Truck Accident Attorneys

Every year, 5,000 people are killed in accidents involving large trucks. When a crash occurs, it's important to consult with truck accident lawyers that understand the various aspects involved.

An attorney 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 in order to maximize the amount of insurance available.

Liability

Although trucks comprise only 4 percent of vehicles on the road but they are involved in more than five percent of all vehicle accidents. In the majority of these accidents, the victims suffer catastrophic injuries and are permanently disabled. The financial burden of these injuries can be enormous, and victims and their families require compensation to ensure they can live with dignity. Unfortunately trucking firms and their insurance companies will do everything they can in their efforts to reduce the amount of compensation that a victim is entitled to. This is why you need an experienced and dependable semi truck accident lawyer who will stand up to insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the experience, knowledge and the strength to make the difference in your case.

Semi-trucks, also known under the names tractor-trailer and 18-wheeler, are large commercial vehicles comprised of a truck unit (tractor) and an attached trailer to transport cargo. Due to their weight and size, these trucks are prone to serious accidents when they are driven with recklessness or when a driver fails to exercise reasonable care when operating the vehicle. Accidents involving trucks are usually caused by drivers who speed, distracted drivers and the inability to spot blind spots when turning or changing lanes. Improper loading of freight can result in truck accidents. This could lead to shifting, swaying and even the truck rolling.

In addition to the driver, other parties may share responsibility in an accident involving a truck. This includes the driver's employer and the company the driver is responsible for hauling goods or even the person who sets up the load. It isn't easy to prove the fault when there are several insurance companies involved, because each one will try to limit their own liability.

In certain instances, the local government agency might also be responsible in the event of an accident on its property. For example, if a poor road layout or poor maintenance contributed to an accident, the county board may be responsible for the damages sustained by the victim. This kind of claim is based upon the principle of vicarious accountability, which makes supervisory employees liable for an employee's actions while acting in the scope of their job.

Damages

The emotional and physical trauma that comes with any motor vehicle accident can be quite severe. However, the effects of a collision with a semi truck are more severe than other types of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage to property. This could result in a significant financial burden. A semi truck accident lawyer can help you determine the totality of your losses and seek appropriate compensation for them.

It is always a good idea, regardless of the kind of accident that occurred to talk to an attorney for personal injuries. This is especially important in cases involving large-sized vehicles. In addition to the general laws that govern traffic and personal injury there are particular rules that pertain to commercial trucks. These regulations can have a major impact on how a collision is handled, the parties responsible and the types damages that may be awarded. An attorney can ensure that you are aware of the rules and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

When a truck accident occurs it is not uncommon for there to be a number of parties to be accountable which include the driver of the truck or the company they work for, and the company that carries the load. Additionally, the blame could be attributed to the company that made the truck of the truck or any defective components that led to the accident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide the evidence needed to prove that all the parties at fault are accountable and to prove that you are entitled fair compensation.

A semi truck accident lawyer who has experience can help you avoid common tactics used by insurance firms to deny or reduce your claim. Injured victims are often desperate to receive their compensation so that they can pay for medical treatments and other expenses. Insurance companies profit from this by attempting to make you accept less than you deserve.

An attorney can assist you in determining the damages you are entitled to both in the future and now, including medical bills, lost income, and property damage. A lawyer can also help you determine the proper amount of punitive and compensatory damages to award in your particular case. Compensatory damages are intended to pay you back for your losses, while punitive damages are meant to punish the responsible party and deter others from committing similar crimes.

Expert Witnesses

Truck accidents are different from car accidents in that they require a lot more specialized information, such as the mechanics involved in truck accidents, the long-term economic and medical effects of the accident as well as the regulations that govern the industry. A san juan capistrano semi truck accident law firm-truck accident attorney should have access the right experts who can fill in the gaps and provide crucial testimony that could be crucial to a client's legal case.

Specialists in accident reconstruction are some of the most valuable experts that a semi-truck accident lawyer can rely on. These are seasoned professionals who are able to analyze an accident scene, assess the vehicle and truck involved in the crash, figure out what caused it and present their findings in clear, easy to understand firm terms. They are often a key element of a successful lawsuit since they can assist jurors to understand how a collision took place and who may be accountable.

The right expert witnesses can also assist to identify the damages that are applicable and how much the damages will be worth. A life care planner, for instance can be hired to illustrate the effects of an accident of a serious nature on the ability of a victim to work and their medical needs throughout their lifetime. An economist can also assist determine the amount of compensation for lost earnings, which are a major part of any compensation award.

Forensic toxicologists as well as experts in recognition of alcohol and drugs can also be a huge asset for a successful claim. These types of experts could aid in drawing a clear line between drunkenness and the accident, 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 an effective expert witness because they can conduct tests on the metal components of the truck that might be involved in the crash to determine if they were over-loaded.

In certain cases there are occasions when a New York semi-truck accident attorney will engage an expert to look into the trucking firm itself and the way in which it operates. This is especially crucial when the trucker is employed by a large trucking firm and may be subject to certain standards that other drivers do not. An expert can look into the safety procedures of the trucking firm and firm hiring practices, as well as any other information that could help to determine fault.

Time Limits

If a truck accident 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 soon as possible. Our lawyers can conduct an extensive investigation to determine who is accountable for your injuries. We'll collaborate with accident reconstruction experts medical professionals, financial experts and experts to help you obtain the compensation you need.

The most frequently cited reason for a truck accident is negligence by the driver. This can include driving distracted or under the influence or driving recklessly. The trucking company that operates and owns the truck could also be responsible for accidents when they fail to adhere to safety guidelines or employ unqualified drivers.

Another reason for a car accident is poor maintenance on the vehicle. Failure to examine or repair a truck's brakes, tires, or other components could lead to a dangerous crash. It is crucial that your lawyer for truck accidents is aware of the maintenance requirements for large trucks to investigate any safety issues.

Another reason for a truck accident is a poorly loaded trailer or cargo. A truck that isn't properly loaded could cause the trailer or truck to be jackknifed if not properly loaded. This is a serious accident that can cause serious or fatal injuries to motorists.

The negligence of other drivers can also result in truck accidents. They could cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong lane. These actions can cause the truck driver to turn off the road, which could cause it to collide with other vehicles and pedestrians.

One of the most fatal truck accidents is one that involves a head-on collision. The front end of a passenger vehicle is usually the one to take the brunt of the impact, which can result in serious injuries, and sometimes death. These types of accidents usually occur on highways with no traffic lanes when the truck driver is asleep, turns to avoid another vehicle or is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Trucks may also cause accidents by spilling their hazardous materials. These accidents can cause environmental damage and health hazards for humans who come into contact with the chemicals.