Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
If you or someone close to you was injured in a crash involving a commercial truck, you may have to engage an attorney for semi truck accidents. Because these accidents are so special, you'll need someone who is familiar with the specific laws and regulations applicable to commercial trucks.
There are many parties who could be held accountable for an accident with a truck, such as the driver and the trucking company, the manufacturer, and many others. A knowledgeable lawyer is competent to assist you in navigating these areas and ensure you receive the compensation you are due.
1. Human error
The majority of truck accidents are caused by human error. In fact 87 percent of truck accidents result from an error of some sort. This is due to the fact that most people aren't aware of all the factors involved in getting a massive tractor or 18-wheeler onto a road and maintaining its safety.
Additionally, truck drivers who work for long hours without getting enough rest could cause fatal accidents. Research shows that fatigued drivers is the main cause of 30 percent of all truck accidents fatalities.
Truckers must comply with all state and federal regulations regarding the length of time they are allowed to drive in a day and how much sleep they must get before they are able to drive again. This will prevent accidents from occurring in the first place and also helps ensure the safety of other drivers.
However, human error is a complex issue that involves many different people and circumstances. This makes it difficult to determine who's responsible for an accident and how much you deserve for your injuries. It is necessary to work with an experienced large truck crash attorney to determine the causes of a crash and determine who might be the one with legal responsibility for paying you money damages.
2. Defective equipment
Large industrial machinery and equipment can be susceptible to many issues, such as malfunctioning safety equipment and defective parts. Equipment that is defective can cause injuries that can lead to death or life-altering consequences for workers and others.
The malfunctioning equipment could harm a company's reputation and cause financial losses. Defective ladders can cause injuries and falls, while poor insulation can cause electrocution or burns.
Furthermore, issues with parts of the truck and trailer could be harmful 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 could lead to many truck accidents, including rear-end collisions, as well as collisions with other trucks. Brakes can become faulty due to a manufacturing defect or due to inadequate maintenance by the owner or mechanic.
In certain cases, the manufacturer can be held responsible for the defective equipment. 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 hours truckers can work per week. These limits are meant to reduce fatigue that can lead to many accidents.
Many truck drivers don't stick to the rules. In order to meet their company's mileage goals they push themselves to the edge of the limits. This can lead to numerous issues such as overworked drivers as well as erratic driving habits and a higher chance of accidents.
Long commutes and a lack of sleep could lead to long hours, as well as a reduced ability to complete tasks on time. All of these contribute to stress and burnout, which could have a profound impact on your ability to complete your job at a high-quality.
Despite YouTube of working for long hours, it's important to remember that you are entitled to an honest shake. The best way to protect yourself is to work with an experienced attorney for semi truck accidents.
A good lawyer can help you to file an insurance claim, recover damages, or show negligence on behalf of the liable parties. A good attorney will also be sure to examine your case and determine the best way to get you the compensation you need and deserve.
4. Negligence
Negligence is defined as any act that is in violation of a person's duty to care towards the public. It is the reason for the majority of personal injury lawsuits. This duty of care can include hiring and training safe drivers, testing them for drug use and alcohol consumption, and maintaining trucks in a timely manner.
Distracted driving - A lot of truck drivers engage in several tasks while they are on the road, and this can be a significant factor in accidents. Distracted driving is considered to be illegal.
Equipment failure - In a few instances, a defect in the trailer or the truck is a factor in an accident. You could file a Product Liability claim against the truck manufacturer or trailer manufacturer, or any component parts that contributed to an accident.
Cargo loaders – Companies who load trucks are responsible to ensure that cargo is secured. Truck drivers may lose control of their vehicles when they have unbalanced or loose cargo. This could lead to accidents.
A seasoned semi truck accident attorney is recommended if or a loved has been injured in a truck crash. They are aware of how to look into these cases and will help you 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 the cause of the crash. These records can be used by an experienced Louisiana truck accident attorney to determine design flaws that could be used in the case of a lawsuit against the manufacturer.
Product liability law says that a manufacturer can be held accountable for defective products if there are reasonable foreseeable risks of injury. To prove design defect claims plaintiffs must demonstrate that a safer model existed at the time of injury, and that a less hazardous alternative would have prevented the injury without any impact on the product's use.
McCartney Stucky LLC's founders have extensive experience handling cases that involve high-risk truck crashes and can help you seek compensation for your injuries. If you've been injured or have a loved one who has been killed in an accident caused by a defective heavy truck, please contact our team as soon as possible.
6. Defective maintenance
Maintenance is essential in the trucking industry to ensure the safety of both freight and drivers is assured. Improper maintenance can lead to tire blowouts, brake malfunctions and other risks. In the same way, improper maintenance could be the cause of a serious truck accident that causes deaths or injuries.
Maintenance that is not up to par is one of the most frequent causes of accidents which involve large trucks. Fortunately, most of these accidents can be avoided.
Companies can improve their performance and reduce failures by planning maintenance. This includes following safety protocols, inspecting equipment regularly, and performing regular maintenance.
The process of creating a comprehensive maintenance plan can be a challenge, but it can also help save money and avoid any future accidents. Preventative maintenance is often cheaper than having to pay for repairs after an incident.
If you have suffered injuries due to a company's defective maintenance of a commercial or residential property our team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can assist you in finding an answer to your case. Contact us for more information about our services. Our legal professionals at our firm have years of experience in premises liability. They will strive to secure maximum compensation.
7. Injuries
The weight and size of a semi-truck could cause serious injuries or even death in a collision with an automobile that is a passenger. In some instances the truck's driver and passengers in their vehicle die in these crashes.
There are many types of injuries that can be sustained in semi truck accidents However, the most common ones are broken bones , as well as other traumatic injuries. There are fractures that are not serious or even severe amputations.
Amputations can result in nerve damage, permanent nerve damage, and even infection. They can be extremely painful and difficult to treat.
Spinal cord injuries are a different type of severe injury that can happen in a semi truck accident. A spinal cord injury could cause physical and mental impairments that may affect their lives for a long time to come.
Head and neck injuries are also commonplace in semi-truck accidents. 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 incident these injuries can result in whiplash or a brain injury.