Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
An attorney for semi-truck accidents might be required if or someone you care about has been injured in a collision with a truck. Because these types of accidents are individual, you'll need someone who knows the specific laws and regulations that govern commercial trucks.
There are many parties who are liable in the event of a truck accident, including the driver and the trucking company, the manufacturer, and so on. A competent lawyer will be in a position to guide you through these legal waters and ensure you receive the money you deserve.
1. Human error
Most truck accidents are caused by human error. In fact 87 percent of truck accidents are caused by some type of error. This is because the majority of people don't understand all the aspects involved in getting a massive rig or eighteen-wheeler onto the road and keeping it safe.
Truck drivers who work long hours and don't sleep enough could also cause fatal accidents. Research shows that fatigued drivers is the main cause of 30 percent of all truck accident fatalities.
It is crucial for truckers to follow federal and state regulations on how many hours they are allowed to drive in a day and how much sleep they should get before driving again. This will prevent accidents from happening in the first place and also ensures the safety of passengers as well as other drivers.
Human error is a complicated issue that can involve a variety of people and different circumstances. It's difficult to determine who was at fault for an accident and the amount you are entitled to for your injuries. An experienced lawyer who is skilled in large truck accidents can assist you in determining who is legally responsible for your injuries.
2. Defective equipment
Large industrial machinery and equipment can be prone to numerous issues, including malfunctioning safety devices as well as defective components. Damages caused by defective equipment can turn a simple working day into a fatal or life-threatening scenario for employees and those surrounding them.
Failures in equipment can cause financial losses and damage to a company's reputation. The ladders that are not properly constructed can cause injuries and falls, while defective insulation could lead to electrocution or burns.
Additionally, the defects in truck and trailer parts could be harmful to other drivers. A truck driver might experience difficulty controlling the truck due to a brake system that is not working properly.
This can cause various truck accidents, such as rear-end collisions and collisions other trucks. Brakes can fail due manufacturing problems or the lack of maintenance from the mechanic.
In some cases the manufacturer may be held accountable for the defective equipment. 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 the incident.
3. Long hours
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates how many hours truckers are allowed to work in a week. These limits are meant to stop fatigue that can lead to many accidents.
Unfortunately many truck drivers don't follow the rules. In order to meet their company's mileage goals they push themselves well beyond the limits. This can lead them to have erratic driving habits and increased accidents risk.
Long hours can also be a long commute, lack of sleep, and the inability to complete tasks within the deadline. All of these can contribute to stress and burnout, which could have a major impact on your ability to complete your job at a high-quality.
Despite the dangers of working for long hours, it's important to remember that you are entitled to a fair shake. A semi truck accident lawyer is the best way to ensure your rights.
A good lawyer can assist you to file an insurance claim, recover damages or demonstrate negligence on behalf of the liable parties. A competent lawyer will look over your case and determine the best course of action to receive 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 injuries claims. This duty of care may include hiring and training safe drivers and testing them for drug use and alcohol consumption, as well as maintaining trucks properly.
Distracted driving - Truck drivers take on multiple activities while driving and this could be an important factor in accidents. It is crucial to observe all laws regarding driving distracted.
Equipment failure A lot of times, an accident can be caused by an issue with the truck trailer, or in the truck. It is possible to file an action for product liability against the manufacturer of the truck, trailer, or component parts which caused the accident.
Cargo loaders - The companies who load trucks also have the responsibility to ensure that the cargo is properly secured and balanced. Incorrect or unbalanced cargo could cause a truck driver to lose control, which can lead to an accident.
A seasoned semi truck accident attorney is recommended if or a loved was injured during a crash involving a truck. They are familiar with these types of cases and will help determine if negligence is the reason for your injuries.
5. Defective design
An experienced attorney should scrutinize the semi truck's maintenance records and records of the manufacturer to determine the reason for an accident. These records can be used by a skilled Louisiana truck accident lawyer to find design flaws that could be used in a lawsuit against a manufacturer.
Product liability law says that a company can be held liable for defectively designed products if there are reasonable risks of injury. To prove claims of design defect plaintiffs must prove that a safer model existed at the time of injury, and that a safer alternative would have prevented the harm , without affecting the product's functionality.
McCartney Stucky LLC's founders have a wealth of experience in handling cases involving heavy truck crashesworthiness and can help you seek compensation for your injuries. Contact us immediately in the event that you or a loved one have been hurt due to a defective heavy-truck.
6. Defective maintenance
Maintenance is essential in the trucking industry to ensure freight and drivers are secure. Unprofessional maintenance can lead to tire blowouts, brake malfunctions and other risks. Defective maintenance could result in serious truck accidents that result in injury or even death.
Incorrect maintenance is among the main causes of accidents which involve large trucks. Fortunately, the majority of accidents are preventable.
Maintenance plans are an essential element of any business and companies can take measures to increase their efficiency and reduce the chance of failures by using preventative measures. This includes following safety protocols, inspecting equipment regularly, and performing routine maintenance.
While it may be difficult to design a system for maintenance, it will save you money and help prevent future accidents. In reality the cost of preventative maintenance can often be lower than the cost for repairs after an accident.
The team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can help if you've suffered hurt in an accident caused by a negligent company's maintenance of a residential and commercial property. Contact us today to learn more about our services. The legal experts at our firm have years of experience in the field of premises liability and will do their best to maximize your compensation.
7. Injuries
The size and weight of a semi-truck could cause severe injury or death in a collision with a passenger car. These crashes can cause the deaths of both the truck driver and the passengers.
There are a variety of injuries that can be sustained during semi-truck accidents, but the most common ones are broken bones , as well as other traumatic damage. The severity of injuries ranges from minor fractures, to serious amputations.
Amputations can result in nerve damage, permanent nerve damage, and even infections. They can also be painful and difficult to treat.
Semitruck accidents can result in severe injuries such as spinal injuries. A spinal cord injury could result in physical and cognitive impairments that may affect their lives for years to come.
Head and neck injuries are also commonplace in semi-truck accidents. These injuries could be caused by the impact of the crash or by flying objects that strike the victim's head or neck. Depending on the nature of the accident the injuries could cause whiplash or a brain injury.