Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people are killed in crashes involving large trucks. In the event of a crash it's essential to consult with truck accident lawyers who know the different factors involved.
A lawyer should immediately file claims with the insurance company of the driver company, as well as the company that is the owner of the truck. This is done so as to maximize the insurance coverage available.
Liability
Trucks constitute just 4 percent of the vehicles on the road, but they are involved in more than 55% of all accidents. In the majority of these accidents, victims suffer severe injuries and become permanently disabled. These injuries can have a huge financial impact on victims, and their and their families must be compensated in order to live their lives with dignity. Unfortunately trucking firms and their insurance providers will not leave a stone unturned in an attempt to limit the amount of compensation a victim is entitled to. That's why you need a strong, experienced semi truck accident attorney that can stand up to insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the experience, knowledge and the strength to make a difference in your case.
A semi-truck also referred to as a tractor-trailer, or an 18-wheeler is a large commercial vehicle consisting of a truck (tractor unit) and an detachable trailer which carries cargo. Because of their weight and size they are susceptible to serious accidents when they are driven with recklessness or if the driver is not exercising reasonable care when operating the vehicle. The most common causes of accidents involving trucks include speeding, distracted driving, and failing to look over blind spots before changing lanes or turning. Another cause of truck crashes is the improper loading of freight, which could cause shifting and swaying that could result in the truck rolling over.
In addition to the driver, other people can share the responsibility for a truck accident. This includes the company that is responsible for the driver, the company that the driver transports products for, or even the person who is responsible for setting up the load. It is often difficult to prove the fault when there are several insurance companies involved as each will attempt to limit its own liability.
In some instances the local government agency could also be liable for an accident that occurs on their property. If, for example a road that is not maintained or a poorly laid-out layout resulted in an accident, then the county board could be held accountable for the damages suffered by the victim. This kind of claim is based on the principle of vicarious liability, which is the law that holds a supervisor responsible for the actions of an employee acting in the scope of their job.
Damages
The emotional and physical trauma that comes with any motor vehicle accident can be quite severe. The effects of a collision involving a semi-truck can be more severe than other types of accidents. Not only can 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 attorney can assist you in determining the totality of your losses and seek the right compensation for them.
It is always a good idea regardless of the type of accident that took place to talk to an attorney who specializes in personal injury. This is especially important in cases involving large-sized vehicles. In addition to the general laws that regulate traffic and personal injuries there are specific regulations for commercial trucks. These regulations could have a significant effect on the way a crash occurs, the parties responsible and the type of damages that could be awarded. A lawyer can assist you get the most out of these regulations and ensure that the parties at fault are held accountable.
When a truck collision occurs it is not unusual for there to be several people who are responsible for the accident, including the driver of the truck or the company they work for, as well as the company that hauled the load. A truck manufacturer or defective parts could be liable for the accident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide the evidence needed to show 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 typical tactics employed by insurance firms to deny or reduce your claim. Victims of injuries are often desperate to receive their compensation so that they can pay for medical treatments and other expenses. Insurance companies know this and profit from it, using delay as a tool to try to force you into accepting lower than you should.
An attorney can help you determine all of the future and present damages you are entitled to, such as medical bills and lost income damages to property, suffering and pain. A lawyer can help you determine how much compensatory and punitive damage to determine in your particular case. georgia semi truck accident lawsuit are intended to compensate you for the losses. Punitive damages are designed to penalize the person who is at fault and deter others from committing similar crime.
Expert Witnesses
Contrary to a typical car accident case, truck crashes typically involve a lot of highly specific information about the industry's regulations including truck mechanics, the long-term economic and medical effects of the accident. A semi-truck accident lawyer should have access to the right experts who can fill in gaps and provide evidence that could be vital to the client's claim.
Accident reconstruction specialists are some of the most reliable experts that a semi-truck accident lawyer can call upon. These are seasoned professionals who know how to look over the scene of an accident, evaluate the vehicle and truck involved in the collision, identify what caused it and present their findings in clear, easy to understand terms. They are often a key element of a successful lawsuit, as they can help the jurors understand how a crash occurred and who could be responsible.
The right expert witnesses can also help determine which damages are applicable and how much those damages will be worth. A life care planner, for instance, can be hired to show the impact of an accident that is serious on the ability of a victim to work and their medical needs throughout their lifetime. An economist can also determine the amount of compensation for lost earnings that are a key element of any compensation award.
Forensic toxicologists and experts in the field of recognition of alcohol and drugs can also be invaluable to a successful claim. These types of experts can help to draw a straight line between drunkenness and the accident, especially when the driver may have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the collision. A metallurgist is also an expert witness. They can test metal components of the truck involved in the accident to determine if they were loaded with too much.
In certain cases, a New York semi-truck accident attorney will employ an expert to look into the trucking company itself and how it operates. This is crucial, particularly if the trucker worked for a large trucking company and was subject to the same standards as other drivers weren't. A qualified expert can review the safety protocols of the trucking company hiring practices, safety procedures, and any other information that might aid in determining the source of the problem.
Time Limits
If a truck accident occurs and evidence is lost or destroyed. It is imperative to speak with a semi-truck accident attorney as quickly as possible. Our lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation to determine who's accountable for your injuries. We'll partner with accident reconstruction experts as well as medical professionals and financial experts to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
The most frequent cause of a truck collision is the negligence of the driver. This could result from driving while distracted, driving under the influence, or driving recklessly. The trucking company that operates and owns the truck could also be liable for an accident in the event they fail to comply with safety rules or hire unqualified drivers.
Another cause of a truck accident is the inadvertent maintenance of the vehicle. Failure to properly inspect or repair brakes, tires, or other parts of a truck can lead to danger in an accident. It is vital that your lawyer for truck accidents is aware of the requirements for maintenance on large trucks in order to determine any safety issues.
Another reason behind a truck accident is a trailer that is not properly loaded or cargo. A poorly loaded truck can cause the truck or trailer to jackknife if not properly loaded. This is a serious accident that can cause serious or fatal injuries to other motorists driving on the road.
Truck accidents are also caused by negligent driving from other drivers. They could cut off the driver of the truck or merge into wrong lanes. These actions could cause the truck to veer off the road and collide with other vehicles or pedestrians.
One of the most fatal truck accidents is the head-on collision. The front of the passenger vehicle is usually the one to take the brunt of the impact, resulting in serious injuries or death. These accidents happen when a truck driver falls asleep, or is swerving to avoid another vehicle, or is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. There are also accidents involving trucks spilling their loads of hazardous materials. These accidents could cause environmental damage and health hazards for humans who come into contact with the chemicals.