Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, 5,000 people are killed in crashes involving large trucks. If a collision occurs, it's important to get in touch with truck accident lawyers who know the different factors involved.
Attorneys must immediately initiate a claim with the insurance company of the driver as well with the company that operates and owns the truck. This is done so as to maximize the amount of insurance available.
Liability
Trucks account for only 4 percent of the vehicles on the road but they are involved in more than five percent of all accidents. In the majority of these accidents, victims suffer serious injuries and are permanently disabled. The financial burden resulting from these injuries can be immense, and the families of victims must seek compensation to live with dignity. Insurance companies and trucking firms will do everything in their power to minimize the amount of compensation the victim is entitled. That's why you need a strong, experienced semi truck accident attorney that can stand up to the insurance companies and their lawyers. scranton semi truck accident attorney and his team have the experience, knowledge and the strength to make an impact on your case.
A semi-truck, also referred to as a tractor-trailer or an 18-wheeler, is a huge commercial vehicle made up of an engine (tractor unit) and a detachable trailer that carries cargo. These trucks are prone, due to their size and weight, to serious accidents if they are driven in reckless manners. Common causes of truck accidents include speeding, distracted driving and not securing blind spots before turning or changing lanes. Another cause of truck accidents is improper loading of the freight that can result in shifting and swaying that could lead to the truck rolling over.
In addition to the driver, other parties can share the responsibility for an accident involving a truck. This includes the driver's employer as well as the company that the driver hauls product for and even the person who arranges the load. It is often difficult to prove the responsibility when there are multiple insurance companies involved, since each one will try to limit their own liability.
In some instances, the local government agency may also be accountable in the event of an accident on its property. For instance, if a poorly designed road layout or a lack of maintenance contributed to an accident the county board may be held accountable for the damages caused by the victim. This type of claim is based on the principle of vicarious liability, which makes supervisory employees liable for an employee's actions while performing the duties of their job.
Damages
The physical and emotional trauma that can result from a motor vehicle accident can be a lot. The effects of a collision with a semi-truck can be more severe than other kinds of accidents. Not only can these vehicles cause more severe injuries as well, but they also have the potential to destroy or damage property that can lead to significant financial burdens. An attorney for semi-truck accidents can help you determine the totality of your losses and pursue the right compensation for them.
Although it's generally an excellent idea to consult an attorney who can help you after any kind of accident this is particularly important when it comes to cases involving large trucks. In addition to the general laws that regulate traffic and personal injuries there are specific regulations applicable to commercial trucks. These regulations can affect how a accident occurs, who is responsible, and the kinds of damages that could be awarded. A lawyer can help to ensure that you know the regulations and that the parties responsible for the crash are held accountable.
It is not uncommon for several parties to be accountable for an accident involving a truck which includes the driver as well as their employer and the company who hauled the cargo. In addition, blame can be attributed to the company that made the truck of the truck or to any of the parts that were defective and caused the accident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide the evidence required to show that all parties at fault are responsible and you are entitled to fair compensation.
A semi truck accident lawyer who has experience will be able to protect you from typical tactics employed by insurance companies to deny or reduce your claim. The injured victims are usually looking for money to cover medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies take advantage of this by using delay to make you accept less than what you're entitled to.
A lawyer can help you determine the total amount of present and future damages that you are entitled to, such as medical bills as well as lost income, property damage, and suffering and pain. An attorney can help you determine how much damages to decide on in your particular case. Compensatory damages are meant to pay you back for your losses, while punitive damages aim to penalize the party at fault and discourage others from committing similar crimes.
Expert Witnesses
Unlike a normal car accident situation, truck accidents usually contain a large amount of specialized information about industry regulations as well as truck mechanics and the long-term economic and medical impact of the crash. A semi-truck crash lawyer must have access to the right experts, who can fill in the gaps in knowledge and provide testimony that could be essential to a client's claim.
Accident reconstruction specialists are some of the most reliable experts a semi truck accident attorney can call on. These experts are knowledgeable and are able to evaluate the scene of an accident, evaluate both the truck and the vehicle involved as well as determine the root of the accident, and explain their findings clearly and easily comprehendable. They are often a key element of a successful lawsuit, as they aid jurors in understanding why the crash occurred, and which parties could be responsible.
Expert witnesses can also determine the damage that is applicable and their value. For example, a life-care planner could be hired to show the impact that a serious accident could have on a victim's ability to work, their medical requirements for the duration of their lives, and any other long-term consequences. An economist may also be able to calculate the damages for lost earnings which is a significant part of any compensation award.
Experts in toxicology in the forensic field as well as identification of drugs and alcohol are also extremely valuable to a successful claim. These types of experts could help draw a clear line between alcohol consumption and the crash, especially when the driver may have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident. A metallurgist can also be a useful expert witness, since they can conduct tests on the metal components of the truck that might have been involved in the crash to determine whether they were overloaded.
In certain instances the attorney for a New York semi truck accident will engage an expert to study the trucking company and the way it operates. This is especially crucial if the trucker was employed by a large trucking firm and may be subject to certain requirements that other drivers are not. The expert can review the safety protocols of the trucking company, as well as their hiring practices, as well as any other information that might help determine fault.
Time Limits
Evidence is usually destroyed or lost in a truck accident. It is imperative to speak with a semi truck accident attorney as quickly as possible. Our attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation to find all the liable parties for your injuries. We'll collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals and financial analysts to help you get the compensation you are entitled to.
The most common reason for truck accidents is driver negligence. This can include driving distracted or impaired or reckless driving. The trucking company that operates and owns the truck could also be at fault for the accident in the event they fail to comply with safety regulations or hire inexperienced drivers.
Another reason behind a truck accident is the inadvertent maintenance of the vehicle. Inability to inspect or repair the brakes, tires, or other components could cause a dangerous crash. It's crucial to ensure that your attorney for truck accidents knows the requirements for maintenance of large trucks in order to investigate any issues with the safety of the truck.
Another reason for a car accident is a trailer that is not properly loaded or cargo. A poorly loaded truck can cause the trailer or truck to be jackknifed if not properly loaded. This is a serious crash that can cause serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
The negligence of other drivers can also result in truck accidents. They could cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong lane. These actions can cause the truck to drift off the roadway and collide with other vehicles or pedestrians.
A head-on collision between the truck and a passenger vehicle is among the most fatal types of truck accidents. The front of the passenger vehicle is usually the one to take the brunt of the impact, which can result in serious injuries and death. These accidents occur when a truck driver is asleep or swerves in order to avoid a vehicle, or is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Trucks can cause accidents as well by spilling their hazardous materials. These accidents could cause environmental harm and health hazards to people who come in contact with the chemicals.