Truck Accident Settlement - Why Expert Witnesses Are Needed in Truck Accident Cases
A truck crash is one of the most life-changing events. It's crucial for victims to have a reputable personal injury attorney in their corner.
A reputable truck accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation, collect all available evidence and partner with experts to determine general damages. This makes sure that victims receive proper compensation they are entitled to.
Damages
A successful claim for compensation from a truck accident could award victims the amount they require to pay many expenses, damage and injuries resulting from the crash. This could include both non-economic and economic compensatory damages. Economic damages are concrete real, tangible and quantifiable such as medical costs and lost wages due to missed work. Non-economic damages attribute a value to the physical, emotional and psychological suffering of an injury, however it can be more difficult to quantify. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help claimants gain the highest amount of compensation for both categories of damages.
One of the most important aspects of a truck accident case is establishing liability, or fault. This can be accomplished through the process of discovery, in which both sides' lawyers look over the facts and exchange information. The driver responsible for the crash may be held liable for the actions of his or her and the trucking company that employs them if they were negligent in maintaining the vehicle or enforcing unreasonable delivery times.
Victims may also be entitled to compensation for property damage caused by the collision. This includes the cost of fixing and replacing their vehicle, and any other valuable possessions, such as electronics, watches, and jewelry. In addition should the accident force them to travel for doctor appointments or other places it is possible to reimburse for these expenses.
A skilled attorney can help claimants get compensation for other losses that aren't immediately financial in nature. These include the loss of enjoyment and the quality of life that result from serious injuries. This could be related to hobbies, passions, and even the ability to enjoy time with family members. It's important to keep in mind that the person injured is entitled to the total amount of their actual damages, not only what they can reasonably prove they have suffered.
The skilled attorneys at Rechtman & Spevak can assist with every aspect of a truck accident claim and can help establish liability. It is recommended to consult a lawyer prior to speaking with an insurance agent. An insurance adjuster may appear friendly and helpful, but whatever you say could be used against you later in court. You can rest assured that an attorney will protect your interests and fight for the fair settlement you're entitled to. Contact us today to set up a an appointment for a free consultation. We offer services to clients throughout state of New York. Our firm's office is conveniently located in Albany. We are available to answer calls all hours of the day. We accept all major cards and provide financing. Every prospective client is entitled to a no-cost initial consultation. We don't charge fees unless we settle or win your case.
Liability
Trucks are more massive and heavier than passenger cars, so they tend to cause more serious injuries when they collide with other motor vehicles. This is one reason truck accidents are usually more costly than collisions involving passenger cars.
Additionally, it is important to identify all potential parties in a truck accident when making a compensation claim. Trucking companies can have a variety of employees, contractors, and insurance policies, and often have legal teams that are specialized in defending their clients. You can seek maximum damages if you are capable of identifying the individuals involved in the crash.
Apart from the costs of medical treatment and property damage, you'll also want to consider how your injuries have affected your daily life. You may not be able the things you used do before your accident, such as enjoy your hobbies. The settlement amount should reflect the changes in your lifestyle.
The cost of fixing or replacing your vehicle must be accounted for in the settlement. The sheer weight and size of a truck can cause catastrophic or total damage when it collides with a smaller car. Therefore, the damage to your vehicle should be reflected in the final settlement.
Your lawyer can help determine the total amount of your medical expenses, and the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle. They can also estimate any lost wages as a result of the accident. This includes any money you've lost due to your absence from work due to your treatment, and also the loss of future earning potential if you're unable to return to the same line of work.
Additionally, your lawyer can calculate the amount of pain and suffering you're entitled to receive. This could be determined by your physical and emotional pain, as as the impact of your injuries on your relationships. If you suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, and you are unable to maintain a healthy relationship, the court may give you damages.
Additionally, if a truck driver was an employee of a company, the employer can be held accountable for their lapses. Some trucking firms, however, attempt to avoid this scenario by claiming their drivers are independent contractors rather than employees. The courts will decide the extent that an employer can control the actions of a driver for instance, by providing insurance or requiring them deliver in a specific manner. In these instances the court will decide whether truck drivers are employee or an independent contractor in a negligence case. If the driver is an employee, then their employer can be held jointly and severally responsible alongside the negligent trucker to pay any damages awarded to accident victims.
Expert Witnesses
An expert witness is a professional with specialization in a specific area. They offer unbiased opinions and support for your case, demonstrating a clear understanding of complex issues. This helps them assist your lawyer build a strong argument in court, and increases the chance that you will get an equitable settlement. The type of expert needed is contingent upon the aspect of your case they will be assisting.
A specialist in reconstruction of accidents on trucks is vital, since they can recreate the scene and help to understand the cause. This can include analysing the location of a truck, the area where the impact was, and what caused it to exist in the first place. These experts are often employed to identify the flaws that occurred in the event of a crash that caused damages.
A manufacturing expert may be able to give insight into how a product that was defective was responsible for the accident. Additionally, a safety professional can explain why certain parts of the semi-truck weren't working properly that could have led to your injuries.
Forensic toxicologists and drug recognition experts can be beneficial when dealing with cases involving drugs or alcohol. These experts can draw a straight line between alcohol or drug intoxication to the accident, assisting your attorney establish that the defendant was negligent.
Other experts that can be used as witnesses include metallurgists that can study the reasons behind why a component failed, and transportation engineers, who can evaluate whether road design or other factors caused a crash. A pathologist who is forensic can help in determining the reason for the death.
Medical professionals, such as orthopedists, neurologists and surgeons and physiatrists could provide valuable information to your case on the impact of your injuries on your life. This is crucial in proving the damages caused by pain and suffering. You need to prove, for instance that your injuries hindered you from earning a living and working. These experts can help by making a calculation of the value of reduced promotions, pension benefits, and rising medical costs.
Insurance companies are often described as "wolves in sheepskins" and do all they can to deny or offer you a lower amount than you're entitled to. To avoid falling into their traps, let us handle all communications with the insurance company on your behalf.
When it is personal injury law, every aspect matters. This is why you must begin constructing your case as early as possible. It is also crucial to partner with a seasoned personal injury lawyer who can assist you in locating the top experts to support your case. Contact us if you're looking to speak with an attorney about your case. https://vimeo.com/706908639 offer free consultations, and we handle all cases on an hourly basis, meaning you do not have to pay us unless we succeed in your case.