Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision that involved a commercial truck, you may have to engage an attorney who handles semi truck accidents. These types of accidents are very unique and you'll need someone who is familiar with the laws and regulations applicable to commercial trucks.
There are a variety of parties that could be held responsible for an accident involving a truck, including the driver, the trucking company, the manufacturer, and so on. A skilled lawyer will know how to navigate these areas and make sure you receive the amount of compensation you are entitled to.
1. Human error
Human error is a huge factor in truck accidents. In fact 87 percent of truck accidents are caused by an error of some kind. This is a problem because most people are not aware of the many factors that influence the process of getting a large rig or 18-wheeler in the road and keeping it secure.
Drivers of trucks who work long hours and don't have enough sleep could also cause fatal accidents. Data shows that 30 percent of fatal truck accidents result from fatigue of the driver.
Truckers must follow all federal and state regulations regarding how long they can drive in a day and the amount of sleep they need to get before they can drive again. This will prevent accidents from happening in the first place, and also ensures the safety of passengers as well as other drivers.
Human error is a complex problem that can affect many people and different circumstances. This makes it difficult to determine who is responsible for an accident and what you're entitled to for your injuries. It takes the assistance of an experienced attorney for large truck crashes to analyze the cause of a collision to determine who might be the one with legal responsibility for paying damages in cash.
2. Defective equipment
There are many things that can go wrong with huge industrial machinery and equipment which includes malfunctioning safety equipment and defective components. Accidents caused by equipment that isn't working can turn a normal working day into a life-threatening or fatal situation for workers and those surrounding them.
Failures in equipment can cause financial losses and damage to a company's reputation. Ladders that are defective can cause injuries and falls, and faulty insulation can cause electrocution or burns.
The defects in the trailer or truck components can pose a risk to other drivers. A truck driver may have difficulties controlling his truck because of a malfunctioning brake system.
This could lead to various truck accidents, such as rear-end collisions, as well as collisions with other trucks. Brakes can fail due manufacturing defects or lack of maintenance by the mechanic.
In certain cases, the manufacturer of the equipment that is defective may be held responsible. A semi truck accident lawyer may seek compensation from the manufacturer if a defect in an equipment piece is the reason of an accident.
3. Long hours
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates the number of hours truckers are allowed to work in a week. The limits are designed to prevent fatigue, which is an important factor in many accidents.
Many truck drivers don't adhere to the rules. Many truck drivers push themselves to their limits in order to surpass their company's mileage goals. This can result in many issues that include overworked employees and driving habits that are unpredictable, and an increased chance of accidents.
Long hours can also result in long commutes, lack of sleep, as well as the difficulty in completing tasks before the deadline. All of these factors can lead to burnout and stress which could have a profound impact on your ability to perform your job at a high standard.
While long hours can be dangerous, it is important to be aware that you are entitled to fair treatment. The best way to safeguard yourself is to hire an experienced semi truck accident attorney.
An experienced lawyer can help you file the appropriate insurance claim, collect damages and prove negligence on the part of the parties responsible. A good lawyer will take the time to review your case and determine the best course of action to receive the compensation you deserve.
4. Negligence
Negligence is the act that is in violation of a person's obligation of care for the public, and it is the foundation for most personal injury lawsuits. This duty of care involves hiring and training safe drivers, and also testing them for alcohol and drug use, and ensuring that trucks are maintained in a way that is safe.
Distracted driving - Many truck drivers are involved in various tasks while on the road, and this can be an important factor in accidents. Distracted driving is illegal.
concord truck accident lawsuit of times, an accident could be caused by a defect in the truck trailer or the truck. It is possible to file a claim for product liability against the manufacturer of the trailer, truck, or component parts which caused the accident.
Cargo loaders - Companies that load trucks also have responsibilities to ensure that the cargo is secured and balanced. Loose or imbalanced cargo can cause a truck driver to lose control and could cause an accident.
An experienced semi truck crash attorney is recommended when you or someone you know is injured in a truck crash. They are experienced in these kinds of cases and will help establish negligence was the cause of your injuries.
5. Defective design
A qualified attorney should look over the maintenance records for the semi truck as well as the manufacturer's records to determine the cause of an accident. An experienced Louisiana truck accident attorney will utilize these records to determine if there are design flaws that could be used as evidence in lawsuits against the manufacturer.
The law on product liability states that a manufacturer is liable for a product that is defectively designed in cases where the reasonably anticipated risks of injury from it could have been avoided with the use of an alternative design. To prove design defect claims plaintiffs must prove that a safer design existed at the time of harm, and that a less dangerous alternative would have prevented the harm without negatively impacting the product's functionality.
McCartney Stucky LLC's founders have vast experience handling cases that involve the safety of heavy trucks and can assist you in obtaining compensation for your injuries. Contact our team immediately when you or a loved one have been hurt due to a defective heavy-truck.
6. Defective maintenance
In the trucking business, maintenance is crucial to keeping drivers and freight moving in a safe manner. Incorrect maintenance can lead to tire blowouts, brake malfunctions and other risks. Poor maintenance can also cause serious truck accidents that result in injuries or even death.
Large trucks are often involved in accidents due to inadequate maintenance. Fortunately, the majority of these accidents can be avoided.
Companies can improve their performance and decrease failures by planning maintenance. These include following safety guidelines checking equipment regularly, and performing routine maintenance.
Implementing a well-planned maintenance program can be a challenge, but it can also save money and prevent further accidents. Preventative maintenance is often cheaper than paying for repairs after an incident.
The team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can assist you if you've been injured in an accident that was caused by negligence of a business's maintenance of a residential or commercial property. Contact us for more information about our services. The legal experts at our firm have a wealth of experience in premises liability and will do their best to maximize your compensation.
7. Injuries
The weight and size can result in serious injuries or even death if it encounters a vehicle that is a passenger. In some instances the truck's driver and passengers in their vehicle are killed in these collisions.
There are a myriad of injuries that could be sustained from semi truck accidents, but the most common ones are fractured bones and other trauma damage. The severity of injuries can vary from minor fractures, to serious Amputations.
Amputations are very serious injuries, as they can cause permanent nerve damage and infection. They can also be painful and difficult to treat.
Spinal cord injuries are a different kind of serious injury that can occur in a semi truck accident. A spinal cord injury can result in physical and cognitive impairments that may affect their lives for years to come.
Semitruck accidents can also cause neck and head injuries to the head and neck. These injuries may be caused by the force of the collision or flying objects that hit the victim's neck or head. Depending on the nature of the accident these injuries can result in whiplash or a brain injury.