Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision caused by a commercial truck you may require a semi truck accident attorney. Since these accidents are unique, you’ll want someone who is knowledgeable about the specific laws and regulations that apply to commercial trucks.
There are a variety of parties that could be held responsible for a truck accident, including the driver, the trucking company, the manufacturer, and so on. A knowledgeable lawyer is able to help you navigate these areas and ensure you receive the money you deserve.
1. Human error
Human error is a huge factor in truck accidents. In fact, 87 percent of crashes involving trucks are caused by the possibility of error. This is due to the fact that most people don’t know all the factors involved in the process of getting a big truck accident lawyer rig or eighteen-wheeler onto the road and maintaining its safety.
Additionally, truck drivers who work long hours and not getting enough rest can result in fatal accidents. Data shows that 30 percent of all fatal truck accidents are the result of fatigued drivers.
As a result, it is crucial for truckers to comply with federal and state rules regarding how long they can drive in one day, and how much sleep they must get before driving again. This helps prevent accidents from happening in the first place, and also ensures the safety of passengers as well as other drivers.
However, human mistakes are a complicated matter that involves a variety of people and circumstances. It is difficult to determine who is at fault for an accident and how much you should be paid for your injuries. An experienced attorney who specializes in large truck crashes can assist you in determining who is legally responsible for your injuries.
2. Defective equipment
Large industrial machinery and equipment can be subject to many problems, such as malfunctioning safety devices and faulty components. The result of injuries caused by defective equipment can turn a normal working day to a life-threatening scenario for employees and those who are around them.
A malfunctioning equipment can also result in financial damages and even damage to a company’s reputation. Incorrect ladders can cause injuries and falls, while electrical equipment may have faulty insulation that could cause burns or electrocution.
Furthermore, problems with the parts of the trailer and truck can pose danger to other drivers. A truck driver might have difficulties controlling his truck because of an inoperative brake system.
This can cause a number of truck accidents, including rear-end crashes and collisions with other vehicles. Brakes can fail due to manufacturing defects or a lack of maintenance from the mechanic.
In some cases the manufacturer may be held responsible for the defective equipment. A semi truck accident lawyer can seek compensation from the manufacturer in the event that a defect in an piece of equipment is the cause of an incident.
3. Long hours
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates the amount of time that truckers are allowed work during a week. These limits are set to reduce fatigue, which can be an important factor in many accidents.
Many truck drivers do not adhere to the rules. In an effort to meet their company’s mileage goals they go over the limits. This can lead to many issues which include stressed drivers as well as erratic driving habits and a higher chance of accidents.
Long commutes and a lack of sleep can lead to long hours, as well as a diminished capability to complete tasks in time. All of these contribute to stress and burnout which can have a significant impact on your ability to perform your job at a top level.
While long hours can be dangerous, it is important to remember that you are entitled to fair treatment. A semi truck accident lawyer is the Best houston Truck accident lawyer way to ensure your rights are protected.
A good lawyer can help you file the correct insurance claim, get damages and establish negligence on the part of parties responsible. A competent lawyer will be sure to examine your case to determine the best course of action to secure the amount you are due.
4. Negligence
Negligence refers to any action which violates a person’s obligation of care towards the public. It is the reason for the majority of personal injury claims. This duty of care includes hiring and training safe drivers and also testing them for alcohol and drug use, and maintaining trucks in a way that is safe.
Distracted driving – Truck drivers are involved in multiple activities while on the road, and this can be an important cause of accidents. It is important to follow all laws pertaining to distracted driving.
Failure of equipment – In certain cases, a defect in the truck or trailer itself could be the cause of an accident. You could file a Product Liability case against the truck or trailer manufacturer, or any of the components that played a role to an accident.
Cargo loaders: Companies that load trucks have responsibilities to ensure that cargo is secured. Truck drivers can lose control of their trucks if they have unbalanced or loose cargo. This can result in accidents.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck crash it is imperative to speak with a seasoned semi truck accident attorney. They are well-versed in these types of cases and will help prove negligence caused your injuries.
5. Defective design
A qualified attorney must review the maintenance records of the semi truck and records of the manufacturer to determine the root of an accident. A seasoned Louisiana truck accident lawyer will utilize these information to find design flaws which could be used as evidence in lawsuits against the manufacturer.
Laws governing product liability state that a manufacturer may be held responsible for defectively designed products if there are reasonable foreseeable risks of injury. To establish a claim of design defect the plaintiffs must prove that a safer product was available at the time of harm and that a safer alternative could have avoided the injury without negatively impacting the product’s functionality.
At McCartney Stucky LLC, our founders have extensive experience handling heavy truck crashworthiness cases and can help you get compensation for your injuries. If you have been injured or have a loved one who has been killed in an accident caused by a defective chicago truck accident lawyers, contact our team as soon as possible.
6. Defective maintenance
Maintenance is crucial in the trucking industry to ensure that drivers and freight are safe. Untidy maintenance can lead to brake malfunctions, tire blowouts and other risks. Defective maintenance can also lead to serious truck accidents that cause injury or even death.
Maintenance that is not up to par is one of the most common causes of accidents involving large trucks. Fortunately, the majority of these accidents are avoidable.
Companies can improve their performance and reduce failures by planning maintenance. These include following safety guidelines, inspecting equipment regularly, and performing regular maintenance.
Although it isn’t easy to develop a system of maintenance, it will save you money and help prevent future accidents. Preventative maintenance is often cheaper than the cost of repairs following an incident.
If you’ve been injured due to an organization’s negligent maintenance of a commercial or residential property The team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can help you find the solution to your case. Contact us for more information about our services. The lawyers at our firm have years of experience in the field of premises liability and will work hard to maximize your compensation.
7. Injuries
A semi truck’s size and weight could result in severe injury or even death when it collisions with a vehicle for passengers. In some cases the truck’s driver and the passengers in their vehicle die in these crashes.
While there are numerous kinds of injuries that could be sustained in a semi-truck accident, the most frequent are broken bones and trauma-related damages. The severity of injuries ranges from minor fractures, to serious amputations.
Amputations are extremely serious injuries as they can cause permanent nerve damage or infection. Amputations can also be painful and difficult to treat for patients.
Semitruck accidents can result in severe injuries such as spinal cord injuries. A spinal cord injury can cause physical and cognitive impairments that last a lifetime.
Semitruck accidents can also result in neck and head injuries to the head and neck. These injuries can be caused by the impact of a collision or by flying objects hitting the victim’s neck or head. These injuries can result in whiplash or traumatic brain injuries, based on the cause of the accident.