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 need to hire an attorney who handles semi truck accidents. Because these types of accidents are specific, you'll need someone who knows the specific laws and regulations that apply to commercial trucks.
There are many parties that could be held accountable for a truck accident, including the driver, the trucking company, the manufacturer, and so on. A knowledgeable lawyer is in a position to guide you through these areas and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.
1. Human error
Human error is a huge factor in truck accidents. In fact nearly 87 percent of truck crashes involve some form of error. This is due to the fact that most people don't know all the elements involved in the process of getting a big rig or eighteen-wheeler onto the road and maintaining its safety.
Additionally, truck drivers who work for long hours without getting enough rest can result in fatal accidents. The data indicates that 30 percent of fatal truck accidents are the result of fatigued drivers.
Truckers must adhere to all federal and state laws regarding the time they can drive during a day and the amount of sleep they need to get before they are able to drive 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 myriad of people and situations. It is difficult to determine who is responsible for the accident and how much you should be paid for your injuries. It requires the help of an experienced and knowledgeable large truck crash lawyer to look into the causes of a crash in order to determine who is the legal liability for paying damages in cash.
2. Defective equipment
There are a lot of things that could be wrong with huge industrial machinery and equipment that could fail, including malfunctioning safety systems and defective parts. Damages caused by defective equipment can turn a simple day at work to a life-threatening situation for the workers and others who are around them.
The faulty equipment can also cause damage to a company's reputation or result in financial losses. Ladders that are defective can cause injuries and falls, while defective insulation could result in electrocution or burns.
Additionally, the defects in truck accident lawyer near me and trailer parts can pose danger to other drivers. A truck driver may have trouble controlling the truck because of an issue with the brake system.
This can cause various truck accidents, including rear-end collisions and collisions other trucks. Brakes can fail due manufacturing problems or the lack of maintenance from the mechanic.
In certain instances the manufacturer may be held responsible for the defective equipment. A Semi Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me truck accident lawyer may seek compensation from the manufacturer in the event that the defect in the component of the equipment is the cause of an accident.
3. Long hours
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates the hours truckers can work per week. These limits are meant to avoid fatigue, which can lead to numerous accidents.
Unfortunately, many truck drivers don't adhere to the rules. Many truck drivers push themselves beyond their limits in order to exceed their company's mileage goals. This can result in numerous issues which include stressed drivers, erratic driving habits, and a higher risk of accidents.
Long commutes and a lack of sleep could lead to long hours and a decreased capability to complete tasks in time. These can result in stress and burnout that can be detrimental to your ability to perform at the highest level.
Despite the dangers of working long hours, it's important to remember that you're entitled an equal chance to be treated with respect. A semi truck accident lawyer is the best option to protect your rights.
The right lawyer can help you file the proper insurance claim, obtain damages and show negligence on the part of the liable parties. A competent lawyer will be sure to examine your case to determine the best course of action to receive the compensation you're entitled to.
4. Negligence
Negligence is the act that is in violation of a person's obligation of care for the public. It is the reason for the majority of personal injury lawsuits. This duty of responsibility could include hiring and training safe drivers and testing them for alcohol use and alcohol consumption, and maintaining the trucks in a safe manner.
Distracted driving - Truck drivers typically perform multiple tasks while on the roads, which can lead to accidents. Distracted driving is considered to be illegal.
Equipment failure - Sometimes, accidents could be caused by an issue with the truck trailer or truck. You may file a product liability lawsuit against the truck or trailer manufacturer, or any component parts that contributed to the accident.
Cargo loaders - Companies that load trucks have duties to ensure that cargo is secured. Truck drivers could lose control of their vehicles in the event of unbalanced or unbalanced cargo. This can result in accidents.
If you or someone you love was injured in a truck crash it is crucial to contact an experienced semi truck accident lawyers near me accident lawyer. They are aware of how to look into these cases and help prove that negligence caused your injuries.
5. Defective design
An experienced attorney should scrutinize the maintenance records for the semi truck and the records of the manufacturer to determine the cause of an accident. A seasoned Louisiana truck accident lawyer will utilize these information to discover design flaws that could be used as evidence in lawsuits against the manufacturer.
The law on product liability states that a manufacturer is responsible for a product that is defectively designed in cases where the reasonably anticipated risks of injury could have been avoided with the use of an alternative design. To prove a claim for design defects the plaintiffs must prove that a safer product was available at the time of the injury, and that a less dangerous alternative would have prevented the injury without negatively impacting the product's value.
At McCartney Stucky LLC, our founders have a wealth of experience in handling crashworthiness of heavy trucks cases and can help you seek compensation for your injuries. If you have been injured or your loved one has been killed in an accident caused by a defective heavy truck, contact our team as soon as possible.
6. Defective maintenance
Maintenance is essential in the trucking lawyers industry to ensure the safety of both freight and drivers is assured. Incorrect maintenance can lead to brake malfunctions, tire blowouts and other dangers. Also, improper maintenance could be the cause of a serious truck accident that results in injuries or fatalities.
Maintenance issues are among the most common causes of accidents that involve large trucks. Fortunately, the majority of these accidents are preventable.
Planned maintenance is an important element of any business and companies can take measures to enhance their performance and decrease the risk of failures using preventative measures. This includes implementing safe procedures, regularly checking equipment and performing regular maintenance.
While it may be difficult to establish a system to manage maintenance, it can save you money and prevent any future accidents. Preventative maintenance is often cheaper than paying for repairs following an accident.
The team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can help if you have been hurt in an accident caused by a negligent company's maintenance of a residential and commercial property. Contact us to find out more about our services. Our legal professionals from our firm have years of experience in premises liability. They will fight to ensure maximum compensation.
7. Injuries
The size and weight could cause severe injuries or death if it collisions with a vehicle for passengers. These accidents can lead to the death of both the truck driver as well as the passengers.
There are a myriad of injuries that can be sustained during semi-truck accidents, but the most common ones are broken bones and other traumatic damage. The severity of injuries ranges from minor fractures up to amputations.
Amputations can cause nerve damage, permanent nerve damage, and even infections. They can also be painful and difficult to treat.
Semitruck accidents can cause serious injuries, including spinal cord injuries. A spinal cord injury may cause cognitive and physical impairments that may last a lifetime.
Neck and head injuries are also common in semi-truck accidents. These injuries can be caused by the impact of the crash or by flying objects that hit the victim's neck or head. These injuries can result in whiplash, or traumatic brain injuries, based on the incident.