7 Things You Didn't Know About Semi Truck Compensation
Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 individuals are killed in crashes with large trucks. In the event of a crash it is crucial to consult with truck accident lawyers who know the different factors involved.
A lawyer should immediately file claims with the insurance company, as and the company that owns the truck. This is done to maximize the amount of insurance.
Liability
Although trucks comprise only 4 percent of vehicles on the road however, they are involved in more than 5 percent of all vehicular accidents. The majority of those accidents result in severe injuries, that result in victims suffering permanent and life-altering disabilities. The financial burden of these injuries can be huge, and the victims and their families have to seek damages to live their lives with dignity. Unfortunately trucking firms and their insurance companies will do everything they can in their efforts to reduce the amount of compensation a victim is entitled to. You need a knowledgeable and dependable semi truck accident lawyer who can fight the insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley and his team have the experience, knowledge 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 large commercial vehicle consisting of an engine (tractor unit) and a trailer that is detachable and can carry cargo. These trucks are vulnerable due to their weight and size to serious accidents if driven recklessly. Common causes of truck accidents include speeding, distracted driving and not securing blind spots prior to changing lanes or turning. Unsafe loading of freight could cause truck accidents as well. This can cause shifting, swaying and even rolling the truck.
In addition to the driver, other parties can share the responsibility for the event of a truck crash. This includes the company that is responsible for the driver or the company the driver is responsible for hauling goods and even the person who is responsible for setting up the load. It can be more difficult when multiple insurance companies are involved in the incident, as they will each try to limit their own liability.
In some instances, local government agencies could also share responsibility for accidents that occur on their property. If, for example a road that was not maintained or a poorly laid-out layout caused an accident, then the county board could be responsible for the victim's damages. This type of claim is based on the concept of vicarious liability that holds a supervisory body accountable for the actions of employees who is acting within the context of their job.
Damages
Every motor vehicle accident can cause extreme emotional and physical trauma. However, the consequences of a collision with a semi truck can be more serious than other types of accidents. Not only do these vehicles cause more serious injuries, but they can also destroy or damage property that can lead to significant financial burdens. A semi truck accident lawyer can help determine the total loss and seek appropriate compensation.
It is always a good idea, regardless of the kind of accident that took place to consult a personal injury attorney. This is especially important when it comes to cases involving large vehicles. In addition to the general laws that regulate personal injury and traffic, there are special regulations that pertain to commercial trucks. These rules could have a significant effect on how a collision occurs, the parties accountable and the types damages that could be awarded. An attorney can help you to understand these rules and ensure that the at-fault parties are held accountable.
When a truck accident occurs it is not uncommon for there to be several parties who could be accountable such as the truck driver or the company they work for, as well as the company that carries the load. The truck manufacturer or defective parts could also be held responsible for the accident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide you with the evidence necessary to prove that all parties responsible are accountable and to prove that you have a right to fair compensation.
A semi truck accident lawyer who has experience will be able to protect you from common strategies used by insurance companies to deny or decrease your claim. Injured victims are usually looking for money to cover medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies profit from this by attempting to force you into accepting less than you are entitled to.
canton semi truck accident attorney can help you determine the total amount of future and present damages you are entitled to, including medical bills and lost income as well as property damage and pain and suffering. A lawyer can also assist you determine the right amount of compensatory and punitive damages to award in your particular case. Compensatory damages aim to compensate you for your losses. Punitive damages are designed to penalize the party at fault and deter other people from engaging in similar crime.
Expert Witnesses
Unlike a normal car accident case, truck accidents typically include a great deal of specific information regarding industry regulations as well as truck mechanics and the long-term medical and economic impact of the collision. A semi-truck accident attorney should have access to the right experts who can fill in gaps and provide vital evidence that could be vital to a client's case.
Specialists in accident reconstruction are some of the most knowledgeable experts a semi truck accident lawyer can rely on. They are experts with years of experience who know how to examine the scene of an accident, evaluate the truck and other vehicles involved in the collision, identify the reason for the crash and present their findings in simple, easy-to-understand terms. They are often an important part of a successful lawsuit since they can assist jurors understand how a crash occurred and who might be responsible.
Expert witnesses can also establish the extent of damages that are relevant and the value. For instance, a health planner could be hired to show the effect a serious crash might have on a victim's ability to work, their medical needs for the remaining years of their lives as well as any other long-term effects. Additionally, an economist can assist in calculating things like lost earnings damages, which could constitute a substantial portion of any compensation award.
Forensic toxicologists and experts in the recognition of alcohol and drug use are also essential for a successful claim. These types of experts could help draw a clear line between alcohol and the accident, particularly when the trucker was been under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash. A metallurgist can also be an expert witness. They can test metal components of the truck involved in the accident to determine if they loaded too much.
In some instances, an attorney for an New York semi truck accident will engage an expert who will investigate the trucking business and how it operates. This is important, especially when the trucker worked for an established trucking company and was subject to the same standards as other drivers weren't. An expert could examine the trucking company's safety procedures and hiring practices, as well as any other information which could aid in determining fault.
Time Limits
Evidence is usually destroyed or lost during a truck accident. That's why it's important to get in touch with a semi-truck accident lawyer as quickly as you can. Our attorneys can conduct an extensive investigation to determine who is accountable for your injuries. We will work with accident reconstruction experts doctors, medical professionals, and financial analysts to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
The most typical cause of a truck accident involves driver negligence. This can include driving distracted or under the influence or driving recklessly. Trucking companies who fail to follow safety rules or hire employees with no qualifications could also be held responsible for accidents.
Unprofessional maintenance of the vehicle is another cause of an accident involving a truck. Failure to inspect or repair brakes, tires or other components of a truck could result in a dangerous accident. It is essential to ensure that your attorney for truck accidents knows the requirements for maintenance of large trucks so that they can investigate any issues with the safety of the truck.

A third reason for a truck accident is a trailer that is not properly loaded or cargo. If a truck is not properly loaded, it can cause the trailer to shift on the road or cause the truck to be jackknifed. This is a serious crash which can result in serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
Drivers' negligence by other drivers can also lead to truck accidents. They might cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong lane. These actions could cause the driver of the truck to deviate from the road, and cause it to collide with other vehicles and pedestrians.
A head-on collision between the truck and a passenger vehicle is among the most dangerous types of truck crashes. The front of the passenger car is typically the one who takes the brunt, leading to grave injuries or even death. These kinds of accidents typically occur on roads with no other traffic when the truck driver is asleep, turns to avoid another vehicle or is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. There are also accidents involving trucks that spill their load of hazardous substances. These accidents could cause environmental damage and health hazards for humans who come in contact with the chemicals.