Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 individuals are killed in accidents involving large trucks. It's important that you employ truck accident lawyers who are aware of the various factors.
A lawyer should immediately set up claims with the insurance company as well as the company that owns the truck. This is done so as to get the most insurance possible.
Liability
While trucks comprise just 4 percent of the vehicles on the road but they are involved in more than half of all motor vehicle accidents. The majority of those accidents cause catastrophic injuries with victims suffering permanent and life-changing disabilities. albuquerque semi truck accident attorney can have a massive financial impact, and the victims and their families must be compensated in order to live their lives with dignity. Unfortunately trucking companies and their insurance companies will leave no stone unturned in an attempt to limit the amount of the compensation a victim is entitled to. You need a seasoned strong, reputable semi truck accident lawyer to fight the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the expertise, experience and strength to make an impact on your case.
A semi-truck, also known as a tractor-trailer or an 18-wheeler, is a massive commercial vehicle that consists of a truck (tractor unit) and a trailer that is detachable and can carry cargo. These trucks are susceptible, due to their weight and size, to serious accidents if they are driven in reckless manners. Truck accidents are usually caused by speeding, distracted drivers and the inability to spot blind spots when turning or changing lanes. Another cause of truck accidents is the improper loading of freight, which could cause shifting and swaying which could lead to the truck rolling over.
In addition to the driver, other parties could share the blame in the event of a truck crash. This includes the company that is responsible for the driver and the company the driver hauls product for and even the person who sets up the load. It isn't easy to prove the fault when there are several insurance companies involved, as each one will try to limit their own liability.
In certain instances a local government entity could also be liable for accidents that occur on their property. If, for example a road that was not maintained or a layout that was poorly planned caused an accident, the county board may be responsible for the victim's damages. This type of claim is based on the principle of vicarious responsibilities that makes supervisory employees liable for an employee's actions while performing the duties of their duties.
Damages
Any accident involving a motor vehicle can cause extreme physical and emotional trauma. However, the effects of a collision with a semi truck are more severe than most other kinds of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage property. This can lead to a substantial financial burden. An attorney for semi-truck accidents can assist you in determining the totality of your losses, and seek the appropriate compensation for them.
It's always a good idea regardless of the type of accident that has occurred to talk to an attorney who specializes in personal injury. This is especially important when it comes to cases involving large vehicles. In addition to the general laws that regulate personal injury and traffic there are specific regulations for commercial trucks. These regulations can have a significant impact on how a crash occurs, the parties accountable and the kinds of damages that may be awarded. Lawyers can ensure that you know the regulations and that the parties responsible are held accountable.
It is not uncommon that several parties are held responsible in a truck-related accident including the driver as well as their employer and the company that hauled the cargo. A truck manufacturer, or any defective components could be liable for the incident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide the evidence necessary to prove that all the parties at fault are accountable and that you are entitled to fair compensation.
A semi truck accident lawyer who has experience will be able to protect you from common strategies used by insurance companies to deny or reduce your claim. Injured victims are often desperate to receive their compensation to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. The insurers know this and profit from it, using delay as a tool to to force you to accept less than you deserve.
A lawyer can help you determine the damages you are entitled to in the future and present, including medical bills, lost income, and property damage. A lawyer can also help you determine the proper amount of punitive and compensatory damages to award in your case. Compensatory damages are meant to compensate you for your losses, while punitive damages are meant to punish the at-fault party and discourage others from engaging in similar crimes.
Expert Witnesses
Unlike a normal car accident scenario, truck accidents generally involve a significant amount of specialized information about industry regulations as well as truck mechanics and the long-term medical and economic impact of the collision. A semi-truck crash attorney should have access to the best experts, who can fill in gaps of knowledge and provide testimony that could be essential to a client's claim.
Accident reconstruction specialists are some of the most reliable experts a semi truck accident lawyer can rely on. These experts are knowledgeable and know how to assess the scene of an accident, examine both the truck and the vehicle involved as well as determine the root of the crash, and explain their findings in a manner that is clear and comprehendable. They are often a key element in any successful lawsuit, as they assist the jury in understanding how a particular crash happened, and who could be responsible.
Expert witnesses can also establish the damages that are applicable and their value. For instance, a health planner could be enlisted to explain the impact that a serious crash might have on a victim's ability to work, their medical requirements for the duration of their lives, and any other long-term repercussions. In addition, an economist could help to calculate things like lost earnings damages, which will be a significant component of any compensation award.
Forensic toxicologists as well as experts in the field of recognition of alcohol and drugs can also be invaluable for a successful claim. These experts can help draw a clear line between alcohol and the incident, particularly when the trucker might have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash. A metallurgist may also be an expert witness since they can conduct tests on the metal components of the truck that might be involved in the collision to determine whether they were loaded to the max.
In certain cases, a New York semi-truck accident attorney will engage an expert to investigate the trucking firm itself and the way in which it operates. This is crucial, particularly when the trucker worked for a large trucking firm and was subject to standards that other drivers were not. The expert can examine the safety procedures of the trucking company, their hiring practices and any other information that might aid in determining the cause of the accident.
Time Limits
When a truck accident happens there is a high likelihood that evidence will be lost or destroyed. It is crucial to speak with a semi-truck accident attorney as quickly as possible. Our attorneys will conduct an exhaustive investigation to identify the responsible parties for your injuries. We will collaborate with accident reconstruction experts along with medical professionals and financial analysts to help you get the money you are entitled to.
The most common cause for truck accidents is driver carelessness. This could result from driving while in a hurry, driving under the influence, or driving recklessly. Trucking companies who fail to adhere to safety guidelines or hire unqualified workers could also be accountable for accidents.
Unprofessional maintenance of the vehicle is another reason for an accident involving a truck. Inability to inspect or repair the truck's brakes or tires, or other parts could cause a dangerous crash. It is crucial that your truck accident lawyer is aware of the requirements for maintenance on large trucks so that they can investigate any safety issues.
Thirdly, a poorly-loaded trailer or cargo can cause a truck accident. If a truck is not properly loaded, it could cause the trailer to shift on the road or cause the truck to jackknife. This is a serious crash that could result in serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
Inattention of other drivers could also result in truck accidents. They may cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong direction. These actions could cause the truck to drift off the road, and then collide with other vehicles or pedestrians.
One of the most deadly truck accidents is the head-on collision. The front of the passenger vehicle typically bears the brunt of the impact, resulting in serious injuries and even death. These types of accidents usually occur on roads that are not divided when the truck driver falls asleep, turns to avoid another vehicle or is under the effects of alcohol or drugs. Trucks are also prone to accidents due to spilling hazardous materials. These accidents can cause environmental harm and health hazards to people who come into contact with the chemicals.