Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people die in crashes involving large trucks. If a collision occurs, it's important to consult with truck accident lawyers who know the various elements involved.
An attorney must immediately submit a claim to the insurance company of the driver as well as with the company that operates and owns the truck. This will maximize the amount of available insurance.
Liability
Trucks comprise just 4 percent of all vehicles on the road, however they are involved in nearly a fifth of all accidents. The majority of these accidents cause catastrophic injuries with victims suffering permanent, life-changing disabilities. These injuries can have a significant financial impact, and the victims and their families must be compensated to live with dignity. Unfortunately, trucking companies and their insurance providers will leave no stone unturned in their efforts to reduce the amount of compensation a victim has the right to. You need a knowledgeable strong, reputable semi truck accident lawyer who can tackle the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley's team has the expertise, experience, and strength to make a significant difference in your case.
Semi-trucks, referred to by the names tractor-trailer, 18-wheeler and tractor are large commercial vehicles that consist of the truck unit (tractor) and an attached trailer that is used to transport cargo. These trucks are susceptible, due to their size and weight to serious accidents if driven recklessly. Common causes of truck accidents include speeding, distracted driving, and not securing blind spots prior to turning or changing lanes. Another cause of truck accidents is improper loading of the freight which can lead to shifting and swaying that could lead to the truck rolling over.
In addition to the truck driver Other parties could be responsible in a crash including the driver's employer as well as the company they haul product for, and even the person who sets up the load. It can be difficult to prove fault when there are multiple insurance companies involved, because each one will try to limit their own liability.
In certain instances, local government agencies could also be responsible for accidents that occur on their property. If, for example a road that was not maintained or a poorly-designed layout caused an accident, then the county board may be responsible for the damage suffered by the victim. This type of claim is based on the principle of vicarious responsibility, which makes the supervisory party accountable for the actions of an employee when they are acting within the confines of their duties.
Damages
Any motor vehicle accident can result in extreme emotional and physical trauma. However, the consequences of a collision with a semi-truck are more severe than most other kinds of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage property. This could lead to significant financial burden. An attorney for semi-truck accidents can help you determine the full extent of your losses and pursue appropriate compensation for them.
It is always a good idea regardless of the kind of accident that occurred to consult an attorney for personal injuries. This is especially important in cases involving large vehicles. Commercial trucks are subject to specific regulations, in addition to the laws that regulate personal injury, traffic and other laws. They can impact how a crash occurs, who is accountable, and what types of damages that can be awarded. san jose semi truck accident law firm can help to ensure that you are aware of rules and that those responsible are held accountable.
When a truck crash occurs it is not uncommon for there to be a number of parties to be accountable, including the truck driver, the company they work for, as well as the company that hauled the load. In addition, fault may be assigned to the manufacturer of the truck, or any faulty parts that caused the accident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide the evidence needed to prove that all the parties at fault are accountable and that you have a right to fair compensation.
An experienced semi truck accident lawyer on your side can protect you from the most common tactics used by insurance companies to deny or reduce your claim. Victims of injuries are often desperate to receive their money to cover medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies know this and profit from delay as a strategy to to force you into accepting less than you deserve.
An attorney can help determine all the future and present damages you are entitled to, such as medical bills loss of income property damage, pain and suffering. An attorney can help determine how much punitive and compensatory damages you can award in your particular case. Compensatory damages aim to compensate you for your losses, while punitive damages are intended to punish the person at fault and discourage others from engaging in similar acts.
Expert Witnesses
In contrast to a typical car accident situation, truck accidents usually contain a large amount of specialized information about industry regulations, truck mechanics, and the long-term medical and economic consequences of the collision. A semi-truck crash lawyer must be able to access the right experts, who can fill in gaps of knowledge and provide crucial evidence that can be crucial to a client's case.
The specialists in accident reconstruction are one of the most valuable experts a semi truck accident lawyer can call upon. These experts are knowledgeable and are able to analyze the accident scene, analyze both the truck and the vehicle involved in it as well as determine the root of the crash, and then explain their findings clearly and easily comprehendable. They are usually a vital element of a successful lawsuit as they assist jurors in understanding how the crash occurred, and which parties might be accountable for it.
Expert witnesses can also establish the damage that is applicable and their worth. For instance, a life care planner could be hired to show the impact that a accident could have on a victim's ability to work, their medical needs for the remainder of their lives and any other long-term consequences. In addition, an economist could assist in calculating things like lost earnings damages, which will be a major component of any compensation award.
Forensic toxicologists and experts in recognition of alcohol and drugs are also essential in a successful case. These experts can help draw a direct 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 the crash. A metallurgist is an excellent expert witness. They can test metal components of the truck involved in the crash to determine if they loaded too much.
In some instances there are occasions when a New York semi-truck accident attorney will hire an expert to investigate the trucking company and how it functions. This is particularly crucial in the event that the trucker was employed by a large trucking company and may be subject to certain standards which other drivers aren't. An expert could examine the trucking company's safety procedures the hiring procedures, hiring practices and any other information that could aid in determining the source of the problem.
Time Limits
Evidence is often destroyed or lost when a truck accident occurs. This is the reason it's so important to speak with a semi truck accident lawyer as quickly as you can. Our attorneys will conduct an extensive investigation to determine who's accountable for your injuries. We'll work with accident reconstruction experts along with medical professionals and financial analysts to help you receive the compensation you deserve.
The most common reason for truck accidents is driver carelessness. This can be caused by driving distracted, driving while under the influence, or driving irresponsibly. Trucking companies who fail to adhere to safety standards or hire employees with no qualifications could also be held responsible for accidents.
Improper maintenance of the vehicle is a further cause of the possibility of a crash with a truck. Failure to examine or repair the truck's brakes or tires or other parts can lead to a dangerous crash. It is essential to ensure that your lawyer for truck accidents is aware of the maintenance requirements of large trucks in order to investigate any issues with the safety of the truck.
Thirdly, a poorly-loaded trailer or cargo can cause accidents with trucks. If a truck isn't properly loaded, it can cause the trailer to shift while on the road or cause the truck to jackknife. This is a serious accident that can cause severe or fatal injuries to other motorists driving on the road.
Other drivers' negligence can also result in truck accidents. They could cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong lane. These actions could cause the truck's wheels to slide off the road and collide with other vehicles or pedestrians.
A head-on collision between two vehicles, a truck and a vehicle is one of the most deadly kinds of truck crashes. The front of the passenger car is typically the one that takes the brunt, which can result in serious injuries and sometimes even death. These types of accidents usually occur on roads that are not divided when the truck driver falls asleep, turns to avoid another vehicle, or is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. There are also accidents that involve trucks that spill their load of hazardous materials. These accidents could cause environmental harm and health risks to humans who come into contact with the chemicals.