What Do You Need To Know To Be Are Ready To Semi Truck Compensation
Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people die in accidents involving large vehicles. When a crash occurs it's essential to find truck accident lawyers that understand the different factors involved.
Attorneys must immediately make a claim with the insurance company of the driver and with the company that operates and owns the truck. This is done in order to get the most insurance possible.
Liability
While trucks make up only 4 percent of vehicles on the road, they are involved in more than 5 percent of all vehicular accidents. In the vast majority of these accidents, victims suffer severe injuries and become permanently disabled. The financial burden of those injuries can be immense, and the victims and their families need to recover damages to allow them to live a life of dignity. Unfortunately trucking companies and insurance companies will make no effort in their efforts to reduce the amount of compensation that a victim is entitled to. That's why you need an experienced and dependable semi truck accident attorney that is able to stand up against insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the experience, knowledge and power 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 the truck (tractor unit) and a trailer that is detachable and can carry cargo. Because of their size and weight they are susceptible to serious accidents if they are driven with recklessness or if a driver fails to exercise reasonable care when driving the vehicle. The most common causes of accidents involving trucks include speeding, distracted driving and not securing blind spots before turning or changing lanes. Incorrect loading of cargo can also cause truck accidents. This can lead to shifting, swaying, and even rolling the truck.
In addition to the driver of the truck and other drivers, other parties could be responsible in a accident, such as the driver's employer, the company they haul product for, and even the person who sets up the load. It can be difficult to prove the responsibility when there are multiple insurance companies involved, because each one will try to limit its own liability.
In some cases, the local government entity could 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 may be responsible for the injuries suffered by the victim. This type of claim is based on the concept of vicarious liability, which holds an authority party responsible for the actions of an employee while acting within the scope of their duties.
Damages
The emotional and physical trauma that comes with any motor vehicle accident could be a lot. However, the effects of a collision with a semi truck can be more serious than most other types of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage property. This could lead to significant financial burden. A semi truck accident attorney can assist you in determining the full extent of your losses and seek the appropriate compensation for them.
It's recommended to speak with an injury lawyer following any type of accident, this is particularly relevant in cases involving large vehicles. Commercial trucks are subjected to specific regulations in addition laws that govern personal injury, traffic and other laws. These regulations can have a major impact on how a crash is handled, the parties responsible and the type of damages that could be awarded. An attorney can ensure that you are aware of the rules and that those responsible are held accountable.
When a truck collision occurs, it is not uncommon to have several parties that could be responsible which include the driver of the truck and the company they work for, and the company that carried the load. The truck manufacturer or defective parts could also be accountable for the incident. A semi truck accident attorney can provide the evidence needed to demonstrate that all parties at fault are responsible and that you have the right to fair compensation.
Having an experienced semi truck accident attorney on your side can protect you from the usual tactics used by insurance companies to reduce or deny your claim. Victims of injuries are often desperate to receive their money in order to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies know this and profit from it, using delay as a way to try to force you to accept less than what you are entitled to.
A lawyer can help you determine all of the present and future damages that you are entitled to, such as medical bills as well as lost income as well as property damage and pain and suffering. An attorney can also help you determine the proper amount of punitive and compensatory damages to award in your case. Compensatory damages are intended to compensate you for the losses. Punitive damages seek to punish the person responsible and deter other people from committing similar crime.
Expert Witnesses
Unlike a normal car accident situation, truck accidents usually include a great deal of specific information about the industry's regulations as well as truck mechanics and the long-term economic and medical impact of the collision. A semi-truck crash lawyer must have access to the best experts who can fill in gaps of knowledge and provide crucial testimony that could be essential to a client's case.
The specialists in accident reconstruction are one of the most effective experts a semi truck accident lawyer can call upon. These experts are highly skilled and are able to evaluate the scene of an accident, examine both the truck and the vehicle involved as well as determine the root of the accident, and explain their findings in a way that is easily comprehendable. They are often a key element of a successful lawsuit since they can assist jurors understand how a crash occurred and who might be responsible.
arizona semi truck accident case can also help to identify the damages that are applicable and how much those damages will be worth. A life care planner, for example can be hired to determine the effect of an accident of a serious nature on the ability of a victim to work as well as their medical needs throughout their lifetime. Likewise, an economist can assist in calculating things such as lost earnings damages, which could constitute a substantial portion of any compensation award.
Experts in toxicology for forensics as well as identification of drugs and alcohol are also very helpful to a successful claim. These experts can help draw the line between intoxication, and the accident. This is particularly true when the trucker was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash. A metallurgist can be a valuable expert witness. They can examine the metal components of the truck involved in the crash to determine if they overloaded.
In some instances an attorney representing an New York semi truck accident will retain an expert to study the trucking firm and how it operates. This is particularly important if the trucker was employed by a large trucking company and may be subject to certain rules that other drivers are not. The expert can review the safety policies of the trucking company, their hiring procedures as well as any other information which could aid in determining the source of the problem.
Time Limits
When a truck accident happens and evidence is lost or destroyed. It is imperative to contact a semi-truck accident attorney as soon as you can. Our attorneys can conduct an extensive investigation to determine who's accountable for your injuries. We'll work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals and financial experts to help you obtain the compensation you need.
The most common cause for truck accidents is driver carelessness. This can be caused by driving distracted, driving under the influence or driving recklessly. Trucking companies who fail to adhere to safety standards or hire employees with no qualifications could also be held accountable for accidents.
Another cause of a truck accident is improper maintenance on the vehicle. Inability to check or repair tires, brakes, or other parts of a truck can lead to an accident that is dangerous. It is crucial to ensure that your truck accident attorney is aware of the maintenance requirements of large trucks, so that they can look into any issues with the truck's safety.
Another reason for a truck accident is a poorly loaded trailer or cargo. A truck that isn't properly loaded could cause the trailer or truck to be jackknifed if not properly loaded. This is a serious accident which can result in serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
The negligence of other drivers can cause truck accidents too. They could cut off the driver of the truck or merge into wrong lane. These actions can cause the truck to drift off the roadway and collide with pedestrians or other vehicles.
One of the most deadly truck accidents is the head-on collision. The front of the passenger car is typically the one that takes the brunt, resulting in serious injuries, and even death. These types of accidents often occur on undivided highways when the truck driver is asleep, steers away from another vehicle or is under the impaired by alcohol or drugs. There are also accidents that involve trucks that spill their loads of dangerous materials. These accidents can cause environmental damage as well as health risks for humans who come into contact with the chemicals.