Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision caused by a commercial truck you may need to hire a semi truck accident attorney. Since these accidents are individual, you'll need someone who knows the specific laws and regulations that apply 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 ensure that you receive the amount of compensation you are entitled to.
1. Human error
Truck accidents are usually caused by human error. In fact, 87 percent of truck accidents are caused by an error of some kind. This is because a majority of people don't have a complete understanding of the factors involved in getting a huge truck or 18-wheeler on the road and maintaining its safety.
Truck drivers who work long hours and don't get enough sleep can also be responsible for fatal accidents. The data shows that fatigue of drivers is the main cause of 30 percent of all truck accidents deaths.
In the end, it is crucial for truckers to comply with federal and state rules regarding how long they can travel in a day and how many hours of sleep they need to get before driving again. This prevents accidents from occurring in the first place and also ensures the safety of passengers as well as other drivers.
Human error is a difficult problem that can affect many people and different circumstances. It is hard to determine who was responsible for the accident and how much you should be paid for your injuries. It requires the assistance of an experienced and knowledgeable large truck crash lawyer to investigate the causes of a collision to determine who could be at legal responsibility for paying money damages.
2. Defective equipment
There are a lot of things that could be wrong with large industrial machinery and equipment that could fail, including malfunctioning safety systems and faulty parts. The result of injuries caused by defective equipment can turn a simple working day into a life-threatening or fatal scenario for employees and those near them.
Failing equipment can also cause financial losses and damage to a company's reputation. A defective ladder can cause injuries and falls as well as electrical equipment may have faulty insulation that can cause burns or electrocution.
Furthermore, issues with parts of the truck and trailer could pose a risk to other drivers. For example, a malfunctioning brake system could make it difficult for a truck driver to control the vehicle.
This can result in many truck accidents, including rear-end collisions, as well as collisions with other trucks. Brakes can fail due manufacturing issues or lack of maintenance from the mechanic.
In some instances the manufacturer of the equipment that is defective can be held responsible. If a defect in a piece of equipment is the cause 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 many hours truckers are allowed to work in a week. These limits are set to prevent fatigue, which can be an element in many accidents.
Unfortunately, many truck drivers don't follow the rules. Many truck drivers exceed their limits to surpass their company's mileage goals. This can lead to many issues such as overworked drivers and driving habits that are unpredictable, and an increased chance of accidents.
Long hours can also mean long commutes, a lack of sleep, and inability to complete tasks within the deadline. These can result in stress and burnout , which could affect your ability to perform at a high-level job.
While long hours can be dangerous it is vital to remember that you are entitled to fair treatment. A semi truck accident lawyer is the best way to protect your rights.
The right lawyer can help you file the proper insurance claim, recover damages and establish negligence on the part of parties responsible. A good attorney will also be sure to examine your case and find the most efficient way to secure the compensation you are entitled to.
4. Negligence
Negligence is any action that is in violation of a person's obligation of care for the public and is the basis for most personal injury claims. This duty of care could include hiring and training safe drivers as well as testing them for drug use and alcohol consumption, and maintaining the truck in a proper manner.
Distracted driving - Truck drivers typically perform multiple tasks while driving on the roads, which can cause accidents. It is crucial to observe all laws pertaining to distracted driving.
Failure of the equipment - In some instances, a defect in the trailer or truck is a factor in an accident. You can file a product liability lawsuit against the truck or trailer manufacturer, or any of the parts that were involved in an accident.
Cargo loaders - The companies that load trucks also have the responsibility to ensure that the cargo is secured and balanced. Truck drivers could lose control of their vehicles in the event of unbalanced or unbalanced cargo. This can result in accidents.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a collision with a truck, it is essential to seek out a reputable semi truck accident lawyer. They are aware of how to look into these cases and help prove that negligence caused your injuries.
5. Defective design
A qualified attorney should review the maintenance records of the semi truck and the records of the manufacturer to determine the root of an accident. The information can be used by an experienced Louisiana truck accident attorney to determine design flaws that could be used in lawsuits against a company.
Product liability law states that a manufacturer is liable for a product that is defectively designed when the risks of injury could have been avoided through the adoption of a reasonable alternative design. To prove design defect claims plaintiffs must prove that a safer design existed at the time of injury, and that a safer alternative could have prevented the injury without affecting the product's utility.
McCartney Stucky LLC's founders have vast experience handling cases that involve high-risk truck crashes and can help you seek compensation for your injuries. If you've been injured or a loved one been killed in an accident caused by a defective heavy truck, please contact our team as soon as possible.
6. Defective maintenance
Maintenance is essential in the trucking industry to ensure the freight and drivers are safe. Improper maintenance can result in tire blowouts, brake malfunctions and other dangers. Defective maintenance could lead to serious truck accidents that cause injuries or death.
Large trucks are often involved in accidents due to inadequate maintenance. The majority of these accidents can be prevented.
Companies can enhance their performance and decrease failures by planning maintenance. These include following safety procedures as well as regularly checking equipment and conducting routine maintenance.
While it may be difficult to establish a system to manage maintenance, it can save you money and prevent future accidents. Preventative maintenance is often cheaper than paying for repairs following an accident.
The team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can help if you've suffered injured in an accident that was caused by a company's negligent maintenance of a residential and commercial property. For more information about our services and solutions, please contact us. The legal experts at our firm have extensive experience in the field of premises liability and will work to maximize your compensation.
7. Injuries
A semi truck's weight and size can result in severe injury or death if it encounters a vehicle that is a passenger. These crashes can cause the deaths of both the truck driver and passengers.
While there are many different 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 ranges from minor fractures up to amputations.
Amputations can cause nerve damage permanent nerve damage and even infection. They can also be painful and difficult to treat.
Semitruck accidents can lead to severe injuries like spinal cord injuries. A spinal cord injury can cause victims to suffer cognitive and physical disabilities that can impact their lives for years to come.
eau claire truck accident lawsuits and neck injuries are also commonplace in semi truck accidents. These injuries could be caused by the impact of the collision or flying objects that hit the victim's head or neck. These injuries can cause whiplash or traumatic brain injuries, depending on the incident.