Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
A semi truck accident attorney may be needed if you or someone you love has been injured in a collision with a truck. Because these accidents are so unique, you'll want someone who is knowledgeable about the specific laws and regulations that govern commercial trucks.
There are many parties who could be held accountable for an accident with a truck, such as the driver, the trucking company, the manufacturer, and many more. A competent lawyer will be able to navigate these areas and make sure you get the compensation that you are entitled to.
1. Human error
Most truck accidents are caused by human error. In fact, 87 percent of truck crashes involve an error of some sort. This is because most people don't understand all the elements involved in getting a massive truck or an 18-wheeler onto the road and maintaining its safety.
Additionally, truck drivers who work long hours without getting enough rest can result in fatal accidents. The data shows that fatigue of drivers is the main cause of 30 percent of all truck accident fatalities.
It is important for truckers to follow federal and state regulations on how many hours they are allowed to drive in a day and how much sleep they must get before they can drive again. This helps to prevent accidents from happening in the first place, and also ensures the safety of passengers and other drivers.
However, human error is a complex matter that involves many different people and circumstances. It is hard to determine who was at fault for an accident and how much you are liable for your injuries. It requires the assistance of an experienced large truck crash attorney to determine the causes of a collision to determine who could be at legal liability for paying money damages.
2. Defective equipment
Large industrial equipment and machinery can be subject to many issues, including malfunctioning safety devices and defective parts. Accidents caused by equipment that isn't working could turn a routine day at the worksite into a fatal or life-threatening circumstance for workers and the people surrounding them.
Equipment failure can also lead to financial losses and damage to a company's reputation. Ladders that are not properly constructed can cause falls and injuries and electrical equipment could have a defective insulation that can cause burns or electrocution.
The defects in the trailer or truck parts can pose a danger to other drivers. For example a brake system that is not working properly may make it difficult for a truck driver to control the vehicle.
This could lead to a variety of truck accidents, including rear-end collisions and collisions other vehicles. Brakes can become faulty due to an issue with the manufacturing process or due to inadequate maintenance by the owner or mechanic.
In some cases manufacturers can be held accountable for defective equipment. If the defect in a piece of equipment is the reason of an accident, a semi-truck accident lawyer may 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 the week. These limits are intended to reduce fatigue that can lead to many accidents.
A lot of truck drivers don't adhere to the rules. Many truck drivers push themselves beyond their limits to go beyond their company's miles goals. This can lead them to have erratic driving habits, and increase the risk.
Long hours can also result in long commutes, lack of sleep, as well as the inability to complete tasks within the deadline. All of these factors can lead to stress and burnout which can have a significant impact on your ability to complete your job at a high standard.
Despite the dangers of working for long hours, it's important to remember that you're entitled to an equal chance to be treated with respect. A semi truck accident lawyer is the best way to protect your rights.
A good lawyer can assist you make an insurance claim, collect damages, or demonstrate negligence on behalf of the responsible parties. A competent lawyer will be sure to examine your case to determine the best course of action to obtain the compensation you're entitled to.
4. Negligence
Negligence is any action that is in violation of a person's obligation of care for the public, and it is the foundation for most personal injury claims. This duty of care may include hiring and training safe drivers, testing them for drug use and alcohol consumption, as well as maintaining trucks in a timely manner.
Distracted driving - Truck drivers often do multiple tasks while on the roads, which could result in accidents. It is important to obey all laws regarding driving distracted.
Equipment failure - In a few instances, a defect or defect in the trailer or truck itself could be the cause of an accident. You can file a product liability case against the truck or trailer manufacturer, as well as any of the parts that were involved in an accident.
Cargo loaders - The businesses who load trucks also have responsibilities to ensure that the cargo is secured and balanced. Truck drivers could lose control of their trucks if they have unbalanced or unbalanced cargo. This could lead to accidents.
A seasoned semi truck accident attorney is recommended if or someone you love has been hurt during a crash involving a truck. They are well-versed in these types of cases and can assist you to prove that negligence caused 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 what caused the crash. An experienced Louisiana truck accident attorney will utilize these records to determine if there are design flaws which can be used as evidence in a lawsuit against the manufacturer.
Laws governing product liability state that a manufacturer is responsible for defectively designed products in cases where the reasonably anticipated risks of injury from it could have been prevented by the use of an alternative design. To establish a claim of design defect plaintiffs must demonstrate that a safer design existed at the time of the injury and that a safer alternative would have prevented the injury without affecting the product's utility.
McCartney Stucky LLC's founders have extensive experience in handling cases involving crashworthiness of heavy trucks and are able to assist you in obtaining 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
In the trucking industry, maintaining is essential to ensure that drivers and freight are moving safely. Unprofessional maintenance can cause tire blowouts, brake malfunctions and other risks. Similarly, defective maintenance can be the cause of a serious truck accident that results in deaths or injuries.
Large trucks are frequently involved in accidents due to poor maintenance. Fortunately, most of these accidents can be avoided.
Regular maintenance is an essential aspect of any company, and companies can take steps to enhance their performance and decrease the likelihood of failures using preventative measures. This includes implementing safe procedures, regularly inspecting equipment and conducting routine maintenance.
Although it isn't easy to develop a system of maintenance, it can save you money and help to prevent future accidents. In reality the cost of preventative maintenance could often be less than paying for repairs after an accident.
If you have been injured due to the carelessness of a business's maintenance of a commercial or residential property our team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can help you find an answer to your case. For more information on our services, please contact us. Our legal experts at our firm have extensive experience in the field of premises liability and will work to maximize your compensation.
7. Injuries
The weight and size can cause severe injuries or death when it is struck by a car. In some cases, the truck's driver and the passengers in the vehicle die in these crashes.
There are a variety of injuries that could be sustained during semi-truck accidents however the most common ones are fractured bones and other trauma damage. Injuries can range from minor fractures up to Amputations.
Amputations are very serious injuries as they can lead to permanent nerve damage and infection. Amputations can be extremely painful and difficult for patients to treat.
Semitruck accidents can lead to severe injuries like spinal cord injuries. A spinal cord injury could leave victims with physical and cognitive impairments that may affect their lives for a long time to come.
Semitruck accidents can also result in neck and head injuries to the head and neck. These injuries are caused by the force of the crash , or flying objects that hit the victim's head or neck. These injuries can cause whiplash, or traumatic brain injuries, depending on the incident.