Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
If you or someone close to you has been injured in a collision that involved a commercial truck, you may require an attorney for semi-truck accidents. Since these accidents are unique, you'll want someone who knows the specific laws and regulations that apply to commercial trucks.
Truck accidents can lead to liability for many parties which include the trucking company the driver, the manufacturer and many others. A competent lawyer will be competent to assist you in navigating these legal waters and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
1. Human error
Human error is a huge factor in truck accidents. In fact nearly 87 percent of crashes involving trucks are caused by some kind of error. This is because most people don't have a complete understanding of the elements involved in the process of getting a big truck or an 18-wheeler onto the road and keeping it safe.
In addition, truckers who work for long hours without having enough rest could result in fatal accidents. Research shows that fatigued drivers is the cause of 30 percent of truck accident deaths.
Truckers must adhere to all federal and state rules regarding the amount of time they can drive in a day and how many hours of sleep they must get before they are able to drive again. This can prevent accidents from occurring in the first place, and it also ensures the safety of other drivers.
However, human error is a complex matter that involves many different people and situations. This makes it difficult to determine who's responsible for an accident and how much 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 injuries.
2. Defective equipment
There are many things that could go wrong with large industrial equipment and machinery that could fail, including malfunctioning safety systems and parts that are defective. Accidents caused by equipment that isn't working can transform a day at the workplace into a fatal or life-threatening scenario for employees and those near them.
The equipment that is defective can affect a company's reputation, and result in financial losses. Defective ladders can cause injuries and falls, and faulty insulation could result in burns or electrocution.
Defects in trailer or truck components can pose a risk to other drivers. For instance an issue with the brake system may make it difficult for truck drivers to control the vehicle.
This can cause a number of truck accidents, such as rear-end collisions and collisions other vehicles. Brakes can fail because of manufacturing issues or lack of maintenance from the mechanic.
In certain cases, the manufacturer can be held responsible for the defective equipment. 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 the amount of time truckers are able to work during a week. These limits are intended to stop fatigue, which could be the cause of many accidents.
Many truck drivers don't stick to the rules. Many truck drivers push themselves to their limits to exceed their company's mileage goals. This can lead to unruly driving habits and increased accidents risk.
Long hours can also result in long commutes, lack of sleep, and inability to finish tasks by the deadline. These factors can lead to stress and burnout that can be detrimental to your ability to perform at the highest level.
Despite the risks of working long hours, it's essential to remember that you're entitled to an honest shake. A semi truck accident lawyer is the best way to ensure your rights.
trucking lawyers can assist you file an insurance claim, collect damages or prove negligence on behalf the liable parties. A good lawyer will take the time to review your case and determine the most effective way to obtain the compensation you need and deserve.
4. Negligence
Negligence is defined as any act that violates someone's duty of care for the public. It is the reason for the majority of personal injury lawsuits. This duty of care entails hiring and educating safe drivers, and also testing for alcohol and substance use, and ensuring that trucks are maintained in a way that is safe.
Distracted driving - Truck drivers frequently perform multiple tasks while driving on the road, which could result in accidents. It is important to obey all laws pertaining to distracted driving.
Failure of equipment - In certain instances, a defect in the trailer or truck itself may be responsible for an accident. It is possible to bring a claim for product liability against the manufacturer of the truck, trailer or any component that contributed to an accident.
Cargo loaders - The companies that load trucks also have duties to ensure that the cargo is properly secured and balanced. Loose or imbalanced cargo can cause a truck driver to lose control and lead to an accident.
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision with a truck It is vital to seek out a reputable semi truck accident lawyer. They are able to investigate these types of cases and can help you prove that negligence caused your injuries.
5. Defective design
If a semi truck is involved in an accident, it's essential that an experienced attorney examines the truck's maintenance record and the records of the manufacturer of the vehicle to determine what caused the accident. An experienced Louisiana truck accident attorney will analyze these data to determine if there are design flaws which could be used as evidence in an action against the manufacturer.
Laws governing product liability state that a manufacturer can be held accountable for defectively designed products when there is a reasonable risk of injury. To establish a claim of design defect, plaintiffs must prove that a safer model existed at 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 a wealth of experience in handling cases involving high-risk truck crashes 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 truck, get in touch with our team as soon as possible.
6. Defective maintenance
In the trucking business, maintenance is crucial to ensure that drivers and freight are moving in a safe manner. Incorrect maintenance could lead to brake malfunctions, tire blowouts and other hazards. Similarly, defective maintenance can be the cause of a serious truck accident that causes deaths or injuries.
Large trucks are frequently involved in accidents due to inadequate maintenance. Most of these accidents could be avoided.
Companies can improve their performance and reduce the risk of failure by planning maintenance. These include implementing the right safety procedures, regularly inspecting equipment and performing routine maintenance.
Creating a systematic maintenance program isn't easy, but it can also help save money and avoid any future accidents. In fact, the cost of preventative maintenance could 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 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 vast experience in premises liability and will work hard to maximize your compensation.
7. Injuries
The weight and size of a semi truck could cause serious injury or even death in a collision with the vehicle of a passenger. These accidents can result in the deaths of both the truck driver and passengers.
While there are numerous kinds of injuries that could occur in a semi truck accident, the most common are broken bones and other damage that is traumatic. The severity of injuries can vary from minor fractures, to serious amputations.
Amputations can result in nerve damage, permanent nerve damage, and even infection. They can also be painful and difficult to treat.
Semitruck accidents can lead to severe injuries such as spinal injuries. A spinal cord injury can cause victims to suffer physical and cognitive disabilities that can impact their lives for a long time to come.
Neck and head injuries are also commonplace in semi truck accidents. These injuries can be caused by the force of the crash or by flying objects that strike the victim's neck or head. These injuries can cause whiplash, or even traumatic brain injuries depending on the accident.