Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
A semi truck accident attorney is required if you or someone you care about has been injured in a truck crash. Because these types of accidents are specific, you'll need someone who understands the specific laws and regulations that apply to commercial trucks.
Truck accidents can create liability for many parties, including the trucking company driver, manufacturer, and others. A skilled lawyer will know how to navigate all of these areas to ensure you receive the amount of compensation you are entitled to.
1. Human error
Human error is a major factor in truck accidents. In fact nearly 87 percent of truck crashes involve some kind of error. This is because most people don't know all the elements that go into getting a huge tractor or 18-wheeler onto a road and maintaining its safety.
In addition, truck drivers who work long hours without getting enough rest can cause fatal accidents. In fact, data shows that 30 percent of all fatal truck accidents are the result of fatigued drivers.
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 need before they are able to drive again. This prevents accidents from happening in the first place, and also ensures the safety of other drivers.
However, human error is a complicated issue that affects a variety of individuals and circumstances. This makes it difficult to determine who is accountable for an accident and what you are entitled to for your injuries. It requires the help of an experienced large truck crash attorney to look into the causes of a crash in order to figure out who may have legal responsibility for paying you money damages.
2. Defective equipment
There are a lot of things that can go wrong with large industrial equipment and machinery which includes malfunctioning safety equipment and defective components. Injuries caused by defective equipment can turn a simple day at work into a life-altering or fatal circumstance for workers and the people around them.
The equipment that is defective can harm a company's reputation and result in financial losses. Incorrect ladders can lead to injuries and falls, while faulty insulation could result in electrocution or burns.
The defects in the trailer or truck components can pose a risk to other drivers. For instance an issue with the brake system could make it difficult for a truck driver to control the vehicle.
This could lead to a variety of truck accidents, including rear-end crashes and collisions with other vehicles. Brakes can fail due to manufacturing issues or lack of maintenance by the mechanic.
In some instances the manufacturer could be held accountable for the defective equipment. If the defect in a piece of equipment is the reason of an accident, a semi-truck accident lawyer can 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 intended to prevent fatigue which can cause numerous accidents.
A lot of truck drivers don't adhere to the rules. To meet the company's mileage targets, they go over these limits. This can lead to erratic driving habits, and increase the risk.
Long hours can also result in long commutes, lack of sleep, and inability to complete tasks before the deadline. These issues can cause stress and burnout , which could significantly impact your ability perform at a high-level job.
While long hours can be hazardous It is essential to remember that you are entitled to fair treatment. A semi truck accident lawyer is the best option to ensure that you are protected.
The right lawyer can help you file the correct insurance claim, recover damages, and prove negligence on the part of responsible parties. A professional lawyer will examine your case to determine the best course of action to secure the compensation you're entitled to.
4. Negligence
Negligence is any act which violates a person's obligation of care to the public. It is the basis for most personal injury claims. This duty of responsibility could include hiring and training safe drivers as well as testing them for drug use and alcohol consumption, and maintaining trucks in a timely manner.
Distracted driving - Truck drivers typically perform multiple tasks while on the roads, which can lead to accidents. It is essential to adhere to the law regarding distracted driving.
Failure of the equipment - In some instances, a flaw in the truck or trailer is a factor in an accident. You can file a product liability claim against the truck manufacturer or trailer manufacturer, as well as any component parts that contributed to the accident.
Cargo loaders - The businesses who load trucks also have duties to ensure that the cargo is secured and balanced. Unbalanced or loose cargo can cause a truck driver to lose control and cause an accident.
If you or someone you love was injured in a crash involving a truck it is crucial to speak with a seasoned semi truck accident lawyer. They understand 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 is important that a qualified attorney examines the truck's maintenance record and records from the manufacturer of the vehicle to determine what led to the crash. A seasoned Louisiana truck accident lawyer will analyze these data to identify possible design defects that can be used as evidence in an action against the manufacturer.
Product liability law says that a manufacturer may be held responsible for defectively designed products when there is a reasonable risk of injury. To prove claims of design defect the plaintiffs must demonstrate that a safer design existed at the time of injury, and that a less dangerous alternative could have avoided the harm , without affecting the product's functionality.
McCartney Stucky LLC's founders have vast expertise in handling cases involving the safety of heavy trucks and can assist you in seeking compensation for your injuries. If you have been injured or have a loved one who has been killed in an accident caused by a defective heavy truck, call our team as soon as you can.
6. Defective maintenance
Maintenance is vital in the trucking industry to ensure drivers and freight are safe. Incorrect maintenance could lead to tire blowouts, brake malfunctions and other hazards. Incorrect maintenance can cause serious truck accidents that cause injuries or even death.
Defective maintenance is one of the most frequent causes of accidents that involve large trucks. The majority of these accidents can be avoided.
Maintenance plans are an essential element of any business and companies can take measures to increase their efficiency and reduce the risk of failures taking preventative measures. These include following safety procedures checking equipment regularly, and performing routine maintenance.
Although it isn't easy to design a system for maintenance, it will save you money and prevent any future accidents. In reality the cost of preventative maintenance could often be less than the cost for repairs following an accident.
The team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can assist if you've been injured in an accident that was caused by a company's negligent maintenance of a residential or commercial property. For more information about our services get in touch with us. The lawyers 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 size and weight can result in serious injuries or even death if it encounters a vehicle that is a passenger. In some cases the truck's driver and the passengers in the vehicle die in these accidents.
While there are many different types of injuries that can be sustained in a semi-truck accident, the most common are broken bones and other trauma-related damages. It is possible to sustain minor fractures or severe amputations.
Amputations can result in nerve damage permanent nerve damage and even infections. Amputations can also be painful and difficult to treat for patients.
Spinal cord injuries are a different type of serious injury that can happen in a semi truck accident. A spinal cord injury could cause physical and cognitive impairments that last a life time.
Neck and head injuries are also common in semi-truck accidents. These injuries can be caused either by the impact of a collision or flying objects hitting the victim's neck or head. Depending on the nature of the incident the injuries could cause whiplash or a brain injury.