Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision with a commercial vehicle, you may require an attorney for semi truck accidents. Because these incidents are unique, you'll want someone who understands the specific laws and regulations applicable to commercial trucks.
There are a variety of parties that can be held liable for an accident with a truck, such as the driver and the trucking company, the manufacturer, and so on. A skilled lawyer will know how to navigate all of these areas, and will ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
1. Human error
Human error is a major factor in truck accidents. In fact, 87% of truck accidents involve an error of some sort. This is a problem because many people are unaware of the many factors that influence getting a big rig or 18-wheeler on the road, and keeping it secure.
In addition, truck drivers who work long hours and not having enough rest could result in fatal accidents. The data indicates that 30 percent of all truck accident fatalities result from fatigue of the driver.
Therefore, it is vital for truckers comply with federal and state regulations regarding the number of hours they can drive in one day and how much sleep they should get before driving again. This helps to prevent accidents from happening in the first place and also ensures the safety of passengers and other drivers.
Human error is a difficult issue that can involve a variety of individuals and different situations. This makes it difficult to determine who is at fault for an accident and how much you're entitled to for your injuries. An experienced attorney who specializes in large truck accidents can help you determine who is legally responsible for your damages.
2. Defective equipment
Large machinery and industrial equipment can be susceptible to many problems, including malfunctioning safety devices as well as defective parts. Defective equipment can cause injuries that could lead to deaths or life-altering effects for workers and other people.
The faulty equipment can also damage a company's reputation and cause financial losses. Ladders that are defective can cause injuries and falls, while defective insulation can cause electrocution or burns.
Defects in the truck or trailer parts can pose a danger to other drivers. A truck driver might have difficulties controlling his truck because of a brake system that is not working properly.
This could lead to a variety of truck accidents, including rear-end crashes and collisions with other vehicles. Brakes may fail due to manufacturing problems or the lack of maintenance from the mechanic.
In certain cases, the manufacturer of the equipment that is defective might be held accountable. If there is a defect in the piece of equipment is the cause of an accident, a semi truck accident lawyer may seek compensation from the manufacturer.
3. Long hours
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates the number of hours truckers can work per week. The limits are designed to avoid fatigue, which is an element in many accidents.
Unfortunately, many truck drivers don't follow the guidelines. To meet the company's mileage targets, they go over these limits. This can lead to erratic driving habits and increased accidents risk.
Long commutes and a lack of sleep could lead to long hours and a decrease in your capability to complete tasks in time. These factors can lead to stress and burnout that can have a significant impact on your ability to perform at an elite level.
Despite the risks of working for long hours, it's essential to remember that you're entitled to a fair shake. A semi truck accident lawyer is the best option to ensure that you are protected.
A good lawyer can assist you make an insurance claim, recover damages, or prove negligence on behalf of the liable parties. A good lawyer will examine your case to determine the best way to proceed to get the compensation you're entitled to.
4. Negligence
Negligence refers to any action that is in violation of a person's duty to care to the public. truck accidents lawyer is the reason for the majority of personal injury lawsuits. This duty of care could include hiring and training safe drivers and testing them for drug use and alcohol consumption, and maintaining the trucks in a safe manner.
Distracted driving - Truck drivers typically do multiple tasks while on the roads, which can lead to accidents. It is important to obey all laws pertaining to distracted driving.
Equipment failure - Sometimes, an accident can be caused by a defect in the truck trailer or. It is possible to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer of the trailer, truck or any component which caused the accident.
Cargo loaders: The companies that load trucks also have the responsibility to ensure that the cargo is secured and balanced. Unbalanced or loose cargo can cause a truck driver to lose control and cause an accident.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, it is essential to consult a skilled semi truck accident lawyer. They are experienced in these kinds of cases and can help prove negligence caused your injuries.
5. Defective design
If a semi truck is involved in an accident, it's important that a qualified attorney reviews the truck's maintenance records as well as the records from the manufacturer of the vehicle to determine the cause of the accident. The information can be used by an experienced Louisiana truck accident lawyer to determine design flaws that could be used in a lawsuit against a manufacturer.
The law of product liability states that a manufacturer may be held responsible for defective products if there are reasonable foreseeable risks of injury. To establish a claim of design defect, plaintiffs must prove that a safer design existed at the time of injury and that a less hazardous alternative could have prevented the injury without any impact on the product's use.
At McCartney Stucky LLC, our founders have extensive experience handling heavy truck crashworthiness cases and can help you pursue compensation for your injuries. Contact us immediately should you or your loved one have been hurt by a defective truck.
6. Defective maintenance
In the trucking industry, maintenance is key to keep drivers and freight moving in a safe manner. Improper maintenance can lead to tire blowouts, brake malfunctions and other dangers. Defective maintenance could result in serious truck accidents that cause injuries or even death.
Large trucks are often involved in accidents due to poor maintenance. Fortunately, the majority of these accidents are preventable.
Companies can improve their performance and decrease failures by planning maintenance. This includes following safety protocols as well as regularly checking equipment and performing regular maintenance.
Although it can be difficult to design a system for maintenance, it can save you money and help to avoid future accidents. In fact the cost of preventative maintenance can often be less than paying for repairs following an accident.
The team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can assist if you've been hurt in an accident that was caused by negligence of a business's maintenance of a residential or commercial property. For more information about our services, please contact us. Our legal experts at our firm have vast experience in the field of premises liability and will work to maximize your compensation.
7. Injuries
The weight and size of a semi truck can cause serious injuries or even death in a crash with the vehicle of a passenger. In some instances the truck's driver and the passengers in their vehicle die in these accidents.
There are a myriad of injuries that could be sustained during semi-truck accidents However, the most common ones are broken bones and other traumatic damage. There are minor fractures that can occur or even severe amputations.
Amputations can result in nerve damage, permanent nerve damage, and even infection. They can also be painful and difficult to treat.
Semitruck accidents can cause serious injuries, including spinal cord injuries. A spinal cord injury could result in physical and cognitive disabilities that can impact their lives for years to come.
Neck and head injuries are also commonplace in semi-truck accidents. These injuries may be caused by the force of the crash , or flying objects that hit the victim's neck or head. These injuries can cause whiplash or brain injuries, based on the incident.