Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision that involved a commercial truck, you may require a semi truck accident attorney. These accidents are unique and you'll require someone who is familiar with the laws and regulations applicable to commercial trucks.
Accidents with trucks can cause liability for a variety of parties, including the trucking company, driver, manufacturer, and many others. A skilled lawyer will know how to navigate all of these areas, and will ensure you get the money you are entitled to.
1. Human error
Human error is a major factor in truck accidents. In fact nearly 87 percent of accidents involving trucks involve some form of error. This is a problem since most people aren't aware of the many factors that affect the process of getting a large rig or 18-wheeler out on the roads and ensuring it is safe.
Additionally, truck drivers who work long hours without getting enough rest can cause fatal accidents. Research shows that fatigued drivers is the main cause of 30 percent of all truck accident fatalities.
Truckers must comply with all federal and state rules regarding the amount of time they can drive during a day and how much sleep they must get before they are able to drive again. This helps prevent accidents from happening in the first place and also provides the safety of other drivers.
However, human error is a complex matter that involves many different people and conditions. This makes it difficult to determine who is at fault for an accident and what you're entitled to for your injuries. It takes the assistance of an experienced and knowledgeable large truck crash lawyer to analyze the cause of a collision to figure out who may have legal liability for paying you damages in cash.
2. Defective equipment
Large industrial equipment and machinery can be subject to many issues, including malfunctioning safety equipment and defective components. Equipment that is defective can cause injuries that could lead to fatalities or life-altering consequences for workers and others.
The malfunctioning equipment could cause damage to a company's reputation or result in financial losses. A defective ladder can cause injuries and falls as well as electrical equipment may have faulty insulation that could cause burns and electrocution.
The defects in the trailer or truck components can pose a risk to other drivers. A truck driver might experience difficulty controlling the truck due to a malfunctioning brake system.
This can cause a number of truck accidents, such as rear-end collisions as well as collisions with other vehicles. Brakes may fail due to an issue with the manufacturing process or due to inadequate maintenance by the mechanic or owner.
In some cases manufacturers can be held responsible for the defective equipment. If the defect in a piece of equipment is the cause of an accident, a semi-truck accident lawyer may seek compensation from the manufacturer.
3. Long hours
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates the number of hours that truckers are allowed to work during a week. These limits are designed to stop fatigue which can cause many accidents.
A lot of truck drivers don't adhere to the rules. In an effort to meet their company's goals for mileage, they exceed the limits. This can cause various issues which include stressed drivers and erratic driving patterns, and an increased chance of accidents.
Long commutes and a insufficient amount of sleep can result in long hours, as well as a reduced capability to complete tasks in time. All of these contribute to stress and burnout which can have a significant impact on your ability to complete your job at a high level.
While long hours can be hazardous It is crucial to be aware that you are entitled to fair treatment. The best way to safeguard yourself is to work with an experienced semi truck accident law firm accident attorney.
A good lawyer can assist you make an insurance claim, get damages, or prove negligence on behalf of the liable parties. A professional lawyer will take the time to review your case to determine the best course of action to secure the compensation you deserve.
4. Negligence
Negligence refers to any act that is in violation of a person's duty to care for the public. It is the foundation for the majority of personal injury claims. This duty of care entails hiring and educating safe drivers, as well as testing for alcohol and drug usage, and maintaining the trucks in a manner that is appropriate.
Distracted driving - A lot of truck drivers perform several tasks while they are driving and this is an important factor in accidents. It is important to follow the law regarding distracted driving.
Equipment failure - Sometimes, accidents can be caused by an issue with the truck trailer or. You may file a product liability case against the truck or trailer manufacturer, or any of the components that played a role in an accident.
Cargo loaders – Companies that load trucks have responsibilities to ensure that cargo is secured. Truck drivers could lose control of their trucks in the event of unbalanced or unbalanced cargo. This can result in accidents.
An experienced semi truck accident lawyer is recommended if you or someone you love is injured in a truck crash. They are able to investigate these types of cases and can help prove that negligence caused your injuries.
5. Defective design
A qualified attorney should review the maintenance records of the semi truck as well as the manufacturer's records to determine the root of an accident. The information can be used by a skilled Louisiana truck accident attorney to determine design flaws that could be used in lawsuits against a company.
Product liability law states that a company can be held responsible for defectively designed products when there are reasonable foreseeable risks of injury. To prove claims of design defect, the plaintiffs must show that a safer design existed at the time of harm, and that a less dangerous alternative would have prevented the injury without negatively impacting the product's functionality.
McCartney Stucky LLC's founders have vast experience handling cases that involve the safety of heavy trucks and can help you seek compensation for your injuries. Contact our team immediately if you or a loved one has been injured by a truck that was defective.
6. Defective maintenance
Maintenance is essential in the trucking industry to ensure that the safety of both freight and drivers is assured. Untidy maintenance can lead to brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, and other hazards. Defective maintenance could lead to serious truck accidents that cause injuries or even death.
Large trucks are often involved in accidents due to poor maintenance. Most of these accidents could be avoided.
Companies can improve their performance and reduce failures by planning maintenance. This means implementing appropriate safety procedures, regularly inspecting equipment and performing regular maintenance.
Implementing a well-planned maintenance program isn't easy, however it can also help save money and prevent future accidents. In fact, the cost of preventative maintenance can 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 about our services and solutions, please contact us. The legal experts at our firm have years of experience in premises liability and will work hard to maximize your compensation.
7. Injuries
The weight and size of a semi-truck can cause severe injury or death in a collision with a passenger car. In some cases the driver of the truck as well as the passengers in their vehicle die in these accidents.
There are a variety of types of injuries that can be sustained in a semi-truck accident, the most frequent are broken bones and other damage that is traumatic. The severity of injuries can vary from minor fractures to severe amputations.
Amputations are serious injuries as they can cause permanent nerve damage and infection. Amputations can also be painful and difficult to treat for patients.
Semitruck accidents can cause severe injuries such as spinal injuries. A spinal cord injury could cause physical and cognitive impairments that may last a lifetime.
Semitruck accidents can also cause neck and head injuries. These injuries could be caused by the impact of the crash , or flying objects that hit the victim's neck or head. Based on the nature of the crash these injuries can result in whiplash or a traumatic brain injury.