Why Everyone Is Talking About Semi Truck Compensation Right Now
Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people die in accidents caused by large trucks. It is essential to work with truck accident attorneys who understand the different factors.
Attorneys should immediately make a claim with the insurance company of the driver, as well as with the company that owns and operates the truck. This is done in order to maximize the amount of insurance available.
Liability
While trucks make up only 4 percent of vehicles on the road, they are involved in more than five percent of all vehicle accidents. In the majority of these accidents, the victims suffer severe injuries and are permanently disabled. The financial burden resulting from these injuries can be immense, and the families of victims have to seek damages to ensure they can live their lives with dignity. Unfortunately, trucking companies and their insurance providers will make no effort in an attempt to limit the amount of the compensation a victim is entitled to. You need an experienced, strong semi truck accident lawyer who is able to tackle the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the knowledge, experience and determination to make a difference in your case.
Semi-trucks are also known by the names tractor-trailer or 18-wheeler, are large commercial vehicles comprised of a truck unit (tractor) and an attached trailer which transports cargo. These trucks are prone, due to their weight and size, to serious accidents if driven recklessly. Truck accidents are usually caused by speeding, distracted drivers and a failure to look for blind spots when turning or changing lanes. Unsafe loading of freight could cause truck accidents too. This could lead to shifting, swaying or even rolling the truck.
In addition to the driver, other parties may share responsibility in the event of a truck crash. This includes the driver's business as well as the company that the driver hauls product for and even the person who is responsible for setting up the load. Finding fault can be more difficult if multiple insurers are involved in the matter, because they each attempt to limit their own liability.
In certain instances the local government agency could also be accountable in the event of an accident on its property. For instance, if a poor road layout or poor maintenance contributed to an accident, the county board may be responsible for the injuries sustained by the victim. This kind of claim is based on the principle of vicarious responsibilities that holds a supervisory person liable for the actions of employees doing their job.
Damages
Any motor vehicle accident can cause severe emotional and physical trauma. However, the results of a collision with a semi truck can be more serious than the majority of accidents. Not only do these vehicles cause more serious injuries however, they can also cause property damage or destruction that can lead to significant financial burdens. A semi truck accident lawyer can assist you to determine the total loss and pursue the appropriate compensation.
It is always a good idea regardless of the kind of accident that has occurred to speak with an attorney who specializes in personal injury. This is especially important when dealing with large vehicles. In addition to the general laws that govern personal injury and traffic, there are special regulations that pertain to commercial trucks. They affect how a crash happens, who is responsible, and the kinds of damages that can be awarded. A lawyer can help understand these regulations and ensure that the responsible parties are held liable.
When a truck accident occurs it is not unusual for there to be several parties who could be accountable such as the truck driver or the company they work for, as well as the company that carried the load. The truck manufacturer or defective component could also be held responsible for the incident. An attorney who is a semi truck accident can provide the detailed evidence necessary to prove that all parties at fault are responsible and you are entitled to fair compensation.
A seasoned semi truck accident lawyer to defend your rights from the common strategies used by insurance companies to deny or limit your claim. Injured victims often feel desperate to get their money so that they can pay for medical treatment and other expenses. The insurers know this and profit from this, using delaying as a strategy to pressure you to accept less than you deserve.
An attorney can help determine all the future and present damages you are entitled to, including medical bills and lost income property damage, suffering and pain. A lawyer can assist you determine how much punitive and compensatory damages you can award in your particular case. Compensatory damages aim to compensate you for your losses, whereas punitive damages are meant to punish the person at fault and discourage others from committing similar crimes.
Expert Witnesses
Truck accidents are different from car accidents in that they require more specific details, including the mechanics involved in truck accidents as well as the long-term economic and medical consequences of the accident as well as the regulations that govern the industry. A semi-truck accident attorney must have access the right experts who can fill in gaps and provide vital evidence that could be vital to a client's legal case.
The specialists in accident reconstruction are among the most valuable experts that a semi-truck accident lawyer might want to call. They are skilled and are able to analyze the accident scene, analyze the truck as well as the vehicle involved to determine the cause of the crash, and present their findings clearly and understandable. They are often a crucial element of a successful lawsuit as they can help the jurors understand why a crash took place and who is accountable.
Expert witnesses can also assist to identify the damages that are applicable and how much they will be worth. A life care planner, for example can be hired to demonstrate the impact of an accident that is serious on a person's ability to work and their medical needs throughout their life. lubbock semi truck accident law firm may also be able to calculate the damages for lost earnings, which are a major component of any compensation payout.
Experts in toxicology for forensics and identification of alcohol and drugs are also extremely valuable for a successful case. They can assist in drawing a direct line between intoxication, and the accident. This is particularly important 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 the attorney for a New York semi truck accident will retain an expert to investigate the trucking company and the way it operates. This is essential, particularly in the case of a trucker who worked for a large trucking firm and was subject to standards that other drivers weren't. The expert can examine the safety protocols of the trucking company, as well as their hiring practices as well as any other information that might aid in determining the source of the problem.
Time Limits
When a truck collision occurs the evidence is often lost or destroyed. That's why it's important to get in touch with a semi-truck accident lawyer as quickly as you can. Our lawyers can conduct a thorough investigation to determine who is responsible for your injuries. We'll partner with experts in accident reconstruction medical professionals, financial experts and experts to help you get the compensation you require.
The most frequent cause of truck accidents is driver negligence. This could include driving in a hurry, driving under the influence or driving irresponsibly. Trucking companies that don't adhere to safety guidelines or hire unqualified workers could also be accountable for accidents.
Improper maintenance of the vehicle is a further cause of crashes involving trucks. A failure to inspect or repair the brakes, tires, or other components could cause a dangerous crash. It is essential that your truck accident lawyer understands the maintenance requirements of large trucks to determine any safety issues.
A third reason behind a truck accident is a trailer that is not properly loaded or cargo. If a truck is not properly loaded, it may cause the trailer to shift while on the road or cause the truck to jackknife. This is a serious accident that could result in serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
The negligence of other drivers can also cause truck accidents. They could cut off the driver of the truck or merge into the wrong lane. These actions may cause the truck driver to drift off the road, which could cause it to be in collision with other vehicles or pedestrians.
A head-on collision between two vehicles, a truck and a vehicle is among the most fatal kinds of truck accidents. The front of the passenger vehicle is usually the one to take the brunt of the impact, resulting in serious injuries and death. These accidents happen when a truck driver is asleep, or is swerving to avoid a vehicle, or is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. There are also accidents involving trucks that spill their load of hazardous substances. These accidents can cause environmental damage and health hazards to people who come in contact with the chemicals.