Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people are killed in crashes with large trucks. If a crash does occur it's essential to consult with truck accident lawyers who know the various aspects involved.
A lawyer should immediately initiate claims with the insurance company, as well as the company which owns the truck. This is done so as to maximize the amount of insurance available.
Liability
Trucks make up only 4 percent of the vehicles on the road, but they are involved in more than 55% of all accidents. Most of those accidents result in severe injuries, that result in victims suffering permanent and life-altering disabilities. These injuries can have a massive financial impact, and victims and families need to be compensated to live with dignity. Unfortunately, trucking companies and their insurance companies will leave no stone unturned in an attempt to minimize the amount of compensation a victim has the right to. You require a skilled strong, reputable semi truck accident lawyer to confront insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley's team is equipped with the knowledge, experience, and strength to make a major difference in your case.
Semi-trucks, referred to by the terms tractor-trailer and 18-wheeler are commercial vehicles of a large size which comprise one truck unit (tractor) and an attached trailer to transport cargo. Due to their size and weight they are vulnerable to serious accidents if they are driven in reckless manner or if a driver fails to exercise reasonable care when driving the vehicle. Truck accidents are usually caused by distracted drivers, speeding and a failure to look for blind spots when turning or changing lanes. Incorrect loading of cargo can cause truck accidents too. This can result in shifting, swaying, and even rolling the truck.
In addition to the truck driver there are other parties who could share liability in a truck crash, including the employer of the driver as well as the company they haul products for, or even the person who sets up the load. It can be difficult to prove that someone is at fault when there are multiple insurance companies involved as each will seek to limit their own liability.
In certain instances, the local government agency may also be responsible for an accident that occurs on its property. For example, if a poorly designed road layout or poor maintenance contributed to an accident, the county board may be responsible for the damages sustained by the victim. This type of claim is based on the principle of vicarious responsibilities that is the law that holds a supervisor responsible for the actions of employees performing the duties of their job.
Damages
The emotional and physical trauma that accompanies any motor vehicle accident can be extreme. However, the effects of a collision with a semi-truck are more severe than most other types of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage property. This can result in a significant financial burden. A semi truck accident lawyer can assist you to determine your full losses and obtain the compensation you deserve.
It is always a good idea regardless of the kind of accident that has occurred, to consult a personal injury attorney. This is especially important in cases involving large vehicles. Commercial trucks are subjected to specific regulations in addition to the laws that regulate personal injury, traffic and other laws. These rules can have a major impact on how a collision occurs, the parties accountable and the types damages that could be awarded. simi valley semi truck accident law firm can ensure that you understand the rules and that those responsible are held accountable.
It is not uncommon for multiple parties to be accountable in a truck-related accident including the driver and their employer, as well the company that carried the cargo. In addition, the fault could be attributed to the company that made the truck of the truck, or any faulty parts that caused the accident. A semi truck accident attorney can provide the evidence to show that all parties at fault are liable and that you have the right to fair compensation.
An experienced semi truck accident attorney on your side can safeguard your rights from the common strategies used by insurance companies to deny or reduce your claim. Injured victims often feel needing to get their money so that they can pay for medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies profit from this by attempting to force you into accepting lower than you should.
An attorney can assist you determine all of the future and present damages you are entitled to, such as medical bills as well as lost income property damage, pain and suffering. A lawyer can also help you determine the right amount of punitive and compensatory damages to award in your particular case. Compensatory damages are intended to compensate you for your losses, whereas punitive damages are designed to punish the responsible party and discourage others from committing similar actions.
Expert Witnesses
The nature of truck accidents is 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 semi-truck accident lawyer should have access to experts who can fill in the gaps and provide crucial evidence that could be vital to the client's claim.
The specialists in accident reconstruction are one of the most useful experts that a semi-truck accident attorney could call upon. They are experienced professionals who are able to analyze the scene of an accident, evaluate the truck and vehicle involved in the crash, figure out the reason for the crash and present their findings in simple, easy-to-understand terms. They are often a crucial element in any successful lawsuit because they can help the jury understand how an accident occurred and which parties might be accountable for it.
The right expert witnesses can also help to identify the damages that are applicable and how much those damages will be worth. For instance, a life insurance planner could be hired to demonstrate the impact that a crash might have on a victim's ability to work, their medical needs for the rest of their lives, and any other long-term repercussions. An economist, for instance, can help to calculate things like lost earnings damages, which could be a significant component of any compensation award.
Forensic toxicologists as well as experts in the field of recognition of alcohol and drugs can be extremely valuable for a successful claim. They can assist in drawing an exact line between intoxication and the crash. This is particularly important when the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash. A metallurgist is an expert witness. They can conduct tests on metal components of the truck involved in the crash to determine if they were loaded too much.
In certain cases the New York semi-truck accident attorney will engage an expert to study the trucking company itself and how it functions. This is particularly important in the case of a trucker who worked for a large trucking company and was subject to the same standards as other drivers were not. A qualified expert can review the safety procedures of the trucking firm, hiring practices, and any other information that could assist in determining the cause of the accident.
Time Limits
Evidence is often lost or destroyed in a truck crash. That's why it's important to contact a semi truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Our attorneys will conduct an extensive investigation to determine who's responsible for your injuries. We'll partner with experts in accident reconstruction doctors, medical professionals and financial experts to help you get the compensation you require.
The most common cause for a truck accident involves driver carelessness. This can be caused by driving distracted, driving under the influence or driving recklessly. Trucking companies that fail to follow safety rules or hire unqualified employees may also be held accountable for accidents.
Unprofessional maintenance of the vehicle is another cause of crashes involving trucks. Failure to examine or repair a truck's brakes, tires or other parts can lead to a dangerous crash. It is vital that your lawyer for truck accidents understands the maintenance requirements of large trucks so that they can look into any safety issues.
A third reason behind a truck accident is a trailer that is not properly loaded or cargo. A truck that isn't loaded properly can cause the truck or trailer to jackknife when it's not properly loaded. This is a serious crash which can result in serious or fatal injuries to motorists who are driving.
Drivers' negligence by other drivers can also lead to truck accidents. They could cut off the driver of the truck or merge into wrong lanes. These actions could cause the truck driver to deviate from the road, which could cause it to cause collisions with other vehicles and 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 car is usually the one that takes the brunt, which can result in serious injuries and sometimes even death. These accidents happen when a truck driver is asleep, or swerves to avoid another vehicle or is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Trucks may also cause accidents by spilling hazardous substances. These accidents can cause environmental harm and health hazards for humans who come in contact with the chemicals.