Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
An attorney for semi-truck accidents could be required if you or someone you love has been injured in a crash involving a truck. Since these accidents are unique, you’ll want someone who knows the specific laws and regulations that govern 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 so on. A good lawyer will be competent to assist you in navigating these areas and ensure that you receive the compensation you are due.
1. Human error
Truck accidents are often caused by human error. In fact almost 87 percent of crashes involving trucks are caused by some kind of error. This is because the majority of people don’t have a complete understanding of the factors involved in the process of getting a big tractor or 18-wheeler onto a road and keeping it safe.
Truck drivers who work long hours and don’t have enough sleep can also be responsible for fatal accidents. In fact, research shows that 30 percent of all truck accident fatalities are the result of fatigued drivers.
As a result, it is vital for truckers abide by state and federal regulations on how many hours they can travel in a day and how much sleep they need before driving again. This can prevent accidents from happening in the first place, and also helps ensure the safety of other drivers.
However, human error is a complicated issue that involves many different people and circumstances. It can be difficult to determine who was responsible for the accident and the amount you are liable for your injuries. An experienced attorney who specializes in large truck accidents can assist you in determining who is legally responsible for your damages.
2. Defective equipment
There are many things that can fail with large industrial equipment and machinery which includes malfunctioning safety equipment and defective components. Damages caused by defective equipment could turn a routine working day to a life-threatening scenario for employees and those who are around them.
Failures in equipment can cause financial losses and damage to a company’s reputation. Ladders that are not properly constructed can cause falls and injuries as well as electrical equipment may be insulated incorrectly, which could cause burns and electrocution.
Additionally, the defects in truck and trailer parts could be harmful to other drivers. A truck driver might experience difficulty controlling the truck because of an issue with the brake system.
This could lead to various truck accidents, including rear-end collisions and collisions with other trucks. Brakes can fail due to an issue with the manufacturing process or due a lack of maintenance by the owner or mechanic.
In certain instances the manufacturer of the equipment that is defective may be liable. If the defect in a piece of equipment is the cause of an accident, a semi-truck accident attorney may seek compensation from the manufacturer.
3. Long hours
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates the number of hours truckers can work each week. These limits are meant to prevent fatigue, which can lead to many accidents.
Many truck drivers don’t adhere to the rules. In a bid to reach their company’s goals for mileage, they exceed these limits. This can result in a variety of problems which include stressed drivers and erratic driving patterns, and a higher chance of accidents.
Long commutes and a insufficient amount of sleep can result in long hours, and a decreased capability to complete tasks in time. These causes can lead to stress and burnout that could significantly impact your ability perform at the highest level.
While long hours can be hazardous, it is important to remember that you are entitled to fair treatment. The best houston truck accident lawyers – www.accidentinjurylawyers.Claims – way to protect yourself is by hiring an experienced semi truck accident attorney.
A good lawyer can assist you make an insurance claim, collect damages, or show negligence on behalf of the parties responsible. A good attorney will also look over your case and find the most efficient way to ensure you receive the compensation you need and are entitled to.
4. Negligence
Negligence refers to any action that breaches a person’s duty of care for the public. It is the basis of most personal injury lawsuits. This duty of care may include hiring and training safe drivers, testing them for drug use and alcohol consumption, as well as maintaining trucks properly.
Distracted driving – Truck drivers frequently have multiple tasks to complete while on the roads, which could cause accidents. Distracted driving is an offence.
Failure of the equipment – In some instances, a defect in the trailer or the truck is a factor in an accident. You could file a Product Liability action against the truck or trailer manufacturer, as well as any of the components that played a role in an accident.
Cargo loaders: The companies who load trucks also have responsibilities to ensure that the cargo is properly secured and balanced. Truck drivers may lose control of their trucks when they are carrying unbalanced or loose cargo. This could lead to accidents.
A seasoned semi truck accident attorney is recommended if you or a loved has been hurt in a collision with a truck. They are experienced in these types of cases and will help prove negligence caused your injuries.
5. Defective design
A qualified attorney should review the maintenance records for the semi truck and the manufacturer’s records to determine the root of an accident. An experienced Louisiana truck accident lawyer will utilize these information to find design flaws that could be used as evidence in lawsuits against the manufacturer.
Product liability law states that a manufacturer can be held liable for defectively designed products when there is a reasonable risk of injury. To prove design defect claims, plaintiffs must prove that a safer design existed at the time of injury, and that a less hazardous alternative would have prevented the injury, without altering the product’s functionality.
McCartney Stucky LLC’s founders have extensive experience handling cases involving high-risk truck crashes and can assist you in obtaining compensation for your injuries. Contact us immediately when you or a loved one have been hurt by a defective heavy-truck truck.
6. Defective maintenance
In the trucking industry, maintenance is key to keeping drivers and freight moving in a safe manner. Unprofessional maintenance can cause tire blowouts, brake malfunctions and other dangers. Defective maintenance can also lead to serious truck accidents that cause injuries or even death.
Large trucks are often involved in accidents due to inadequate maintenance. Fortunately, the majority of these accidents are avoidable.
Companies can enhance their performance and decrease failures by planning maintenance. This includes following safety protocols as well as regularly checking equipment and performing regular maintenance.
Making a plan for maintenance that is systematic can be challenging, but it can also save money and avoid future accidents. In fact, the cost of preventative maintenance may typically be less than paying for repairs following an accident.
If you’ve suffered injuries in an accident caused by an organization’s negligent maintenance of a commercial or residential property our team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can assist you in finding a solution to your case. Contact us to find out more about our services. Our legal professionals from our firm have extensive experience in premises liability. They will work hard to secure maximum compensation.
7. Injuries
The size and weight could cause severe injuries or death when it collides with a passenger vehicle. These accidents can lead to the death of both the truck driver and passengers.
While there are numerous kinds of injuries that could be sustained in a semi-truck accident, the most common are fractured bones and other injuries that are traumatic. The severity of injuries ranges from minor fractures to amputations.
Amputations can result in nerve damage permanent nerve damage and even infection. Amputations can also be painful and difficult for patients to treat.
Spinal cord injuries are another type of serious injury that could occur as a result of the event of a semi truck crash. A spinal cord injury may cause cognitive and physical impairments that can last a life time.
Head and neck injuries are also commonplace in semi-truck accidents. These injuries can be caused either by the impact of a collision or flying objects hitting the victim’s neck or head. Based on the nature of the accident these injuries can lead to whiplash or a brain injury.