Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
A semi truck accident lawyer may be needed if you or someone you love has been injured in a collision with a truck. Since these accidents are unique, you'll want someone who is familiar with the specific laws and regulations that govern commercial trucks.
Truck accidents can create liability for several parties including the trucking firm the driver, the manufacturer and many others. A skilled lawyer will know how to navigate through all of these areas to ensure you get the money you are entitled to.
1. Human error
Human error is a huge factor in truck accidents. In fact nearly 87 percent of accidents involving trucks involve the possibility of error. This is because the majority of people aren't aware of all the elements involved in the process of getting a big truck or an 18-wheeler onto the road and keeping it safe.
Drivers of trucks who work long hours and don't get enough sleep could also cause fatal accidents. Data shows that driver fatigue is the reason for 30 percent of truck accident fatalities.
Therefore, it is vital for truckers abide by state and federal rules regarding how long they can drive in a day and how much sleep they need to get before they can drive again. This prevents accidents from occurring in the first place, and also ensures the safety of passengers as well as other drivers.
Human error is a complicated issue that can involve many individuals and different situations. This makes it difficult to determine who's responsible for an accident and how much you are entitled to for your injuries. It requires the help of an experienced large truck crash lawyer to determine the causes of a crash in order to determine who is the legal responsibility for paying money damages.
2. Defective equipment
There are a lot of things that could happen to large industrial machinery and equipment that could fail, including malfunctioning safety systems and faulty parts. Injuries caused by defective equipment could turn a routine day at the worksite into a life-altering or fatal circumstance for workers and the people near them.
The equipment that is defective can damage a company's reputation and result in financial losses. Defective ladders can cause injuries and falls, while poor insulation can cause burns or electrocution.
Moreover, defects in truck and trailer parts can be dangerous to other drivers. A truck driver might experience difficulty controlling the truck because of an issue with the brake system.
This could lead to a variety of truck accidents, such as rear-end collisions and collisions other trucks. Brakes can fail due to a manufacturing defect or due to lack of maintenance by the owner or mechanic.
In some instances the manufacturer could be held accountable for the defective equipment. If an issue with a piece of equipment is the cause of an accident, a semi-truck accident attorney may seek compensation from the manufacturer.
3. Long hours
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates the hours truckers are allowed to work in a week. These limits are designed to prevent fatigue, which could be an element in many accidents.
A lot of truck drivers don't adhere to the rules. Many truck drivers go over their limits to surpass their company's mileage goals. This can lead to unruly driving habits, and increase the risk.
Long commutes and insufficient amount of sleep can result in long hours, as well as a reduced ability to complete tasks on time. All of these contribute to stress and burnout which can have a huge impact on your ability to do your job at a high level.
Despite the dangers of working for long hours, it's important to remember that you're entitled to fair treatment. A semi truck accident lawyer is the best way to ensure your rights are protected.
A good lawyer can assist you make an insurance claim, recover damages, or prove negligence on behalf of the liable parties. A good lawyer will take the time to review your case to determine the best way to proceed to receive the amount you are due.
4. Negligence
Negligence is defined as any act that is in violation of a person's duty to care to the public. It is the basis for most personal injury lawsuits. This duty of care includes hiring and educating safe drivers, and also testing their alcohol and drug use, and ensuring that trucks are maintained in a safe manner.
Distracted driving - Truck drivers take on multiple activities while on the road, and this can be an important cause of accidents. Distracted driving is illegal.
Failure of the equipment - In some cases, a defect in the truck or trailer itself could be the cause of an accident. It is possible to file a claim for product liability against the manufacturer of the trailer, truck or any component which caused the accident.
Cargo loaders - Companies that 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 accident lawyer is recommended if you or someone you love has been hurt in a truck accident. They are experienced in these types of cases and will help prove that negligence caused your injuries.
5. Defective design
A qualified attorney should review the maintenance records of the semi truck and records of the manufacturer to determine the cause of an accident. A seasoned Louisiana truck accident attorney will utilize these information to discover design flaws which could be used as evidence in an action against the manufacturer.
Product liability law says that a manufacturer can be held accountable for defective products if there are reasonable foreseeable risks of injury. To prove a claim for design defects plaintiffs must demonstrate that a safer model existed at the time of injury, and that a safer alternative would have prevented the injury, without impacting the utility of the product.
McCartney Stucky LLC's founders have a wealth of expertise in handling cases involving crashworthiness of heavy trucks and are able to assist you in obtaining compensation for your injuries. If you've suffered injuries or have a loved one who has been killed in an accident caused by a defective truck, contact our team as soon as you can.
6. Defective maintenance
Maintenance is essential in the trucking industry to ensure that drivers and freight are safe. Incorrect maintenance can lead to tire blowouts, brake malfunctions and other dangers. Additionally, improper maintenance may be the cause of a serious truck accident that results in injuries or fatalities.
Maintenance that is not up to par is one of the most frequent causes of accidents with large trucks. Fortunately, the majority of these accidents can be avoided.
Planned maintenance is an important part of any business, and companies can take measures to increase their efficiency and reduce the risk of failures taking preventative measures. This includes implementing safe procedures, regularly checking equipment and conducting routine maintenance.
Creating a systematic maintenance program isn't easy, however it can also help save money and prevent further accidents. lexington truck accident lawyer YouTube -based maintenance is usually less expensive than paying for repairs following an incident.
The team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can help if you've suffered injured in an accident caused by a company's negligent maintenance of a residential and commercial property. Contact us today to learn more about our services. The lawyers at our firm have vast experience in premises liability and will work to maximize your compensation.
7. Injuries
The weight and size of a semi-truck can cause severe injury or death in a collision with the passenger car. These accidents can result in the death of the truck driver as well as the passengers.
There are a myriad of injuries that could be sustained from semi truck accidents The most frequent ones are broken bones , as well as other traumatic damage. There are fractures that are not serious or severe amputations.
Amputations can lead to nerve damage, permanent nerve damage, and even infections. They can be extremely painful and difficult to treat.
Spinal cord injuries are another kind of serious injury that can happen in an accident involving semi trucks. A spinal cord injury could cause cognitive and physical impairments that could affect their lives for years to come.
Neck and head injuries are also commonplace in semi-truck accidents. These injuries may be caused by the impact of the crash or flying objects that strike the victim's head or neck. These injuries can result in whiplash or traumatic brain injuries, depending on the cause of the accident.