How To Know If You're Ready For Semi Truck Compensation
Truck Accident Attorneys Each year, 5,000 people die in accidents caused by large trucks. It's important that you get help from truck accident attorneys who are knowledgeable about the various causes. A lawyer should immediately file claims with the insurance company of the driver company, as and the company that is the owner of the truck. This is done in order to maximize the insurance coverage available. Liability Although trucks comprise only 4 percent of vehicles on the road however, they are involved in more than a fifth of all vehicular accidents. The majority of these accidents involve catastrophic injuries, with victims suffering permanent, life-altering disabilities. These injuries can have a massive financial impact, and the victims and families need to be compensated for their loss in order to live with dignity. Unfortunately trucking firms and their insurance companies will leave no stone unturned in an effort to limit the amount of compensation a victim is entitled to. That's why you need an experienced, skilled semi truck accident lawyer who can stand up to insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the experience, expertise and power to make the difference in your case. Semi-trucks are also known by the names tractor-trailer, 18-wheeler and tractor, are large commercial vehicles that consist of the truck unit (tractor) and an attached trailer to transport cargo. These trucks are vulnerable due to their weight and size, to serious accidents if they are driven recklessly. The most common causes of accidents involving trucks include speeding, distracted driving, and not checking blind spots prior to changing lanes or turning. Another reason for truck accidents is improper loading of the freight, which could cause shifting and swaying which could potentially result in the truck rolling over. In addition to the driver, other parties can share the responsibility for an accident involving a truck. This includes the driver's business or the company the driver transports products for, or even the person responsible for setting up the load. Finding fault is more difficult if multiple insurers are involved in the case, because they each attempt to limit their own liability. In some instances the local government agency might also be liable for accidents that occur on its property. For instance, if poorly designed road layout or maintenance issues contributed to 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 liability, which makes a supervisor accountable for the actions of an employee performing the duties of their job. Damages Any car accident can result in extreme physical and emotional trauma. The effects of a collision with semi-trucks can be more severe than other types of accidents. Not only do these vehicles cause more serious injuries however, they can also damage or destroy property and cause significant financial burdens. A semi truck accident lawyer can help determine your full losses and pursue the appropriate compensation. Although it's generally a good idea to consult an attorney who can help you after any kind of accident this is particularly important in cases involving large trucks. In addition to the general laws that regulate personal injury and traffic there are specific regulations for commercial trucks. These regulations can affect how a crash happens, who is accountable, and what types of damages awarded. A lawyer can help you get the most out of these regulations and ensure that the parties at fault are held liable. When a truck crash occurs it is not uncommon to find a variety of parties who could be accountable which include the driver of the truck, the company they work for, as well as the company that carried the load. Additionally, the blame could be assigned to the maker of the truck or any faulty parts that caused the accident. An attorney who is a semi truck accident can provide the specific evidence to show that all parties at fault are accountable and that you have the right to fair compensation. A semi truck accident lawyer who has experience will be able to protect you from typical tactics employed by insurance companies to deny or reduce your claim. Injured victims are usually looking for money in order to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. The insurers know this and profit from it, using delay as a way to try to force you into accepting less than what you are entitled to. An attorney can help determine the total amount of future and present damages you are entitled to, including medical bills loss of income as well as property damage and pain and suffering. A lawyer can also assist you determine the appropriate amount of compensatory and punitive damages to award in your case. Compensatory damages are intended to compensate you for your losses, whereas punitive damages aim to punish the responsible party and discourage others from committing similar crimes. Expert Witnesses In contrast to a typical car accident case, truck accidents typically involve a lot of highly specialized information about industry regulations such as truck mechanics, the long-term economic and medical effects of the collision. A semi-truck accident attorney should have access the right experts who can fill in knowledge gaps and provide evidence that could be crucial to a client's case. Specialists in reconstruction of accidents are one of the most effective experts that a semi-truck accident attorney can call on. They are experts with years of experience who are skilled at examining the scene of the accident, examine the vehicle and truck involved in the accident, determine the cause of the crash and then explain their findings in simple, easy-to-understand terms. They are usually a vital component of any successful lawsuit since they can help the jury understand how a particular crash happened, and which parties might be accountable for it. Expert witnesses can also assist to determine what damages are enforceable and how much those damages will be worth. For example, a life-care planner can be enlisted to explain the effect a serious accident could have on the victim's ability to work, their medical needs for the rest of their lives, and any other long-term consequences. In addition, an economist could assist in calculating things such as lost earnings damages, which could be a significant component of any compensation award. Experts in toxicology forensics as well as identification of drugs and alcohol are also extremely valuable for a successful case. These types of experts can help to draw a straight line between alcohol consumption and the incident, particularly in cases where the trucker may have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident. A metallurgist is also an expert witness because they can conduct tests on the metal components of the truck that might be involved in the collision to determine whether they were loaded to the max. In some instances an attorney representing a New York semi truck accident will retain an expert to look into the trucking firm and how it operates. This is particularly crucial when the trucker is employed by a large company and might be subject to certain requirements which other drivers aren't. The expert can review the safety practices of the trucking company, their hiring procedures, as well as any other information which could aid in determining the cause of the accident. Time Limits When a truck accident happens there is a high likelihood that evidence will be lost or destroyed. This is why it's crucial to speak with a semi truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Our attorneys will conduct an extensive investigation to determine who is responsible for your injuries. We will work with accident reconstruction experts doctors, medical professionals, and financial analysts to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. The most frequent cause of truck accidents is driver negligence. This could result from driving while distracted, driving under the influence, or driving irresponsibly. Trucking companies that don't follow safety rules or hire unqualified employees may be held accountable for accidents. A vehicle that is not maintained properly is another cause of crashes involving trucks. riverside semi truck accident law firm to inspect or repair the brakes, tires, or other parts of a truck could result in an accident that is dangerous. It is crucial that your lawyer for truck accidents understands the maintenance requirements of large trucks so that they can investigate any safety issues. Thirdly, a trailer that isn't properly loaded or cargo can cause an accident with a truck. If a truck is not properly loaded, it may cause the trailer to shift on the road or cause the truck to become jackknifed. This is a serious accident that could 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 the wrong lane. These actions could cause the truck's wheels to slide off the roadway and collide with other vehicles or pedestrians. One of the most dangerous truck accidents is head-on collisions. The front of the passenger vehicle is usually the one who takes the brunt, leading to grave injuries or even death. These types of accidents usually occur on roads with no other traffic when the truck driver is asleep, is unable to steer clear of another vehicle or is driving under the under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Trucks may also cause accidents by spilling dangerous materials. These accidents can cause environmental damage as well as human health hazards for those who come into contact with the chemicals.