Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
If you or someone close to you has been injured in a crash that involved a commercial truck, you may need to hire an attorney for semi truck accidents. These kinds of accidents are not common and you'll need someone who is knowledgeable of the laws and regulations applicable to commercial trucks.
Accidents involving trucks can result in liability for several parties including the trucking firm the driver, the manufacturer and many others. A knowledgeable lawyer is capable of guiding you through these legal waters and ensure you receive the money you deserve.
1. Human error
Truck accidents are often caused by human error. In fact 87 percent of truck accidents result from some type of error. This is due to the fact that most people aren't aware of all the aspects involved in getting a huge rig or eighteen-wheeler onto the road and keeping it safe.
In addition, truckers who work long hours without getting enough rest can result in fatal accidents. Data shows that driver fatigue is responsible for 30 percent of all truck accidents fatalities.
Therefore, it is essential for truckers to abide by state and federal regulations on the amount of time they can travel in a day and how much rest they should get before driving again. This will prevent accidents from happening in the first place and also provides the safety of other drivers.
Human error is a complex issue that affects a variety of individuals and circumstances. This makes it difficult to determine who's responsible for an accident and how much you are entitled to for your injuries. An experienced attorney who specializes in large truck crashes can help you determine who is legally responsible for your injuries.
2. Defective equipment
There are many things that can happen to large industrial equipment and machinery, including malfunctioning safety systems and defective parts. Damages caused by defective equipment can transform a day at work into a life-altering or fatal situation for the workers and others who are around them.
Failing equipment can also cause financial damages and even damage to a company's reputation. Defective ladders can cause injuries and falls, while defective insulation could result in electrocution or burns.
Moreover, defects in the parts of the trailer and truck could pose a risk to other drivers. For instance a brake system that is not working properly could make it difficult for a truck driver to control the vehicle.
This can lead to a variety of truck accidents, including rear-end collisions and collisions other vehicles. Brakes can fail due manufacturing defects or lack of maintenance from the mechanic.
In some cases the manufacturer may be held responsible for the defective equipment. A semi truck accident lawyer may seek compensation from the manufacturer in the event that a defect in an equipment piece is the reason of an incident.
3. Long hours
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates how long truckers are allowed to work in a week. These limits are intended to avoid fatigue, which is a contributory factor in many accidents.
A lot of truck drivers don't adhere to the rules. In an effort to meet their company's mileage goals, they push themselves to the edge of the limits. This can lead to numerous issues such as overworked drivers as well as erratic driving habits and a higher chance of accidents.
Long commutes and a insufficient amount of sleep can lead to long hours, and a decrease in your capability to complete tasks in time. All of these can lead to burnout and stress which can have a huge impact on your ability to do your job at a high-quality.
While working long hours can be dangerous It is essential to keep in mind that you have a right to fair treatment. The best way to protect yourself is to hire an experienced attorney for semi truck accidents.
A good lawyer can assist you to file an insurance claim, collect damages, or show negligence on behalf of the parties responsible. A professional will examine your case to determine the best way to proceed to get the compensation you deserve.
4. Negligence
Negligence is the act that is in violation of a person's obligation of care to the public, and it is the reason for the majority of personal injury lawsuits. This duty of care includes hiring and training safe drivers, and also testing for alcohol and drug usage, and maintaining the trucks in a proper manner.
Distracted driving - A lot of truck drivers take on several tasks while they are on the road and can be an important factor in accidents. It is important to obey all laws pertaining to distracted driving.
Equipment failure - In some instances, a flaw in the trailer or truck itself could be the cause of an accident. It is possible to file an action for product liability against the manufacturer of the trailer, truck or other components that caused an accident.
Cargo loaders - Companies who load trucks also have the responsibility to ensure that the cargo is secured and balanced. Unbalanced or loose cargo may cause a truck driver lose control and cause an accident.
A skilled semi truck accident attorney is recommended if you or a loved is injured in a collision with a truck. They are well-versed in these types of cases and can help prove that negligence caused your injuries.
5. Defective design
If a semi-truck is involved in an accident, it is essential that an experienced attorney examines the maintenance records of the truck as well as the records from the manufacturer of the vehicle to determine the reason for the crash. These records can be used by an experienced Louisiana truck accident lawyer to find design flaws that could be used in the case of a lawsuit against the manufacturer.
The law of product liability states that a manufacturer may be held liable for defectively designed products if there is a reasonable risk of injury. To prove claims of design defect the plaintiffs must demonstrate that a safer design was in place at the time of injury, and that a less dangerous alternative could have avoided the harm without negatively impacting the product's value.
McCartney Stucky LLC's founding partners have extensive experience handling cases that involve the safety of heavy trucks and can assist you in obtaining compensation for your injuries. If you have been injured or your loved one has been killed in an accident caused by a defective truck, contact our team as soon as you can.
6. Defective maintenance
In the trucking business, maintenance is crucial in keeping freight and drivers moving in a safe manner. Unprofessional maintenance can lead to tire blowouts, brake malfunctions and other risks. Additionally, improper maintenance may be the reason behind a serious truck accident that results in deaths or injuries.
Maintenance issues are among the most frequent causes of accidents which involve large trucks. Fortunately, most of these accidents can be avoided.
Planning maintenance is an essential aspect of any business, and companies can take steps to enhance their performance and decrease the chance of failures by taking preventative measures. texas truck accident lawyer include following safety procedures checking equipment regularly, and conducting routine maintenance.
Although it can be a challenge to design a system for maintenance, it will save you money and to avoid future accidents. Prevention is usually cheaper than having to pay for repairs after an accident.
The team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can assist if you've been hurt in an accident caused by a company's negligent maintenance of a residential or commercial property. For more information on our services get in touch with 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
A semi truck's size and weight could cause severe injuries or even death if it collides with a passenger vehicle. In some cases, the truck's driver and the passengers in the vehicle are killed in these crashes.
While there are numerous kinds of injuries that could occur in a semi truck accident, the most frequent are broken bones as well as other damage that is traumatic. It is possible to sustain minor fractures or even severe Amputations.
Amputations can be very serious injuries as they can lead to permanent nerve damage and infection. Amputations can be extremely painful and difficult to treat for patients.
Spinal cord injuries are another kind of serious injury that can occur in the event of a semi truck crash. A spinal cord injury could result in physical and mental impairments that can affect their lives for years to come.
Semitruck accidents can also cause neck and head injuries to the head and neck. These injuries are caused by the force of the crash or flying objects that hit the victim's head or neck. Based on the nature of the incident, these injuries can cause whiplash or a traumatic brain injury.