Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people die in accidents involving large vehicles. In the event of a crash it's crucial to work with truck accident lawyers who know the various aspects involved.
A lawyer should immediately set up claims with the insurance company, as well as the company that owns the truck. This is done in order to maximize the amount of insurance available.
Liability
While trucks comprise just 4 percent of vehicles on the road however, they are involved in more than 5 percent of all vehicular accidents. In the vast majority of these accidents, the victims suffer catastrophic injuries and are permanently disabled. These injuries can have a massive financial impact, and the victims and their families should be compensated so that they can live with dignity. Unfortunately trucking companies and their insurance companies will leave no stone unturned in an effort to limit the amount of the compensation a victim is entitled to. This is why you need a strong, experienced semi truck accident lawyer who is able to stand up against insurance companies and their attorneys. John Hensley's team has the knowledge skills, experience, and determination to make a major 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 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 they are driven in reckless manners. Truck accidents are often caused by distracted drivers, speeding as well as the failure to observe blind spots when turning or changing lanes. Incorrect loading of freight can result in truck accidents. This can lead to shifting, swaying, and even the truck rolling.
In addition to the driver of the truck there are other parties who could share the blame in a truck crash, including the employer of the driver and the company they transport product for, and the person who is responsible for setting up the load. The process of proving fault can be more difficult when multiple insurance companies are involved in the case because they all attempt to limit their own liability.
In some instances, local government agencies could also share responsibility for accidents that occur on their property. If, for example a road that was not maintained or a layout that was poorly planned caused an accident, the county board could be held accountable for the damage suffered by the victim. This type of claim is based on the principle of vicarious responsibility that makes supervisory employees liable for the actions of employees doing their duties.
Damages
Every motor vehicle accident can cause severe physical and emotional trauma. However, the consequences of a collision with a semi-truck are more severe than most other kinds of accidents. Not only do these vehicles cause more severe injuries however, they can also damage or destroy property, resulting in significant financial burdens. A semi truck accident lawyer can help determine the total loss and get the right compensation.
Although it's generally a good idea to consult an attorney who can help you after any kind of accident, this is particularly relevant for cases involving large-sized trucks. Commercial trucks are subject to special regulations in addition to the laws that govern traffic, personal injury and other laws. These regulations can affect how a accident occurs, who is responsible, and the kinds of damages awarded. A lawyer can ensure that you know the rules and ensure that the parties responsible for the crash are held accountable.
It is not unusual that several parties are accountable for a truck accident, including the driver and their employer, as well the company that carried the cargo. Additionally, the blame 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. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide you with the evidence required to prove that all those responsible are liable and to show that you have a right to fair compensation.
A semi truck accident lawyer with years of experience will protect you from typical tactics employed by insurance companies to deny or limit your claim. Injured victims are often seeking money in order to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies profit from this by using delay to force you into accepting less than you deserve.
An attorney can help you determine all the present and future damages that you are entitled to, including medical bills as well as lost income damages to property, pain and suffering. A lawyer can also help you determine the proper amount of compensatory and punitive damages to award in your particular case. portland semi truck accident claim are intended to reimburse you for your losses, while punitive damages aim to penalize the party at fault and deter others from committing similar actions.
Expert Witnesses
Truck accidents are different from car accidents in that they require more specialized details, including the truck mechanics involved along with the long-term financial and medical consequences of the accident and the regulations for the industry. A semi-truck crash attorney should have access to the right experts who can fill in the gaps in knowledge and provide testimony that could be essential to a client's claim.
Specialists in accident reconstruction are among the most valuable experts that a semi-truck accident lawyer can rely on. These experts are highly skilled and can assess an accident scene, assess the truck as well as the vehicle involved in it, determine the cause of the crash, and explain their findings clearly and understandable. They are often a key element of a successful lawsuit, as they help jurors comprehend how the crash took place and who is accountable.
Expert witnesses can also determine the damage that is applicable and the worth. For instance, a health planner can be hired to illustrate the impact that a accident could have on the victim's ability to work, their medical needs for the remainder of their lives and any other long-term repercussions. An economist can also help calculate damages for lost earnings which is a significant element of any compensation award.
Experts in toxicology for forensics and drug and alcohol identification can also be very valuable to a successful claim. They can help draw a direct line between intoxication and the crash. This is especially true when the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of crash. A metallurgist could also be an effective expert witness since they can conduct tests on the metal components of the truck that could be involved in the accident to determine if they were over-loaded.
In some cases in some cases, a New York semi-truck accident attorney will employ an expert to investigate the trucking company itself and how it operates. This is especially important when the trucker is employed by a large trucking firm and might be required to follow certain standards that other drivers are not. The expert will be able to examine the safety practices of the trucking company, the hiring practices of their employees, as well as any other information that may aid in determining the cause of the accident.
Time Limits
When a truck crash occurs and evidence is lost or destroyed. It is crucial to speak with a semi truck accident attorney as quickly as possible. Our attorneys will conduct an exhaustive investigation to identify all the liable parties for your injuries. We will work with experts in accident reconstruction as well as medical professionals and financial experts to assist you in getting the compensation you need.
The most typical cause of a truck accident involves driver carelessness. This can be caused by driving distracted, driving under the influence or driving recklessly. The trucking company that owns and operates the truck may also be responsible for a crash if they fail to follow safety rules or hire unqualified drivers.
Another reason behind a truck accident is the inadvertent maintenance of the vehicle. Failure to inspect or repair brakes, tires or other components of a truck can lead to danger in an accident. It is essential to ensure that your truck accident lawyer knows the requirements for maintenance of large trucks to be able to examine any issues that may affect the truck's safety.
A third reason for a truck crash is a trailer that is not properly loaded or cargo. A truck that isn't loaded properly can cause the trailer or truck to jackknife if not properly loaded. This is a serious accident that could cause serious or fatal injuries to other motorists on the road.
Accidents involving trucks are also caused by negligent driving from other drivers. They could cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong direction. These actions could cause the truck driver to turn off the road, causing it collide with other vehicles and pedestrians.
One of the most deadly truck accidents is the head-on collision. The front end of the passenger vehicle typically bears the brunt of the impact, which can result in serious injuries or death. These accidents happen when a truck driver is asleep or swerves in order to avoid another vehicle or is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Trucks are also prone to accidents due to spilling hazardous substances. These accidents could cause environmental damage and dangers to human health for those who come into contact with the chemicals.