Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people are killed in crashes involving large trucks. It is crucial to work with truck accident attorneys who understand the different factors.
A lawyer should immediately set up claims with the driver's insurance company as well as the company that is the owner of the truck. This is done to maximize the amount of available insurance.
Liability
Although trucks account for only 4 percent of the vehicles on the road however, they are involved in more than half of all motor vehicle accidents. In the vast majority of these accidents, victims suffer serious injuries and are permanently disabled. These injuries 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 not leave a stone unturned in an effort to limit the amount of compensation a victim has the right to. You require a skilled strong and experienced semi truck accident lawyer who is able to confront insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the experience, knowledge and determination to make a difference in your case.
anchorage semi truck accident lawsuit -truck, also known as a tractor-trailer or an 18-wheeler, is a massive commercial vehicle made up of an engine (tractor unit) and a detachable trailer that carries cargo. Due to their weight and size they are susceptible to serious accidents if they are driven with recklessness or if the driver does not exercise reasonable care when driving 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. Incorrect loading of freight can cause truck accidents as well. This can lead to shifting, swaying and even the truck rolling.
In addition to the driver, other parties may be liable in a truck accident. This includes the company that is responsible for the driver or the company the driver hauls product for or the person who arranges the load. It can be difficult to prove the fault when there are several insurance companies involved, since each will seek to limit their own liability.
In certain instances the local government agency could also be responsible in the event of a crash on their property. For example, if a poor road layout or inadequate maintenance caused an accident, the county board may be held accountable for the damages caused by the victim. This kind of claim is based on the principle of vicarious liability that makes a supervisor accountable for the actions of employees performing the duties of their job.
Damages
Any accident involving a motor vehicle can cause extreme physical and emotional trauma. However, the results of a collision with a semi-truck are more severe than other types of accidents. Not only do these vehicles cause more severe injuries however, they can also cause damage to property or destruction which can result in substantial financial burdens. A semi truck accident lawyer can help you determine your full losses and pursue the appropriate compensation.
It is always a good idea, regardless of the kind of accident that happened to speak with a personal injury attorney. This is especially important in cases involving large-sized vehicles. In addition to the general laws that govern traffic and personal injury there are specific regulations applicable to commercial vehicles. These rules can have a significant impact on how a collision is handled, the parties responsible and the kind of damages that can be awarded. A lawyer can help to ensure that you understand the rules and ensure that the parties responsible for the crash are held accountable.
When a truck accident occurs it is not uncommon for there to be several parties to be accountable which include the driver of the truck and the company they work for, as well as the company that carries the load. A truck manufacturer or defective component could also be liable for the accident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide the detailed evidence to show that all parties at fault are accountable and that you are entitled to fair compensation.
A seasoned semi truck accident lawyer at your side can shield you from the most common tactics used by insurance companies to reduce or deny your claim. Injured victims are usually desperate to receive their money to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies know this and profit from this, using delaying as a tactic to try to force you to accept lower than you should.
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, suffering and pain. A lawyer can help you determine the amount of damages to be awarded in your case. Compensatory damages are intended to reimburse you for your losses, while punitive damages are designed to punish the responsible party and deter others from doing similar acts.
Expert Witnesses
Contrary to a typical car accident situation, truck accidents usually involve a significant amount of specific information on industry regulations, truck mechanics, and the long-term medical and economic consequences of the accident. A semi-truck crash attorney should have access to the right experts who can fill in the gaps of knowledge and provide vital testimony that may be crucial to a client's claim.
Specialists in accident reconstruction are among the most reliable experts that a semi-truck accident attorney could rely on. These experts are knowledgeable and know how to assess the scene of an accident, evaluate both the truck and the vehicle involved in it to determine the cause of the crash, and then explain their findings clearly and comprehendable. They are often a key part of a successful lawsuit as they can help the jurors understand how a crash occurred and who might be accountable.
Expert witnesses can also establish the damage that is applicable and the worth. For instance, a life insurance planner could be hired to show the impact a serious accident might have on a victim's ability to work, their medical requirements for the rest of their lives, and any other long-term repercussions. Likewise, an economist can assist in calculating things such as lost earnings damages, which will be a major component of any compensation award.
Experts in toxicology forensics as well as identification of drugs and alcohol are also very helpful for a successful claim. These experts can help to draw a straight line between alcohol and the crash, especially when the driver may have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash. A metallurgist could also be an excellent expert witness as they can conduct tests on metal components of the truck that might have been involved in the collision to see if they were over-loaded.
In some cases an attorney representing an New York semi truck accident will employ an expert to investigate the trucking company and how it operates. This is essential, particularly when the trucker was employed by a large trucking company and was subject to the same standards as other drivers weren't. The expert will be able to examine the safety policies of the trucking company, the hiring practices of their employees and any other information that could aid in determining the source of the problem.
Time Limits
Evidence is often destroyed or lost when a truck accident occurs. This is why it's crucial to get in touch with a semi-truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Our lawyers can conduct a thorough investigation to determine who is responsible for your injuries. We'll work with accident reconstruction specialists as well as medical professionals and financial analysts to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
The most common reason for truck accidents is driver negligence. This can be caused by driving distracted, driving under the influence or reckless driving. The trucking company that owns and operates the truck may also be responsible for a crash if they fail to follow safety guidelines or employ unqualified drivers.
A vehicle that is not maintained properly is another reason for an accident involving a truck. Inability to inspect or repair a truck's brakes, tires, or any other component could cause a serious crash. It is essential to ensure that your attorney for truck accidents knows the needs of maintenance for large trucks to be able to determine any issues that could affect the safety of the truck.
Thirdly, a poorly-loaded trailer or cargo could result in an accident involving a truck. A truck that is not properly loaded can cause the trailer or truck to jackknife if it is not properly loaded. This is a serious crash that could result in serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
Drivers' negligence by other drivers can also result in truck accidents. They could cut off the driver of the truck or merge into the wrong lanes. These actions can cause the truck to veer off the road and crash with pedestrians or other vehicles.
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 passenger car is usually the one that bears the brunt, resulting in grave injuries or even death. These types of accidents often occur on undivided highways when the truck driver is asleep, swerves to avoid another vehicle, or is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Trucks can also cause accidents by spilling their hazardous materials. These accidents can cause environmental harm and health hazards for humans who come in contact with the chemicals.