Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
If you or someone close to you was injured in a collision with a commercial vehicle, you may need to hire an attorney for semi truck accidents. Because these accidents are so unique, you'll want someone who understands the specific laws and regulations that apply to commercial trucks.
There are many parties who could be held responsible for an accident with a truck, such as the driver and the trucking company, the manufacturer, and many more. A competent lawyer will be able to navigate through all of these areas, and will ensure you get the money you deserve.
1. Human error
Human error is a huge factor in truck accidents. In fact 87 percent of accidents involving trucks involve some type of error. This is an issue because most people are not aware of the various factors which go into getting a big truck or eighteen-wheeler on the road and ensuring it is safe.
In addition, truck drivers who work for long hours without getting enough rest could cause fatal accidents. Statistics show that fatigued drivers is responsible for 30 percent of all truck accident fatalities.
Truckers must follow all state and federal laws regarding the time they can drive per day and the amount of sleep they must get before they are able to drive again. This will prevent accidents from occurring in the first place and also provides the safety of other drivers.
Human error is a difficult issue that could involve many people and different circumstances. It can be difficult to determine who was at fault for an accident and how much you have to pay for your injuries. It takes the assistance of an experienced large truck crash lawyer to investigate the causes of a crash and determine who is the legal liability for paying you damages in cash.
2. Defective equipment
There are a lot of things that could be wrong with large industrial equipment and machinery that could fail, including malfunctioning safety systems and defective components. Injuries from defective equipment that can cause fatalities or life-altering outcomes for workers and others.
The malfunctioning equipment could harm a company's reputation and cause financial losses. Incorrect ladders can lead to injuries and falls, and faulty insulation could cause electrocution or burns.
Defects in the truck or trailer parts can pose a danger to other drivers. For example an issue with the brake system could make it difficult for truck drivers to control the vehicle.
This can cause a number of truck accidents, including rear-end collisions and collisions other vehicles. Brakes can fail due to manufacturing defects or due to inadequate maintenance by the mechanic or owner.
In certain instances, the manufacturer of the equipment that is defective can be liable. If an issue with a piece of equipment is the cause of an accident, a semi-truck accident attorney may seek compensation from the manufacturer.
3. Long hours
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates the number of hours truckers are able to work each week. These limits are set to stop fatigue, which can be the cause of many accidents.
Unfortunately, many truck drivers don't follow the guidelines. Many truck drivers go over their limits in order to go beyond their company's miles goals. This can cause various issues such as overworked drivers and erratic driving patterns, and a higher risk of accidents.
Long commutes and a insufficient amount of sleep can lead to long hours and a decreased ability to complete tasks on time. All of these can lead to burnout and stress, which can have a huge impact on your ability to complete your job at a high level.
While long hours can be hazardous it is vital to be aware that you are entitled to fair treatment. A semi truck accident lawyer is the best option to ensure that you are protected.
A good lawyer can assist you file an insurance claim, collect damages or prove negligence on behalf the responsible parties. A good lawyer will examine your case to determine the best strategy to secure the compensation you deserve.
4. Negligence
Negligence refers to any act which violates a person's responsibility of care to the public, and it is the foundation for most personal injury lawsuits. This duty of care may include hiring and training safe drivers as well as testing them for drug use and alcohol consumption, and maintaining the trucks in a safe manner.
Distracted driving - Truck drivers often do multiple tasks while on the roads, which can result in accidents. It is crucial to observe all laws regarding driving distracted.
Equipment failure - In some instances, a flaw in the trailer or truck is a factor in an accident. It is possible to bring a claim for product liability against the manufacturer of the trailer, truck or the component parts which caused the accident.
Cargo loaders - Companies that load trucks must be able to ensure that cargo is properly secured. Truck drivers may lose control of their vehicles in the event of unbalanced or unbalanced cargo. This can lead to accidents.
If you or someone you love was injured in a truck accident it is crucial to seek out a reputable semi truck accident attorney. They are well-versed in these kinds of cases and can assist you to determine if negligence is the reason for your injuries.
5. Defective design
A qualified attorney should review the semi truck's maintenance records as well as the manufacturer's records to determine the cause of an accident. An experienced Louisiana truck accident attorney will utilize these records to discover design flaws which could be used as evidence in an action against the manufacturer.
The law on product liability states that a manufacturer is accountable for a defectively designed product when the risks of injury from it could have been prevented by the adoption of an alternative design. To prove design defect claims, the plaintiffs must show that a safer design existed at the time of the injury, and that a less dangerous alternative could have avoided the harm without negatively impacting the product's value.
At McCartney Stucky LLC, our founders have a wealth of experience handling heavy truck crashworthiness cases and can assist you to seek compensation for your injuries. If you've been injured or your loved one has been killed in an accident caused by a defective heavy truck, call our team as soon as you can.
6. Defective maintenance
Maintenance is crucial in the trucking industry to ensure the freight and drivers are safe. Unprofessional maintenance can cause tire blowouts, brake malfunctions and other dangers. Incorrect maintenance can result in serious truck accidents that result in injury or even death.
Incorrect maintenance is among the most common causes of accidents that involve large trucks. Many of these accidents can be prevented.
Planning maintenance is an essential part of any business, and companies can take steps to increase their efficiency and reduce the chance of failures by taking preventative measures. This includes following safety protocols, inspecting equipment regularly, and performing routine maintenance.
The process of creating a comprehensive maintenance plan can be a challenge, but it can also save money and prevent future accidents. Preventative maintenance is often cheaper than the cost of repairs following an accident.
The team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can assist if you've been hurt in an accident caused by a company's negligence in the maintenance of a residential and commercial property. For more information on our services, please contact us. Our firm's legal professionals have extensive experience in premises liability. They will strive to secure maximum compensation.
7. Injuries
The weight and size of a semi truck can cause severe injury or death in the event of a collision with the passenger car. In some cases, the driver of the truck as well as the passengers in their vehicle die in these crashes.
While there are many types of injuries that can occur in a semi truck accident, the most common are broken bones and other trauma-related damages. There are minor fractures that can occur or severe amputations.
Amputations can result in nerve damage permanent nerve damage and even infection. They can be extremely painful and difficult to treat.
Semitruck accidents can cause severe injuries such as spinal injuries. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78_EDnMkqus can leave victims with physical and cognitive impairments that can affect their lives for years to come.
Neck and head injuries are also commonplace in semi-truck accidents. These injuries can be caused either by the impact of a crash or flying objects hitting the head or neck of the victim. Depending on the nature of the incident the injuries could cause whiplash or a brain injury.