large-sized trucks. In addition to the general laws that govern traffic and personal injury There are specific rules applicable to commercial vehicles. They affect how a crash occurs, who's responsible, and the types of damages that could be awarded. A lawyer can help you understand these regulations and ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable. It is not uncommon that several parties are accountable for a truck crash which includes the driver and their employer, as well the company that hauled the cargo. In addition, the fault could be assigned to the manufacturer of the truck, or any faulty parts that caused the accident. An attorney who is a semi truck accident can provide the evidence to show that all parties at fault are responsible and you are entitled to fair compensation. A semi truck accident lawyer with experience can help you avoid common tactics used by insurance companies to deny or decrease your claim. Injured victims often feel desperate to receive their compensation to pay for medical treatments and other expenses. Insurance companies profit from this by attempting to force you into accepting less than you deserve. An attorney can assist you determine all of the future and present damages you are entitled to, such as medical bills, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering. A lawyer can help you determine the amount of damages to be awarded in your particular case. Compensatory damages are intended to compensate you for your losses. Punitive damages aim to penalize the party who was at fault and discourage other people from committing similar criminal acts. Expert Witnesses The nature of truck accidents is different from car accidents in that they require more detailed information, such as the mechanics involved in truck accidents as well as the long-term economic and medical effects of the crash, and industry regulations. An attorney for semi-truck accidents should have access to 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 reliable experts a semi truck accident attorney can call on. These professionals are experienced and are able to evaluate the scene of an accident, examine the truck as well as the vehicle involved in it, determine the cause of the accident, and explain their findings in a manner that is clear and comprehendable. They are often a crucial component of any successful lawsuit because they can assist jurors in understanding how an accident occurred and who might be accountable for it. Expert witnesses can also identify the damages that are applicable and the value. For instance, a life insurance planner could be hired to illustrate the effect a serious accident might have on a victim's ability to work, their medical needs for the remaining years 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 for forensics and drug and alcohol identification can be extremely helpful in a successful claim. They can help draw a direct line between intoxication and the crash. This is especially the case when the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash. A metallurgist is also an excellent expert witness. They can conduct tests on the metal components of the truck involved in the accident to determine if they were loaded with too much. In certain cases the attorney for an New York semi truck accident will engage an expert to investigate the trucking company and how it operates. This is especially crucial if the trucker was employed by a large trucking company and could be subject to certain standards that other drivers do not. The expert can examine the safety practices of the trucking company, as well as their hiring practices and any other information which could aid in determining the source of the problem. Time Limits If a truck accident occurs the evidence is often lost or destroyed. It is crucial to speak with a semi-truck accident attorney as quickly as possible. Our lawyers can conduct an extensive investigation to determine all responsible parties for your injuries. We'll partner with experts in accident reconstruction as well as medical professionals and financial experts to ensure you receive the compensation you need. lakewood semi truck accident lawsuit for a truck crash is driver error. It could be due to driving distracted, driving under the influence or driving irresponsibly. The trucking company that owns and operates the truck could be accountable for an accident if they fail to follow safety rules or hire unqualified drivers. A vehicle that is not maintained properly can also be a cause of a truck crash. Failure to properly inspect or repair the brakes, tires, or other parts of a truck can cause danger in an accident. It is crucial that your lawyer for truck accidents knows the maintenance requirements of large trucks so that they can look into any safety issues. Thirdly, a trailer that isn't properly loaded or cargo could lead to an accident involving a truck. If a truck isn't properly loaded, it could cause the trailer to shift while on the road or cause the truck to hit the ground. This is a serious crash which can result in serious or fatal injuries to motorists. The negligence of other drivers can also lead to truck accidents. They may cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong direction. These actions could cause the truck to veer off the road, and then collide with pedestrians or other vehicles. One of the most fatal truck accidents is a head-on collision. The front of the passenger vehicle is typically the one that takes the brunt of the damage, resulting in grave injuries or even death. These accidents occur when a truck driver falls asleep or turns around to avoid a vehicle, or is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. There are also accidents that involve trucks that spill their loads of dangerous materials. These accidents can cause environmental damage and health hazards to people who come into contact with the chemicals.