What Is Semi Truck Compensation? What Are The Benefits And How To Use It
Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people are killed in crashes involving large trucks. It's important that you employ truck accident lawyers who understand the different factors.
A lawyer should immediately file claims with the insurance company of the driver company, as well as the company which is the owner of the truck. This is done so as to maximize the insurance coverage available.
Liability
While trucks comprise just 4 percent of vehicles on the road, they are involved in more than 5 percent of all vehicular accidents. The majority of these accidents result in severe injuries, which result in permanent and life-changing disabilities. The financial burden resulting from these injuries can be enormous and the families of victims need to recover damages to ensure they can live with dignity. The insurance companies of trucking companies will do everything to limit the amount of compensation the victim is entitled to. You need a knowledgeable strong and experienced semi truck accident lawyer who can confront insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the knowledge, experience and determination to make an impact in your case.
A semi-truck, also known as a tractor-trailer, or an 18-wheeler, is a huge commercial vehicle comprised of a truck (tractor unit) and a trailer that is detachable and can carry cargo. These trucks are more prone due to their weight and size, to serious accidents if they are driven in reckless manners. Truck accidents are usually caused by speeding, distracted drivers as well as the failure to observe blind spots when turning or changing lanes. Improper loading of freight can result in truck accidents. This can result in shifting, swaying, or even rolling the truck.
In addition to the truck driver and other drivers, other parties could be responsible in a crash including the employer of the driver as well as the company they haul product for, and even the person who arranges the load. It isn't easy to prove the fault when there are several insurance companies involved, as each one will try to limit its own liability.
In certain instances the local government agency could also be liable for a crash that occurs on their property. If, for example an unmaintained road or a poorly designed layout resulted in an accident, then the county board could be liable for the injuries suffered by the victim. This type of claim is based on the principle of vicarious liability that holds the supervisory party accountable for the actions of employees who is acting within the context of their job.
Damages
Any car accident can result in extreme physical and emotional trauma. However, the consequences of a collision with a semi truck are more severe than other types of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage property. This can lead to a substantial financial burden. A semi truck accident lawyer can assist you to determine the full extent of your losses and obtain the compensation you deserve.
While it's generally recommended to speak with an injury attorney after any kind of accident this is especially important for cases involving large-sized trucks. In addition to the general laws that regulate traffic and personal injuries there are specific regulations for commercial trucks. These regulations can affect how a crash happens, who is accountable, and the kinds of damages that may be awarded. Lawyers can ensure that you are aware of the rules and ensure that the parties at fault are held accountable.
When a truck accident occurs it is not uncommon to have several parties that could be responsible for the accident, including the driver of the truck and the company they work for, and the company that hauled the load. In addition, the fault could be assigned to the manufacturer of the truck or to any defective parts that contributed to the accident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide the evidence necessary to prove that all parties at fault are responsible and to demonstrate that you have a right to fair compensation.
An experienced semi truck accident attorney on your side can protect you from the usual strategies used by insurance companies to deny or reduce your claim. Injured victims are usually looking for money in order to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. The insurance companies are aware of this and take advantage of delay as a tactic to to force you into accepting less than you are entitled to.
An attorney can assist you determine all of the present and future damages that you are entitled to, such as medical bills, lost income damages to property, suffering and pain. A lawyer can also help you determine the appropriate amount of punitive and compensatory damages to award in your case. Compensation damages are designed to compensate you for your losses. Punitive damages aim to penalize the person who is who was at fault and discourage other people from committing similar criminal acts.
Expert Witnesses
Unlike a normal car accident case, truck accidents typically involve a significant amount of specific information on industry regulations as well as truck mechanics and the long-term economic and medical effects of the crash. A semi-truck crash lawyer should be able to access the right experts, who can fill in gaps of knowledge and provide vital 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 lawyer can rely on. These experts are knowledgeable and are able to analyze an accident scene, assess both the truck and the vehicle involved and determine the reason for the crash, and present their findings clearly and easily comprehendable. They are often a crucial part of any successful lawsuit as they assist jurors in understanding how an accident occurred and which parties could be responsible.
Expert witnesses can also identify the damage that is applicable and the value. For instance, a life care planner could be hired to illustrate the effect a serious accident could have on the victim's ability to work, their medical needs for the rest of their lives, as well as any other long-term effects. In addition, an economist could assist in calculating things such as lost earnings damages, which will constitute a substantial portion of any compensation award.
Forensic toxicologists and experts in the field of recognition of alcohol and drugs can also be a huge asset to a successful claim. They can assist in drawing a direct line between intoxication, and the accident. This is especially the case when the trucker was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash. A metallurgist is an excellent expert witness. They can test metal components of the truck involved in the accident to determine if they loaded with too much.
In certain instances an attorney in a New York semi truck accident will engage an expert who will investigate the trucking company and how it operates. This is essential, particularly when the trucker worked for an enormous trucking company and was subject to the same standards as other drivers weren't. An expert could examine the safety protocols of the trucking company hiring practices, safety procedures, and any other information which could aid in determining the source of the problem.
Time Limits
Evidence is usually lost or destroyed in a truck crash. That's why it's important to contact a semi truck accident attorney as soon as possible. tuscaloosa semi truck accident claim will conduct an extensive investigation to determine who's accountable for your injuries. We will work with accident reconstruction experts along with medical professionals and financial analysts to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
The most frequently cited cause of a truck collision is driver negligence. This can be caused by driving distracted or under the influence or driving recklessly. The trucking company that owns and operates the truck could be responsible for a crash in the event they fail to comply with safety regulations or hire inexperienced drivers.
Another cause of a truck accident is poor maintenance on the vehicle. Failure to inspect or repair the brakes, tires, or other parts of a truck could result in danger in an accident. It is important that your lawyer for truck accidents understands the maintenance requirements of large trucks so that they can look into any safety issues.
A third reason for a truck accident is a trailer that is not properly loaded or cargo. A poorly loaded truck can cause the truck or trailer to jackknife if it is not properly loaded. This is a serious crash which can result in serious or fatal injuries to other motorists driving on the road.
Truck accidents can also be caused by negligent driving from other drivers. They might cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong lane. These actions can cause the truck to veer off the roadway and collide with other vehicles or pedestrians.
A head-on collision between a truck and a passenger vehicle is one of the most fatal types of truck accidents. The front of the passenger vehicle is usually the one that takes the brunt, which can result in grave injuries or even death. These types of accidents usually occur on roads that are not divided when the truck driver falls asleep, swerves to avoid another vehicle or is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Trucks are also prone to accidents due to spilling dangerous materials. These accidents could cause environmental damage and health hazards to people who come into contact with the chemicals.