Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
A semi truck accident attorney is required if you or someone you love has been hurt in a truck crash. Because these types of accidents are individual, you'll need someone who understands the specific laws and regulations that apply to commercial trucks.
Accidents with trucks can cause liability for many parties including the trucking firm, driver, manufacturer, and many others. A competent lawyer will be able to navigate through all of these areas and ensure that you get the money you are entitled to.
1. Human error
The majority of truck accidents are caused by human error. In fact almost 87 percent of crashes involving trucks are caused by some kind of error. This is an issue because the majority of people are unaware of the many factors that go into the process of getting a large rig or 18-wheeler in the road and ensuring it is safe.
Drivers of trucks who work long hours and don't get enough rest can cause fatal accidents. Data shows that 30 percent of all truck accident fatalities are the result of fatigued drivers.
Truckers must abide by all federal and state regulations regarding how long they are allowed to drive in a day and how many hours of sleep they must get before they are able to drive again. This helps prevent accidents from occurring in the first place and also ensures the safety of other drivers.
Human error is a complicated issue that could involve many people and different circumstances. It's difficult to determine who is responsible for the accident and the amount you are entitled to for your injuries. It requires the assistance of an experienced large truck crash attorney to analyze the cause of a crash in order to determine who is the legal liability for paying money damages.
2. Defective equipment
There are many things that can happen to large industrial machinery and equipment such as malfunctioning safety systems and defective components. Defective equipment can cause injuries that can cause deaths or life-altering effects for workers and other people.
Failing equipment can also cause financial losses and damage to the company's reputation. The ladders that are not properly constructed can cause injuries and falls, while faulty insulation can cause burns or electrocution.
The defects in the trailer or truck components can pose a risk to other drivers. For instance, a malfunctioning brake system could make it difficult for truck drivers to steer the vehicle.
This can lead to a variety of truck accidents, including rear-end collisions and collisions with other vehicles. Brakes may fail due to a manufacturing defect or due to lack of maintenance by the mechanic or owner.
In some instances manufacturers can be held accountable for defective equipment. If the 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 can work per week. These limits are set to avoid fatigue, which can be an element in many accidents.
A lot of truck drivers don't adhere to the rules. In an effort to meet the company's mileage targets, they push themselves to the edge of the limits. This can result in erratic driving habits and increased accidents risk.
Long commutes and insufficient amount of sleep can lead to long hours, and a decrease in your ability to complete tasks on time. All of these contribute to burnout and stress which could have a profound impact on your ability your job at a high level.
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 ensure that you are protected.
A good lawyer can assist you file an insurance claim, collect damages or demonstrate negligence on behalf of the liable parties. A good lawyer will take the time to review your case and determine the best strategy to secure the compensation you deserve.
4. Negligence
Negligence refers to any action which violates a person's responsibility of care for the public. It is the foundation for most personal injury claims. This duty of care involves hiring and training safe drivers as well as testing their alcohol and drug usage, and maintaining the trucks in a manner that is appropriate.
Distracted driving - Many truck drivers engage in multiple tasks while driving, and this can be a significant factor in accidents. Distracted driving is illegal.
Equipment failure A lot of times, an accident could be caused by an issue with the truck trailer or truck. You may file a product liability action against the truck or trailer manufacturer, as well as any other component that was involved in an accident.
Cargo loaders - The companies who load trucks also have duties to ensure that the cargo is secured and balanced. Incorrect or unbalanced cargo could cause a truck driver lose control and could cause an accident.
An experienced semi truck crash lawyer is recommended if you or someone you love is injured in a collision with a truck. They are aware of how to investigate these types of cases and will help you establish that negligence was the cause of your injuries.
5. Defective design
If a semi-truck is involved in an accident, it's crucial that a professional review the maintenance records of the truck as well as the records from the manufacturer of the vehicle to determine the cause of the crash. These records can be used by a skilled Louisiana truck accident lawyer to discover design flaws that could be used in lawsuits against a company.
Laws governing product liability state that a manufacturer can be held liable for defectively designed products if there are reasonable risks of injury. To prove design defect claims, plaintiffs must prove that a safer design existed at time of injury and that a safer alternative would have prevented the injury without any impact on the product's use.
McCartney Stucky LLC's founders have a wealth of experience in handling cases involving heavy truck crashesworthiness and can help you seek 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, get in touch with our team as soon as you can.
6. Defective maintenance
Maintenance is essential in the trucking industry to ensure that the safety of both freight and drivers is assured. Unprofessional maintenance can lead to tire blowouts, brake malfunctions and other risks. Incorrect maintenance can cause serious truck accidents that result in injuries or death.
Large trucks are often involved in accidents due to poor maintenance. Fortunately, the majority of these accidents are preventable.
Companies can enhance their performance and reduce failures by planning maintenance. This means implementing appropriate safety procedures, regularly checking equipment and performing regular maintenance.
While it may be difficult to create a system for maintenance, it can save you money and help prevent future accidents. In reality, the cost of preventative maintenance may typically be less than paying for repairs after an accident.
The team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can assist if you've been injured in an accident that was caused by negligence of a business's maintenance of a residential and commercial property. For more information about our services and solutions, please contact us. Our legal professionals from our firm have extensive experience in premises liability. They will do their best to ensure maximum compensation.
7. Injuries
The weight and size of a semi truck could cause severe injury or death in a crash with the passenger car. In some instances the truck's driver as well as the passengers in their vehicle are killed in these collisions.
There are a variety of kinds of injuries that could be sustained in a semi-truck accident, the most common are broken bones as well as other traumatic damages. Injuries can range from minor fractures to severe amputations.
Amputations can result in nerve damage permanent nerve damage and even infections. Amputations can be extremely painful and difficult to treat for patients.
Spinal cord injuries are another kind of serious injury that can be sustained in the event of a semi truck crash. A spinal cord injury can cause physical and cognitive impairments that may last a life time.
houston trucking accident attorney can also cause head and neck injuries to the head and neck. These injuries can be caused by the impact of a collision or by flying objects hitting the head or neck of the victim. These injuries can result in whiplash, or even traumatic brain injuries depending on the crash.