Truck Accident Attorneys
Each year, 5,000 people are killed in crashes with large trucks. It is important to get help from truck accident attorneys who understand the different factors.
Attorneys should immediately submit a claim to the insurance company of the driver as well as with the company that owns and operates the truck. This is done so as to maximize the available insurance.
Liability
While trucks comprise just 4 percent of the vehicles on the road yet they are involved more than 5 percent of all vehicular accidents. The vast majority of those accidents involve catastrophic injuries, with victims suffering permanent, life-changing disabilities. The financial burden associated with these injuries can be enormous, and the victims and their families must seek compensation to ensure they can live their lives with dignity. Unfortunately trucking fort wayne semi truck accident law firm and insurance companies will not leave a stone unturned in an attempt to limit the amount of the compensation a victim is entitled to. This is why you require an experienced and dependable semi truck accident lawyer who can stand up to the insurance companies and their attorneys. John Hensley's team is equipped with the knowledge and experience to make a major 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 detachable trailer that carries cargo. Due to their weight and size, these trucks are prone to serious accidents when they are driven recklessly or if a driver fails to exercise reasonable care when operating the vehicle. Common causes of truck accidents include speeding, distracted driving and failing to check blind spots before turning or changing lanes. Incorrect 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 and other drivers, other parties could be liable in a truck accident, including the employer of the driver, the company they haul products for, or even the person who is responsible for setting up the load. It can be more difficult when multiple insurance companies are involved in the case as they will each try to limit their own liability.
In certain instances the local government agency could also be responsible for an accident that occurs on their property. If, for instance a road that is not maintained or a poorly-designed layout caused an accident, the county board may be responsible for the victim's damages. This kind of claim is based on the principle of vicarious liability that makes supervisory employees liable for the actions of an employee performing the duties of their duties.
Damages
Any accident involving a motor vehicle can cause extreme emotional and physical trauma. However, the effects of a collision with a semi-truck can be more serious than other types of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage to property. This can result in a substantial financial burden. An attorney for semi-truck accidents can help you determine the full extent of your loss and pursue the appropriate compensation for them.
Although it's generally best to consult an attorney for injury after any kind of accident, this is especially important when it comes to cases involving large trucks. Commercial trucks are subject to specific regulations in addition laws that regulate traffic, personal injury and other laws. These regulations can affect how a crash occurs, who is accountable, and what types of damages awarded. An attorney can ensure that you know the rules and ensure that the parties responsible are held accountable.
When a truck crash occurs, it is not uncommon to have several people who are responsible, including the truck driver as well as the company they work for, as well as the company responsible for hauling the load. Additionally, the blame could be assigned to the manufacturer of the truck or to any defective parts that contributed to the accident. A semi truck accident attorney can provide the detailed evidence required to show that all at-fault parties are responsible and that you have the right to fair compensation.
Having an experienced semi truck accident attorney on your side can protect you against the common strategies used by insurance companies to deny or reduce your claim. Injured victims often feel desperate to collect their money so that they can pay for medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies take advantage of this by attempting to force you to accept less than what you're entitled to.
A lawyer can help you determine the damages you are entitled to in the future and present such as 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 meant to pay you back for your losses, whereas punitive damages aim to punish the at-fault party and discourage others from committing similar actions.
Expert Witnesses
Truck accidents differ from car accidents in that they require a lot more specific information, like the mechanics involved in truck accidents, the long-term economic and medical consequences of the accident, and industry regulations. A semi-truck crash attorney should have access to the appropriate experts, who can fill in the gaps of knowledge and provide crucial testimony that may be crucial to a client's case.
Specialists in accident reconstruction are some of the most reliable experts that a semi-truck accident attorney can call on. They are experienced professionals who are skilled at examining the scene of an accident, evaluate the truck and other vehicles involved in the accident, determine what caused the accident and explain their findings in clear, easy-to-understand terms. They are usually a vital element of a successful lawsuit as they aid jurors in understanding why an accident occurred and which parties could be responsible for it.
Expert witnesses can also determine the damages that are applicable and their worth. For instance, a life care planner could be hired to illustrate the effect a serious crash might have on a victim's ability to work, their medical needs for the remaining years of their lives and any other long-term consequences. Likewise, an economist can assist in calculating things such as lost earnings damages, which will be a significant component of any compensation award.
Experts in toxicology for forensics and drug and alcohol identification are also very helpful in a successful claim. These types of experts can assist in drawing a clear line between alcohol and the crash, especially when the driver may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash. A metallurgist can also be a valuable 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 some instances the New York semi-truck accident attorney will engage an expert to study the trucking company's operations and the way in which it operates. This is particularly important in the event that the trucker was employed by a large company and could be subject to certain rules that other drivers are not. The expert can examine the safety procedures of the trucking company, as well as their hiring practices and any other information that might help determine fault.
Time Limits
Evidence is usually destroyed or lost in a truck crash. It is crucial to speak with a semi truck accident attorney as quickly as possible. Our attorneys will conduct an extensive investigation to discover all the parties responsible for your injuries. We'll work with experts in accident reconstruction doctors, medical professionals and financial experts to assist you in getting the compensation you require.
The most frequently cited reason for a truck crash is the negligence of the driver. It could be due to driving while distracted or under the influence or driving recklessly. Trucking companies that don't follow safety rules or hire unqualified workers could also be held accountable for accidents.
Another cause of a truck accident is improper maintenance on the vehicle. A failure to inspect or repair the truck's brakes or tires, or other components could lead to a dangerous crash. It is essential that your truck accident lawyer is aware of the requirements for maintenance on large trucks to determine any safety issues.
Thirdly, a trailer that isn't properly loaded or cargo could lead to accidents with trucks. A truck that isn't loaded properly can cause the truck or trailer to be jackknifed if not properly loaded. This is a serious accident that could result in serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
Inattention of other drivers could cause truck accidents too. They might cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong direction. These actions can cause the driver of the truck to deviate from the road, which could cause it to collide with other vehicles and pedestrians.
One of the most deadly truck accidents is one that involves a head-on collision. The front of the passenger car is usually the one that bears the brunt, which can result in grave injuries or even death. These kinds of accidents typically occur on highways with no traffic lanes when the truck driver is asleep, steers away from another vehicle, or is under the under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Trucks can cause accidents as well by spilling hazardous substances. These accidents could cause environmental damage and dangers to human health for those who come in contact with the chemicals.