Truck Accident Attorneys
Each year, 5,000 people are killed in crashes involving large trucks. In the event of a crash it is crucial to work with truck accident lawyers that understand the various aspects involved.
Attorneys must immediately file a claim with the insurance company of the driver as well as with the company that owns and operates the truck. This is done in order to maximize the insurance coverage available.
Liability
While trucks comprise just 4 percent of the vehicles on the road but they are involved in more than half of all motor vehicle accidents. The vast majority of those accidents result in severe injuries, that result in victims suffering permanent and life-changing disabilities. The financial burden resulting from these injuries can be enormous and the family members of the victims have to seek damages in order to live their lives with dignity. Unfortunately trucking companies and insurance companies will make no effort in their efforts to reduce the amount of compensation a victim has the right to. This is why you require a strong, experienced semi truck accident lawyer who will stand up to insurance companies and their lawyers. southfield semi truck accident law firm and his team have the knowledge, experience and power to make a difference in your case.
Semi-trucks, referred to by the terms tractor-trailer and 18-wheeler, are large commercial vehicles that consist of the truck unit (tractor) and an attached trailer to transport cargo. Because of their size and weight they are vulnerable to serious accidents when they are driven recklessly or when the driver does not exercise reasonable care while driving the vehicle. Truck accidents are usually caused by drivers who speed, distracted drivers and the inability to spot blind spots when changing lanes or turning. Another reason for truck accidents is improper loading of the freight, which could cause shifting and swaying that could result in the truck rolling over.
In addition to the truck driver and other drivers, other parties could be liable in a truck crash including the employer of the driver as well as the company they haul product for, and the person who arranges the load. It can be difficult to prove fault when there are multiple insurance companies involved, because each will try to limit its own liability.
In some instances, a local government agency could also be liable in the event of a crash on their property. If, for instance a road that was not maintained or a poorly laid-out layout caused an accident, the county board could be responsible for the damage suffered by the victim. This kind of claim is based upon the principle of vicarious accountability that makes supervisory employees liable for the actions of an employee doing their job.
Damages
The emotional and physical trauma that accompanies any motor vehicle accident can be a lot. The results of a collision with a semi-truck can be more severe than other types of accidents. Not only can these vehicles cause more serious injuries however, they can also destroy or damage property that can lead to significant financial burdens. A semi truck accident attorney can assist you in determining the extent of your losses and seek the right compensation for them.
It is always a good idea, regardless of the type of accident that occurred, to consult an attorney for personal injuries. This is especially true when dealing with large vehicles. Commercial trucks are subjected to specific regulations, in addition to the laws that govern personal injury, traffic and other laws. They can impact how a crash occurs, who is responsible, and the kinds of damages that can be awarded. An attorney can help you understand these regulations and ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable.
When a truck crash occurs it is not uncommon to find a variety of people who are responsible for the accident, including the driver of the truck and the company they work for, as well as the company that hauled the load. A truck manufacturer or defective parts could also be liable for the incident. A semi truck accident lawyer can provide you with the evidence required to prove that all parties at fault are liable and to show that you are entitled fair compensation.
A semi truck accident lawyer who has experience will protect you from common strategies used by insurance firms to deny or reduce your claim. Injured victims often feel desperate to collect their money so that they can pay for medical treatment and other expenses. Insurance companies know this and take advantage of delay as a tactic to to force you into accepting less than you deserve.
An attorney can assist you in determining the damages you are entitled to in the future and present such as medical bills, lost income and property damage. An attorney can also help you determine the right amount of punitive and compensatory damages to award in your particular case. Compensatory damages are intended to compensate you for your losses. Punitive damages seek to penalize the person who is who is at fault and prevent other people from committing similar crime.
Expert Witnesses
Truck accidents differ from car accidents in that they require a lot more specific information, like the mechanics involved in truck accidents and the long-term economic as well as medical effects of the crash, and industry regulations. A semi-truck accident 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 claim.
Specialists in reconstruction of accidents are one of the most valuable experts that a semi-truck attorney can contact. They are experts with years of experience who are skilled at examining the scene of an accident, analyze the truck and other vehicles involved in the collision, identify the reason for the crash, and explain their findings in simple, easy-to-understand terms. They are usually a vital element in any successful lawsuit because they can assist the jury in understanding how an accident occurred and who could be accountable for it.
Expert witnesses can also help determine the damages that can be claimed and the value. For example, a life-care planner could be enlisted to explain the impact a serious accident could have on the victim's ability to work, their medical needs for the remaining years of their lives and any other repercussions that may be long-term. In addition, an economist could assist in calculating things such as lost earnings damages, which could be a significant component of any compensation award.
Forensic toxicologists as well as experts in the field of recognition of alcohol and drugs can also be invaluable in a successful claim. They can assist in drawing an exact line between intoxication and the accident. This is especially true when the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of crash. A metallurgist is an excellent expert witness. They can test metal components of the truck involved in the crash to determine if they loaded with too much.
In some cases the attorney for a New York semi truck accident will engage an expert to look into the trucking business and how it operates. This is particularly important when the trucker worked for an established trucking company and was subject to standards that other drivers were not. The expert can examine the safety protocols of the trucking company, the hiring practices of their employees, as well as any other information that could aid in determining the source of the problem.
Time Limits
When a truck collision occurs, evidence is often lost or destroyed. That's why it's important to get in touch with a semi-truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Our lawyers can conduct an exhaustive investigation to identify all the liable parties for your injuries. We'll collaborate with accident reconstruction experts medical professionals, financial experts and experts to ensure you receive the compensation you need.
The most common cause for a truck accident involves driver negligence. This could include driving in a hurry, driving under the influence or driving recklessly. Trucking companies that fail to adhere to safety regulations or hire unqualified workers could also be held responsible for accidents.
Another cause of a truck accident is the inadvertent maintenance of the vehicle. Inability to inspect or repair a truck's brakes, tires, or any other component could cause a dangerous crash. It is essential to ensure that your attorney for truck accidents knows the needs of maintenance for large trucks so that they can look into any issues with the truck's safety.
A third reason is that a trailer that is not properly loaded or cargo could result in a truck accident. A truck that isn't loaded properly can cause the truck or trailer to jackknife if it is not properly loaded. This is a serious accident that could result in serious or fatal injuries to motorists.
The negligence of other drivers can also lead to truck accidents. They might cut off the truck driver or merge into the wrong direction. These actions could cause the truck driver to deviate from the road, and cause it to cause collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians.
A head-on collision between trucks and a passenger vehicle is among the most deadly kinds of truck crashes. The front of the car is usually the one that bears the brunt, resulting in serious injuries and sometimes even death. These types of accidents often occur on roads that are not divided when the truck driver falls asleep, swerves to avoid another vehicle or is driving under the effects of alcohol or drugs. There are also accidents that involve trucks that spill their loads of dangerous materials. These accidents could cause environmental damage and health hazards for humans who come in contact with the chemicals.