Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
If you or someone close to you has been injured in a collision with a commercial vehicle, you may have to engage an attorney for semi-truck accidents. These kinds of accidents are not common and you will need someone who is familiar with the laws and regulations that apply to commercial trucks.
There are many parties who can be held liable for a truck accident, including the driver and the trucking company, the manufacturer, and many others. A skilled lawyer will be in a position to guide you through these areas and ensure that you receive the compensation you are due.
1. Human error
The majority of truck accidents are caused by human error. In fact 87 percent of truck accidents are caused by some type of error. This is because the majority of people are unaware of the various factors that influence the decision of putting a big rig 18-wheeler out on the roads and keeping it secure.
Additionally, truck drivers who work long hours without getting enough rest can cause fatal accidents. Research shows that fatigued drivers is responsible for 30 percent of truck accident fatalities.
In the end, it is essential for truckers to abide by state and federal regulations on how many hours they are allowed to drive in a day and how many hours of sleep they need 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 issue that can involve many people and various circumstances. It is difficult to determine who is responsible for the accident and what have to pay for your injuries. It requires the assistance of an experienced large truck crash lawyer to analyze the cause of a crash to figure out who may have legal liability for paying damages in cash.
2. Defective equipment
There are many things that can fail with huge industrial machinery and equipment, including malfunctioning safety systems and defective parts. Defective equipment can cause injuries that could lead to fatalities or life-altering outcomes for workers and other people.
The malfunctioning equipment could harm a company's reputation and result in financial losses. The ladders that are not properly constructed can cause injuries and falls, while poor insulation can cause burns or electrocution.
Defects in truck or trailer parts could pose a threat to other drivers. For example an inoperable brake system could make it difficult for a truck driver to steer the vehicle.
This could lead to a variety of truck accidents, including rear-end collisions and collisions other trucks. Brakes can fail due manufacturing defects or lack of maintenance from the mechanic.
In certain instances the manufacturer of the equipment that is defective can be liable. A semi truck accident lawyer may seek compensation from the manufacturer in the event that the defect in an piece of equipment is the cause of an accident.
3. Long hours
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates the amount of time that truckers are allowed to work each week. These limits are meant to stop fatigue that can lead to numerous accidents.
Unfortunately, many truck drivers don't adhere to the rules. In order to meet the company's mileage targets, they go over these limits. This can lead them to have erratic driving habits, and increase the risk.
Long hours can also mean long commutes, a lack of sleep, and the inability to complete tasks before the deadline. All of these can contribute to stress and burnout which could have a major 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 deserve a fair shake. A semi truck accident lawyer is the best way to ensure your rights.
A good lawyer can help you file an insurance claim, get damages, or demonstrate negligence on behalf of the liable parties. A good attorney will also be sure to examine your case and determine the most efficient way to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
4. Negligence
Negligence refers to any action that violates someone's duty of care for the public. It is the basis for most personal injuries claims. This duty of care can include hiring and training safe drivers, testing them for drug use and alcohol consumption, as well as maintaining the trucks in a safe manner.
Distracted driving - Many truck drivers are involved in multiple tasks while on the road and this could be an important cause of accidents. Distracted driving is an offence.
Failure of equipment - In certain instances, a flaw in the truck or trailer is a factor in an accident. You could file a Product Liability claim against the truck manufacturer or trailer manufacturer, or any of the components that played a role in an accident.
Cargo loaders – Companies that load trucks must be able to ensure that cargo is secured. Incorrect or unbalanced cargo could cause a truck driver lose control and lead to an accident.
A seasoned semi truck accident attorney is recommended when you or someone you love has been hurt in a collision with a truck. They are experienced in these types of cases and can help establish negligence was the cause of your injuries.
5. Defective design
If a semi-truck is involved in an accident, it is important that a qualified attorney review the maintenance records of the truck and the records of the manufacturer of the vehicle to determine what caused the accident. The information can be used by a skilled Louisiana truck accident lawyer to determine design flaws that could be used in an action against a manufacturer.
Laws governing product liability state that a manufacturer may be held accountable for products that are defective if there are reasonable foreseeable risks of injury. To establish a claim of design defect plaintiffs must prove that a safer design was in place at the time of the injury and that a safer alternative could have prevented the injury without affecting the product's utility.
At McCartney Stucky LLC, our founders have years of experience handling heavy truck crashworthiness cases and can assist you to pursue compensation for your injuries. Contact our team immediately in the event that you or a loved one have been hurt by a defective heavy-truck truck.
6. Defective maintenance
Maintenance is vital in the trucking industry to ensure that the safety of both freight and drivers is assured. Unprofessional maintenance can cause tire blowouts, brake malfunctions and other risks. Defective maintenance can also result in serious truck accidents that result in injuries or death.
Large trucks are often involved in accidents due to inadequate maintenance. Fortunately, the majority of accidents are preventable.
Planned maintenance is an important aspect of any company, and companies can take steps to increase their efficiency and reduce the likelihood of failures taking preventative measures. This includes implementing safe procedures, regularly inspecting equipment and conducting routine maintenance.
Although it can be difficult to establish a system to manage 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 help if you've suffered injured in an accident that was caused by a negligent company's maintenance of a residential and commercial property. Contact us today to learn more about our services. The legal professionals of our firm have extensive experience in premises liability. They will work hard for maximum compensation.
7. Injuries
The size and weight of a semi truck can cause severe injury or death in a crash with the passenger car. These crashes can cause the deaths of the truck driver and passengers.
There are a variety of injuries that could be sustained from semi truck accidents However, the most common ones are broken bones , as well as other traumatic injuries. There are minor fractures that can occur or severe amputations.
Amputations can be very dangerous injuries, as they can lead to permanent nerve damage and even infection. They can be extremely painful and difficult to treat.
Semitruck accidents can result in severe injuries such as spinal cord injuries. A spinal cord injury may result in physical and cognitive disabilities that can impact their lives for years to come.
detroit truck accident lawsuit can also result in head and neck injuries. These injuries can be caused by the force of the collision or flying objects that hit the victim's head or neck. Based on the nature of the accident, these injuries can cause whiplash or a brain injury.