Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash with a commercial vehicle, you may have to engage a semi truck accident attorney. Because these incidents are individual, you'll need someone who understands the specific laws and regulations applicable to commercial trucks.
Truck accidents can lead to liability for several parties including the trucking company the driver, the manufacturer and others. A competent lawyer will be capable of guiding you through these legal waters and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
1. Human error
Human error is a major factor in truck accidents. In fact nearly 87 percent of truck crashes involve the possibility of error. This is because most people are not aware of all the elements which go into getting a big rig or 18-wheeler on the road, and keeping it safe.
In addition, truckers who work long hours and not having enough rest could result in fatal accidents. Statistics show that fatigued drivers is the main cause of 30% of all truck accidents deaths.
In the end, it is crucial for truckers to follow federal and state regulations on how many hours they can travel in a day and how much rest they must get before they can drive again. This will prevent accidents from happening in the first place, and also ensures the safety of other drivers.
Human error is a difficult issue that could involve many people and different circumstances. This makes it difficult to determine who is responsible for an accident and what you're entitled to for your injuries. An experienced attorney who specializes in large truck crashes can help you determine who is legally responsible for your damages.
2. Defective equipment
There are a lot of things that can fail with large industrial equipment and machinery that could fail, including malfunctioning safety systems and defective components. Defective equipment can result in injuries that can cause fatalities or life-altering consequences for workers and others.
Equipment failure can also lead to financial losses and damage to a company's reputation. Defective ladders can lead to falls and injuries as well as electrical equipment may be insulated incorrectly, which could cause burns or electrocution.
Furthermore, issues with parts of the truck and trailer could be harmful to other drivers. A truck driver might have difficulties controlling the truck because of a malfunctioning brake system.
This can lead to a variety of truck accidents, such as rear-end crashes and collisions with other vehicles. Brakes can fail due manufacturing defects or a lack of maintenance by the mechanic.
In certain cases the manufacturer may be held accountable for defective equipment. A semi truck accident lawyer can seek compensation from the manufacturer if the defect in the equipment piece is the cause of an incident.
3. Long hours
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates the hours that truckers are allowed to work each week. These limits are designed to reduce fatigue, which can be the cause of many accidents.
Many truck drivers don't stick to the rules. To meet their company's goals for mileage, they push themselves to the edge of the limits. This can lead to unruly driving habits and increased accidents risk.
Long hours can also result in long commutes, lack of sleep, and the inability to finish tasks by the deadline. These can result in stress and burnout that could affect your ability perform at the highest level.
While working long hours can be dangerous it is vital to keep in mind that you have a right to fair treatment. A semi truck accident lawyer is the best option to ensure your rights are protected.
A good lawyer can assist you to file an insurance claim, get damages or show negligence on behalf of the liable parties. A good lawyer will take the time to review your case and determine the best way to secure the compensation you deserve.
4. Negligence
Negligence is the act that violates a person's duty of care to the public. It is the foundation for most personal injury claims. This duty of care entails hiring and educating safe drivers, as well as testing their alcohol and drug use, and ensuring that trucks are maintained in a safe manner.
Distracted driving - Truck drivers typically perform multiple tasks while driving on the roads, which can cause accidents. It is important to obey all laws regarding distracted driving.
Failure of equipment - In certain cases, a defect in the trailer or truck is a factor in an accident. You can file a product liability action against the truck or trailer manufacturer, as well as any component parts that contributed to the accident.
Cargo loaders - The businesses who load trucks also have the responsibility to ensure that the cargo is properly secured and balanced. Loose or imbalanced cargo can cause a truck driver to lose control and cause an accident.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck crash it is crucial to consult a skilled semi truck accident lawyer. They know how to investigate these cases and can help you establish that negligence was the cause of your injuries.
5. Defective design
A qualified attorney should look over the semi truck's maintenance records and the manufacturer's records to determine the root of an accident. These records can be utilized by a skilled Louisiana truck accident attorney to identify design defects that could be used in lawsuits against a company.
Laws governing product liability state that a company can be held accountable for defectively designed products when there are reasonable foreseeable risks of injury. To prove design defect claims the plaintiffs must demonstrate that a safer model existed at the time of harm, and that a safer alternative would have prevented the injury without negatively impacting the product's functionality.
At McCartney Stucky LLC, our founders have years 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, get in touch with our team as soon as you can.
6. Defective maintenance
In the trucking industry, maintenance is key to keeping drivers and freight moving safely. Incorrect maintenance can result in tire blowouts, brake malfunctions and other hazards. Poor maintenance can also cause serious truck accidents that cause injuries or death.
Large trucks are frequently involved in accidents due to poor maintenance. Fortunately, the majority of these accidents are avoidable.
Planning maintenance is an essential aspect of any company, and businesses can take steps to increase their efficiency and reduce the chance of failures by using preventative measures. This includes following safety protocols as well as regularly checking equipment and performing regular maintenance.
Implementing a well-planned maintenance program can be a challenge, but it can also save money and avoid any future accidents. Preventative maintenance is often cheaper than the cost of repairs following an incident.
If you've suffered injuries due to a company's defective maintenance of a residential or commercial property our team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can assist you in finding the best solution for your situation. For more information on our services, please contact us. The legal professionals of our firm have years of experience in premises liability. They will do their best to get the maximum amount of compensation.
7. Injuries
A semi truck's size and weight could cause severe injuries or even death if it is struck by a car. These accidents could result in the deaths of the truck driver and passengers.
There are many types of injuries that could be sustained in semi truck accidents, but the most common ones are broken bones and other traumatic damage. You can sustain minor fractures or severe Amputations.
Amputations can result in nerve damage permanent nerve damage and even infection. Amputations can be extremely painful and difficult for patients to treat.
truck accidents attorney can cause severe injuries like spinal cord injuries. A spinal cord injury can result in physical and mental disabilities that can impact their lives for years to come.
Neck and head injuries are also commonplace in semi-truck accidents. These injuries can be caused by the impact of a crash or flying objects hitting the head or neck of the victim. Depending on the nature of the accident these injuries can result in whiplash or a brain injury.