Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
If you or someone close to you has been injured in a crash that involved a commercial truck, you may need to hire a semi truck accident attorney. Since these accidents are specific, you'll need someone who is familiar with the specific laws and regulations that apply to commercial trucks.
Accidents involving trucks can result in liability for several parties including the trucking firm the driver, the manufacturer and others. A knowledgeable lawyer knows how to navigate these areas and ensure that you get the compensation that you deserve.
1. Human error
Human error is a major factor in truck accidents. In fact almost 87 percent of crashes involving trucks are caused by the possibility of error. This is a problem since most people aren't aware of the many factors that influence the decision of putting a big rig eighteen-wheeler on the road and keeping it safe.
Drivers of trucks who work long hours and don't have enough sleep can cause fatal accidents. Research shows that fatigued drivers is the cause of 30 percent of all truck accident fatalities.
Truckers must abide by all state and federal laws regarding the time they can drive during a day and the amount of sleep they need to get before they are able to drive again. This can prevent accidents from happening in the first place and also helps ensure safety for other drivers.
However, human error is a complicated issue that involves a variety of people and circumstances. It is hard to determine who is responsible for the accident and what have to pay for your injuries. An experienced lawyer who is skilled in large truck crashes can help you determine who is legally responsible for your damages.
2. Defective equipment
There are many things that can fail with large industrial equipment and machinery which includes malfunctioning safety equipment and parts that are defective. Accidents caused by equipment that isn't working could turn a routine day at the workplace into a life-altering or fatal situation for workers and those near them.
The faulty equipment can also affect a company's reputation, and cause financial losses. Incorrect ladders can lead to injuries and falls, while defective insulation could result in electrocution or burns.
Furthermore, issues with components of trailers and trucks could be harmful to other drivers. A truck driver could have trouble controlling the truck because of an issue with the brake system.
This can lead to various truck accidents, such as rear-end collisions and collisions with other trucks. Brakes can fail due to manufacturing defects or due to a lack of maintenance by the owner or mechanic.
In truck accidents attorney , the manufacturer can 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 an incident.
3. Long hours
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates how many hours truckers can work per week. These limits are intended to avoid fatigue, which could be the cause of many accidents.
Many truck drivers don't adhere to the rules. Many truck drivers push themselves to their limits to surpass their company's mileage goals. This can lead to various issues such as overworked drivers and erratic driving patterns, and a higher risk of accidents.
Long hours can also result in long commutes, lack of sleep, as well as the inability to complete tasks within the deadline. All of these contribute to stress and burnout, which could have a profound impact on your ability to perform your job at a high level.
Despite the dangers of working long hours, it's essential to remember that you're entitled to an honest shake. A semi truck accident lawyer is the best option to ensure your rights.
A good lawyer can help you file the proper insurance claim, collect damages and establish negligence on the part of accountable parties. A professional lawyer will be sure to examine your case and determine the best course of action to get the compensation you deserve.
4. Negligence
Negligence is any act that violates someone's duty of care for the public. It is the basis for most personal injury lawsuits. This duty of care includes hiring and training safe drivers as well as testing for alcohol and substance use, and ensuring that trucks are maintained in a manner that is appropriate.
Distracted driving - Truck drivers often perform multiple tasks while on the roads, which could lead to accidents. Distracted driving is an offence.
Failure of equipment - In certain instances, a flaw in the truck or trailer itself could be the cause of an accident. It is possible to file an action for product liability against the manufacturer of the trailer, truck or the component parts that contributed to an accident.
Cargo loaders – Companies that load trucks have duties to ensure that cargo is secured. Truck drivers can lose control of their vehicles if they have unbalanced or unbalanced cargo. This can lead to accidents.
An experienced semi truck accident attorney is recommended if you or someone you love has been hurt in a collision with a truck. They are experienced in these kinds of cases and can help prove negligence caused your injuries.
5. Defective design
A qualified attorney should look over the semi truck's maintenance records and the records of the manufacturer to determine the cause of an accident. The information can be used by a skilled Louisiana truck accident attorney to identify design defects that could be used in the case of a lawsuit against the manufacturer.
Product liability law says that a manufacturer may be held liable for products that are defective if there are reasonable risks of injury. To prove claims of design defect the plaintiffs must demonstrate that a safer design existed at the time of harm, and that a safer alternative could have avoided the injury without negatively impacting the product's utility.
McCartney Stucky LLC's founding partners have extensive experience in handling cases involving high-risk truck crashes and can help you seek compensation for your injuries. Contact us immediately in the event that you or a loved one has been injured due to a defective heavy-truck.
6. Defective maintenance
In the trucking business, maintenance is crucial in keeping freight and drivers moving in a safe manner. Incorrect maintenance could lead to tire blowouts, brake malfunctions and other dangers. Defective maintenance can also cause serious truck accidents that result in injuries or even death.
Incorrect maintenance is among the main causes of accidents that involve large trucks. Most of these accidents can be avoided.
Companies can improve their performance and reduce the risk of failure by planning maintenance. This includes implementing safe procedures, regularly inspecting equipment and performing regular maintenance.
Although it can be difficult to establish a system to manage maintenance, it can save you money and prevent any future accidents. Preventative maintenance is often cheaper than the cost of repairs following an accident.
The team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can help if you've suffered hurt in an accident caused by negligence of a business's maintenance of a residential or commercial property. For more information on our services, please contact us. Our legal professionals at our firm have years of experience in premises liability. They will fight for maximum compensation.
7. Injuries
A semi truck's weight and size can cause serious injury or even death when it collisions with a vehicle for passengers. These crashes can cause the death of both the truck driver as well as the passengers.
There are a variety of injuries that could be sustained in semi-truck accidents however the most common ones are fractured bones as well as other trauma damage. Injuries can range from minor fractures to amputations.
Amputations can be very dangerous injuries, as they can cause permanent nerve damage and infection. Amputations can also be painful and difficult for patients to treat.
Semitruck accidents can lead to severe injuries such as spinal cord injuries. A spinal injury can cause cognitive and physical impairments that may last a lifetime.
Head and neck injuries are also commonplace in semi truck accidents. These injuries can be caused by the impact of a collision or flying objects hitting the head or neck of the victim. These injuries can result in whiplash, or even traumatic brain injuries, depending on the cause of the accident.