Say "Yes" To These 5 Semi Truck Compensation Tips
Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people are killed in accidents involving large trucks. If a collision occurs, it's important to consult with truck accident lawyers that understand the various factors involved.
An attorney should immediately submit a claim to the insurance company of the driver and with the company that operates and owns the truck. This is done to maximize the amount of available insurance.
Liability
Trucks account for only 4 percent of the vehicles that are on the roads, yet they are involved in nearly 55% of all accidents. The majority of these accidents result in catastrophic injuries, with victims suffering permanent and life-changing disabilities. The financial burden of those injuries can be enormous and the families of victims require compensation to ensure they can be able to live their lives in dignity. Unfortunately trucking firms and their insurance companies will do everything they can in an attempt to limit the amount of compensation a victim has the right to. You need an experienced, strong semi truck accident lawyer who can take on the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the expertise, experience and strength to make a difference in your case.
peoria semi truck accident lawyer -truck also referred to as a tractor-trailer, or an 18-wheeler is a big commercial vehicle made up of a truck (tractor unit) and an unattachable trailer that can carry cargo. These trucks are more prone due to their weight and size to serious accidents if they are driven recklessly. The most common causes of accidents involving trucks include speeding, distracted driving, and not securing blind spots before changing lanes or turning. Incorrect loading of cargo can result in truck accidents. This can lead to shifting, swaying and even rolling the truck.
In addition to the driver, other parties may share the responsibility for a truck accident. This includes the driver's company, the company that the driver transports products for or even the person who is responsible for setting up the load. The process of proving fault is more difficult when multiple insurers are involved in the case, because they all attempt to limit their own liability.
In certain instances the local government agency could also share responsibility for an accident that occurs on their property. If, for instance a road that was not maintained or a layout that was poorly planned contributed to an accident then the county board may be responsible for the injuries suffered by the victim. This type of claim is based on the principle of vicarious responsibilities that makes supervisory employees liable for the actions of an employee performing their job.
Damages
Any car accident can cause extreme physical and emotional trauma. However, the effects of a collision with a semi-truck can be more serious than most other types of accidents. Not only can these vehicles cause more serious injuries as well, but they can also damage or destroy property and cause significant financial burdens. A semi truck accident attorney can assist you in determining the totality of your losses and seek an appropriate amount of compensation.
It's always a good idea, regardless of the type of accident that happened to consult an attorney for personal injury. This is particularly true in cases involving large vehicles. Commercial trucks are subjected to specific regulations in addition to the laws that regulate traffic, personal injury and other laws. These regulations can have a major impact on the way a crash happens, the responsible parties and the kind of damages that may be awarded. A lawyer can assist you to understand these rules and ensure that the parties at fault are held liable.
When a truck accident occurs it is not unusual to have several parties to be accountable such as the truck driver or the company they work for, as well as the company that carried the load. A truck manufacturer, or any defective parts could also be accountable for the accident. A semi truck accident attorney can provide the detailed evidence needed to demonstrate that all parties at fault are responsible and that you have the right to fair compensation.
An experienced semi truck accident lawyer at your side can shield you from the most common strategies that insurance companies employ to deny or reduce your claim. Victims of injuries are often looking for money to cover medical treatment and other expenses. The insurance companies are aware of this and profit from it, using delay as a tool to to force you to accept less than you are entitled to.
A lawyer can help you determine the damages you are entitled to in the future and present including medical bills, lost income, and property damage. A lawyer can help you determine the amount of punitive and compensatory damages you can award in your case. Compensatory damages are intended to compensate you for the losses. Punitive damages seek to punish the party who is at fault and prevent others from committing similar crimes.
Expert Witnesses
Truck accidents differ from car accidents in that they require a lot more detailed information, such as the truck mechanics involved as well as the long-term economic and medical effects of the crash as well as the regulations that govern the industry. A semi-truck accident attorney should have access the right experts who can fill in the gaps and provide crucial evidence that could be crucial to the client's case.
The specialists in accident reconstruction are one of the most knowledgeable experts that a semi-truck attorney can contact. They are experienced professionals who are able to analyze the scene of the accident, examine the truck and vehicle involved in the crash, determine the cause of the crash and present their findings in simple, easy-to-understand terms. They are often a key element of a successful lawsuit since they can assist jurors understand how a crash occurred and who could be accountable.
Expert witnesses can also determine the damages that can be claimed and the worth. For example, a life-care planner can be hired to show the impact that a accident might have on a victim's ability to work, their medical requirements for the duration of their lives, as well as any other long-term effects. An economist can also assist determine the amount of compensation for lost earnings that are a key element of any compensation award.
Experts in toxicology in the forensic field and identification of alcohol and drugs are also very helpful for a successful case. These types of experts could assist in drawing a clear line between alcohol consumption 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 is also a valuable expert witness. They can test metal components of the truck involved in the crash to determine if they overloaded.
In certain instances an attorney representing an New York semi truck accident will engage an expert who will investigate the trucking company and the way it operates. This is particularly crucial when the trucker is employed by a large trucking company and may be subject to certain standards that other drivers do not. A qualified expert can review the safety policies of the trucking company, hiring practices, and any other information that may assist in determining the cause of the accident.
Time Limits
Evidence is usually lost or destroyed when a truck accident occurs. That's why it's important to speak with a semi truck accident lawyer as soon as you can. Our attorneys can conduct a thorough investigation to determine who is accountable for your injuries. We'll work with accident reconstruction experts as well as medical professionals and financial experts to ensure you receive the compensation you need.
The most frequent cause of a truck collision is the negligence of the driver. This can include driving distracted, driving under the influence or driving recklessly. The trucking company that owns and operates the truck may also be at fault for a crash if they fail to follow safety guidelines or employ unqualified drivers.
Incorrect maintenance of the vehicle is another cause of crashes involving trucks. Failure to examine or repair the truck's brakes or tires, or other parts could lead to a dangerous crash. It is crucial to ensure that your truck accident attorney knows the needs of maintenance for large trucks to be able to determine any issues that could affect the safety of the truck.
A third reason is that a trailer that is not properly loaded or cargo could result in a truck accident. If a truck is not properly loaded, it may cause the trailer to shift while on the road or cause the truck to hit the ground. This is a serious crash that could cause serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
Truck accidents can also be caused by negligent driving from other drivers. They could cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong direction. These actions could cause the truck driver to turn off the road, causing it to be in collision with other vehicles or pedestrians.
One of the most fatal truck accidents is head-on collisions. The front of the passenger car is typically the one that bears the brunt, which can result in 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 drugs. There are also accidents involving trucks that spill their loads of hazardous materials. These accidents could cause environmental harm as well as health risks for people who come into contact with the chemicals.