Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
A semi truck accident lawyer could be required if you or someone you love has been hurt in a collision with a truck. These kinds of accidents are not common and you will need someone who is familiar with the laws and regulations that apply to commercial trucks.
There are many parties who could be held responsible for a truck accident, including the driver the trucking company the manufacturer, and many more. A competent lawyer will be able to navigate these areas and ensure that you get the money you are entitled to.
1. Human error
Truck accidents are usually caused by human error. In fact 87 percent of truck accidents are caused by some type of error. This is an issue because the majority of people are unaware of all the elements that go into getting a big truck or 18-wheeler out on the roads and ensuring it is safe.
In addition, truck drivers who work long hours without getting enough rest could cause fatal accidents. In fact, data shows that 30 percent of fatal truck accidents are caused by driver fatigue.
In the end, it is important for truckers to comply with federal and state regulations on how many hours they are allowed to drive in a day, and how much sleep they need before driving again. This helps prevent accidents from happening in the first place, and also ensures safety for other drivers.
Human error is a complex issue that can involve a variety of people and various circumstances. This makes it difficult to determine who is at fault for an accident and what you are entitled to for your injuries. It is necessary to work with an experienced large truck crash lawyer to determine the causes of a crash and determine who is the legal responsibility for paying damages in cash.
2. Defective equipment
There are many things that could be wrong with huge industrial machinery and equipment, including malfunctioning safety systems and defective parts. Defective equipment can result in injuries that could lead to fatalities or life-altering consequences for employees and others.
The malfunctioning equipment could affect a company's reputation, and result in financial losses. The ladders that are not properly constructed can cause injuries and falls, while defective insulation could result in burns or electrocution.
Defects in the truck or trailer parts could pose a threat to other drivers. A truck driver may have difficulties controlling the truck due to an issue with the brake system.
This can result in numerous truck accidents, such as rear-end collisions as well as collisions with other trucks. Brakes can fail due to manufacturing defects or due a lack of maintenance by the owner or mechanic.
In some cases the manufacturer may be held responsible for the defective equipment. A semi truck accident lawyer can seek compensation from the manufacturer in the event that the defect in an equipment piece is the cause of the incident.
3. Long hours
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates the number of hours truckers are allowed to work in a week. These limits are designed to avoid fatigue, which can lead to many accidents.
Unfortunately many truck drivers don't adhere to the guidelines. To meet their company's mileage goals, they push themselves to the edge of these limits. This can lead to many issues such as overworked drivers, erratic driving habits, and an increased chance of accidents.
Long commutes and lack of sleep can all lead to long hours and a decreased capacity to complete tasks on time. These can result in burnout and stress that could have a significant impact on your ability to perform at the highest level.
Despite the risks of working long hours, it's essential to remember that you are entitled to an equal chance to be treated with respect. The best way to protect yourself is to hire an experienced attorney for semi truck accidents.
A competent lawyer can assist you file the correct insurance claim, obtain damages and show negligence on the part of responsible parties. A good lawyer will look over your case and find the most efficient way to get you the compensation you need and deserve.
4. Negligence
Negligence refers to any act that is in violation of a person's obligation of care for the public, and is the reason for the majority of personal injury claims. This duty of care includes hiring and training safe drivers, and also testing their alcohol and drug use, and ensuring that trucks are maintained in a proper manner.
Distracted driving - Truck drivers often do multiple tasks while on the road, which could lead to accidents. It is crucial to observe all laws pertaining to distracted driving.
Equipment failure - In a few cases, a defect in the trailer or truck itself may be responsible for an accident. You could file a Product Liability claim against the truck manufacturer or trailer manufacturer, as well as any of the parts that were involved to 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 could cause an accident.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving a truck, it is essential to speak with a seasoned semi truck accident lawyer. They know how to investigate these cases and will help you prove that negligence caused your injuries.
5. Defective design
If a semi truck is involved in an accident, it's essential that an experienced attorney examines the truck's maintenance record as well as the records from the manufacturer of the vehicle to determine the cause of the accident. The information can be used by a skilled Louisiana truck accident attorney to determine design flaws that could be used in an action against a manufacturer.
You Tube governing product liability state that a manufacturer is accountable for defectively designed products when reasonably foreseeable risks of injury resulting from it could have been avoided through the use of an alternative design. To prove design defect claims, plaintiffs must prove that a safer model existed at the time of injury, and that a safer alternative would have prevented the injury without any impact on the product's use.
McCartney Stucky LLC's founding partners have extensive experience in handling cases involving heavy truck crashesworthiness and can assist you in seeking compensation for your injuries. If you've been injured or a loved one been killed in an accident caused by a defective truck, please contact our team as soon as possible.
6. Defective maintenance
In the trucking industry, maintenance is key in keeping freight and drivers moving in a safe manner. Improper maintenance can result in brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, and other hazards. Defective maintenance could result in serious truck accidents that cause injury or even death.
Incorrect maintenance is among the main causes of accidents that involve large trucks. Fortunately, the majority of accidents can be avoided.
Planning maintenance is an essential part of any business, and companies can take steps to increase their efficiency and reduce the number of failures by taking preventative measures. These include following safety guidelines as well as regularly checking equipment and performing regular maintenance.
While it may be difficult to establish a system to manage maintenance, it will save you money and help to avoid future accidents. Prevention is usually cheaper than the cost of repairs following an incident.
The team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can assist if you've been injured in an accident caused by a company's negligent maintenance of a residential and commercial property. For more information about our services and solutions, please contact us. The legal professionals of our firm have extensive experience in premises liability. They will fight for maximum compensation.
7. Injuries
A semi truck's weight and size can cause severe injuries or even death if it collisions with a vehicle for passengers. In some instances the truck's driver and the passengers in their vehicle are killed in these collisions.
While there are numerous kinds of injuries that could be sustained in a semi-truck accident, the most frequent are fractured bones and other injuries that are traumatic. Injuries can range from minor fractures to amputations.
Amputations can result in nerve damage permanent nerve damage and even infections. Amputations can be extremely painful and difficult to treat for patients.
Spinal cord injuries are a different type of serious injury that can happen in an accident involving semi trucks. A spinal cord injury could cause physical and cognitive impairments that can last a lifetime.
Semitruck accidents can also result in head and neck injuries. These injuries can be caused either by the impact of a crash or by flying objects striking the head or neck of the victim. These injuries can cause whiplash, or even traumatic brain injuries, based on the incident.