10 Semi Truck Compensation Tricks All Experts Recommend
Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people die in accidents caused by large trucks. If a crash does occur it's essential to work with truck accident lawyers who understand the different factors involved.
A lawyer should immediately initiate claims with the insurance company of the driver company as and the company that is the owner of the truck. This will maximize the amount of insurance.
Liability
Trucks make up only 4 percent of all vehicles on the road, however 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 huge, and victims and their families must seek compensation to live a life of dignity. Unfortunately, trucking companies and their insurance providers will leave no stone unturned in an effort to limit the amount of compensation a victim is entitled to. That's why you need an experienced and dependable semi truck accident attorney that can stand up to insurance companies and their attorneys. John Hensley's team possesses the expertise, experience, and strength to make a major difference in your case.
A semi-truck also referred to as a tractor-trailer, or an 18-wheeler, is a huge commercial vehicle made up of the truck (tractor unit) and an unattachable trailer that can carry cargo. Due to their size and weight they are susceptible to serious accidents if they are driven recklessly or if the driver does not exercise reasonable care while driving the vehicle. The most common causes of accidents involving trucks include speeding, distracted driving and failing to check blind spots prior to turning or changing lanes. Another reason behind truck crashes is improper loading of the freight that can result in shifting and swaying that could potentially result in the truck rolling over.
In addition to the driver, other parties may share the blame in the event of a truck crash. This includes the driver's business as well as the company that the driver transports products for, or even the person who arranges the load. It is often difficult to prove that someone is at fault when there are multiple insurance companies involved, since each will seek to limit its own liability.
In some cases, local government agencies could also be liable in the event of a crash on their property. If, for instance a road that is not maintained or a poorly-designed layout caused an accident, the county board could be held accountable for the damage 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 an employee while acting in the scope of their duties.
Damages
Any car accident can cause extreme emotional and physical trauma. The effects of a collision with a semi-truck can be more severe than other types of accidents. Not only do these vehicles cause more severe injuries, but they also have the potential to damage or destroy property which can result in substantial financial burdens. A semi truck accident lawyer can assist you to determine the total loss and get the right compensation.
Although it's generally recommended to speak with an injury lawyer following any kind of accident this is particularly relevant in cases involving large trucks. Commercial trucks are subjected to specific regulations, in addition to the laws that govern traffic, personal injury and other laws. They affect how a crash occurs, who's responsible, and the types of damages that could be awarded. A lawyer can assist you learn about these rules and ensure that the parties responsible are held liable.
It is not unusual that several parties are held responsible for a truck accident including the driver and their employer, as well the company that hauled the cargo. In addition, fault may be assigned to the maker of the truck, or any faulty parts that caused the accident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide the evidence required to prove that all the parties at fault are responsible and to demonstrate that you have a right to fair compensation.
A seasoned semi truck accident lawyer at your side can shield your rights from the common tactics used by insurance companies to deny or reduce your claim. Injured victims are often looking for money to cover medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies know this and take advantage of delay as a tool to to force you into accepting less than you are entitled to.
An attorney can help determine all of the present and future damages that you are entitled to, such as medical bills loss of income damages to property, suffering and pain. An attorney can help you determine how much punitive and compensatory damages to be awarded in your particular case. Compensatory damages are meant to pay you back for your losses, whereas punitive damages are meant to penalize the party at fault and deter others from doing similar crimes.
Expert Witnesses
Truck accidents are different from car accidents in that they require more detailed details, including the truck mechanics involved along with the long-term financial and medical effects of the accident, and industry regulations. An attorney for semi-truck accidents should have access to experts who can fill in gaps and provide crucial testimony that could be vital to the client's claim.
The specialists in accident reconstruction are one of the most effective experts a semi truck accident lawyer can rely on. They are skilled professionals who are skilled at examining the scene of an accident, analyze the vehicle and truck involved in the collision, identify what caused the accident and explain their findings in simple, easy-to-understand terms. They are usually a vital element of a successful lawsuit as they aid jurors in understanding why the accident happened and who could be responsible.
Expert witnesses can also determine the damages that can be claimed and their worth. A life care planner, for example is an expert who can illustrate the effects of an accident that is serious on a victim’s ability to work and their medical needs over their lifetime. An economist, for instance, can assist in calculating things like lost earnings damages, which will be a significant component of any compensation award.
Forensic toxicologists and experts in the recognition of alcohol and drug use are also essential in a successful claim. They can assist in drawing a clear line between alcohol consumption and the crash. This is particularly important when the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of crash. A metallurgist may also be an expert witness because they can conduct tests on metal components of the truck that might have been involved in the collision to determine whether they were overloaded.
In some cases an attorney representing an New York semi truck accident will hire an expert to look into the trucking company and how it operates. This is particularly important in the case of a trucker who worked for a large trucking company and was subject to the same standards as other drivers weren't. An expert could examine the trucking company's safety procedures, 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. This is why it's imperative to get in touch with a semi-truck accident lawyer as quickly as you can. Our attorneys will conduct an extensive investigation to determine all the parties responsible for your injuries. We'll work with experts in accident reconstruction, medical professionals and financial experts to ensure you receive the compensation you need.
The most common reason for truck accidents is driver carelessness. This could include driving while distracted or under the influence or reckless driving. Trucking companies that do not adhere to safety guidelines or hire unqualified workers could also be accountable for accidents.
Another reason behind a truck accident is the lack of maintenance on the vehicle. Inability to check or repair brakes, tires or other components of a truck can cause the risk of a fatal accident. It is important that your lawyer for truck accidents is aware of the maintenance requirements for large trucks so that they can determine any safety issues.
A third reason is that a trailer that is not properly loaded or cargo could cause a truck accident. A truck that is not properly loaded can cause the truck or trailer to jackknife when it's not properly loaded. This is a serious incident that can cause serious or fatal injuries to other motorists driving on the road.
Drivers' negligence by other drivers can also result in truck accidents. They may cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong direction. These actions can cause the driver of the truck to drift off the road, causing it to be in collision with other vehicles or pedestrians.
north dakota semi truck accident lawyer of the most dangerous truck accidents is a head-on collision. The front end of the passenger vehicle typically takes the brunt of the impact, resulting in serious injuries or death. These types of accidents often occur on roads that are not divided when the truck driver falls asleep, is unable to steer clear of another vehicle or is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. There are also accidents that involve trucks that spill their loads of hazardous materials. These accidents could cause environmental harm as well as health risks for people who come in contact with the chemicals.