Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
If you or someone close to you was injured in a crash that involved a commercial truck, you might need to employ an attorney for semi truck accidents. Because these accidents are so unique, you'll want someone who is knowledgeable about the specific laws and regulations applicable to commercial trucks.
Truck accidents can create liability for many parties including the trucking company, driver, manufacturer, and others. A competent lawyer will be competent to assist you in navigating these legal pitfalls and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
1. Human error
Truck accidents are often caused by human error. In fact almost 87 percent of truck accidents are caused by an error of some sort. This is a problem since most people are not aware of the many factors which go into getting a big rig or 18-wheeler on the road, and keeping it safe.
Truck drivers who work long hours and don't have enough sleep can cause fatal accidents. Data shows that 30 percent of fatal truck accidents are the result of fatigued drivers.
Truckers must comply with all federal and state regulations regarding how long they are allowed to drive in a day and how much sleep they need before they are able to drive again. This helps prevent accidents from happening in the first place, and also ensures the safety of passengers and other drivers.
Human error is a complex issue that affects a variety of individuals and situations. It can be difficult to determine who is at fault for an accident and the amount you are liable for your injuries. It takes the assistance of an experienced large truck crash lawyer to analyze the cause of a crash in order to determine who might be the one with legal liability for paying money damages.
2. Defective equipment
Large machinery and industrial equipment can be subject to many issues, such as malfunctioning safety equipment and defective parts. Injuries caused by defective equipment can turn a simple day at the worksite into a life-threatening or fatal situation for the workers and others who are around them.
The malfunctioning equipment could damage a company's reputation and result in financial losses. A defective ladder can cause falls and injuries and electrical equipment might have faulty insulation that could result in burns or electrocution.
Moreover, defects in the parts of the trailer and truck can pose danger to other drivers. For example a brake system that is not working properly may make it difficult for a truck driver to control the vehicle.
This can result in a number of truck accidents, such as rear-end collisions as well as collisions with other vehicles. Brakes can fail due to an issue with the manufacturing process or due a lack of maintenance by the owner or mechanic.
In some cases, the manufacturer of the equipment that is defective can be liable. A semi truck accident lawyer may seek compensation from the manufacturer in the event that the defect in the equipment piece is the reason of an incident.
3. Long hours
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates how long truckers are allowed to work in a week. These limits are designed to prevent fatigue, which can lead to many accidents.
Unfortunately many truck drivers don't adhere to the rules. In order to meet their company's mileage goals they exceed the limits. This can lead to erratic driving habits, and increase the risk.
Long hours can also lead to long commutes, lack of sleep, and an inability to complete tasks within the deadline. All of these can lead to burnout and stress, which can have a huge impact on your ability to complete your job at a top level.
While long hours can be hazardous it is vital to remember that you are entitled to fair treatment. A semi truck accident lawyer is the best way to ensure your rights.
A good lawyer can assist you file an insurance claim, get damages or demonstrate negligence on behalf of the liable parties. A good lawyer will look over your case and determine the best way to obtain the compensation you deserve.
4. Negligence
Negligence is any act that breaches a person's duty of care towards the public. It is the basis for most personal injury lawsuits. This duty of care could include hiring and training safe drivers and testing them for drug use and alcohol consumption, as well as maintaining the trucks in a safe manner.
Distracted driving - Truck drivers frequently perform multiple tasks while on the road, which could lead to accidents. Distracted driving is illegal.
Equipment failure is a common cause of accidents. may be caused by a defect in the truck trailer, or in the truck. You may file a product liability claim against the truck manufacturer or trailer manufacturer, as well as any component parts that contributed in an accident.
Cargo loaders – Businesses who load trucks are responsible to ensure that cargo is properly secured. Unbalanced or loose cargo can cause a truck driver lose control and could cause an accident.
A seasoned semi truck accident attorney is recommended if or a loved was injured in a collision with a truck. They are able to look into these cases and can help prove that negligence caused your injuries.
5. Defective design
A qualified attorney should review the semi truck's maintenance records and the manufacturer's records to determine what caused an accident. These records can be used by an experienced Louisiana truck accident lawyer to discover design flaws that could be used in lawsuits against a company.
The law on product liability states that a manufacturer is liable for defectively designed products when the risk of injury from it could have been avoided with the adoption of a reasonable alternative design. To establish a claim of design defect plaintiffs must demonstrate that a safer design existed at the time of injury, and that a safer alternative would have prevented the injury without altering the product's functionality.
McCartney Stucky LLC's founders have a wealth of experience handling cases involving the safety of heavy trucks and can help you seek compensation for your injuries. Contact our team immediately when you or a loved one has been injured by a defective truck.
6. Defective maintenance
In the trucking industry, maintaining is essential to keep drivers and freight moving in a safe manner. Untidy maintenance can lead to tire blowouts, brake malfunctions, and other hazards. Poor maintenance can also cause serious truck accidents that cause injury or even death.
Incorrect maintenance is among the most frequent causes of accidents that involve large trucks. Fortunately, the majority of these accidents are avoidable.
Maintenance plans are an essential part of any business, and businesses can take steps to increase their efficiency and reduce the number of failures by taking preventative measures. These include implementing the right safety procedures, regularly checking equipment and performing regular maintenance.
Creating a systematic maintenance program isn't easy, however it can also help save money and prevent future accidents. Preventative maintenance is usually less expensive than the cost of repairs following an accident.
If you've suffered injuries in an accident caused by the carelessness of a business's maintenance of a residential or commercial property The team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can help you find the best solution for your situation. Contact us for more information about our services. Our legal professionals from our firm have years of experience in premises liability. They will fight to ensure maximum compensation.
7. Injuries
The size and weight of a semi truck can cause serious injuries or even death in a crash with the vehicle of a passenger. These accidents can result in the death of both the truck driver as well as the passengers.
While there are numerous kinds of injuries that could be sustained in a semi-truck accident, the most common are fractured bones and other injuries that are traumatic. youtube.com of injuries ranges from minor fractures to Amputations.
Amputations can result in nerve damage, permanent nerve damage, and even infections. They can also be painful and difficult to treat.
Spinal cord injuries are a different type of severe injury that could occur as a result of an accident involving a semi-truck. A spinal cord injury could cause physical and cognitive impairments that last a lifetime.
Head and neck injuries are also commonplace in semi-truck accidents. These injuries can be caused by the impact of a crash or by flying objects striking the victim's neck or head. These injuries can result in whiplash, or even traumatic brain injuries depending on the accident.