Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision with a commercial vehicle, you may require an attorney for semi truck accidents. These kinds of accidents are not common and you'll require someone who is knowledgeable of the laws and regulations applicable to commercial trucks.
Accidents with trucks can cause liability for a variety of parties which include the trucking company manufacturer, driver, and many others. A knowledgeable lawyer is able to help you navigate these areas and ensure that you receive the compensation you are due.
1. Human error
Most truck accidents are caused by human error. In fact almost 87 percent of truck accidents are caused by some form of error. This is a problem because most people are not aware of the various factors which go into the process of getting a large rig or eighteen-wheeler on the road and keeping it secure.
Truck drivers who work long hours and don't sleep enough can also be responsible for fatal accidents. YouTube shows that fatigue of drivers is the main cause of 30 percent of all truck accidents deaths.
Therefore, it is crucial for truckers to comply with federal and state regulations regarding the number of hours they can drive in one day and how much rest they must get before driving again. This can prevent accidents from occurring in the first place, and it also ensures the safety of other drivers.
Human error is a complex issue that involves a variety of people and circumstances. It is difficult to determine who is at fault for an accident and what are liable for your injuries. It is necessary to work with an experienced and knowledgeable large truck crash lawyer to investigate the causes of a crash to figure out who may have legal responsibility for paying damages in cash.
2. Defective equipment
Large industrial equipment and machinery can be prone to numerous problems, such as malfunctioning safety devices as well as defective parts. Defective equipment can cause injuries that can lead to deaths or life-altering effects for workers and others.
The faulty equipment can also harm a company's reputation and cause financial losses. Incorrect ladders can lead to injuries and falls, and faulty insulation can cause electrocution or burns.
Defects in truck or trailer parts can pose a danger to other drivers. A truck driver might have difficulties controlling the truck due to an inoperative brake system.
This can result in a number of truck accidents, such as rear-end collisions and collisions with other vehicles. Brakes can fail due manufacturing defects or a lack of maintenance from the mechanic.
In some instances manufacturers can be held accountable for the defective equipment. A semi truck accident lawyer can 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 the number of hours truckers are allowed to work in a week. These limits are meant to avoid fatigue which can cause many accidents.
Many truck drivers do not adhere to the rules. Many truck drivers go over their limits in order to exceed their company's mileage goals. This can lead to unruly driving habits and increased accidents risk.
Long hours can also lead to long commutes, lack of sleep, and the difficulty in completing tasks before the deadline. These causes can lead to stress and burnout that could have a significant impact on your ability perform at an elite level.
While working long hours can be dangerous it is vital to be aware that you are entitled to fair treatment. The best way to safeguard yourself is by hiring an experienced attorney for semi truck accidents.
A good lawyer can help you file the proper insurance claim, get damages, and prove negligence on the part of liable parties. A good lawyer will take the time to review your case and determine the most effective way to ensure you receive the compensation you need and deserve.
4. Negligence
Negligence refers to any action that breaches a person's duty of care for the public. It is the basis of most personal injury claims. This duty of care could include hiring and training safe drivers, testing them for drug use and alcohol consumption, and maintaining the truck in a proper manner.
Distracted driving - Truck drivers frequently have multiple tasks to complete while on the roads, which could lead to accidents. It is essential to adhere to all laws regarding distracted driving.
Equipment failure A lot of times, an accident can be caused by a defect in the truck trailer or. You can file a product liability lawsuit against the truck or trailer manufacturer, or any component parts that contributed in an accident.
Cargo loaders: Companies that load trucks must be able to ensure that cargo is properly secured. Incorrect or unbalanced cargo could cause a truck driver lose control, which can lead to an accident.
If you or someone you love was injured in a crash involving a truck, it is essential to speak with a seasoned semi truck accident attorney. They are experienced in these types of cases and can help establish negligence was the cause of your injuries.
5. Defective design
If a semi truck is involved in an accident, it is important that a qualified attorney examines the maintenance records of the truck and records from the manufacturer of the vehicle to determine what led to the crash. An experienced Louisiana truck accident attorney will utilize these records to find design flaws which could be used as evidence in an action against the manufacturer.
The law of product liability states that a manufacturer may be held accountable for defectively designed products when there are reasonable risks of injury. To prove claims of design defects plaintiffs must prove that a safer model existed at the time of injury and that a less hazardous alternative could have prevented the injury without altering the product's functionality.
McCartney Stucky LLC's founders have a wealth of expertise in handling cases involving high-risk truck crashes and can help you seek compensation for your injuries. If you have been injured or your loved one has been killed in an accident caused by a defective heavy truck, contact our team as soon as you can.
6. Defective maintenance
In the trucking industry, maintenance is key to ensure that drivers and freight are moving in a safe manner. Unprofessional maintenance can lead to brake malfunctions, tire blowouts and other risks. Poor maintenance can also lead to serious truck accidents that result in injuries or even death.
Large trucks are frequently involved in accidents due to poor maintenance. Many of these accidents can be prevented.
Planning maintenance is an essential aspect of any company, and businesses can take steps to enhance their performance and decrease the likelihood of failures taking preventative measures. This includes implementing safe procedures, regularly checking equipment and conducting routine maintenance.
Although it isn't easy to create a system for maintenance, it will save you money and help prevent any future accidents. In fact, the cost of preventative maintenance may often be lower than the cost for repairs after an accident.
The team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can assist if you've been injured in an accident caused by negligence of a business's maintenance of a residential and commercial property. For more information on our services, please contact us. The legal experts at our firm have extensive 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 can cause serious injury or even death in a collision a passenger car. In some cases, the truck's driver and the passengers in their vehicle are killed in these crashes.
While there are many different kinds of injuries that could occur in a semi truck accident, the most frequent are broken bones as well as other trauma-related damages. The severity of injuries ranges from minor fractures up to Amputations.
Amputations can result in nerve damage permanent nerve damage and even infections. They can be extremely painful and difficult to treat.
Spinal cord injuries are another type of serious injury that can occur in an accident involving semi trucks. A spinal injury can cause victims to suffer physical and mental impairments that may affect their lives for years to come.
Semitruck accidents can also result in head and neck injuries. These injuries can be caused by the impact of a crash or by flying objects striking the head or neck of the victim. Based on the nature of the crash the injuries could cause whiplash or a traumatic brain injury.