apple valley semi truck accident attorney , 5,000 people are killed in accidents involving large vehicles. When a crash occurs it's essential to get in touch with truck accident lawyers who are aware of the various factors involved.
A lawyer should immediately file claims with the driver's insurance company, as well as the company which is the owner of the truck. This will maximize the amount of available insurance.
Liability
Trucks make up only 4 percent of all vehicles on the road, however they are involved in more than five percent of all accidents. The vast majority of those accidents result in catastrophic injuries, with victims suffering permanent, life-changing disabilities. The financial burden of those injuries can be enormous and the family members of the victims require compensation in order to be able to live their lives in dignity. Unfortunately trucking firms and their insurance companies will leave no stone unturned in their efforts to reduce the amount of compensation that a victim is entitled to. You need a seasoned strong, reputable semi truck accident lawyer who can take on the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the expertise, experience and determination to make the difference in your case.
A semi-truck, also known as a tractor-trailer or an 18-wheeler is a big commercial vehicle made up of an engine (tractor unit) and a trailer that is detachable and can carry cargo. Due to their weight and size, these trucks are prone to serious accidents if they are driven in reckless manner or if a driver fails to exercise reasonable care while operating the vehicle. Truck accidents are often caused by drivers who speed, distracted drivers, and failure to check blind spots when turning or changing lanes. Improper loading of freight can cause truck accidents too. This could lead to shifting, swaying, or even the truck rolling.
In addition to the driver, other people can share the responsibility for truck accidents. This includes the company that is responsible for the driver and the company the driver transports products for or the person responsible for setting up the load. Proving fault can be more difficult if multiple insurers are involved in the case as they will each try to limit their own liability.
In some instances, the local government entity could also be accountable for accidents that occur on its property. For instance, if a poorly designed road layout or inadequate maintenance resulted in an accident, the county board may be liable for the damage caused by the victim. This type of claim is based on the principle of vicarious responsibilities, which is the law that holds a supervisor responsible for an employee's actions while acting in the scope of their duties.
Damages
Any car accident can result in extreme physical and emotional trauma. However, the effects of a collision with a semi-truck are more severe than the majority of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage to property. This can lead to a substantial financial burden. A semi truck accident lawyer can help determine the full extent of your losses and obtain the compensation you deserve.
While it's generally an excellent idea to consult an injury lawyer following any kind of accident this is particularly important in cases involving large vehicles. Commercial trucks are subject to specific rules in addition to laws that regulate traffic, personal injury and other laws. They affect how a crash happens, who is accountable, and what types of damages that may be awarded. An attorney can ensure that you are aware of regulations and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
It is not uncommon for multiple parties to be held responsible for a truck accident including the driver, their employer, and the company that transported the cargo. Additionally, the blame could be assigned to the maker of the truck or to any of the parts that were defective and caused the accident. A semi truck accident attorney can provide the specific evidence to show that all parties at fault are accountable and that you have the right to fair compensation.
Having an experienced semi truck accident lawyer at your side can shield you from the most common strategies used by insurance companies to deny or limit your claim. The injured victims are usually desperate to receive their money to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. The insurers know this and take advantage of it, using delay as a way to try to force you into accepting lower than you should.
A lawyer can help you determine all the future and present damages you are entitled to, including medical bills, lost income as well as property damage and suffering and pain. An attorney can help you determine how much punitive and compensatory damages to decide on in your case. Compensation damages are designed to pay you back for your losses, while punitive damages are designed to punish the person at fault and deter others from committing similar crimes.
Expert Witnesses
Unlike a normal car accident case, truck crashes typically contain a large amount of specific information on industry regulations as well as truck mechanics and the long-term economic and medical impacts of the collision. A semi-truck accident lawyer should have access to the best experts who can fill in gaps of knowledge and provide crucial evidence that can be crucial to a client's case.
Specialists in reconstruction of accidents are one of the most valuable experts a semi truck accident lawyer can call upon. These experts are highly skilled and are able to analyze the accident scene, analyze the truck as well as the vehicle involved as well as determine the root of the crash, and explain their findings in a manner that is clear and understandable. They are usually a vital component of any successful lawsuit because they can assist the jury in understanding how a particular crash happened, and who could be responsible.
The right expert witnesses can also help to determine which damages are applicable and what the damages will be worth. For instance, a life insurance planner could be hired to demonstrate the impact that a accident could have on a victim's ability to work, their medical needs for the rest of their lives, and any other long-term repercussions. An economist can also help calculate the loss of earnings damages which is a significant element of any compensation award.
Forensic toxicologists and experts in the recognition of alcohol and drug use can be extremely valuable for a successful claim. They can help draw the line between intoxication and the crash. This is particularly important when the trucker was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash. A metallurgist can be an expert witness. They can conduct tests on metal components of the truck involved in the crash to determine if they loaded too much.
In certain cases an attorney in an New York semi truck accident will hire an expert to investigate the trucking business and how it operates. This is particularly important in the case of a trucker who worked for an established trucking company and was subject to the same standards as other drivers weren't. The expert will be able to examine the safety practices of the trucking company, their hiring practices as well as any other information that may aid in determining the source of the problem.
Time Limits
If a truck accident occurs the evidence is often lost or destroyed. It is imperative to contact a semi-truck accident attorney as soon as you can. Our attorneys will conduct an exhaustive investigation to identify the responsible parties for your injuries. We will collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists along with medical professionals and financial analysts to help you get the money you deserve.
The most frequently cited cause of a truck accident is driver error. This can be caused by driving distracted, driving under the influence or driving irresponsibly. The trucking company that owns and operates the truck could be at fault for the accident when they fail to adhere to safety rules or hire unqualified drivers.
A vehicle that is not maintained properly is another cause of crashes involving trucks. Failure to examine or repair a truck's brakes, tires, or other components could cause a dangerous crash. It is crucial to ensure that your truck accident lawyer knows the needs of maintenance for large trucks so that they can investigate any issues with the safety of the truck.
A third issue is that a poorly loaded trailer or cargo can cause an accident involving a truck. A truck that isn't loaded properly 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.
Inattention of other drivers could also cause truck accidents. They may cut off the driver of the truck or merge into the wrong lane. These actions may cause the truck driver to deviate from the road, which could cause it to collide with other vehicles and pedestrians.
One of the most dangerous truck accidents is one that involves a head-on collision. The front of the car is usually the one to take the brunt, which can result in serious injury and even death. These types of accidents usually occur on roads with no other traffic when the truck driver falls asleep, steers away from another vehicle or is under the impaired by alcohol or drugs. Trucks can also cause accidents by spilling dangerous materials. These accidents can cause environmental damage and dangers to human health for those who come in contact with the chemicals.