Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people are killed in accidents involving large trucks. It is important to engage with lawyers for truck accidents who understand the different factors.
A lawyer should immediately set up claims with the driver's insurance company, as and 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 yet they are involved more than 5 percent of all vehicular accidents. The majority of those accidents result in catastrophic injuries, that result in victims suffering permanent and life-changing disabilities. These injuries can have a huge financial impact on the victim, and the victim and their families should be compensated for their loss in order to live with dignity. Insurance companies and trucking firms will do everything possible to minimize the amount of compensation that the victim is entitled to. This is why you require an experienced and dependable semi truck accident lawyer who can stand up to the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the expertise, experience and determination to make an impact on your case.
A semi-truck, also known as a tractor-trailer, or an 18-wheeler is a large commercial vehicle that consists of an engine (tractor unit) and an unattachable trailer that can carry cargo. These trucks are vulnerable due to their weight and size, to serious accidents if driven in reckless manners. The most common causes of accidents involving trucks include speeding, distracted driving, and not securing blind spots prior to turning or changing lanes. Another cause of truck crashes is improper loading of the cargo, which can cause shifting and swaying which could lead to the truck rolling over.
In addition to the truck driver and other drivers, other parties could be liable in a truck accident, including the driver's employer or the company they carry product for, and even the person who is responsible for setting up the load. Proving fault is more difficult when multiple insurance companies are involved in the matter, since they all try to limit their own liability.
In certain instances the local government agency could also be responsible for any accident that occurs on its property. For instance, if a poor road layout or maintenance issues caused an accident, the county board may be liable for the damage caused by the victim. This kind of claim is based on the principle of vicarious liability which holds an authority party responsible for the actions of an employee who is acting within the context of their duties.
Damages
Every motor vehicle accident can cause severe physical and emotional trauma. The consequences of a collision involving semi-trucks are more severe than other kinds of accidents. Not only can these vehicles cause more serious injuries however, they can also cause damage to property or destruction that can lead to significant financial burdens. A semi truck accident attorney can help you determine 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 happened, to consult an attorney for personal injuries. This is especially true in cases involving large vehicles. In addition to the general laws that regulate traffic and personal injuries, there are special regulations that pertain to commercial trucks. They can impact how a crash happens, who is responsible, and the types of damages that may be awarded. A lawyer can assist you understand these regulations and ensure that the at-fault parties are held liable.
It is not uncommon that several parties are accountable for a truck accident which includes the driver or their employer, as well as the company who hauled the cargo. In addition, fault may be attributed to the manufacturer of the truck or any of the parts that were defective and caused the accident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide you with the evidence required to prove that all parties at fault are responsible and to demonstrate that you have a right to fair compensation.
A skilled semi truck accident lawyer on your side can protect your rights from the common strategies used by insurance companies to deny or reduce your claim. Injured victims often feel desperate to receive their compensation so that they can pay for medical treatment and other expenses. The insurance companies are aware of this and take advantage of it, using delay as a strategy to pressure you into accepting less than you are entitled to.
An attorney can help you determine the damages you are entitled to in the future and present including medical expenses, lost income and property damage. A lawyer can assist you determine the amount of damages to determine in your case. Compensatory damages aim to pay you back for your losses, while punitive damages aim to punish the responsible party and discourage others from committing similar acts.
oregon semi truck accident law firm are different from car accidents in that they require a lot more detailed information, including the truck mechanics involved and the long-term economic as well as medical effects of the crash, and industry regulations. A semi-truck accident attorney must have access to the right experts who can fill in gaps and provide crucial evidence that could be vital to a client's legal case.
Accident reconstruction specialists are some of the most reliable experts that a semi-truck accident lawyer can rely on. These experts are knowledgeable and are able to analyze the accident scene, analyze both the truck and the vehicle involved in it and determine the reason for the accident, and explain their findings clearly and comprehendable. They are often a crucial element of a successful lawsuit, because they can help jurors understand why a crash occurred and who might be responsible.
Expert witnesses can also establish the damages that can be claimed and the value. For instance, a life care planner could be enlisted to explain the impact a serious accident could have on the victim's ability to work, their medical needs for the remaining years of their lives and any other repercussions that may be long-term. Likewise, an economist can help to calculate things like lost earnings damages, which will be a major component of any compensation award.
Experts in toxicology in the forensic field and the identification of alcohol and drugs can be extremely helpful for a successful claim. They can help draw an exact line between intoxication and the crash. This is especially the case when the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash. A metallurgist can also be a useful expert witness, since they can conduct tests on metal components of the truck that might have been involved in the crash to determine whether they were overloaded.
In some instances the New York semi-truck accident attorney will engage an expert to examine the trucking firm itself and the way it operates. This is especially important in the event that the trucker was employed by a large trucking company and may be required to follow certain standards that other drivers do not. An expert can look into the trucking company's safety procedures, hiring practices, and any other information that may help to determine fault.
Time Limits
Evidence is often lost or destroyed during a truck accident. It's crucial to contact a semi-truck accident attorney as soon as you can. Our lawyers can conduct an extensive investigation to discover all the parties responsible for your injuries. We'll collaborate with accident reconstruction experts as well as medical professionals and financial analysts to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
The most common reason for a truck accident involves driver negligence. This can be caused by driving in a hurry, driving under the influence, or driving recklessly. Trucking companies that fail to adhere to safety regulations or hire employees who are not qualified could also be accountable for accidents.
Improper maintenance of the vehicle is another reason for the possibility of a crash with a truck. Failure to examine or repair tires, brakes, or other parts of a truck can lead to an accident that is dangerous. It is vital that your truck accident lawyer is aware of the requirements for maintenance on large trucks in order to examine any safety concerns.
Thirdly, a poorly-loaded trailer or cargo could cause an accident with a truck. If a truck isn't properly loaded, it could cause the trailer to shift while on the road or cause the truck to jackknife. This is a serious accident that could cause serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
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 may cause the truck driver to veer from the road, which could cause it to be in collision with other vehicles or pedestrians.
A head-on collision between a truck and a passenger vehicle is among the most fatal kinds of truck crashes. The front of the passenger car is usually the one to take the brunt, leading to serious injuries, and even death. These accidents happen when a truck driver falls asleep or turns around to avoid another vehicle or is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. There are also accidents involving trucks that spill their load of hazardous materials. These accidents could cause environmental damage and human health hazards for those who come in contact with the chemicals.