Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
A semi truck accident lawyer may be needed if you or someone you love has been injured in a truck crash. Since these accidents are special, you'll need someone who is familiar with the specific laws and regulations applicable to commercial trucking attorneys trucks.
There are a variety of parties that could be held accountable for an accident with a truck, such as the driver as well as the trucking accident injury lawyer company, the manufacturer, and many more. A skilled lawyer will know how to navigate these areas, and will ensure you get the compensation that you are entitled to.
1. Human error
Truck accidents are often caused by human error. In fact 87% of truck accidents involve an error of some sort. This is because most people aren't aware of the various factors which go into the process of getting a large rig or 18-wheeler out on the roads and keeping it safe.
Truck drivers who work long hours and don't sleep enough can cause fatal accidents. In fact, research shows that 30 percent of fatal truck accidents result from fatigue of the driver.
Truckers must adhere to all state and federal rules regarding the amount of time they are allowed to drive in a day and the amount of sleep they must get before they can drive again. This prevents accidents from happening in the first place and also provides the safety of other drivers.
Human error is a complex issue that can involve a variety of people and different circumstances. It is difficult to determine who is responsible for the accident and what have to pay for your injuries. An experienced lawyer who is skilled in large truck accidents can help you determine who is legally responsible for your injuries.
2. Defective equipment
There are many things that could fail with large industrial equipment and machinery that could fail, including malfunctioning safety systems and defective components. The result of injuries caused by defective equipment could turn a routine working day to a life-threatening situation for workers and those around them.
A malfunctioning equipment can also result in financial losses and damage to a company's reputation. Defective ladders can cause injuries and falls, while defective insulation can cause electrocution or burns.
Moreover, defects in the parts of the trailer and truck can pose danger to other drivers. For instance a brake system that is not working properly may make it difficult for truck drivers to steer the vehicle.
This can result in a number of truck accidents, such as rear-end collisions and collisions other vehicles. Brakes may fail due to manufacturing problems or the lack of maintenance by the mechanic.
In certain cases the manufacturer may be held accountable for defective equipment. A semi truck accident lawyer may seek compensation from the manufacturer if the defect in an equipment piece is the reason of an accident.
3. Long hours
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates the amount of time that truckers are permitted to work during the week. These limits are designed to stop fatigue, which is a contributory factor in many accidents.
Unfortunately, many truck drivers don't follow the guidelines. In order to meet their company's mileage goals, they push themselves well beyond these limits. This can lead to unruly driving habits and an increase in accidents risk.
Long hours can also lead to long commutes, lack of sleep, and inability to complete tasks before the deadline. These factors can lead to stress and burnout that can affect your ability to perform at an elite level.
While long hours can be hazardous it is vital to keep in mind that you have a right to fair treatment. The best way to protect yourself is to employ an experienced semi truck accident attorney.
The right lawyer can help you file the correct insurance claim, recover damages and show negligence on the part of the liable parties. A good attorney will also examine your case and determine the best truck accident attorney course of action to get you the compensation you need and are entitled to.
4. Negligence
Negligence refers to any action that is in violation of a person's duty to care for the public. It is the basis of most personal injury claims. This duty of care could include hiring and training safe drivers as well as testing them for drug use and alcohol consumption, and maintaining trucks in a timely manner.
Distracted driving - Many truck drivers engage in multiple tasks while driving and this could be an important factor in accidents. It is essential to adhere to all laws pertaining to distracted driving.
Equipment failure - Sometimes, accidents could be caused by a defect in the truck trailer or the truck. It is possible to file an action for product liability against the manufacturer of the truck, trailer or the component parts which caused the accident.
Cargo loaders - The companies that load trucks also have the responsibility to ensure that the cargo is properly secured and balanced. Truck drivers could lose control of their trucks in the event of unbalanced or loose cargo. This can result in accidents.
An experienced semi truck crash attorney is recommended if or a loved is injured during a crash involving a truck. They understand how to look into these cases and help establish that negligence was the cause of your injuries.
5. Defective design
If a semi-truck is involved in an accident, it's important that a qualified attorney reviews the truck's maintenance records as well as the records from the manufacturer of the vehicle to determine what caused the crash. An experienced Louisiana truck accident attorney will analyze these data to determine if there are design flaws that can be used as evidence in an action against the manufacturer.
The law of product liability states that a manufacturer is accountable for defectively designed products when the risk of injury from it could have been mitigated with the adoption of a reasonable alternative design. To prove a claim for design defects plaintiffs must prove that a safer design existed at time of injury and that a less hazardous alternative could have prevented the injury, without altering the product's functionality.
McCartney Stucky LLC's founders have extensive experience in handling cases involving heavy truck crashesworthiness and can assist you in seeking compensation for your injuries. Contact us immediately if you or a loved one have been hurt by a defective truck.
6. Defective maintenance
In the trucking industry, maintenance is key in keeping freight and drivers moving in a safe manner. Unprofessional maintenance can cause tire blowouts, brake malfunctions and other dangers. Similarly, defective maintenance can be the cause of a fatal truck accident that causes deaths or injuries.
Large trucks are often involved in accidents due to inadequate maintenance. Fortunately, the majority of these accidents are preventable.
Companies can improve their performance and reduce failures by planning maintenance. These include implementing proper safety procedures, regularly checking equipment and conducting routine maintenance.
Although it can be difficult to create a system for maintenance, it will save you money and help to avoid future accidents. Prevention-based maintenance is usually less expensive than paying for repairs after an accident.
If you have suffered injuries due to an organization's negligent maintenance of a residential or Commercial Trucking Attorneys Near Me property The team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can assist you in finding a solution to your case. Contact us today to learn more about our services. Our legal professionals from our firm have extensive experience in premises liability. They will fight to secure maximum compensation.
7. Injuries
The weight and size can cause severe injuries or even death if it collides with a passenger vehicle. In some instances, the truck's driver and passengers in their vehicle die in these crashes.
There are many types of injuries that could be sustained in semi truck accidents The most frequent ones are broken bones , as well as other traumatic damage. You can sustain minor fractures or severe amputations.
Amputations can be very serious injuries as they can cause permanent nerve damage, and possibly infection. They can be extremely painful and difficult to treat.
Spinal cord injuries are another kind of serious truck accident lawyer injury that can happen in an accident involving a semi-truck. A spinal cord injury may cause physical and cognitive impairments that last a life time.
Semitruck accidents can also cause neck and head injuries. These injuries can be caused by the force of the crash or by flying objects that hit the victim's neck or head. These injuries can cause whiplash, or even traumatic brain injuries, depending on the cause of the accident.