The Top Semi Truck Compensation Gurus Are Doing 3 Things
Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people are killed in accidents involving large vehicles. It's important that you work with truck accident attorneys who are knowledgeable about the various causes.
A lawyer should immediately initiate claims with the insurance company of the driver company, as well as the company that is the owner of the truck. This is done to maximize the amount of insurance.
Liability
While trucks make up only 4 percent of vehicles on the road but they are involved in more than five percent of all vehicle accidents. The majority of those accidents involve catastrophic injuries, that result in victims suffering permanent and life-altering disabilities. These injuries can have a massive financial impact on victims, and their and their families must be compensated for their loss in order to live with dignity. Unfortunately, trucking kalamazoo semi truck accident lawyer and their insurance providers will leave no stone unturned in their efforts to reduce the amount of compensation a victim is entitled to. You need a seasoned and dependable semi truck accident lawyer who is able to fight the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley's team is equipped with the knowledge, experience, and strength to make a difference in your case.
A semi-truck, also known as a tractor-trailer, or an 18-wheeler is a big commercial vehicle comprised of an engine (tractor unit) and an detachable trailer which carries cargo. These trucks are susceptible, due to their size and weight, to serious accidents if they are driven in reckless manners. Truck accidents are usually caused by drivers who speed, distracted drivers and the inability to spot blind spots when turning or changing lanes. Incorrect loading of freight can result in truck accidents. This can lead to shifting, swaying, or even the truck rolling.
In addition to the driver, other parties could share responsibility in a truck accident. This includes the driver's business, the company that the driver transports goods for, or even the person who sets up the load. The process of proving fault can be more difficult when multiple insurers are involved in the case because they each attempt to limit their own liability.
In certain instances the local government agency may be held accountable for accidents that occur on its property. For instance, if poor road layout or a lack of maintenance resulted in an accident, the county board may be responsible for the damages sustained by the victim. This kind of claim is based on the concept of vicarious liability which holds an authority party responsible for the actions of an employee in the course of their job.
Damages
Any motor vehicle accident can cause extreme physical and emotional 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 property. This could lead to a substantial financial burden. A semi truck accident lawyer can help determine the total loss and pursue the appropriate compensation.
It is always a good idea regardless of the kind of accident that has occurred to consult a personal injury attorney. This is especially true in cases involving large vehicles. Commercial trucks are subject to specific rules in addition to laws that regulate traffic, personal injury and other laws. These rules can have a significant impact on how a collision occurs, the parties accountable and the types damages that may be awarded. An attorney can help you to understand these rules and ensure that the parties at fault are held liable.
If a truck accident happens it is not unusual for there to be a number of parties who could be accountable such as the truck driver, the company they work for, as well as the company that carries the load. In addition, the fault could be attributed to the company that made the truck of the truck or any defective parts that contributed to the accident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide you with the evidence required to prove that all parties responsible are liable and to show that you are entitled fair compensation.
Having an experienced semi truck accident lawyer to defend your rights from the common tactics that insurance companies use to deny or limit your claim. Injured victims often feel desperate to receive their compensation to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies profit from this by using delay to make you accept lower than you should.
A lawyer can help you determine the damages you are entitled to in the future and present such as medical bills, lost income and property damage. A lawyer can also help you determine the proper amount of punitive and compensatory damages to award in your particular case. Compensatory damages are intended to compensate you for the losses. Punitive damages aim to punish the party who is at fault and prevent others from committing similar crime.
Expert Witnesses
Truck accidents differ from car accidents in that they require a lot more detailed information, like the mechanics of the truck involved and the long-term economic as well as medical effects of the crash and the regulations for the industry. A semi-truck accident lawyer should be able to access experts who can fill in the gaps and provide crucial evidence that could be vital to a client's legal case.
Accident reconstruction specialists are one of the most useful experts that a semi-truck accident lawyer might want to call. They are skilled professionals who are able to analyze the scene of an accident, evaluate the truck and vehicle involved in the collision, identify what caused it, and explain their findings in simple, easy-to-understand terms. They are often a key part of any successful lawsuit, as they assist jurors in understanding how the crash occurred, and which parties could be responsible.
The right expert witnesses can also assist to determine the extent of damages that are appropriate and what the damages will be worth. For instance, a life insurance planner can be enlisted to explain the effect a serious accident might have on a victim's ability to work, their medical requirements for the remaining years of their lives and any other repercussions that may be long-term. An economist can also calculate the damages for lost earnings that are a key part of any compensation award.
Forensic toxicologists as well as experts in recognition of alcohol and drugs can also be invaluable for a successful claim. These experts can aid in drawing a clear line between drunkenness and the crash, especially in cases where the trucker may have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident. A metallurgist could also be an effective expert witness since they can perform tests on the metal components of the truck that might have been involved in the collision to see whether they were overloaded.
In some cases the New York semi-truck accident attorney will employ an expert to study the trucking company's operations and the way it operates. This is crucial, particularly if the trucker worked for a large trucking company and was subject to standards that other drivers were not. The expert can look into the safety procedures of the trucking company, the hiring practices of their employees, as well as any other information that could aid in determining the cause of the accident.
Time Limits
When a truck collision occurs the evidence is often lost or destroyed. It is imperative to contact a semi-truck accident attorney as quickly as possible. Our lawyers can conduct an extensive investigation to discover all the parties responsible for your injuries. We'll collaborate with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals and financial analysts to help you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
The most frequent cause of a truck accident is driver negligence. This could include driving unintentionally, driving while under the influence, or driving irresponsibly. Trucking companies who fail to follow safety rules or hire employees who are not qualified could also be accountable for accidents.
Another cause of a truck accident is poor maintenance on the vehicle. Inability to check or repair tires, brakes, or other parts of a truck can lead to the risk of a fatal accident. It's important to make sure that your attorney for truck accidents is aware of the maintenance requirements of large trucks to be able to look into any issues with the truck's safety.
Another reason for a truck crash is a trailer that is not properly loaded or cargo. If a truck isn't properly loaded, it can cause the trailer to shift on the road or cause the truck to become jackknifed. This is a serious hazard that can cause serious or fatal injuries to motorists in the road.
The negligence of other drivers can cause truck accidents too. They may cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong direction. These actions can cause the truck to drift off the road, and then collide with pedestrians or other vehicles.
One of the most dangerous truck accidents is head-on collisions. The front of the car is usually the one that takes the brunt, which can result in grave injuries or even death. These types of accidents often occur on undivided highways when the truck driver falls asleep, is unable to steer clear of another vehicle or is under the effects of alcohol or drugs. Trucks may also cause accidents by spilling hazardous substances. These accidents can cause environmental damage as well as risk to the health of people who come into contact with the chemicals.