Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people are killed in crashes involving large trucks. If a collision occurs it's essential to work with truck accident lawyers who understand the different factors involved.
A lawyer should promptly initiate claims with the insurance company of the driver company, as well as the company which is the owner of the truck. This is done in order to maximize the available insurance.
virginia beach semi truck accident law firm constitute just 4 percent of the vehicles that are on the roads, yet they are involved in more than half of all accidents. The majority of these accidents result in severe injuries, with victims suffering permanent, life-altering disabilities. These injuries can have a significant financial impact, and the victims and families need to be compensated in order to live their lives with dignity. Insurance companies and trucking firms will do everything in their power to cut down on the amount of compensation the victim is due. That's why you need an experienced, dependable semi truck accident attorney that is able to stand up against insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the knowledge, experience and power to make a difference in your case.
Semi-trucks, referred to by the names tractor-trailer or 18-wheeler, are large commercial vehicles which comprise an engine (tractor) and an attached trailer to transport cargo. These trucks are susceptible, due to their weight and size, to serious accidents if they are driven in reckless manners. Accidents involving trucks are usually caused by speeding, distracted drivers and the inability to spot blind spots when turning or changing lanes. Unsafe loading of freight could cause truck accidents as well. This could lead to shifting, swaying and even the truck rolling.
In addition to the driver, other parties can share the blame in truck accidents. This includes the driver's employer, the company that 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, because each one will try to limit their own liability.
In some instances, a local government agency may also share liability for accidents that occur on their property. If, for instance a road that was not maintained or a poorly laid-out layout resulted in an accident, then the county board may be responsible for the injuries suffered by the victim. This kind of claim is based on the principle of vicarious responsibility, which makes an authority party responsible for the actions of employees in the course of their duties.
Damages
Any motor vehicle accident can result in extreme physical and emotional trauma. However, the effects of a collision with a semi truck can be more serious than most other kinds of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage to property. This can result in a significant financial burden. A semi truck accident lawyer can help you determine the full extent of your losses and seek appropriate compensation.
It's always a good idea, regardless of the type of accident that happened to speak with an attorney for personal injuries. This is especially true when it comes to cases involving large vehicles. In addition to the general laws that govern traffic and personal injury, there are special regulations that pertain to commercial trucks. These regulations can have a major impact on how a collision occurs, the parties responsible and the type of damages that may be awarded. A lawyer can ensure that you know the regulations and ensure that the parties responsible are held accountable.
It is not unusual that several parties are held responsible in a truck-related accident, including the driver, their employer, and the company that hauled the cargo. The truck manufacturer or defective component could be liable for the incident. An attorney for semi-truck accidents can provide the evidence needed to demonstrate that all parties at fault are accountable and that you are entitled to fair compensation.
A skilled semi truck accident lawyer at your side can shield you from the usual tactics used by insurance companies to reduce or deny your claim. Injured victims are often desperate to collect their money so that they can pay for medical treatment and other expenses. The insurance companies are aware of this and take advantage of delay as a tactic to pressure you into accepting lower than you should.
An attorney can assist you determine the total amount of present and future damages that you are entitled to, such as medical bills, lost income damages to property, pain and suffering. A lawyer can also help you determine the proper amount of compensatory and punitive damages to award in your case. Compensatory damages aim to compensate you for your losses, while punitive damages are meant to punish the responsible party and discourage others from engaging in similar crimes.
Expert Witnesses
As opposed to a typical car crash scenario, truck accidents generally involve a lot of highly specific information regarding industry regulations including truck mechanics, the long-term medical and economic impact of the collision. An attorney for semi-truck accidents should have access the right experts who can fill in knowledge gaps and provide crucial testimony that could be vital to a client's case.
Specialists in accident reconstruction are one of the most useful experts that a semi-truck accident lawyer can rely on. They are skilled professionals who know how to examine an accident scene, assess the truck and vehicle involved in the collision, identify what caused the accident and explain their findings in clear, easy to understand terms. They are usually an essential part of a successful lawsuit because they can help jurors understand why a crash took place and who is accountable.
Expert witnesses can also determine the damage that is applicable and the worth. A life care planner, for instance can be hired to illustrate the effects of an accident that is serious on the ability of a victim to work as well as their medical needs throughout their lifetime. Additionally, an economist can assist in calculating things such as lost earnings damages, which could constitute a substantial portion of any compensation award.
Experts in forensic toxicology and drug and alcohol identification are also very helpful for a successful case. These experts can help draw a clear line between alcohol and the accident, particularly when the trucker was been under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the collision. A metallurgist can also be an expert witness. They can conduct tests on the metal components of the truck involved in the crash to determine if they were loaded to the limit.
In some cases in some cases, a New York semi-truck accident attorney will employ an expert to examine the trucking company's operations and how it operates. This is particularly important if the trucker was employed by a large trucking business and may be subject to certain requirements that other drivers aren't. A qualified expert can review the safety protocols of the trucking company, hiring practices, and any other information that may aid in determining fault.
Time Limits
If a truck accident occurs and evidence is lost or destroyed. This is why it's crucial to contact a semi truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Our lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation to determine who is responsible for your injuries. We will work with accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals and financial analysts to ensure you get the money you are entitled to.
The most common cause for truck accidents is driver negligence. This could include driving in a hurry, driving under the influence or driving recklessly. Trucking companies that fail to adhere to safety standards or hire employees who are not qualified could also be accountable for accidents.
Another reason for a truck accident is the inadvertent maintenance of the vehicle. Failure to check or repair the truck's brakes or tires, or any other component could cause a dangerous crash. It is important that your truck accident lawyer is aware of the requirements for maintenance on large trucks in order to examine any safety concerns.
A third reason for a truck accident is a trailer that is not properly loaded or cargo. A truck that is not properly loaded can cause the truck or trailer to jackknife if not properly loaded. This is a serious incident which can result in serious or fatal injuries to motorists on the road.
The negligence of other drivers can cause truck accidents too. They could cut off the driver of the truck or merge into the wrong lanes. These actions can cause the truck driver to drift off the road, which could cause it to cause collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians.
One of the most deadly truck accidents is the head-on collision. The front of the passenger vehicle is typically the one to take the brunt, leading to serious injury and even death. These accidents happen when a truck driver falls asleep, or is swerving to avoid a vehicle, or is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. There are also accidents involving trucks spilling their loads of dangerous materials. These accidents can cause environmental damage and risk to the health of people who come in contact with the chemicals.