Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
An attorney for semi-truck accidents is required if you or someone you care about has been injured in a collision with a truck. These kinds of accidents are rare and you'll need someone who is familiar with the laws and regulations applicable to commercial trucks.
Accidents with trucks can cause liability for many parties including the trucking company, driver, manufacturer, and many others. A good lawyer will be in a position to guide you through these areas and ensure you receive the money you deserve.
1. Human error
The majority of truck accidents are caused by human error. In fact 87 percent of accidents involving trucks involve some type of error. This is an issue because the majority of people are unaware of all the factors that affect the decision of putting a big rig 18-wheeler out on the roads and keeping it safe.
Truck drivers who work long hours and don't have enough sleep can cause fatal accidents. The data shows that fatigue of drivers is responsible for 30 percent of truck accident fatalities.
Truckers must comply with all state and federal laws regarding the time they are allowed to drive in a day and the amount of sleep they need before they are able to drive again. This helps to prevent accidents from happening in the first place and also ensures the safety of passengers and other drivers.
However, human mistakes are a complicated matter that affects a variety of individuals and circumstances. It can be difficult to determine who is at fault for an accident and what are entitled to for your injuries. It requires the assistance of an experienced large truck crash lawyer to determine the causes of a collision to figure out who may have legal responsibility for paying money damages.
2. Defective equipment
There are many things that could happen to large industrial machinery and equipment, including malfunctioning safety systems and defective components. Accidents caused by equipment that isn't working can transform a day at the workplace into a life-altering or fatal circumstance for workers and the people who are around them.
The equipment that is defective can harm a company's reputation and cause financial losses. Incorrect ladders can cause falls and injuries, while electrical equipment may be insulated incorrectly, which could cause burns and electrocution.
Defects in the truck or trailer parts can pose a danger to other drivers. For instance an issue with the brake system can make it difficult for truck drivers to control the vehicle.
This can cause numerous truck accidents, including rear-end collisions and collisions with other trucks. Brakes may fail due to manufacturing defects or lack of maintenance from the mechanic.
In certain instances, the manufacturer of the equipment that is defective can be held responsible. A semi truck accident lawyer can seek compensation from the manufacturer in the event that the defect in an piece of equipment is the cause of an accident.
3. Long hours
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates how many hours truckers can work per week. These limits are meant to reduce fatigue which can cause numerous accidents.
Unfortunately, many truck drivers don't follow the rules. Many truck drivers push themselves to their limits in order to exceed their company's mileage goals. This can cause numerous issues which include stressed drivers as well as erratic driving habits and an increased risk of accidents.
Long commutes and lack of sleep could result in long hours, as well as a diminished ability to complete tasks on time. All of these can lead to stress and burnout, which can have a significant impact on your ability to perform your job at a high-quality.
While working long hours can be dangerous, it is important to keep in mind that you have a right to fair treatment. The best way to safeguard yourself is to employ an experienced semi truck accident attorney.
A good lawyer can help you file an insurance claim, get damages, or show negligence on behalf of the liable parties. A good attorney will also look over your case and determine the most effective way to get you the compensation you need and deserve.
4. Negligence
Negligence is defined as any act that is in violation of a person's duty to care towards the public. It is the reason for the majority of personal injury lawsuits. This duty of care can include hiring and training safe drivers and testing them for alcohol use and alcohol consumption, and maintaining trucks properly.
Distracted driving - Many truck drivers take on various tasks while driving and this is a significant factor in accidents. Distracted driving is considered to be illegal.
Equipment failure - In a few instances, a defect in the trailer or truck itself could be the reason for an accident. It is possible to file a claim for product liability against the manufacturer of the trailer, truck or other components that contributed to an accident.
Cargo loaders: Companies that load trucks must be able to ensure that cargo is properly secured. Unbalanced or loose cargo may cause a truck driver lose control and lead to an accident.
A skilled semi truck accident attorney is recommended when you or someone you know was injured in a collision with a truck. They are aware of how to look into these cases and help prove that negligence caused your injuries.
5. Defective design
If a semi truck is involved in an accident, it is essential that an experienced attorney examines the maintenance records of the truck and the records of the manufacturer of the vehicle to determine what caused the accident. An experienced Louisiana truck accident lawyer will use these data to determine if there are design flaws that can be used as evidence in lawsuits against the manufacturer.
The law of product liability states that a manufacturer can be held responsible for defectively designed products if there is a reasonable risk of injury. To prove a claim for design defects plaintiffs must demonstrate that a safer design existed at the time of injury and that a safer alternative could have prevented the injury without impacting the utility of the product.
McCartney Stucky LLC's founders have extensive experience in handling cases involving heavy truck crashesworthiness and can assist you in seeking compensation for your injuries. If you've suffered injuries or a loved one been killed in an accident caused by a defective heavy truck, call our team as soon as you can.
6. Defective maintenance
Maintenance is crucial in the trucking industry to ensure freight and drivers are secure. Untidy maintenance can lead to brake malfunctions, tire blowouts and other risks. Incorrect maintenance can result in serious truck accidents that result in injury or even death.
Maintenance issues are among the most common causes of accidents involving large trucks. The majority of these accidents can be avoided.
Planned maintenance is an important part of any business, and businesses can take steps to increase their efficiency and reduce the likelihood of failures taking preventative measures. This includes following safety protocols and regularly inspecting equipment, and performing regular maintenance.
Although it isn't easy to develop a system of maintenance, it will save you money and prevent any future accidents. In reality the cost of preventative maintenance can often be less than paying for repairs following an accident.
If you have suffered injuries due to the carelessness of a business's maintenance of a commercial or residential property, the team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can assist you in finding a solution to your case. Contact us to find out more about our services. The legal experts at our firm have vast experience in premises liability and will work to maximize your compensation.
7. Injuries
The size and weight of a semi truck can cause severe injury or death in a collision a passenger car. In some instances, the truck's driver as well as the passengers in their vehicle die in these accidents.
There are a variety of injuries that can be sustained during semi-truck accidents However, the most common ones are fractured bones and other trauma damage. There are fractures that are not serious or even severe Amputations.
Amputations can result in nerve damage permanent nerve damage and even infection. Amputations can also be painful and difficult to treat for patients.
carmel truck accident attorneys can cause serious injuries such as spinal cord injuries. A spinal cord injury could cause cognitive and physical impairments that can affect their lives for years to come.
Neck and head injuries are also common in semi truck accidents. These injuries may be caused by the impact of the collision or flying objects that hit the victim's neck or head. Depending on the nature of the incident these injuries can result in whiplash or a traumatic brain injury.