Why Semi Truck Compensation Is Your Next Big Obsession
Truck Accident Attorneys Every year, 5,000 people die in crashes involving large trucks. If a collision occurs, it's important to find truck accident lawyers that understand 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 will maximize the amount of available insurance. Liability Although trucks account for only 4 percent of the vehicles on the road yet they are involved more than a fifth of all vehicular accidents. Most 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 victims and their families need to recover damages to live with dignity. Insurance companies and trucking companies will do everything in their power to cut down on the amount of compensation the victim is due. This is why you need a strong, experienced semi truck accident lawyer who is able to stand up against insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the knowledge, experience and strength to make a difference in your case. Semi-trucks, referred to by the names tractor-trailer or 18-wheeler are commercial vehicles of a large size that consist of the truck unit (tractor) and an attached trailer to transport cargo. Because of their weight and size they are prone to serious accidents if they are driven recklessly or when a driver fails to exercise reasonable care while operating the vehicle. The most common causes of accidents involving trucks include speeding, distracted driving, and failing to check blind spots prior to changing lanes or turning. Another reason for truck accidents is improper loading of the freight that can result in shifting and swaying that could result in the truck rolling over. In addition to the truck driver Other parties could be liable in a truck accident, including the driver's employer or the company they carry products for, or even the person who sets up the load. It is often difficult to prove fault when there are multiple insurance companies involved, since each will attempt to limit their own liability. In some cases a local government entity may also share liability for an accident that occurs on their property. If, for instance a road that is not maintained or a poorly designed layout resulted in an accident, then the county board may be responsible for the victim's damages. This kind of claim is based on the principle of vicarious responsibility, which makes a supervisor accountable for the actions of employees performing the duties of their job. Damages Any motor vehicle accident can cause severe physical and emotional trauma. The effects of a collision involving semi-trucks can be more severe than other types of accidents. Not only do these vehicles cause more severe injuries as well, but they can also cause property damage or destruction, resulting in significant financial burdens. A semi truck accident lawyer can assist you to determine the extent of your losses and pursue the appropriate compensation. It's always a good idea regardless of the kind of accident that took place to speak with an attorney who specializes in personal injury. This is particularly true in cases involving large-sized vehicles. In addition to the general laws that govern personal injury and traffic there are particular rules applicable to commercial trucks. These regulations could have a significant effect on the way a crash occurs, the parties responsible and the types damages that are possible to award. lawrence semi truck accident lawyer can help learn about these rules and ensure that the parties responsible are held liable. It is not unusual for several parties to be accountable for a truck accident including the driver as well as their employer and the company who hauled the cargo. In addition, blame can be assigned to the maker of the truck or to any defective components that led to the accident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide the evidence needed to prove that all the parties at fault are liable and to show that you are entitled to fair compensation. A semi truck accident lawyer who has experience will protect you from common tactics used by insurance companies to deny or decrease your claim. The injured victims are usually desperate to receive their money to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. The insurance companies are aware of this and profit from this, using delaying as a way to pressure you to accept lower than you should. An attorney can assist you in determining the damages you are entitled to in the future and in the present, including medical bills, lost income and property damage. A lawyer can also assist you determine the proper amount of punitive and compensatory damages to award in your particular case. Compensatory damages are intended to pay you back for your losses, while punitive damages aim to punish the person at fault and deter others from committing similar crimes. Expert Witnesses Truck accidents differ from car accidents in that they require more specialized information, including the mechanics involved in truck accidents and the long-term economic as well as medical effects of the crash and the governing regulations for the industry. A semi-truck crash lawyer must be able to access the right experts, who can fill in gaps in knowledge and provide testimony that may be crucial to a client's claim. The specialists in accident reconstruction are among the most reliable experts that a semi-truck accident attorney might want to call. These experts are knowledgeable and can assess the scene of an accident, evaluate the truck as well as the vehicle involved and determine the reason for the crash, and present their findings clearly and easily comprehendable. They are often a crucial part of any successful lawsuit, as they assist the jury in understanding how the accident happened and which parties could be responsible. The right expert witnesses can also assist to determine what damages are enforceable and how much the damages will be worth. A life care planner, for instance can be hired to illustrate the effects of an accident that is serious on a victim’s ability to work as well as their medical needs throughout their lives. An economist may also be able to calculate the loss of earnings damages which is a major component of any compensation payout. Forensic toxicologists as well as experts in recognition of alcohol and drugs are also essential to a successful claim. They can help draw a direct line between intoxication and the crash. This is particularly important when the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of crash. A metallurgist may also be an excellent expert witness since they can perform tests on metal components of the truck that might have been involved in the accident to determine whether they were laden with. In certain instances an attorney in an New York semi truck accident will engage an expert who will investigate the trucking company and the way it operates. This is essential, particularly when the trucker was employed by an enormous trucking company and was subject to the same standards as other drivers were not. The expert can review the safety practices of the trucking company, their hiring procedures as well as any other information that might aid in determining the cause of the accident. Time Limits Evidence is often destroyed or lost when a truck accident occurs. This is why it's crucial to contact a semi truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Our lawyers can conduct an extensive investigation to determine who is accountable for your injuries. We'll partner with experts in accident reconstruction doctors, medical professionals and financial experts to assist you in getting the compensation you require. The most common cause of a truck accident is the negligence of the driver. This can be caused by driving distracted or impaired or reckless driving. Trucking companies that do not adhere to safety regulations or hire unqualified workers could also be accountable for accidents. Improper maintenance of the vehicle is another reason for an accident involving a truck. Failure to inspect or repair tires, brakes or other components of a truck can lead to the risk of a fatal accident. It's important to make sure that your truck accident lawyer understands the maintenance needs of large trucks so that they can investigate any issues with the safety of the truck. A third reason for a car accident is a trailer that is not properly loaded or cargo. A truck that is not properly loaded can cause the trailer or truck to jackknife when it's not properly loaded. This is a serious accident which can result in serious or fatal injuries to motorists who are driving. Truck accidents can also be caused by negligent driving by other drivers. They could cut off the driver of the truck or merge into wrong lanes. These actions can cause the truck to turn off the road and collide with other vehicles or pedestrians. A head-on collision between two vehicles, a truck and a vehicle is among the most fatal kinds of truck accidents. The front end of the passenger vehicle is usually the one to take the brunt of the impact, which can result in serious injuries, and sometimes death. These types of accidents usually occur on undivided highways when the truck driver falls asleep, turns to avoid another vehicle or is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. There are also accidents involving trucks spilling their loads of hazardous materials. These accidents could cause environmental harm and health hazards to people who come in contact with the chemicals.