Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people are killed in crashes with large trucks. If richardson semi truck accident law firm does occur, it's important to find truck accident lawyers who understand the various factors involved.
Attorneys should immediately make a claim with the insurance company of the driver, as well as with the company that operates and owns the truck. This is done in order to maximize the insurance coverage available.
Liability
Trucks comprise just 4 percent of all vehicles on the road but they are involved in more than half of all accidents. In the majority of these accidents, the victims suffer catastrophic injuries and are permanently disabled. These injuries can have a significant financial impact, and victims and their families should be compensated so that they can live with dignity. Trucking companies and their insurers will do everything in their power to cut down on the amount of compensation that the victim is entitled to. You require a skilled strong and experienced semi truck accident lawyer to tackle the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the expertise, experience and the strength to make an impact on your case.
A semi-truck, also known as a tractor-trailer, or an 18-wheeler is a big commercial vehicle comprised of the truck (tractor unit) and a trailer that is detachable and can carry cargo. Due to their weight and size they are susceptible to serious accidents if they are driven in reckless manner or when the driver is not exercising reasonable care while operating the vehicle. Truck accidents are often caused by drivers who speed, distracted drivers and the inability to spot blind spots when changing lanes or turning. Another cause of truck accidents is improper loading of the freight which can lead to shifting and swaying which could potentially result in the truck rolling over.
In addition to the driver, other parties can be liable in an accident involving a truck. This includes the driver's company as well as the company that the driver transports goods for or the person who sets up the load. It is often difficult to prove the fault when there are several insurance companies involved, since each will try to limit their own liability.
In certain instances, local government agencies may also share liability for an accident that occurs on their property. For instance, if poor road layout or maintenance issues 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 responsibility, which makes a supervisory body accountable for the actions of employees when they are acting within the confines of their employment.
Damages
Every motor vehicle accident can cause severe physical and emotional trauma. The effects of a collision with a semi-truck can be more severe than other types of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage to property. This can lead to a substantial financial burden. A semi truck accident lawyer can assist you in determining the full extent of your losses, and seek appropriate compensation for them.
It's an excellent idea to consult an attorney who can help you after any kind of accident this is especially important in cases involving large trucks. In addition to the general laws that regulate traffic and personal injuries There are specific rules applicable to commercial vehicles. These rules can have a major impact on how a collision occurs, the parties accountable and the type of damages that could be awarded. An attorney can ensure that you are aware of the regulations and that the parties responsible are held accountable.
When a truck crash occurs it is not unusual to have several parties that could be responsible for the accident, including the driver of the truck or the company they work for, and the company that hauled the load. The truck manufacturer or defective parts could be liable for the accident. A semi truck accident attorney can provide the specific evidence necessary to prove that all at-fault parties are responsible and that you are entitled to fair compensation.
A skilled semi truck accident lawyer on your side can safeguard you from the most common strategies that insurance companies employ to deny or reduce your claim. Victims of injuries are often desperate to get their money so that they can pay for medical treatments and other expenses. Insurance companies know this and take advantage of delay as a tactic to try to force you into accepting less than what you are entitled to.
An attorney can help you determine the total amount of future and present damages you are entitled to, including medical bills, lost income property damage, pain and suffering. A lawyer can also help you determine the right amount of compensatory and punitive damages to award in your case. Compensatory damages are meant to pay you back for your losses, while punitive damages aim to penalize the party at fault and discourage others from engaging in similar crimes.
Expert Witnesses
Truck accidents differ from car accidents in that they require more detailed details, including the mechanics of the truck involved and the long-term economic as well as medical effects of the accident and the governing regulations for the industry. A semi-truck crash lawyer should have access to the best experts who can fill in gaps of knowledge and provide evidence that can be crucial to a client's case.
The specialists in accident reconstruction are one of the most useful experts that a semi-truck accident attorney could rely on. These experts are highly skilled and can assess the accident scene, analyze both the truck and the vehicle involved and determine the reason for the crash, and explain their findings clearly and comprehendable. They are often an essential component of any successful lawsuit, as they aid jurors in understanding why the accident happened and which parties could be accountable for it.
Expert witnesses can help identify the damages that are applicable and how much they 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 as well as their medical needs throughout their life. Likewise, an economist can help to calculate things like lost earnings damages, which will be a significant part of any compensation award.
Experts in forensic toxicology and identification of alcohol and drugs are also very helpful to a successful claim. These types of experts can assist in drawing a clear line between drunkenness and the crash, especially when the trucker might have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident. A metallurgist can also be an excellent expert witness. They can conduct tests on the metal components of the truck involved in the crash to determine if they were loaded with too much.
In some cases an attorney representing an New York semi truck accident will hire an expert who will investigate the trucking company and the way it operates. This is especially important if the trucker was employed by a large trucking firm and is subject to certain standards which other drivers aren't. A qualified expert can review the safety procedures of the trucking firm, hiring practices, and any other information that could help to determine fault.
Time Limits
When a truck crash occurs, evidence is often lost or destroyed. It is essential to contact a semi-truck accident attorney as quickly as possible. Our lawyers can conduct a thorough investigation to find the responsible parties for your injuries. We'll partner with accident reconstruction experts medical professionals, financial experts and experts to assist you in getting the compensation you deserve.
The most frequently cited cause of a truck accident is driver negligence. This could include driving unintentionally, driving while under the influence or driving recklessly. The trucking company that owns and operates the truck could be liable for an accident if they fail to follow safety rules or hire unqualified drivers.
Improper maintenance of the vehicle can also be a cause of an accident involving a truck. Inability to check or repair the brakes, tires or other components of a vehicle can result in the risk of a fatal accident. It is important that your lawyer for truck accidents understands the maintenance requirements of large trucks in order to look into any safety issues.
Thirdly, a poorly-loaded trailer or cargo can cause an accident involving a truck. A poorly loaded truck can cause the truck or trailer to be jackknifed if not properly loaded. This is a serious accident which can result in serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
The negligence of other drivers can cause truck accidents too. They may cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong direction. These actions could cause the truck's wheels to slide off the road and crash with other vehicles or pedestrians.
One of the most fatal truck accidents is one that involves a head-on collision. The front of the passenger car is usually the one to take the brunt of the damage, resulting in grave injuries or even death. These types of accidents often occur on roads with no other traffic when the truck driver falls asleep, steers away from another vehicle or is under the under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Trucks can cause accidents as well by spilling dangerous materials. These accidents can cause environmental damage as well as risk to the health of people who come into contact with the chemicals.