Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
A semi truck accident attorney might be required if or someone you love has been injured in a collision with a truck. Because these accidents are so individual, you'll need someone who knows the specific laws and regulations that apply to commercial trucks.
There are many parties that can be held liable for an accident involving a truck, including the driver the trucking company the manufacturer, and more. A skilled lawyer will know how to navigate all of these areas and ensure that you get the compensation that you are entitled to.
1. Human error
Truck accidents are usually caused by human error. In fact, 87 percent of truck accidents result from the possibility of human error. This is because a majority of people don't have a complete understanding of the factors involved in getting a massive truck or an 18-wheeler onto the road and keeping it safe.
Drivers of trucks who work long hours and don't have enough sleep could also cause fatal accidents. Statistics show that fatigued drivers is the cause of 30 percent of all truck accident fatalities.
It is important for truckers to adhere to federal and state regulations on the amount of time they can drive in a day and how much sleep they need before driving again. This prevents accidents from occurring in the first place, and also helps ensure safety for other drivers.
Human error is a complex issue that involves a myriad of people and situations. This makes it difficult to determine who is accountable for an accident and what you're entitled to for your injuries. An experienced attorney who specializes in large truck accidents can help you determine who is legally responsible for your injuries.
2. Defective equipment
There are a lot of things that could fail with large industrial machinery and equipment such as malfunctioning safety systems and defective components. The result of injuries caused by defective equipment can turn a simple working day to a life-threatening situation for the workers and others who are around them.
Equipment failure can also lead to financial losses and damage to the company's reputation. Defective ladders can lead to injuries and falls and electrical equipment could have faulty insulation that could cause burns and electrocution.
Defects in truck or trailer components can pose a risk to other drivers. A truck driver might have difficulty controlling the truck due to a malfunctioning brake system.
This could lead to a variety of truck accidents, including rear-end collisions and collisions with other vehicles. Brakes can become faulty due to an issue with the manufacturing process or due a lack of maintenance by the mechanic or owner.
In some instances, the manufacturer of the equipment that is defective might be liable. A semi truck accident lawyer may seek compensation from the manufacturer in the event that there is a defect in the component of the equipment is the cause of the incident.
3. Long hours
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates the number of hours truckers can work during the week. These limits are set to avoid fatigue, which can be the cause of many accidents.
Many truck drivers don't adhere to the rules. Many truck drivers exceed their limits to surpass their company's mileage goals. This can lead to unruly driving habits, and increase the risk.
Long hours can also result in long commutes, lack of sleep, and difficulty in completing tasks before the deadline. All of these can lead to stress and burnout which can have a huge impact on your ability to perform your job at a high-quality.
Despite the dangers of working long hours, it's essential to remember that you're entitled to a fair shake. A semi truck accident lawyer is the best way to ensure your rights are protected.
A good lawyer can help you file an insurance claim, recover damages, or show negligence on behalf of the responsible parties. A competent lawyer will examine your case and determine the best method to secure the compensation you're entitled to.
4. Negligence
Negligence is any action that breaches a person's duty of care for the public and is the reason for the majority of personal injury claims. This duty of care involves hiring and educating safe drivers, and also testing them for alcohol and drug use, and maintaining their vehicles in a proper manner.
Distracted driving - A lot of truck drivers engage in several tasks while they are driving and this could be a significant factor in accidents. Distracted driving is a crime.
Equipment failure - In some cases, a defect in the trailer or the truck itself could be the cause of an accident. You can file a product liability claim against the truck manufacturer or trailer manufacturer, as well as any other component that was involved to the accident.
Cargo loaders – Companies that load trucks have responsibilities to ensure that cargo is properly secured. Incorrect or unbalanced cargo could cause a truck driver lose control and could cause an accident.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash involving a truck, it is essential to contact an experienced semi truck accident lawyer. They understand how to investigate these types of cases and can help you prove that negligence caused your injuries.
5. Defective design
A qualified attorney should look over the maintenance records of the semi truck and records of the manufacturer to determine the cause of an accident. A seasoned Louisiana truck accident lawyer will use these data to discover design flaws that can be used as evidence in lawsuits against the manufacturer.
Laws governing product liability state that a manufacturer can be held responsible for defectively designed products if there is a reasonable risk of injury. To prove claims of design defects, plaintiffs must prove that a safer product was available at the time of injury, and that a less hazardous alternative could have prevented the injury without impacting the utility of the product.
McCartney Stucky LLC's founders have vast expertise in handling cases involving heavy truck crashesworthiness and can assist you in seeking compensation for your injuries. Contact our team immediately should you or your loved one have been hurt by a truck that was defective.
6. Defective maintenance
Maintenance is essential in the trucking industry to ensure that drivers and freight are safe. Unprofessional maintenance can cause brake malfunctions, tire blowouts and other risks. Poor maintenance can also cause serious truck accidents that cause injuries or even death.
Maintenance issues are among the most frequent causes of accidents involving large trucks. Fortunately, most of these accidents are avoidable.
Companies can enhance their performance and decrease failures by planning maintenance. These include implementing proper safety procedures, regularly checking equipment and performing routine maintenance.
The process of creating a comprehensive maintenance plan isn't easy, however it can also save money and prevent future accidents. Prevention is usually cheaper than paying for repairs after an accident.
The team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can assist if you've been hurt in an accident that was caused by a company's negligent maintenance of a residential or commercial property. Contact us today to learn more about our services. Our legal professionals from our firm have years of experience in premises liability. They will strive for maximum compensation.
7. Injuries
The size and weight can cause serious injury or even death when it collides with a passenger vehicle. These crashes can cause the death of the truck driver and the passengers.
While there are many types of injuries that can be sustained in a semi-truck accident, the most frequent are broken bones and injuries that are traumatic. There are minor fractures that can occur or even severe Amputations.
Amputations can cause nerve damage permanent nerve damage and even infection. Amputations can be extremely painful and difficult to treat for patients.
trucking accident lawyer near me can cause severe injuries, including spinal cord injuries. A spinal cord injury can cause cognitive and physical disabilities that can impact their lives for the rest of their lives.
Head and neck injuries are also commonplace in semi truck accidents. These injuries can be caused by the impact of a collision or by flying objects hitting the victim's neck or head. Depending on the nature of the accident the injuries could cause whiplash or a traumatic brain injury.