Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
A semi truck accident attorney might be required if or someone you love has been hurt in a truck crash. Because these incidents are specific, you’ll need someone who is familiar with the specific laws and regulations that govern commercial trucks.
Truck accidents can create liability for a variety of parties which include the trucking company manufacturer, driver, and many others. A good lawyer will be competent to assist you in navigating these areas and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
1. Human error
Human error is a huge factor in truck accidents. In fact 87% of truck accidents involve the possibility of human error. This is an issue because most people are not aware of the various factors that affect the decision of putting a big rig 18-wheeler out on the roads and ensuring it is safe.
In addition, truckers who work for long hours without getting enough rest could cause fatal accidents. Research shows that fatigued drivers is the main cause of 30 percent of all truck accident deaths.
As a result, it is vital for truckers comply with federal and state regulations regarding the number of hours they can travel in a day and how many hours of sleep they need to get before they can drive again. This helps prevent accidents from occurring in the first place, and also provides safety for other drivers.
Human error is a complex matter that involves a myriad of people and situations. It can be difficult to determine who was responsible for the accident and how much you are liable for your injuries. It is necessary to work with an experienced large truck crash attorney to determine the causes of a crash and determine who might be the one with legal responsibility for paying you damages in cash.
2. Defective equipment
There are a lot of things that can happen to huge industrial machinery and equipment which includes malfunctioning safety equipment and defective parts. Defective equipment can cause injuries that can cause fatalities or life-altering outcomes for workers and others.
The malfunctioning equipment could damage a company’s reputation and cause financial losses. Ladders that are defective can cause injuries and falls, while defective insulation could result in electrocution or burns.
Defects in trailer or truck components can pose a risk to other drivers. For instance an inoperable brake system can make it difficult for a truck driver to control the vehicle.
This can lead to numerous truck accidents, such as rear-end collisions as well as collisions with other trucks. Brakes may fail due to manufacturing defects or a lack of maintenance from the mechanic.
In certain cases the manufacturer of the equipment that is defective might be held accountable. A semi truck accident lawyer may seek compensation from the manufacturer in the event that a defect in an equipment piece is the cause of an incident.
3. Long hours
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates the amount of time truckers are able to work in a week. These limits are designed to avoid fatigue which can cause many accidents.
Unfortunately truck drivers do not adhere to the guidelines. Many truck drivers push themselves to their limits in order to go beyond their company’s miles goals. This can result in many issues that include overworked employees and erratic driving patterns, and an increased risk of accidents.
Long hours can also result in long commutes, lack of sleep, and the inability to complete tasks within the deadline. These causes can lead to stress and burnout that can have a significant impact on your ability perform at an elite level.
While long hours can be dangerous, it is important to remember that you are entitled to fair treatment. The best way to safeguard yourself is to hire an experienced attorney for semi truck accidents.
A good lawyer can help you file the appropriate insurance claim, collect damages and establish negligence on the part of parties responsible. A good lawyer will be sure to examine your case and determine the best truck accident attorney course of action to get the compensation you deserve.
4. Negligence
Negligence is any act that is in violation of a person’s duty to care towards the public. It is the basis of most personal injuries claims. This duty of care includes hiring and educating safe drivers, as well as testing them for alcohol and drug use, and maintaining their vehicles in a manner that is appropriate.
Distracted driving – Truck drivers often perform multiple tasks while on the roads, which could cause accidents. It is essential to adhere to all laws regarding distracted driving.
Equipment failure – Sometimes, an accident may be caused by a defect in the truck trailer or the truck. It is possible to bring a claim for product liability against the manufacturer of the trailer, truck or other components that contributed to an accident.
Cargo loaders – The businesses that load trucks also have responsibilities to ensure that the cargo is secured and balanced. Truck drivers could lose control of their trucks when they are carrying unbalanced or loose cargo. This could lead to accidents.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident, it is essential to consult a skilled semi truck accident attorney. They know how to investigate these types of cases and will help you establish that negligence was the cause of your injuries.
5. Defective design
If a semi truck is involved in an accident, it is essential that an experienced attorney review the maintenance records of the truck and the records of the maker of the vehicle to determine what caused the accident. An experienced Louisiana truck accident attorney will utilize these records to determine if there are design flaws which can be used as evidence in an action against the manufacturer.
Product liability law states that a manufacturer can be held responsible for defective products if there are reasonable and foreseeable risks of injury. To prove claims of design defect the plaintiffs must prove that a safer model existed at the time of the injury, and that a safer alternative could have avoided the harm without negatively impacting the utility of the product.
McCartney Stucky LLC’s founders have a wealth of experience in handling cases involving high-risk truck crashes and can assist you in seeking compensation for your injuries. Contact us immediately when you or a loved one has been injured by a defective truck.
6. Defective maintenance
Maintenance is vital in the trucking attorney industry to ensure that drivers and freight are safe. Improper maintenance can result in tire blowouts, brake malfunctions and other risks. Poor maintenance can also result in serious truck accidents that result in injuries or even death.
Large trucks are frequently involved in accidents due to inadequate maintenance. Fortunately, most of these accidents are avoidable.
Regular maintenance is an essential aspect of any company, and businesses can take steps to improve their performance and reduce the number of failures by using preventative measures. These include following safety guidelines as well as regularly checking equipment and performing routine maintenance.
While it may be difficult to create a system for maintenance, it can save you money and help prevent any future accidents. In fact, the cost of preventative maintenance may often be less than the cost for repairs after an accident.
The team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can help if you have been hurt in an accident that was caused by negligence of a business’s maintenance of a residential or commercial property. Contact us to find out more about our services. The lawyers at our firm have extensive experience in premises liability and will strive to maximize your compensation.
7. Injuries
A semi truck injury attorneys‘s weight and size can result in serious injuries or death when it collides with a passenger vehicle. In some instances the driver of the truck as well as the passengers in their vehicle are killed in these collisions.
While there are numerous kinds of injuries that could be sustained in a semi-truck accident, the most frequent are fractured bones and other damage that is traumatic. There are fractures that are not serious or even severe Amputations.
Amputations can result in nerve damage permanent nerve damage and even infection. Amputations can be extremely painful and difficult to treat for patients.
Semitruck accidents can cause serious injuries such as spinal injuries. A spinal injury can cause cognitive and physical impairments that can last a life time.
Head and neck injuries are also commonplace in semi-truck accidents. These injuries may be caused by the impact of the crash or by flying objects that strike the victim’s head or neck. These injuries can cause whiplash or traumatic brain injuries, based on the crash.