Truck Accident Attorneys

Every year, 5,000 people die in accidents caused by large trucks. If a crash does occur it's essential to consult with truck accident lawyers who understand the various aspects involved.

A lawyer should immediately set up claims with the driver's insurance company, as in the case of the company that owns the truck. This is done so as to maximize the insurance coverage available.

Liability

Trucks make up only 4 percent of all vehicles on the road, however they are involved with more than half of all accidents. In the majority of these accidents, the victims suffer severe injuries and become permanently disabled. The financial burden resulting from these injuries can be immense, and the families of victims have to seek damages in order to live with dignity. Unfortunately, trucking companies 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 an experienced and dependable semi truck accident lawyer who will stand up to insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley's team possesses the expertise skills, experience, and determination 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 comprised of the truck unit (tractor) and an attached trailer to transport cargo. Because of their weight and size, these trucks are prone to serious accidents when they are driven in reckless manner or when a driver fails to exercise reasonable care when operating the vehicle. Accidents involving trucks are usually caused by distracted drivers, speeding, and failure to check blind spots when changing lanes or turning. Incorrect loading of freight can result in truck accidents. This could lead to shifting, swaying and even rolling the truck.

In addition to the truck driver Other parties could share the blame in a truck crash, including the driver's employer and the company they transport products for, or even the person who arranges the load. Finding fault is more difficult if multiple insurers are involved in the matter, because they each attempt to limit their own liability.

In some cases, local government agencies could also be liable for a crash that occurs on their property. If, for instance an unmaintained road or a poorly-designed layout contributed to an accident then the county board could be held accountable for the victim's damages. This type of claim is based on the concept of vicarious responsibility, which makes a supervisory body accountable for the actions of employees while acting within the scope of their job.

Damages

Every motor vehicle accident can cause extreme physical and emotional trauma. The consequences of a collision with semi-trucks are more severe than other kinds of accidents. Not only can these vehicles cause more severe injuries as well, but they also have the potential to destroy or damage property that can lead to significant financial burdens. A semi truck accident lawyer can help you determine the totality of your losses and seek the right compensation for them.

It's best to consult an injury lawyer following any kind of accident, this is especially ie others from committing similar actions.

Expert Witnesses

Contrary to a typical car accident case, truck accidents typically involve a lot of highly specific information regarding industry regulations as well as truck mechanics and the long-term economic and medical effects of the accident. A semi-truck crash lawyer should be able to access the right experts who can fill in the gaps of knowledge and provide testimony that could be essential to a client's claim.

The specialists in accident reconstruction are among the most valuable experts that a semi-truck accident lawyer might want to call. They are experts with years of experience who are able to analyze the scene of the accident, examine the truck and other vehicles involved in the crash, figure out what caused it and then explain their findings in simple, easy-to-understand terms. They are often a key part of a successful lawsuit since they can assist jurors to understand how a collision took place and who may be responsible.

Expert witnesses can also establish the damage that is applicable and their value. For instance, a health planner could be hired to show the impact that a crash might have on a victim's ability to work, their medical needs for the duration of their lives, as well as any other long-term effects. An economist can also assist determine the amount of compensation for lost earnings that are a key component of any compensation award.

Experts in forensic toxicology and the identification of alcohol and drugs can also be very valuable in a successful claim. These experts can aid in drawing a clear line between alcohol consumption and the accident, especially in cases where the trucker may have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash. A metallurgist can be an expert witness. They can test metal components of the truck involved in the accident to determine if they were overloaded.

In certain cases, an attorney for a New York lancaster semi truck accident lawyer truck accident will retain an expert to study the trucking firm and how it operates. This is particularly important when the trucker is employed by a large trucking business and might be subject to certain standards that other drivers are not. The expert can look into the safety policies of the trucking company, their hiring procedures and any other information that could aid in determining the source of the problem.

Time Limits

When a truck collision occurs, evidence is often lost or destroyed. This is why it's imperative to contact a semi truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Our lawyers can conduct an extensive investigation to discover all the parties responsible for your injuries. We'll work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals and financial experts to ensure you receive the compensation you need.

The most frequent reason for a truck accident is driver negligence. This can be caused by driving distracted or impaired or driving recklessly. Trucking companies that don't adhere to safety guidelines or hire unqualified employees may also be held responsible for accidents.

Another cause of a truck accident is improper maintenance on the vehicle. Inability to check or repair brakes, tires or other components of a vehicle can result in a dangerous accident. It's important to make sure that your lawyer for truck accidents is aware of the maintenance requirements of large trucks so that they can look into any issues with the truck's safety.

Thirdly, a poorly-loaded trailer or cargo can cause accidents with trucks. A truck that isn't properly loaded could cause the truck or trailer to jackknife if not properly loaded. This is a serious crash that could result in serious or fatal injuries to motorists.

Accidents involving trucks are also caused by reckless driving of other drivers. They may cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong lane. These actions can cause the truck to veer off the road, and then collide with other vehicles or pedestrians.

A head-on collision between the truck and a passenger vehicle is among the most dangerous types of truck crashes. The front of the car is typically the one that bears the brunt, resulting in serious injuries and sometimes even death. These types of accidents usually occur on roads that are not divided when the truck driver is asleep, swerves to avoid another vehicle, or is under the under the influence of alcohol or drugs. There are also accidents that involve trucks spilling their loads of hazardous materials. These accidents could cause environmental damage and risk to the health of people who come into contact with the chemicals.