What Is Semi Truck Compensation? To Use It
Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people die in accidents involving large trucks. It's important that you employ truck accident lawyers who understand the different factors.
A lawyer should promptly initiate claims with the driver's insurance company as well as the company that owns the truck. This is done in order to maximize the amount of insurance available.
Liability
Trucks make up only 4 percent of all vehicles on the road but they are involved in over 55% of all accidents. In the majority of these accidents, victims suffer serious injuries and are permanently disabled. The financial burden of those injuries can be huge, and the family members of the victims must seek compensation to live with dignity. Unfortunately trucking firms and their insurance companies will make no effort in an attempt to minimize the amount of compensation a victim is entitled to. This is why you need an experienced and dependable semi truck accident lawyer who will stand up to insurance companies and their attorneys. John Hensley and his team have the knowledge, experience and the strength to make an impact in your case.
Semi-trucks, also known by the terms tractor-trailer and 18-wheeler are large commercial vehicles which comprise a truck unit (tractor) and an attached trailer that is used to transport cargo. These trucks are prone, due to their size and weight to serious accidents if driven in reckless manners. The most common causes of accidents involving trucks include speeding, distracted driving and failing to check blind spots prior to turning or changing lanes. Another reason behind truck crashes is improper loading of the freight that can result in shifting and swaying which could result in the truck rolling over.
In addition to the driver, other parties may share the responsibility for an accident involving a truck. This includes the driver's company as well as the company that the driver transports products for or the person responsible for setting up the load. It isn't easy to prove the fault when there are several insurance companies involved, as each will seek to limit its own liability.
In some instances, local government agencies could also be liable for a crash that occurs on their property. If, for instance, a poorly maintained road or a layout that was poorly planned caused an accident, then the county board could be liable for the damages suffered by the victim. This kind of claim is based on the principle of vicarious liability that holds a supervisory body accountable for the actions of employees in the course of their employment.
Damages
Any motor vehicle accident can result in extreme physical and emotional trauma. The effects of a collision with semi-trucks are more severe than other kinds of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage property. This can result in an enormous financial burden. A semi truck accident lawyer can assist you to determine your full losses and get the right compensation.
It's always a good idea, regardless of the kind of accident that occurred to speak with an attorney who specializes in personal injury. This is especially important when it comes to cases involving large vehicles. Commercial trucks are subject to special regulations in addition laws that regulate traffic, personal injury and other laws. These regulations can have a major impact on how a crash occurs, the parties accountable and the kinds of damages that could be awarded. A lawyer can help understand these regulations and ensure that the at-fault parties are held accountable.
When a truck collision occurs it is not unusual for there to be several parties that could be responsible such as the truck driver and the company they work for, as well as the company responsible for hauling the load. In addition, fault may be assigned to the maker of the truck or any defective components that led to the accident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide the specific evidence to show that all at-fault parties are responsible and you are entitled to fair compensation.
Having an experienced semi truck accident lawyer to defend your rights from the common strategies used by insurance companies to reduce or deny your claim. Injured victims are often desperate to get their money to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. The insurers know this and take advantage of this, using delaying as a way to pressure you to accept less than what you are entitled to.
A lawyer can help you determine all the present and future damages that you are entitled to, such as medical bills and lost income property damage, suffering and pain. An attorney can also help you determine the appropriate amount of punitive and compensatory damages to award in your particular case. Compensatory damages are meant to compensate you for your losses, while punitive damages are designed to punish the at-fault party and discourage others from committing similar actions.
Expert Witnesses
Unlike a normal car accident case, truck crashes typically involve a significant amount of specific information regarding industry regulations as well as truck mechanics and the long-term economic and medical consequences of the crash. A semi-truck accident attorney must have access the right experts who can fill in knowledge gaps and provide vital evidence that could be crucial to a client's legal case.
Specialists in accident reconstruction are among the most knowledgeable experts that a semi-truck accident attorney could call upon. They are skilled and know how to assess the scene of an accident, evaluate both the truck and the vehicle involved in it and determine the reason for the crash, and present their findings in a way that is easily understandable. They are often an important part of a successful lawsuit, because they can help jurors comprehend how the crash occurred and who could be accountable.
Expert witnesses can also identify the damages that are applicable and their worth. A life care planner, for instance is a person who can determine the effect of an accident that is severe on a victim’s ability to work as well as their medical needs throughout their lives. Likewise, an economist can assist in calculating things like lost earnings damages, which could be a significant part of any compensation award.
Experts in forensic toxicology and identification of alcohol and drugs can also be very valuable for a successful case. These experts can aid in drawing a clear line between alcohol and the crash, 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 also be an expert witness because they can conduct tests on metal components of the truck that might have been involved in the collision to see whether they were loaded to the max.
In some cases an attorney in an New York semi truck accident will employ an expert who will investigate the trucking firm and how it operates. This is particularly important in the event that the trucker was employed by a large company and might be subject to certain requirements that other drivers aren't. The expert can review the safety procedures of the trucking company, their hiring practices and any other information that might help determine fault.
Time Limits
When a truck crash occurs and evidence is lost or destroyed. This is why it's crucial to speak with a semi truck accident lawyer as quickly as you can. Our lawyers can conduct an extensive investigation to discover all the liable parties for your injuries. We'll collaborate with experts in accident reconstruction medical professionals, financial experts and experts to help you obtain the compensation you need.
The most frequently cited reason for a truck accident is driver error. This could result from driving while distracted, driving under the influence, or driving irresponsibly. Trucking companies that don't adhere to safety guidelines or hire employees with no qualifications could also be held responsible for accidents.
Another cause of a truck accident is the lack of maintenance on the vehicle. Failure to inspect or repair the brakes, tires, or other parts of a truck could result in an accident that is dangerous. sterling heights semi truck accident attorney is crucial to ensure that your lawyer for truck accidents understands the maintenance needs of large trucks to be able to examine any issues that may affect the safety of the truck.
Thirdly, a poorly-loaded trailer or cargo could result in accidents with trucks. If a truck isn't properly loaded, it may cause the trailer to shift on the road or cause the truck to hit the ground. This is a serious accident that could cause serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
Accidents involving trucks are also caused by negligent driving by other drivers. They could cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong direction. These actions could cause the truck driver to drift off the road, causing it be in collision with other vehicles or pedestrians.
A head-on collision between a truck and a passenger vehicle is one of the most fatal types of truck crashes. The front of the car is typically the one who takes the brunt, leading to serious injuries and sometimes even death. These accidents happen when a truck driver is asleep or turns around to avoid a vehicle, or is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Trucks can cause accidents as well by spilling dangerous materials. These accidents can cause environmental harm and health hazards for humans who come into contact with the chemicals.