5 Arguments Semi Truck Compensation Is Actually A Good Thing
Truck Accident Attorneys Every year, 5,000 people are killed in accidents involving large vehicles. When a crash occurs it is crucial to work with truck accident lawyers that understand the different factors involved. Attorneys should immediately submit a claim to the insurance company of the driver and with the company that operates and owns the truck. This is done in order to maximize the amount of insurance available. Liability Trucks account for only 4 percent of all vehicles on the road but they are involved in over a fifth of all accidents. Most of those accidents result in catastrophic 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 in order to live their lives with dignity. Insurance companies and trucking companies will do everything they can to limit the amount of compensation that the victim is entitled to. That's why you need an experienced and dependable semi truck accident attorney that can stand up to the insurance companies and their attorneys. John Hensley's team possesses the expertise skills, experience, and determination to make a significant difference in your case. A semi-truck also referred to as a tractor-trailer or an 18-wheeler, is a massive commercial vehicle consisting of an engine (tractor unit) and a detachable trailer that carries cargo. Because of their size and weight they are susceptible to serious accidents when they are driven with recklessness or if the driver does not exercise reasonable care while operating the vehicle. Common causes of truck accidents include speeding, distracted driving and not checking blind spots prior to turning or changing lanes. Another cause of truck accidents is improper loading of the freight which can lead to shifting and swaying that could potentially result in the truck rolling over. In addition to the driver, other parties could share responsibility in truck accidents. This includes the company that is responsible for the driver or the company the driver transports products for or even the person who sets up the load. It is difficult to establish fault when there are multiple insurance companies involved, because each will try to limit their own liability. In some cases the local government agency could also be liable for an accident that occurs on their property. If, for example an unmaintained road or a layout that was poorly planned contributed to an accident then the county board could be held accountable for the damage suffered by the victim. This kind of claim is based upon the principle of vicarious accountability, which makes a supervisor accountable for an employee's actions while acting in the scope of their duties. Damages Any car accident can cause extreme emotional and physical trauma. However, the results of a collision with a semi truck are more severe than the majority of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage to property. This could lead to a significant financial burden. A semi truck accident lawyer can assist you in determining the extent of your losses and seek appropriate compensation for them. It is always a good idea, regardless of the type of accident that has occurred to talk to a personal injury attorney. This is especially true in cases involving large-sized vehicles. Commercial trucks are subject to special regulations in addition laws that govern personal injury, traffic and other laws. These can affect how the crash occurs, who's responsible, and the kinds of damages that can be awarded. A lawyer can ensure that you understand the regulations and that the parties responsible for the crash are held accountable. When a truck collision occurs, it is not uncommon to have several parties who could be accountable such as the truck driver and the company they work for, and the company that carried the load. In addition, fault may be attributed to the manufacturer of the truck, or any defective parts that contributed to the accident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide the evidence necessary to prove that all parties at fault are responsible and that you are entitled to fair compensation. A skilled semi truck accident attorney to defend you from the usual strategies that insurance companies employ to deny or limit your claim. The injured victims are usually seeking money in order to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies know this and profit from delay as a tool to to force you to accept less than what you are entitled to. A lawyer can help you determine the total amount of present and future damages that you are entitled to, including medical bills loss of income property damage, pain and suffering. A lawyer can assist you determine the amount of compensatory and punitive damage to determine in your case. Compensatory damages aim to compensate you for the losses. Punitive damages aim to penalize the party who is at fault and prevent other people from engaging in similar criminal acts. Expert Witnesses Truck accidents are different from car accidents in that they require a lot more specialized information, like the truck mechanics involved as well as the long-term economic and medical effects of the crash and the regulations for the industry. A semi-truck accident lawyer should have access to experts who can fill in knowledge gaps and provide crucial evidence that could be vital to a client's case. Specialists in accident reconstruction are among the most valuable experts that a semi-truck accident lawyer can rely on. They are experts with years of experience who know how to look over the scene of an accident, analyze the truck and other vehicles involved in the collision, identify what caused the accident and explain their findings in clear, easy-to-understand terms. They are often a crucial element of a successful lawsuit, since they can assist jurors understand how a crash took place and who is accountable. Expert witnesses can also assist to identify the damages that are applicable and how much those damages will be worth. A life care planner, for instance is an expert who can determine the effect of an accident that is serious on the ability of a victim to work and their medical needs over their lives. An economist, for instance, can help to calculate things like lost earnings damages, which will constitute a substantial portion of any compensation award. 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 driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of crash. A metallurgist is also a valuable expert witness. They can examine the metal components of the truck involved in the accident to determine if they were loaded to the limit. In certain cases there are occasions when a New York semi-truck accident attorney will hire an expert to investigate the trucking firm itself and how it operates. This is particularly important when the trucker was employed by an enormous trucking company and was subject to standards that other drivers weren't. The expert will be able to examine the safety practices of the trucking company, as well as their hiring practices and any other information that may aid in determining the source of the problem. Time Limits When a truck accident happens there is a high likelihood that evidence will be lost or destroyed. That's why it's important to speak with a semi truck accident lawyer as soon as you can. Our attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation to find all the parties responsible for your injuries. We will work with accident reconstruction experts doctors, medical professionals and financial experts to assist you in getting the compensation you need. The most frequently cited reason for a truck crash is driver error. This could include driving while distracted or impaired or reckless driving. Trucking companies that do not adhere to safety guidelines or hire unqualified employees may be held accountable for accidents. A vehicle that is not maintained properly is another cause of an accident involving a truck. Inability to check or repair brakes, tires or other components of a truck can cause an accident that is dangerous. It is important that your lawyer for truck accidents is aware of the maintenance requirements for large trucks so that they can investigate any safety issues. Another reason for a car accident is a poorly loaded trailer or cargo. A truck that isn't properly loaded could cause the trailer or truck to jackknife if it is not properly loaded. This is a serious hazard which can result in serious or fatal injuries to motorists in the road. Truck accidents are also caused by negligent driving by other drivers. They could cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong lane. These actions could cause the truck to veer off the road and collide 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 car is usually the one that bears the brunt, leading to serious injuries and sometimes even death. mobile semi truck accident lawsuit of accidents usually occur on undivided highways when the truck driver falls asleep, turns to avoid another vehicle or is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. There are also accidents that involve trucks spilling their loads of dangerous materials. These accidents could cause environmental harm and health hazards to people who come in contact with the chemicals.