Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one was injured in a crash that involved a commercial truck, you might need to employ an attorney who handles semi truck accidents. Because these incidents are individual, you'll need someone who knows the specific laws and regulations that govern 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 these areas and ensure that you receive the amount of compensation you deserve.
1. Human error
Truck accidents are usually caused by human error. In fact, 87 percent of truck accidents result from the possibility of human error. This is because a majority of people aren't aware of all the aspects involved in getting a large tractor or 18-wheeler onto a road and keeping it safe.
Additionally, truck drivers who work long hours without getting enough rest can result in fatal accidents. In fact, data shows that 30 percent of all truck accident fatalities are the result of fatigued drivers.
It is essential for truckers to abide by state and federal rules regarding how long they can drive in a day, and how much sleep they need before they can drive again. This helps prevent accidents from happening in the first place, and also ensures the safety of other drivers.
Human error is a complicated problem that can affect many people and different circumstances. This makes it difficult to determine who is responsible for an accident and how much you deserve for your injuries. It requires the help of an experienced and knowledgeable large truck crash lawyer to investigate the causes of a crash and figure out who may have legal responsibility for paying you damages in cash.
2. Defective equipment
Large machinery and industrial equipment can be subject to many problems, such as malfunctioning safety equipment and defective parts. Injuries from defective equipment that could lead to fatalities or life-altering consequences for employees and others.
The malfunctioning equipment could cause damage to a company's reputation or result in financial losses. Defective ladders can lead to injuries and falls as well as electrical equipment may be insulated incorrectly, which can cause burns or electrocution.
Furthermore, issues with components of trailers and trucks could be harmful to other drivers. For instance an issue with the brake system could make it difficult for a truck driver to control the vehicle.
This could lead to many truck accidents, such as rear-end collisions and collisions other trucks. Brakes can fail due to a manufacturing defect or due to a lack of maintenance by the mechanic or owner.
In some instances the manufacturer of the equipment that is defective can be held accountable. If a defect in a 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 hours truckers are allowed to work in a week. These limits are intended to reduce fatigue, which can lead to many accidents.
Many truck drivers don't stick to the rules. Many truck drivers push themselves beyond their limits in an effort to go beyond their company's miles goals. This can lead them to have erratic driving habits and an increase in accidents risk.
Long hours can also result in long commutes, lack of sleep, and inability to complete tasks within the deadline. These issues can cause burnout and stress that could have a significant impact on your ability to perform at a high-level job.
While long hours can be hazardous It is essential to be aware that you are entitled to fair treatment. The best way to safeguard yourself is to work with an experienced attorney for semi truck accidents.
A good lawyer can assist you to file an insurance claim, collect damages or prove negligence on behalf of the responsible parties. A competent lawyer will be sure to examine your case to determine the best course of action to get the amount you are due.
4. Negligence
Negligence is any act that is in violation of a person's duty to care towards the public. It is the foundation for the majority of personal injury lawsuits. This duty of care entails hiring and educating safe drivers, as well as testing them for alcohol and drug use, and ensuring that trucks are maintained in a safe manner.
Distracted driving - Truck drivers engage in multiple activities while on the road and this could be an important cause of accidents. Distracted driving is illegal.
Failure of the equipment - In some instances, a defect in the trailer or truck itself could be the cause of an accident. It is possible to file an action for product liability against the manufacturer of the trailer, truck or the component parts which caused the accident.
Cargo loaders – Businesses who load trucks are responsible to ensure that cargo is secured. Unbalanced or loose cargo can cause a truck driver to lose control, which can lead to an accident.
An experienced semi truck accident attorney is recommended if you or someone you know has been hurt in a truck accident. They are familiar with these types of cases and will help prove that negligence caused your injuries.
5. Defective design
A qualified attorney must review the maintenance records of the semi truck and the records of the manufacturer to determine the root of an accident. The information can be used by an experienced Louisiana truck accident attorney to discover design flaws that could be used in lawsuits against a company.
Product liability law says that a manufacturer can be held liable for products that are defective if there are reasonable risks of injury. To prove design defect claims the plaintiffs must demonstrate that a safer design was in place at the time of the injury, and that a less dangerous alternative would have prevented the harm , without affecting the utility of the product.
At McCartney Stucky LLC, our founders have a wealth of experience in handling crashworthiness of heavy trucks cases and can help you seek compensation for your injuries. Contact our team immediately if you or a loved one have been hurt due to a defective heavy-truck.
6. Defective maintenance
In the trucking industry, proper maintenance is vital to keeping drivers and freight moving in a safe manner. Untidy maintenance can lead to brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, and other hazards. Similarly, defective maintenance can be the reason behind a serious truck accident that causes deaths or injuries.
Large trucks are frequently involved in accidents due to inadequate maintenance. Most of these accidents could be avoided.
Maintenance plans are an essential element of any business and companies can take measures to improve their performance and reduce the number of failures by taking preventative measures. These include implementing the right safety procedures, regularly checking equipment and conducting routine maintenance.
Creating a systematic maintenance program isn't easy, but it can also save money and prevent future accidents. Prevention is usually 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 that was caused by negligence of a business's maintenance of a residential or commercial property. 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 secure maximum compensation.
7. Injuries
The size and weight of a semi truck could cause serious injuries or even death in a crash with the passenger car. These accidents could result in the deaths of the truck driver and passengers.
There are navigate to this web-site of injuries that could be sustained during semi-truck accidents However, the most common ones are fractured bones as well as other trauma damage. Injuries can range from minor fractures to amputations.
Amputations can lead to nerve damage, permanent nerve damage, and even infections. They can also be painful and difficult to treat.
Semitruck accidents can result in severe injuries, including spinal cord injuries. A spinal cord injury can cause victims to suffer cognitive and physical impairments that may affect their lives for a long time to come.
Head and neck injuries are also common 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 even traumatic brain injuries based on the incident.