Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
If you or someone close to you was injured in a collision involving a commercial truck, you may have to engage a semi truck accident attorney. These types of accidents are very unique and you'll require someone who is knowledgeable of the laws and regulations that apply to commercial trucks.
There are many parties who can be held liable for a truck accident, including the driver and the trucking company, the manufacturer, and many others. A competent lawyer will be able to help you navigate these areas and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
1. Human error
The majority of truck accidents are caused by human error. In fact, 87 percent of truck accidents result from the possibility of human error. This is because most people don't know all the factors involved in getting a large tractor or 18-wheeler onto a road and keeping it safe.
In addition, truckers who work long hours without getting enough rest can cause fatal accidents. Data shows that driver fatigue is responsible for 30% of all truck accidents deaths.
Truckers must adhere to all state and federal regulations regarding how long they can drive per day and how much sleep they must get 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.
Human error is a complex problem that can affect many individuals and different situations. This makes it difficult to determine who is responsible for an accident and how much you're entitled to compensation for your injuries. It requires the assistance of an experienced large truck crash attorney to determine the causes of a crash in order to determine who could be at legal responsibility for paying money damages.
2. Defective equipment
Large machinery and industrial equipment can be susceptible to many issues, including malfunctioning safety equipment and defective components. Equipment that is defective can cause injuries that can cause fatalities or life-altering outcomes for employees and others.
Failures in equipment can cause financial losses and damage to the company's reputation. Ladders that are not properly constructed can cause injuries and falls and electrical equipment could have faulty insulation that could cause burns and electrocution.
Additionally, the defects in parts of the truck and trailer could pose a risk to other drivers. For example an issue with the brake system can make it difficult for a truck driver to control the vehicle.
This can lead to a variety of truck accidents, such as rear-end collisions and collisions other vehicles. Brakes can fail due to manufacturing defects or a lack of maintenance from the mechanic.
In certain instances the manufacturer of the equipment that is defective could be held accountable. If a defect in a piece of equipment is the reason of an accident, a semi-truck accident attorney can seek compensation from the manufacturer.
3. Long hours
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates how long truckers can work each week. The limits are designed to avoid fatigue, which could be an element in many accidents.
Unfortunately truck drivers do not adhere to the rules. In order to meet the company's mileage targets, they exceed the limits. This can lead to various issues that include overworked employees and driving habits that are unpredictable, and a higher chance of accidents.
Long commutes and a lack of sleep can all lead to long hours as well as a diminished capacity to complete tasks on time. 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 level.
While long hours can be hazardous It is crucial 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.
A competent lawyer can assist you file the right insurance claim, recover damages and establish negligence on the part of liable parties. A good attorney will also examine your case and determine the most efficient way to ensure you receive the compensation you need and deserve.
4. Negligence
Negligence refers to any act that violates a person's duty of care for the public, and it is the basis of most personal injury claims. riverside truck accident lawyer of care may include hiring and training safe drivers, testing them for drug use and alcohol consumption, as well as maintaining the trucks in a safe manner.
Distracted driving - Truck drivers perform multiple activities while driving and can be a significant factor in accidents. Distracted driving is a crime.
Equipment failure - In some cases, a defect in the trailer or truck is a factor in an accident. It is possible to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer of the trailer, truck or the component parts that caused an accident.
Cargo loaders - Companies that load trucks must be able to ensure that cargo is secured. Unbalanced or loose cargo may cause a truck driver lose control and lead to an accident.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, it is essential to seek out a reputable semi truck accident lawyer. They are familiar with these kinds of cases and can assist you to establish negligence was the cause of your injuries.
5. Defective design
A qualified attorney should look over the maintenance records for the semi truck and the manufacturer's records to determine what caused an accident. These records can be utilized by a skilled Louisiana truck accident lawyer to discover design flaws that could be used in an action against a manufacturer.
The law on product liability states that a manufacturer is accountable for defectively designed products when reasonably foreseeable risks of injury resulting from it could have been avoided with the use of an alternative design. To prove design defect claims plaintiffs must show that a safer model existed at time of injury and that a safer alternative could have prevented the injury without affecting the product's utility.
McCartney Stucky LLC's founding partners have extensive experience handling cases that involve crashworthiness of heavy trucks and are able to assist you in seeking compensation for your injuries. If you've been injured or have a loved one who has been killed in an accident caused by a defective heavy truck, contact our team as soon as possible.
6. Defective maintenance
Maintenance is vital in the trucking industry to ensure the freight and drivers are safe. Improper maintenance can lead to brake malfunctions, tire blowouts and other risks. Defective maintenance can also cause serious truck accidents that cause injuries or even death.
Maintenance that is not up to par is one of the most frequent causes of accidents involving large trucks. Fortunately, the majority of accidents can be avoided.
Maintenance plans are an essential aspect of any company, and companies can take steps to increase their efficiency and reduce the chance of failures by using preventative measures. These include following safety procedures, inspecting equipment regularly, and conducting routine maintenance.
Although it can be a challenge to establish a system to manage maintenance, it will save you money and help prevent future accidents. In reality the cost of preventative maintenance can often be less than paying for repairs after an accident.
The team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can help if you have been hurt in an accident that was caused by negligence of a business's maintenance of a residential or commercial property. Contact us to learn more about our services. The legal experts at our firm have a wealth of experience in premises liability and will work to maximize your compensation.
7. Injuries
The weight and size of a semi-truck could cause serious injuries or even death in a crash with an automobile that is a passenger. These accidents can lead to the deaths of both the truck driver and passengers.
While there are many types of injuries that can occur in a semi truck accident, the most frequent are fractured bones and other injuries that are traumatic. The severity of injuries can vary from minor fractures to Amputations.
Amputations can cause nerve damage permanent nerve damage and even infections. Amputations can also be painful and difficult to treat for patients.
Spinal cord injuries are a different type of serious injury that can be sustained in an accident involving a semi-truck. A spinal injury can cause physical and cognitive impairments that may last a life time.
Head and neck injuries are also commonplace in semi-truck accidents. These injuries can be caused either by the impact of a collision or flying objects hitting the head or neck of the victim. Depending on the nature of the crash these injuries can result in whiplash or a traumatic brain injury.