Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people are killed in accidents involving large vehicles. If a crash does occur it's crucial to work with truck accident lawyers who understand the various aspects involved.
Attorneys must immediately file a claim with the insurance company of the driver as well with the company that owns and operates the truck. santa monica semi truck accident lawyer is done in order to get the most insurance possible.
Liability
Trucks comprise just 4 percent of the vehicles on the road, however they are involved in nearly half of all accidents. Most of those accidents result in catastrophic injuries, which result in permanent and life-changing disabilities. These accidents can have a devastating financial impact on victims, and their and their families must be compensated so that they can live with dignity. The insurance companies of trucking companies will do everything they can to cut down on the amount of compensation the victim is entitled to. You need a knowledgeable strong, reputable semi truck accident lawyer who can confront insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the knowledge, experience and power to make an impact in your case.
Semi-trucks, also known under the names tractor-trailer or 18-wheeler are large commercial vehicles comprised of the truck unit (tractor) and an attached trailer which transports cargo. These trucks are vulnerable due to their weight and size to serious accidents if they are driven recklessly. Common causes of truck accidents include speeding, distracted driving, and failing to check blind spots before turning or changing lanes. Unsafe loading of freight could cause truck accidents as well. This can lead to shifting, swaying or even rolling the truck.
In addition to the truck driver and other drivers, other parties could be liable in a truck crash including the employer of the driver as well as the company they haul products for, and even the person who arranges the load. It can be difficult to prove that someone is at fault when there are multiple insurance companies involved as each will try to limit its own liability.
In some instances the local government agency may be held accountable in the event of an accident on its property. If, for example, a poorly maintained road or a poorly laid-out layout resulted in an accident, then the county board could be held accountable for the damages suffered by the victim. This type of claim is based on the principle of vicarious accountability that holds a supervisory person liable for the actions of employees performing the duties of their duties.
Damages
Every motor vehicle accident can result in extreme emotional and physical trauma. The consequences of a collision involving semi-trucks are more severe than other kinds of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage to property. This can result in a substantial financial burden. A semi truck accident lawyer can help determine the extent of your losses and pursue the appropriate compensation.
It is always a good idea, regardless of the type of accident that occurred to speak with a personal injury attorney. This is particularly true when it comes to cases involving large vehicles. In addition to the general laws that regulate traffic and personal injuries, there are special regulations for commercial trucks. These rules could have a significant effect on how a crash happens, the responsible parties and the kind of damages that could be awarded. A lawyer can help to ensure that you know the regulations and ensure that the parties responsible for the crash are held accountable.
It is not uncommon for several parties to be accountable for an accident involving a truck which includes the driver and their employer, as well the company that transported the cargo. Additionally, the blame could be attributed to the manufacturer of the truck or to any defective parts that contributed to the accident. An attorney who is a semi truck accident can provide the specific evidence required to show that all parties at fault are responsible and that you are entitled to fair compensation.
A skilled semi truck accident lawyer on your side can safeguard you against the common strategies that insurance companies employ to deny or reduce your claim. Victims of injuries are often desperate to collect their money to pay for medical treatments and other expenses. The insurance companies are aware of this and take advantage of this, using delaying as a way to pressure you to accept less than you deserve.
An attorney can help determine the total amount of future and present damages you are entitled to, including medical bills loss of income, property damage, and suffering and pain. An attorney can help determine the amount of punitive and compensatory damages you can decide on in your case. Compensatory damages seek to compensate you for the losses. Punitive damages seek to punish the party who was at fault and discourage other people from committing similar crimes.
Expert Witnesses
Contrary to a typical car accident case, truck crashes typically involve a lot of highly specialized information about industry regulations including truck mechanics, the long-term economic and medical impact of the accident. A semi-truck crash lawyer should have access to the appropriate experts, who can fill in gaps of knowledge and provide evidence that could be vital to a client's claim.
Accident reconstruction specialists are among the most reliable experts that a semi-truck accident attorney could call upon. These experts are highly skilled and know how to assess the scene of an accident, examine both the truck and the vehicle involved as well as determine the root of the crash, and present their findings clearly and easily comprehendable. They are often a crucial element of a successful lawsuit as they assist jurors in understanding how an accident occurred and which parties might be accountable for it.
Expert witnesses can also identify the damage that is applicable and their worth. A life care planner, for example can be hired to demonstrate the impact of a serious accident on the victim's ability to work as well as their medical needs throughout their entire life. Likewise, an economist can assist in calculating things like lost earnings damages, which will be a significant component of any compensation award.
Forensic toxicologists and experts in recognition of alcohol and drugs can be extremely valuable for a successful claim. They can help draw the line between intoxication and the crash. This is especially true when the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of crash. A metallurgist is also an expert witness. They can conduct tests on the metal components of the truck involved in the accident to determine if they loaded to the limit.
In certain cases, a New York semi-truck accident attorney will employ an expert to look into the trucking firm itself and the way it operates. This is particularly important when the trucker worked for an established trucking company and was subject to the same standards as other drivers were not. The expert can look into the safety practices of the trucking company, their hiring practices, as well as any other information that may aid in determining the cause of the accident.
Time Limits
Evidence is often lost or destroyed in a truck accident. It is imperative to contact a semi-truck accident attorney as soon as you can. Our attorneys can conduct a thorough investigation to determine who's responsible for your injuries. We will work with accident reconstruction experts as well as medical professionals and financial experts to assist you in getting the compensation you deserve.
The most frequently cited reason for a truck crash is the negligence of the driver. This could result from driving while distracted, driving while under the influence or driving recklessly. The trucking company that owns and operates the truck may also be liable for accidents in the event that they do not follow safety rules or hire unqualified drivers.
A vehicle that is not maintained properly can also be a cause of crashes involving trucks. Failure to examine or repair the brakes, tires, or other parts of a truck can cause danger in an accident. It is important that your lawyer for truck accidents understands the maintenance requirements of large trucks so that they can examine any safety concerns.
Thirdly, a poorly-loaded trailer or cargo can cause an accident involving a truck. A poorly loaded truck can cause the trailer or truck to jackknife if it is not properly loaded. This is a serious incident which can result in serious or fatal injuries to other motorists who are driving.
Other drivers' negligence can also lead to truck accidents. They may cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong lane. These actions can 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 the truck and a passenger vehicle is one of the most fatal types of truck accidents. The front end of a passenger vehicle usually takes the brunt of the impact, resulting in serious injuries or death. These types of accidents often occur on highways with no traffic lanes when the truck driver is asleep, steers away from another vehicle or is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. There are also accidents involving trucks spilling their loads of dangerous materials. These accidents can cause environmental damage and human health hazards for those who come in contact with the chemicals.