7 Things You've Never Knew About Semi Truck Compensation
Truck Accident Attorneys
Each year, 5,000 people are killed in crashes involving large trucks. It is crucial to work with truck accident attorneys who are knowledgeable of the different causes.
augusta semi truck accident attorney should promptly initiate claims with the driver's insurance company, as and the company that owns the truck. This is done so as to get the most insurance possible.
Liability
Although trucks account for only 4 percent of vehicles on the road, they are involved in more than five percent of all vehicle accidents. In the majority of these accidents, the victims suffer severe injuries and become permanently disabled. These injuries can have a significant financial impact, and the victims and their families should be compensated for their loss in order to live with dignity. Insurance companies and trucking companies will do everything in their power to limit the amount of compensation that a victim is due. You need a knowledgeable strong, reputable semi truck accident lawyer who is able to confront insurance companies and their lawyers. John Hensley's team is equipped with the knowledge of experience, expertise, and the strength to make a huge difference in your case.
A semi-truck, also referred to as a tractor-trailer or an 18-wheeler is a big commercial vehicle made up of the truck (tractor unit) and a detachable trailer that carries cargo. Due to their weight and size they are susceptible to serious accidents when they are driven in reckless manner or if the driver does not exercise reasonable care while operating the vehicle. Common causes of truck accidents include speeding, distracted driving and not securing blind spots before changing lanes or turning. Unsafe loading of freight could cause truck accidents too. This can cause shifting, swaying or even the truck rolling.
In addition to the driver, other parties can share responsibility in a truck accident. This includes the driver's company as well as the company that the driver hauls product for, or even the person who sets up the load. It is difficult to establish fault when there are multiple insurance companies involved, since each will try to limit its own liability.
In some cases the local government agency could also be accountable in the event of an accident on its property. If, for example, a poorly maintained road or a poorly designed layout caused an accident, the county board could be liable for the damages suffered by the victim. This type of claim is based on the principle of vicarious accountability, which is the law that holds a supervisor responsible for the actions of employees acting in the scope of their duties.
Damages
The emotional and physical trauma that can result from a motor vehicle accident can be a lot. The consequences of a collision with a semi-truck can be more severe than other types of accidents. These vehicles can cause serious injuries and damage to property. This could lead to significant financial burden. A semi truck accident lawyer can help determine your full losses and obtain the compensation you deserve.
It is always a good idea regardless of the kind of accident that occurred to consult an attorney who specializes in personal injury. This is especially true in cases involving large vehicles. Commercial trucks are subject to special rules in addition to laws that govern personal injury, traffic and other laws. These regulations could have a significant effect on how a crash occurs, the parties responsible and the kind of damages that can be awarded. A lawyer can ensure that you understand the rules and ensure that the parties responsible are held accountable.
It is not unusual for multiple parties to be held responsible in a truck-related accident including the driver or their employer, as well as the company that transported the cargo. A truck manufacturer, or any defective parts could also be held responsible for the accident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide the evidence to show that all at-fault parties are responsible and that you are entitled to fair compensation.
An experienced semi truck accident attorney on your side can protect you against the common tactics that insurance companies use to deny or reduce your claim. The injured victims are usually seeking money in order to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies take advantage of this by using delay to force you into accepting less than you are entitled to.
An attorney can assist you in determining the damages you are entitled to in the future and present, including medical bills, lost income and property damage. An attorney can help determine the amount of compensatory and punitive damage to award in your particular case. Compensatory damages are meant to compensate you for your losses, whereas punitive damages are meant to punish the person at fault and deter others from doing similar actions.
Expert Witnesses
The nature of truck accidents is different from car accidents in that they require a lot more specialized information, like the truck mechanics involved as well as the long-term economic and medical consequences of the accident and the governing regulations for the industry. A semi-truck crash lawyer must be able to access the right experts who can fill in gaps in knowledge and provide evidence that could be vital to a client's claim.
The specialists in accident reconstruction are among the most knowledgeable experts that a semi-truck accident lawyer could call upon. They are skilled and can assess the scene of an accident, examine the truck as well as the vehicle involved in it as well as determine the root of the accident, and explain their findings in a manner that is clear and understandable. They are often a key component of any successful lawsuit because they can assist the jury in understanding how the crash occurred, and who could be responsible for it.
Expert witnesses can also determine the extent of damages that are relevant and the value. For example, a life-care planner could be hired to illustrate the effect a serious accident could 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. Likewise, an economist can assist in calculating things like lost earnings damages, which will be a significant part of any compensation award.
Experts in toxicology for forensics and identification of alcohol and drugs can also be very valuable for a successful claim. They can assist in drawing an exact line between intoxication and the crash. This is particularly true when the trucker was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of crash. A metallurgist could also be a useful expert witness, since they can perform tests on the metal components of the truck that might be involved in the collision to see if they were over-loaded.
In certain instances the attorney for a New York semi truck accident will employ an expert to investigate the trucking company and how it operates. This is particularly important if the trucker was employed by a large company and might be subject to certain requirements that other drivers are not. A qualified expert can review the trucking company's safety procedures hiring practices, safety procedures, and any other information that could assist in determining the cause of the accident.
Time Limits
When a truck crash occurs, evidence is often lost or destroyed. This is why it's crucial to contact a semi truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Our attorneys can conduct an extensive investigation to determine who is responsible for your injuries. We will collaborate with accident reconstruction experts along with medical professionals and financial analysts to help you get the compensation you deserve.
The most frequent reason for a truck crash is negligence by the driver. It could be due to driving while distracted, driving under the influence or driving recklessly. The trucking company that owns and operates the truck could also be responsible for accidents when they fail to adhere to safety regulations or hire inexperienced drivers.
Another reason for a truck accident is the inadvertent maintenance of the vehicle. Failure to inspect or repair tires, brakes or other components of a truck can cause danger in an accident. It is vital that your lawyer for truck accidents understands the maintenance requirements of large trucks to look into any safety issues.
Thirdly, a trailer that isn't properly loaded or cargo could result in an accident involving a truck. A truck that isn't properly loaded could cause the trailer or truck to jackknife if not properly loaded. This is a serious incident that could cause serious or fatal injuries to motorists who are driving.
Accidents involving trucks are also caused by negligent driving by other drivers. They may cut off the driver of the truck or merge into the wrong lane. These actions can cause the driver of the truck to drift off the road, causing it collide with other vehicles and pedestrians.
One of the most dangerous truck accidents is a head-on collision. The front of the passenger car is usually the one that takes the brunt, which can result in serious injuries and sometimes even death. These types of accidents usually occur on highways with no traffic lanes when the truck driver is asleep, is unable to steer clear of another vehicle or is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. There are also accidents that involve trucks that spill their load of dangerous materials. These accidents could cause environmental harm and health risks to humans who come into contact with the chemicals.