15 Shocking Facts About Semi Truck Compensation You've Never Known
Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 individuals die in accidents caused by large trucks. In the event of a crash it is crucial to get in touch with truck accident lawyers that understand the various factors involved.
An attorney should immediately make a claim with the insurance company of the driver and with the company that operates and owns the truck. This is done to maximize the amount of insurance.
Liability
Trucks constitute just 4 percent of the vehicles on the road, however they are involved in more than half of all accidents. In the majority of these accidents, victims suffer catastrophic injuries and are permanently disabled. The financial burden associated with these injuries can be enormous and the families of victims must seek compensation to allow them to live their lives with dignity. The insurance companies of trucking companies will do everything possible to minimize the amount of compensation a victim is due. This is why you need an experienced, skilled semi truck accident lawyer who can stand up to insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the knowledge, experience and power to make the difference in your case.
Semi-trucks, referred to by the names tractor-trailer, 18-wheeler and tractor, are large commercial vehicles comprised of a truck unit (tractor) and an attached trailer that is used to transport cargo. Due to their size and weight, these trucks are prone to serious accidents if they are driven with recklessness or if drivers fail to exercise reasonable care when operating the vehicle. Truck accidents are often caused by distracted drivers, speeding as well as the failure to observe blind spots when changing lanes or turning. Another cause of truck accidents is the improper loading of cargo, which can cause shifting and swaying which could potentially result in the truck rolling over.
In addition to the truck driver, other parties may share the blame in a truck crash, including the employer of the driver as well as the company they haul product for, and the person who sets up the load. It isn't easy to prove the responsibility when there are multiple insurance companies involved, because each will try to limit its own liability.
In some instances, the local government entity could also be accountable in the event of an accident on its property. For bloomington semi truck accident settlement , if poor road layout or a lack of maintenance resulted in an accident, the county board could be responsible for the damages that the victim has suffered. This kind of claim is based on the principle of vicarious liability that holds a supervisory person liable for the actions of an employee while performing their duties.
Damages
Any motor vehicle accident can cause extreme emotional and physical trauma. The results of a collision with semi-trucks are more severe than other types 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 get the right compensation.
It is always a good idea regardless of the kind of accident that happened, to consult an attorney who specializes in personal injury. This is especially important in cases involving large-sized vehicles. In addition to the general laws that regulate personal injury and traffic there are particular rules applicable to commercial trucks. These can affect how the accident occurs, who is accountable, and the kinds of damages that can be awarded. Lawyers can ensure that you are aware of regulations and that those responsible are held accountable.
It is not uncommon for multiple parties to be accountable for a truck accident including the driver or their employer, as well as the company that transported the cargo. In addition, the fault could be assigned to the manufacturer of the truck, or any defective parts that contributed to the accident. An attorney who is a semi truck accident can provide the detailed evidence needed to demonstrate that all parties at fault are liable and that you have the right to fair compensation.
A seasoned semi truck accident attorney on your side can protect you from the usual tactics that insurance companies use to reduce or deny your claim. Injured victims are usually looking for money to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies profit from this by using delay to force you into accepting less than you deserve.
An attorney can help you determine all the present and future damages that you are entitled to, such as medical bills, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering. An attorney can help determine the amount of punitive and compensatory damages to decide on in your case. Compensation damages are designed to compensate you for the losses. Punitive damages are designed to penalize the party who is at fault and prevent others from committing similar crime.
Expert Witnesses
Contrary to a typical car accident situation, truck accidents usually involve a lot of highly specific information about the industry's regulations including truck mechanics, the long-term economic and medical impact of the collision. A semi-truck crash lawyer must have access to the best experts who can fill in the gaps of knowledge and provide testimony that may be crucial to a client's case.
Specialists in reconstruction of accidents are one of the most knowledgeable experts a semi truck attorney can contact. They are skilled professionals who know how to examine an accident scene, assess the vehicle and truck 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 the jury in understanding how an accident occurred and who might be responsible.
Expert witnesses can also help determine the damage that is applicable and the worth. A life care planner, for example is a person who can illustrate the effects of an accident that is severe on the ability of a victim to work and their medical needs throughout their life. Additionally, an economist can assist in calculating things such as lost earnings damages, which could be a major component of any compensation award.
Experts in toxicology forensics as well as identification of drugs and alcohol can also be very valuable for a successful case. They can assist in drawing a clear line between alcohol consumption, and the accident. This is particularly true when the trucker was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash. A metallurgist is also an expert witness. They can examine the metal components of the truck involved in the crash to determine if they were overloaded.
In certain cases the attorney for an New York semi truck accident will hire an expert to investigate the trucking business and how it operates. This is especially crucial if the trucker was employed by a large company and may be subject to certain standards that other drivers are not. The right expert can examine the safety procedures of the trucking firm and hiring practices, as well as any other information that could assist in determining the cause of the accident.
Time Limits
Evidence is usually destroyed or lost in a truck crash. That's why it's important to speak with a semi truck accident attorney as soon as you can. Our attorneys will conduct an extensive investigation to discover all responsible parties for your injuries. We'll work with accident reconstruction experts doctors, medical professionals, and financial analysts to help you get the compensation you deserve.
The most common cause of a truck accident is driver error. This can be caused by driving distracted, driving under the influence or reckless driving. Trucking companies that fail to adhere to safety standards or hire employees who are not qualified could also be held accountable for accidents.
Another cause of a truck accident is improper maintenance on the vehicle. Failure to check or repair a truck's brakes, tires or other parts can lead to a dangerous crash. It is crucial to ensure that your lawyer for truck accidents knows the requirements for maintenance of large trucks, so that they can investigate any issues with the safety of the truck.
Another reason behind a truck accident is a trailer that is not properly loaded or cargo. A truck that isn't loaded properly can cause the trailer or truck to jackknife when it's not properly loaded. This is a serious incident that can cause serious or fatal injuries to motorists driving on the road.
The negligence of other drivers can also cause truck accidents. They may cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong lane. These actions may cause the driver of the truck to veer from the road, which could cause it to cause collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians.
One of the most deadly truck accidents is one that involves a head-on collision. The front of the passenger vehicle is usually the one that takes the brunt, leading to grave injuries or even death. These types of accidents usually occur on roads with no other traffic when the truck driver falls asleep, turns to avoid another vehicle or is driving under the under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Trucks can cause accidents as well by spilling dangerous materials. These accidents can cause environmental damage and health risks for humans who come in contact with the chemicals.