Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people die in crashes involving large trucks. In the event of a crash it is crucial to work with truck accident lawyers who understand the various factors involved.
An attorney must immediately initiate a claim with the insurance company of the driver, as well as with the company that owns and operates the truck. This is done to maximize the amount of available insurance.
Liability
Trucks account for only 4 percent of the vehicles on the road, however they are involved with more than a fifth of all accidents. The majority of those accidents result in severe injuries, with victims suffering permanent, life-altering disabilities. The financial burden associated with these injuries can be enormous, and the families of victims need to recover damages to allow them to live with dignity. Insurance companies and trucking companies will do everything they can to minimize the amount of compensation that the victim is entitled to. You need a seasoned, strong semi truck accident lawyer to fight the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley's team possesses the expertise, experience, and strength to make a significant difference in your case.
Semi-trucks, referred to by the terms tractor-trailer and 18-wheeler are commercial vehicles of a large size which comprise a truck unit (tractor) and an attached trailer which transports cargo. Because of their size and weight they are prone to serious accidents if they are driven in reckless manner or if the driver does not exercise reasonable care while driving the vehicle. Truck accidents are usually caused by distracted drivers, speeding and a failure to look for blind spots when turning or changing lanes. Another reason behind truck crashes is the improper loading of freight, which could cause shifting and swaying which could potentially result in the truck rolling over.
In addition to the driver of the truck there are other parties who could be responsible in a accident, such as the employer of the driver, the company they haul products for, or even the person who arranges the load. It can be difficult to prove the fault when there are several insurance companies involved, since each will seek to limit its own liability.
In certain instances the local government agency could also be responsible in the event of a crash on their property. For instance, if a poorly designed road layout or a lack of maintenance caused an accident, the county board could be held accountable for the damages caused by the victim. This type of claim is based upon the principle of vicarious responsibility, which makes a supervisor accountable for the actions of an employee doing their duties.
Damages
Every motor vehicle accident can cause severe emotional and physical trauma. The consequences of a collision with semi-trucks are more severe than other types of accidents. Not only can these vehicles cause more serious injuries as well, but they also have the potential to cause damage to property or destruction, resulting in significant financial burdens. A semi truck accident attorney can assist you in determining the extent of your losses and seek the appropriate compensation for them.
It's always a good idea regardless of the kind of accident that took place, to consult an attorney for personal injury. This is particularly true in cases involving large-sized vehicles. Commercial trucks are subject to particular rules in addition to laws that govern personal injury, traffic and other laws. These can affect how the crash happens, who is responsible, and the types of damages that could be awarded. An attorney can help you get the most out of these regulations and ensure that the parties responsible are held accountable.
It is not unusual that several parties are held responsible in a truck-related accident which includes the driver and their employer, as well the company that carried the cargo. In addition, the fault could be attributed to the company that made the truck of the truck, or any of the parts that were defective and caused the accident. An attorney for semi-truck accidents can provide the evidence necessary to prove that all at-fault parties are responsible and you have the right to fair compensation.
A skilled semi truck accident attorney at your side can shield your rights from the common strategies used by insurance companies to reduce or deny your claim. Injured victims often feel desperate to receive their compensation so that they can pay for medical treatment and other expenses. The insurers know this and take advantage of delay as a strategy to pressure you into accepting less than what you are entitled to.
An attorney can help you determine the damages you are entitled to in the future and in the present, including medical expenses, lost income and property damage. bloomington semi truck accident law firm can also help you determine the appropriate amount of compensatory and punitive damages to award in your case. Compensatory damages are meant to reimburse you for your losses, while punitive damages are meant to punish the responsible party and discourage others from committing similar crimes.
Expert Witnesses
In contrast to a typical car accident scenario, truck accidents generally involve a significant amount of specific information regarding industry regulations such as truck mechanics, the long-term medical and economic effects of the crash. A semi-truck accident lawyer should have access the right experts who can fill in knowledge gaps and provide crucial evidence that could be vital to the client's case.
The specialists in accident reconstruction are among the most reliable experts that a semi-truck accident attorney could call upon. They are experienced professionals who know how to examine the scene of the accident, examine the vehicle and truck involved in the accident, determine the reason for the crash and then explain their findings in clear, easy to understand terms. They are usually an essential element of a successful lawsuit as they can help the jurors comprehend how the crash occurred and who might be accountable.
Expert witnesses can also establish the damage that is applicable and the worth. A life care planner, for instance is an expert who can determine the effect of an accident of a serious nature on a victim’s ability to work as well as their medical needs throughout their life. 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 can be extremely helpful to a successful claim. They can help draw an exact line between intoxication and the crash. This is especially the case when the trucker was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of crash. A metallurgist can also be an excellent expert witness as they can conduct tests on the metal components of the truck that might be involved in the collision to determine if they were over-loaded.
In certain instances the attorney for a New York semi truck accident will hire an expert to look into the trucking firm and how it operates. This is particularly crucial in the event that the trucker was employed by a large trucking firm and is required to follow certain standards which other drivers aren't. A qualified expert can review the safety protocols of the trucking company the hiring procedures, hiring practices and any other information that may aid in determining the source of the problem.
Time Limits
Evidence is often destroyed or lost in a truck crash. This is why it's crucial to speak with a semi truck accident attorney as soon as you can. Our lawyers will conduct an extensive investigation to determine who is accountable for your injuries. We'll work with experts in accident reconstruction doctors, medical professionals and financial experts to help you get the compensation you deserve.
The most frequent cause of truck accidents is driver carelessness. This can be caused by driving unintentionally, driving while under the influence, or driving recklessly. The trucking company that operates and owns the truck could be responsible for an accident in the event they fail to comply with safety guidelines or employ unqualified drivers.
A vehicle that is not maintained properly is another reason for crashes involving trucks. Failure to properly inspect or repair brakes, tires, or other parts of a truck can lead to the risk of a fatal accident. It's crucial to ensure that your truck accident attorney knows the requirements for maintenance of large trucks to be able to determine any issues that could affect the truck's safety.
A third reason for a truck 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 be jackknifed if not properly loaded. This is a serious hazard which can result in serious or fatal injuries to other motorists on the road.
Truck accidents can also be caused by the negligent driving of other drivers. They may cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong direction. These actions can cause the truck's wheels to slide off the road and collide with pedestrians or other vehicles.
A head-on collision between the truck and a passenger vehicle is one of the most fatal kinds of truck crashes. The front end of a passenger vehicle usually takes the brunt of the impact, which can result in serious injuries and death. These accidents occur when a truck driver falls asleep, or is swerving to avoid another vehicle or is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Trucks are also prone to accidents due to spilling dangerous materials. These accidents could cause environmental damage and risk to the health of people who come into contact with the chemicals.