Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
A semi truck accident attorney could be required if you or someone you love has been injured in a crash involving a truck. Because these accidents are so special, you’ll need someone who is knowledgeable about the specific laws and regulations applicable to commercial trucks.
There are a variety of parties that can be held liable for the consequences of a truck crash, including the driver the trucking company the manufacturer, and more. A good lawyer will be able to help you navigate these areas and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
1. Human error
Truck accidents are usually caused by human error. In fact 87 percent of truck accidents are caused by an error of some kind. This is due to the fact that most people don’t understand all the elements involved in the process of getting a big tractor or 18-wheeler onto a road and keeping it safe.
Drivers of trucks who work long hours and don’t get enough rest could also cause fatal accidents. Research shows that fatigued drivers is responsible for 30 percent of all truck accident deaths.
Therefore, it is vital for truckers adhere to federal and state rules regarding how long they can drive in a day and how much sleep they should get before driving 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 issue that involves a variety of people and conditions. This makes it difficult to determine who is responsible for an accident and what you’re entitled to compensation for your injuries. An experienced lawyer who is skilled in large truck crashes can assist you in determining who is legally responsible for your injuries.
2. Defective equipment
Large machinery and industrial equipment can be subject to many problems, including malfunctioning safety devices as well as defective parts. Injuries caused by defective equipment could turn a routine day at the workplace into a fatal or life-threatening circumstance for workers and the people surrounding them.
Equipment failure can also lead to financial loss and damage to a company’s reputation. A defective ladder can cause injuries and falls and electrical equipment might have a defective insulation that could cause burns or electrocution.
Moreover, defects in components of trailers and trucks can pose danger to other drivers. A truck driver might have difficulties controlling his truck because of a brake system that is not working properly.
This can lead to numerous truck accidents, including rear-end collisions and collisions with other trucks. Brakes can fail due to manufacturing defects or due to a lack of maintenance by the owner or mechanic.
In certain cases the manufacturer of the equipment that is defective might be held responsible. A semi truck accident lawyer may seek compensation from the manufacturer if there is a defect in the piece of equipment is the cause of the incident.
3. Long hours
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates the number of hours truckers can work during the week. The limits are designed to avoid fatigue, which can be a contributory factor in many accidents.
Many truck drivers don’t stick to the rules. In an effort to meet the company’s mileage targets, they exceed the limits. This can result in a variety of problems such as overworked drivers and driving habits that are unpredictable, and a higher risk of accidents.
Long hours can also result in long commutes, lack of sleep, and inability to finish tasks by the deadline. All of these contribute to burnout and stress which could have a profound impact on your ability to do your job at a top level.
Despite the risks of working for long hours, it’s important to remember that you deserve a fair shake. A semi truck accident lawyer is the best way to ensure that you are protected.
The right lawyer can help you file the right insurance claim, get damages and establish negligence on the part of the accountable parties. A good attorney will also examine your case and determine the most efficient way to ensure you receive the compensation you need and deserve.
4. Negligence
Negligence is any action which violates a person’s responsibility of care to the public. It is the basis of most personal injury lawsuits. This duty of care may include hiring and training safe drivers and testing them for drug use and alcohol consumption, as well as maintaining trucks in a timely manner.
Distracted driving – Many truck drivers are involved in several tasks while they are driving and this could be an important cause of accidents. It is important to obey all laws pertaining to distracted driving.
Equipment failure – Sometimes, an accident could be the result of an issue with the truck trailer, or in the truck. You can file a product liability case against the truck or trailer manufacturer, or any component parts that contributed in an accident.
Cargo loaders – Companies who load trucks also have the responsibility to ensure that the cargo is properly secured and balanced. Unbalanced or loose cargo may cause a truck driver lose control and cause an accident.
An experienced semi truck accident attorney is recommended if or someone you love is injured during a crash involving a truck. They are experienced in these types of cases and can help determine if negligence is the reason for your injuries.
5. Defective design
A qualified attorney must review the semi truck’s maintenance records and the records of the manufacturer to determine the cause of an accident. A seasoned Louisiana truck accident lawyer will use these data to identify possible design defects that could be used as evidence in lawsuits against the manufacturer.
Product liability law states that a manufacturer may be held responsible for defective products if there is a reasonable risk of injury. To prove design defect claims plaintiffs must prove that a safer product was available 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 a wealth of expertise in handling cases involving crashworthiness of heavy trucks and are able to assist you in obtaining compensation for your injuries. If you’ve been injured or a loved one has been killed in an accident caused by a defective heavy truck, contact our team as soon as you can.
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 dangers. In the same way, improper maintenance could be the cause of a serious truck accident that causes injuries or fatalities.
Large trucks are frequently involved in accidents due to poor maintenance. Fortunately, the majority of accidents can be avoided.
Planned maintenance is an important aspect of any company, and companies can take steps to enhance their performance and decrease the chance of failures by taking preventative measures. These include following safety procedures and regularly inspecting equipment, and performing regular maintenance.
Making a plan for maintenance that is systematic isn’t easy, however it can also save money and avoid future accidents. In reality the cost of preventative maintenance may typically be less than paying for repairs following an Accident Injury lawyers.
If you have been injured due to the carelessness of a business’s maintenance of a commercial or residential property, the team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can assist you in finding the solution to your case. Contact us for more information about our services. The lawyers at our firm have a wealth of experience in the field of premises liability and will do their best to maximize your compensation.
7. Injuries
The size and weight can cause serious injury or even death when it encounters a vehicle that is a passenger. These accidents can lead to 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 damage. The severity of injuries can vary from minor fractures to Amputations.
Amputations can result in nerve damage permanent nerve damage and even infections. Amputations can be extremely painful and difficult to treat for patients.
Spinal cord injuries are a different type of severe injury that could occur as a result of the event of a semi truck crash. A spinal cord injury could leave victims with physical and cognitive impairments that may affect their lives for years to come.
Semitruck accidents can also cause head and neck injuries. These injuries can be caused by the impact of a collision or by flying objects hitting the head or neck of the victim. Based on the nature of the crash these injuries can lead to whiplash or a brain injury.