Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision involving a commercial truck, you may need to hire an attorney who handles semi truck accidents. Because these types of accidents are unique, you'll want someone who knows the specific laws and regulations that govern commercial trucks.
There are many parties that could be held responsible for a truck accident, including the driver as well as the trucking company, the manufacturer, and many more. A skilled lawyer will know how to navigate all of these areas, and will ensure you receive the amount of compensation you deserve.
1. Human error
Human error is a major factor in truck accidents. In fact, 87% of truck accidents involve some type of error. This is due to the fact that most people don't know all the elements involved in getting a large truck or 18-wheeler on the road and keeping it safe.
Drivers of trucks who work long hours and don't sleep enough could also cause fatal accidents. The data shows that fatigue of drivers is the main cause of 30 percent of truck accident fatalities.
As a result, it is vital for truckers abide by state and federal regulations on how many hours they can drive in a day and how much sleep they should get before they can drive again. This will prevent accidents from occurring in the first place, and it also ensures the safety of other drivers.
Human error is a complicated issue that can involve a variety of people and various circumstances. This makes it difficult to determine who is accountable for an accident and how much you are entitled to for your injuries. It requires the assistance of an experienced attorney for large truck crashes to investigate the causes of a crash in order to determine who might be the one with legal responsibility for paying you damages in cash.
2. Defective equipment
There are many things that can be wrong with large industrial machinery and equipment, including malfunctioning safety systems and defective components. The result of injuries caused by defective equipment can turn a simple day at work into a life-altering or fatal circumstance for workers and the people who are around them.
The malfunctioning equipment may harm a company's reputation and cause financial losses. Ladders that are not properly constructed can cause injuries and falls, while electrical equipment may be infected with a defect that could cause burns and electrocution.
Defects in the truck or trailer components can pose a risk to other drivers. A truck driver might have trouble controlling the truck because of a brake system that is not working properly.
This can lead to many truck accidents, such as rear-end collisions, as well as collisions with other trucks. Brakes can fail due to a manufacturing defect or due a lack of maintenance by the mechanic or owner.
In some cases, the manufacturer of the equipment that is defective can be liable. If the defect in a piece of equipment is the cause 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 truckers are allowed to work in a week. These limits are designed to prevent fatigue, which can lead to numerous accidents.
Unfortunately, many truck drivers don't follow the rules. In a bid to reach their company's mileage goals they push themselves to the edge of these limits. This can cause numerous issues, including overworked drivers and erratic driving patterns, and a higher chance of accidents.
Long commutes and lack of sleep can all lead to long hours and a decreased ability to finish tasks on time. These issues can cause stress and burnout , which could be detrimental to your ability perform at an elite level.
Despite the risks of working long hours, it's essential to remember that you are entitled to an honest shake. A semi truck accident lawyer is the best option to ensure your rights.
A competent lawyer can assist you file the appropriate insurance claim, get damages and prove negligence on the part of liable parties. A professional will be sure to examine your case to determine the best method to secure the amount you are due.
4. Negligence
Negligence refers to any act that is in violation of a person's duty to care towards the public. It is the basis for most personal injuries claims. This duty of care can include hiring and training safe drivers as well as testing them for drug use and alcohol consumption, as well as maintaining the truck in a proper manner.
Distracted driving - A lot of truck drivers are involved in various tasks while driving and can be an important factor in accidents. It is essential to adhere to all laws regarding driving distracted.
Equipment failure - Sometimes, an accident may be caused by a defect in the truck trailer, or in the truck. You can file a product liability claim against the truck manufacturer or trailer manufacturer, as well as any of the components that played a role to an accident.
Cargo loaders: Companies who load trucks are responsible to ensure that cargo is properly secured. Truck drivers could lose control of their trucks when they have unbalanced or unbalanced cargo. This can result in accidents.
If you or someone you love was injured in a crash involving a truck it is crucial to consult a skilled semi truck accident attorney. They are aware of how to investigate these cases and will help you establish that negligence was the cause of your injuries.
5. Defective design
An experienced attorney should scrutinize the maintenance records of the semi truck and the manufacturer's records to determine the reason for an accident. A seasoned Louisiana truck accident lawyer will analyze these data to discover design flaws that can be used as evidence in an action against the manufacturer.
Laws governing product liability state that a manufacturer can be held responsible for products that are defective if there are reasonable foreseeable risks of injury. To prove design defect claims plaintiffs must prove that a safer product was available at the time of the injury and that a safer alternative could have prevented the injury, without impacting the utility of the product.
McCartney Stucky LLC's founders have vast experience in handling cases involving high-risk truck crashes and can help you seek compensation for your injuries. Contact our team immediately if you or a loved one has been injured by a defective truck.
6. Defective maintenance
In the trucking industry, proper maintenance is vital to keep drivers and freight moving safely. Incorrect maintenance can result in tire blowouts, brake malfunctions and other hazards. In the same way, improper maintenance could 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. Most of these accidents can be prevented.
Planning maintenance is an essential aspect of any company, and companies can take measures to enhance their performance and decrease the likelihood of failures taking preventative measures. These include following safety procedures as well as regularly checking equipment and conducting routine maintenance.
Implementing a well-planned maintenance program isn't easy, but it can also save money and avoid any future accidents. Prevention-based maintenance is usually less expensive than paying for repairs after an incident.
If you have been injured in an accident caused by the negligence of a company's maintenance of a commercial or residential property The team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can assist you in finding the solution to your case. For more information about our services we invite you to contact us. Our firm's legal professionals have years of experience in premises liability. They will fight to get the maximum amount of compensation.
7. Injuries
The size and weight could cause serious injury or even death if it encounters a vehicle that is a passenger. In some cases the driver of the truck and passengers in their vehicle are killed in these collisions.
There are a myriad of injuries that can be sustained from semi truck accidents however the most common ones are fractured bones as well as other trauma injuries. Injuries can range from minor fractures to severe amputations.
Amputations can result in nerve damage, permanent nerve damage, and even infections. Amputations can be extremely painful and difficult to treat for patients.
Semitruck accidents can cause severe injuries such as spinal injuries. A spinal cord injury may cause physical and cognitive impairments that last a lifetime.
Semitruck accidents can also cause head and neck injuries. These injuries can be caused by the force of the collision or flying objects that strike the victim's head or neck. Depending on the nature of the incident these injuries can result in whiplash or a brain injury.