Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
If you or someone close to you has been injured in a collision involving a commercial truck, you may require an attorney for semi-truck accidents. These kinds of accidents are rare and you'll need someone who is knowledgeable of the laws and regulations applicable to commercial trucks.
There are many parties that could be held responsible for an accident involving a truck, including the driver and the trucking company, the manufacturer, and many others. A good lawyer will be able to help you navigate these legal pitfalls and ensure that you receive the money you deserve.
1. Human error
Human error is a huge factor in truck accidents. In fact, 87 percent of truck accidents result from an error of some kind. This is a problem because many people are unaware of all the factors which go into the process of getting a large rig or 18-wheeler out on the roads and keeping it secure.
Truck drivers who work long hours and don't have enough sleep can cause fatal accidents. In fact, data shows that 30 percent of all fatal truck accidents are caused by driver fatigue.
In the end, it is crucial for truckers to comply with federal and state regulations on the amount of time they are allowed to drive in a day and how many hours of sleep they need to get before they can drive again. This prevents accidents from occurring 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 conditions. This makes it difficult to determine who is at fault for an accident and what you are entitled to for your injuries. An experienced attorney who specializes in large truck accidents can assist you in determining who is legally responsible for your damages.
2. Defective equipment
There are a lot of things that can happen to huge industrial machinery and equipment such as malfunctioning safety systems and defective components. Injuries caused by defective equipment can turn a normal day at the worksite into a life-altering or fatal circumstance for workers and the people who are around them.
The equipment that is defective can damage a company's reputation and result in financial losses. A defective ladder can cause falls and injuries, while electrical equipment may have a defective insulation that could cause burns or electrocution.
Furthermore, issues with the parts of the trailer and truck can be dangerous to other drivers. For example a brake system that is not working properly could make it difficult for truck drivers to control the vehicle.
This could lead to a variety of truck accidents, such as rear-end collisions as well as collisions with other trucks. Brakes can fail because of manufacturing defects or a lack of maintenance by the mechanic.
In some cases, the manufacturer of the equipment that is defective may be liable. A semi truck accident lawyer may seek compensation from the manufacturer if a defect in an piece of equipment is the cause of an accident.
3. Long hours
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates the hours that truckers are allowed work during a week. The limits are designed to avoid fatigue, which is the cause of many accidents.
Unfortunately many truck drivers don't follow the rules. Many truck drivers push themselves beyond their limits to exceed their company's mileage goals. This can cause various issues which include stressed drivers, erratic driving habits, and a higher chance of accidents.
Long hours can also be a long commute, lack of sleep, as well as the inability to complete tasks within the deadline. All of these can lead to burnout and stress which could have a profound impact on your ability to do your job at a high standard.
While working long hours can be dangerous it is vital to be aware that you are entitled to fair treatment. A semi truck accident lawyer is the best option to ensure your rights.
A good lawyer can assist you file an insurance claim, get damages, or prove negligence on behalf of the liable parties. A professional lawyer will be sure to examine your case and determine the best way to proceed to obtain the compensation you're entitled to.
4. Negligence
Negligence refers to any action that breaches a person's duty of care for the public and is the basis for most personal injury lawsuits. This duty of care can include hiring and training safe drivers and testing them for alcohol use and alcohol consumption, and maintaining trucks properly.
Distracted driving - A lot of truck drivers take on several tasks while they are on the road and this could be an important cause of accidents. Distracted driving is a crime.
Equipment failure A lot of times, an accident could be the result of a defect in the truck trailer or. You could file a Product Liability lawsuit against the truck or trailer manufacturer, or any of the components that played a role to the accident.
Cargo loaders - Companies who load trucks are responsible to ensure that cargo is secured. Loose or imbalanced cargo can cause a truck driver to lose control and could cause an accident.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash involving a truck it is crucial to speak with a seasoned semi truck accident attorney. They are experienced in these kinds of cases and can help prove that 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 root of an accident. These records can be used by an experienced Louisiana truck accident attorney to discover design flaws that could be used in lawsuits against a company.
The law of product liability states that a company can be held accountable for defectively designed products when there are reasonable risks of injury. To establish a claim of design defect plaintiffs must demonstrate that a safer product was available at the time of the injury and that a less hazardous alternative could have prevented the injury, without impacting the utility of the product.
At McCartney Stucky LLC, our founders have extensive experience handling heavy truck crashworthiness cases and can assist you to pursue 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
In the trucking industry, proper maintenance is vital to keep drivers and freight moving in a safe manner. Incorrect maintenance could lead to tire blowouts, brake malfunctions and other dangers. In the same way, improper maintenance could be the reason for a serious truck accident that results in injuries or fatalities.
Large trucks are frequently involved in accidents due to inadequate maintenance. Fortunately, the majority of these accidents are avoidable.
Companies can improve their performance and reduce the risk of failure by planning maintenance. This includes following safety protocols, inspecting equipment regularly, and conducting routine maintenance.
Although it isn't easy to establish a system to manage maintenance, it will save you money and prevent any future accidents. In fact, the cost of preventative maintenance can often be less than paying for repairs following an accident.
If you have suffered injuries due to the negligence of a company's maintenance of a commercial or residential property The team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can help you find the solution to your case. Contact us today to learn more about our services. The legal professionals of our firm have extensive experience in premises liability. They will work hard to get the maximum amount of compensation.
7. You Tube and weight can result in serious injuries or even death when it encounters a vehicle that is a passenger. These accidents could result in the death of both the truck driver and passengers.
There are many types 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 up to amputations.
Amputations are extremely serious injuries, since they can lead to permanent nerve damage and even infection. Amputations can also be painful and difficult to treat for patients.
Semitruck accidents can lead to severe injuries like spinal cord injuries. A spinal cord injury can cause physical and cognitive impairments that can last for a lifetime.
Semitruck accidents can also cause neck and head injuries to the head and neck. These injuries can be caused by the impact of a crash or by flying objects hitting the victim's neck or head. These injuries can cause whiplash or traumatic brain injuries based on the cause of the accident.