Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
If you or someone close to you has been injured in a crash involving a commercial truck, you may have to engage a semi truck accident attorney. These kinds of accidents are not common and you will need someone who is knowledgeable of the laws and regulations that apply to commercial trucks.
There are many parties that could be held accountable for an accident with a truck, such as the driver as well as the trucking company, the manufacturer, and many others. You Tube will be competent to assist you in navigating these legal waters and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
1. Human error
The majority of truck accidents are caused by human error. In fact 87% of truck accidents involve an error of some kind. This is a problem because the majority of people are unaware of all the elements that affect getting a big truck or eighteen-wheeler on the road and ensuring it is safe.
Truck drivers who work long hours and don't get enough sleep can also be responsible for fatal accidents. In fact, data shows that 30 percent of fatal truck accidents result from fatigue of the driver.
Truckers must follow all state and federal laws regarding the time they can drive in a day and how much sleep they need before they are able to drive again. This prevents accidents from happening in the first place and also helps ensure the safety of other drivers.
However, human mistakes are a complicated matter that involves a variety of people and situations. It can be difficult to determine who was responsible for the accident and what are liable for your injuries. An experienced lawyer who is skilled in large truck accidents can help you determine who is legally responsible for your damages.
2. Defective equipment
Large machinery and industrial equipment can be prone to numerous issues, such as malfunctioning safety devices and defective components. Defective equipment can result in injuries that can lead to fatalities or life-altering consequences for workers and other people.
The faulty equipment can also cause damage to a company's reputation or result in financial losses. Ladders that are defective can cause injuries and falls, and faulty insulation could lead to burns or electrocution.
Defects in the truck or trailer parts can pose a danger to other drivers. For instance an inoperable brake system could make it difficult for a truck driver to steer the vehicle.
This could lead to a variety of truck accidents, such as rear-end collisions and collisions with other vehicles. Brakes can fail because of manufacturing defects or a lack of maintenance from the mechanic.
In some cases the manufacturer may 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 piece of equipment is the cause of an incident.
3. Long hours
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates the number of hours that truckers are allowed work in a week. These limits are set to avoid fatigue, which can be an important factor in many accidents.
Unfortunately truck drivers don't adhere to the guidelines. In a bid to reach their company's mileage goals they go over these limits. This can result in erratic driving habits and increased accidents risk.
Long hours can also be a long commute, lack of sleep, and the inability to finish tasks by the deadline. These can result in stress and burnout that can have a significant impact on your ability to perform at an elite level.
While working long hours can be hazardous It is essential to be aware that you are entitled to fair treatment. A semi truck accident lawyer is the best option to ensure that you are protected.
A competent lawyer can assist you file the correct insurance claim, collect damages and show negligence on the part of liable parties. A good lawyer will examine your case and determine the best way to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
4. Negligence
Negligence is defined as any act which violates a person's obligation of care for the public. It is the foundation for the majority of personal injuries claims. This duty of care includes hiring and educating safe drivers, and also testing them for alcohol and drug use, and maintaining their vehicles in a safe manner.
Distracted driving - A lot of truck drivers engage in multiple activities while on the road and can be an important cause of accidents. It is important to follow the law regarding distracted driving.
Equipment failure - In some cases, a defect in the trailer or the truck itself may be responsible for an accident. It is possible to file an action for product liability against the manufacturer of the truck, trailer or the component parts that contributed to an accident.
Cargo loaders: The companies who load trucks also have the responsibility to ensure that the cargo is properly secured and balanced. Truck drivers can lose control of their trucks when they have unbalanced or loose cargo. This can lead to accidents.
An experienced semi truck crash lawyer is recommended if you or a loved has been injured in a truck crash. They are well-versed in these kinds of cases and can assist you to prove negligence caused your injuries.
5. Defective design
A qualified attorney must review the maintenance records of the semi-truck and records of the manufacturer to determine the root of an accident. These data can be used by an experienced Louisiana truck accident lawyer to find design flaws that could be used in a lawsuit against a manufacturer.
Product liability law states that a manufacturer can be held responsible for products that are defective if there are reasonable and foreseeable risks of injury. To prove claims of design defect, the plaintiffs must show that a safer design was in place at the time of harm and that a less dangerous alternative would have prevented the injury without negatively impacting the product's value.
At McCartney Stucky LLC, our founders have years of experience in handling crashworthiness of heavy trucks cases and can assist you to pursue compensation for your injuries. Contact our team immediately if you or a loved one has been injured due to a defective heavy-truck.
6. Defective maintenance
Maintenance is crucial in the trucking industry to ensure the safety of both freight and drivers is assured. Incorrect maintenance could lead to tire blowouts, brake malfunctions and other dangers. Incorrect maintenance can result in serious truck accidents that result in injuries or death.
Maintenance issues are among the most frequent causes of accidents with large trucks. Fortunately, the majority of accidents are avoidable.
Maintenance plans are an essential aspect of any business, and companies can take steps to enhance their performance and decrease the chance of failures by taking preventative measures. These include following safety procedures checking equipment regularly, and performing routine maintenance.
Making a plan for maintenance that is systematic can be a challenge, but it can also save money and prevent future accidents. In fact the cost of preventative maintenance may often be lower than the cost for repairs following an accident.
The team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can help if you have been hurt in an accident caused by a company's negligent maintenance of a residential or commercial property. For more information on our services we invite you to contact us. The legal experts at our firm have a wealth of experience in the field of premises liability and will strive to maximize your compensation.
7. Injuries
The size and weight could result in severe injury or death if it collisions with a vehicle for passengers. In some cases the driver of the truck and the passengers in the vehicle are killed in these crashes.
While there are many different types of injuries that can be sustained in a semi-truck accident, the most frequent are broken bones and other injuries that are traumatic. You can sustain minor fractures or even severe amputations.
Amputations can lead to nerve damage, permanent nerve damage, and even infections. They can also be painful and difficult to treat.
Semitruck accidents can cause serious injuries like spinal cord injuries. A spinal injury can cause cognitive and physical impairments that last a life time.
Semitruck accidents can also result in neck and head injuries to the head and neck. These injuries can be caused either by the impact of a crash or flying objects hitting the head or neck of the victim. These injuries can result in whiplash, or traumatic brain injuries based on the crash.