7 Things You'd Never Know About Semi Truck Compensation

Truck Accident Attorneys

Every year, 5,000 people die in crashes involving large trucks. It is important to employ truck accident lawyers who are aware of the various factors.

An attorney must immediately submit a claim to the insurance company of the driver and with the company that operates and owns the truck. This is done so as to get the most insurance possible.

Liability

Although trucks account for only 4 percent of the vehicles on the road yet they are involved more than half of all motor vehicle accidents. In the majority of these accidents, victims suffer serious injuries and are permanently disabled. The financial burden of these injuries can be immense, and the victims and their families must seek compensation to allow them to live a life of dignity. The insurance companies of trucking companies will do everything in their power to cut down on the amount of compensation that a victim is due. That's why you need a strong, experienced semi truck accident legal truck accident attorney that can stand up to insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley's team is equipped with the knowledge of experience, expertise, and the strength to make a difference in your case.

A semi-truck also referred to as a tractor-trailer or an 18-wheeler, is a massive commercial vehicle consisting of the truck (tractor unit) and a detachable trailer that carries cargo. These trucks are vulnerable due to their weight and size to serious accidents if driven recklessly. 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 cargo, which can cause shifting and swaying that could lead to 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 employer, the company that the driver hauls product for or the person who sets up the load. The process of proving fault can be more difficult if multiple insurers are involved in the case because they each attempt to limit their own liability.

In some instances a local government entity may also share liability in the event of a crash on their property. For instance, if a poor road layout or inadequate maintenance contributed to an accident, the county board may be liable for the damage that the victim has suffered. This kind of claim is based on the principle of vicarious liability which holds an authority party responsible for the actions of an employee while acting within the scope of their work.

Damages

The physical and emotional trauma that comes with any motor vehicle accident could be extreme. However, the effects of a collision with a semi truck are more severe than the majority of accidents. Not only can these vehicles cause more serious injuries, but they can also cause damage to property or destruction, resulting in significant financial burdens. 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 kind of accident that occurred, to consult a personal injury attorney. This is particularly true when dealing with large vehicles. In addition to the general laws that regulate personal injury and traffic there are specific regulations applicable to commercial vehicles. These rules could have a significant effect on how a crash happens, the responsible parties and the kind of damages that may be awarded. An attorney can ensure that you know the rules and that those responsible are held accountable.

If a truck accident happens it is not uncommon for there to be several parties who could be accountable for the accident, including the driver of the truck and the company they work for, as well as the company that hauled the load. Additionally, the blame could be assigned to the maker of the truck or any of the parts that were defective and caused the accident. A semi truck accident attorney can provide the detailed evidence to show that all at-fault parties are responsible and you are entitled to fair compensation.

Having an experienced semi truck accident attorneys truck accident attorney on your side can protect you from the most common tactics that insurance companies use to deny or limit your claim. The injured victims are usually desperate to receive their money to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. The insurance companies are aware of this and take advantage of it, using delay as a tool to to force you into accepting lower than you should.

An attorney can help you determine the damages you are entitled to both in the future and now such as medical bills, lost income and property damage. An attorney can help determine the amount of damages to award in your particular case. Compensation damages are designed to pay you back for your losses, whereas punitive damages aim to punish the responsible party and deter others from doing similar actions.

Expert Witnesses

Unlike a normal car accident scenario, truck accidents generally involve a lot of highly specialized information about industry regulations including truck mechanics, the long-term medical and economic impacts of the collision. A semi-truck crash lawyer must be able to access the right experts, who can fill in the gaps in knowledge and provide evidence that could be vital to a client's case.

Accident reconstruction specialists are some of the most knowledgeable experts that a semi truck accident lawyers-truck accident lawyer can call upon. They are experts with years of experience who are able to analyze the scene of the accident, examine the vehicle and truck involved in the crash, figure out the reason for the crash and present their findings in clear, easy to understand terms. They are often a key part of a successful lawsuit, since they can assist jurors comprehend how the crash occurred and who could be accountable.

The right expert witnesses can also help to identify the damages that are applicable and what the damages will be worth. A life care planner, for instance is an expert who can illustrate the effects of an accident of a serious nature on the ability of a victim to work and their medical requirements throughout their life. An economist can also assist determine the amount of compensation for lost earnings that are a key component of any compensation award.

Forensic toxicologists and experts in the recognition of alcohol and drug use are also essential to a successful claim. These types of experts can assist in drawing a clear line between alcohol and the crash, especially when the driver may have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the collision. A metallurgist is a valuable expert witness. They can test metal components of the truck involved in the accident to determine if they were loaded to the limit.

In some cases, an attorney for a New York semi truck accident settlement truck accident will retain an expert who will investigate the trucking company and the way it operates. This is important, especially 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 safety procedures of the trucking firm, hiring practices, and any other information that might help to determine fault.

Time Limits

When a truck accident happens there is a high likelihood that evidence will be lost or destroyed. This is why it's imperative to speak with a semi truck accident settlement truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Our attorneys will conduct an extensive investigation to determine who is responsible for your injuries. We'll partner with experts in accident reconstruction doctors, medical professionals and financial experts to help you get the compensation you need.

The most common cause of a truck accident is driver error. It could be due to driving distracted, driving under the influence, or driving irresponsibly. Trucking companies that do not adhere to safety regulations or hire unqualified workers could also be accountable for semi truck accident attorney accidents.

Another reason for a truck accident is the inadvertent maintenance of the vehicle. Failure to check or repair the brakes, tires, or any other component could cause a dangerous crash. It is vital that your lawyer for truck accidents knows the maintenance requirements of large trucks in order to determine any safety issues.

Another reason behind a truck accident is a trailer that is not properly loaded or cargo. If a truck isn't properly loaded, it can cause the trailer to shift while on the road or cause the truck to become jackknifed. This is a serious accident which can result in serious or fatal injuries to motorists.

The negligence of other drivers can also result in truck accidents. They may cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong lane. These actions could cause the truck to turn off the roadway and collide with pedestrians or other vehicles.

One of the most fatal truck accidents is one that involves a head-on collision. The front of the car is usually the one who takes the brunt, resulting in serious injury and even death. These kinds of accidents typically occur on roads that are not divided when the truck driver falls asleep, is unable to steer clear of another vehicle or is under the effects of alcohol or drugs. Trucks are also prone to accidents due to spilling hazardous substances. These accidents can cause environmental damage and risk to the health of people who come into contact with the chemicals.