Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
If you or someone close to you was injured in a collision that involved a commercial truck, you may have to engage an attorney who handles semi truck accidents. Because these accidents are so individual, you'll need someone who is familiar with the specific laws and regulations that apply to commercial trucks.
Accidents with trucks can cause liability for several parties including the trucking firm driver, manufacturer, and many others. A knowledgeable lawyer knows how to navigate through all of these areas and make sure you get the compensation that you deserve.
1. Human error
Human error is a major factor in truck accidents. In fact 87 percent of truck accidents result from an error of some sort. This is a problem because most people aren't aware of the many factors which go into getting a big truck or 18-wheeler out on the roads and keeping it secure.
Truck drivers who work long hours and don't get enough rest could also cause fatal accidents. In fact, data shows that 30 percent of fatal truck accidents are caused by driver fatigue.
Truckers must follow all federal and state regulations regarding how long they are allowed to drive in a day and how much rest they need to get before they are able to drive again. This will prevent accidents from happening in the first place and also ensures the safety of passengers and other drivers.
Human error is a complex issue that can involve a variety of people and various circumstances. It is difficult to determine who is at fault for an accident and what should be paid 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
There are many things that could fail with huge industrial machinery and equipment, including malfunctioning safety systems and defective parts. Accidents caused by equipment that isn't working can transform a day at the worksite into a life-altering or fatal 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. Defective ladders can lead to falls and injuries as well as electrical equipment may be insulated incorrectly, which can cause burns or electrocution.
Defects in the truck or trailer parts can pose a danger to other drivers. For instance a brake system that is not working properly can make it difficult for a truck driver to control the vehicle.
This can cause a variety of truck accidents, such as rear-end collisions as well as collisions with other trucks. Brakes may fail due to manufacturing defects or lack of maintenance from the mechanic.
In certain instances, the manufacturer can be held accountable for the defective equipment. If a defect in a piece of equipment is the reason of an accident, a semi-truck accident attorney can seek compensation from the manufacturer.
3. Long hours
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates the hours that truckers are allowed to work during a week. These limits are intended to reduce fatigue which can cause numerous accidents.
Unfortunately many truck drivers don't adhere to the rules. Many truck drivers push themselves to their limits in order to surpass their company's mileage goals. This can lead to erratic driving habits and a higher risk.
Long hours can also be a long commute, lack of sleep, and the inability to complete tasks before the deadline. All of these can contribute to stress and burnout, which could have a profound impact on your ability to do your job at a high standard.
Despite the dangers of working for long hours, it's essential to remember that you're entitled to an equal chance to be treated with respect. The best way to safeguard yourself is to work with an experienced attorney for semi truck accidents.
A good lawyer can assist you make an insurance claim, get damages or prove negligence on behalf the liable parties. A good attorney will also examine your case and find the most effective way to secure the compensation you deserve.
4. Negligence
Negligence refers to any act which violates a person's responsibility of care to the public. It is the reason for the majority of personal injury claims. This duty of responsibility could include hiring and training safe drivers and testing them for alcohol use and alcohol consumption, and maintaining trucks in a timely manner.
Distracted driving - Truck drivers take on multiple activities while driving and can be an important cause of accidents. It is important to obey all laws regarding driving distracted.
Failure of the equipment - In some instances, a defect or defect in the trailer or truck itself could be the reason for an accident. You can file a product liability case against the truck or trailer manufacturer, or any other component that was involved to the accident.
Cargo loaders – Businesses that load trucks have duties to ensure that cargo is secured. Incorrect or unbalanced cargo could cause a truck driver to lose control and lead to an accident.
A skilled semi truck accident attorney is recommended if or someone you love was injured in a truck crash. They are familiar with these kinds of cases and can assist you to prove that negligence caused your injuries.
5. Defective design
If a semi truck is involved in an accident, it's essential that an experienced attorney examines the maintenance records of the truck and the records of the manufacturer of the vehicle to determine the reason for the crash. These records can be used by a skilled Louisiana truck accident lawyer to find design flaws that could be used in a lawsuit against a manufacturer.
Laws governing product liability state that a company can be held liable for defectively designed products when there are reasonable foreseeable risks of injury. To prove design defect claims plaintiffs must demonstrate that a safer design was in place at the time of injury and that a safer alternative could have prevented the injury without affecting the product's utility.
At McCartney Stucky LLC, our founders have a wealth of experience in handling crashworthiness of heavy trucks cases and can assist you to claim compensation for your injuries. Contact us immediately when you or a loved one has been injured by a truck that was defective.
6. Defective maintenance
Maintenance is vital in the trucking industry to ensure the freight and drivers are safe. Improper maintenance can result in tire blowouts, brake malfunctions and other dangers. Defective maintenance could result in serious truck accidents that cause injuries or even death.
Large trucks are often involved in accidents due to inadequate maintenance. The majority of these accidents can be avoided.
Maintenance plans are an essential element of any business and companies can take steps to increase their efficiency and reduce the chance of failures by using preventative measures. truck accident attorney dallas include following safety guidelines, inspecting equipment regularly, and performing routine maintenance.
Creating a systematic maintenance program can be a challenge, but it can also save money and prevent further accidents. Preventative maintenance is usually less expensive than paying for repairs after an incident.
The team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can assist if you've been hurt in an accident that was caused by a company's negligence in the maintenance of a residential or commercial property. For more information about our services get in touch with us. The legal professionals of our firm have extensive experience in premises liability. They will fight to secure maximum compensation.
7. Injuries
The size and weight could result in severe injury or even death if it is struck by a car. In some cases the truck's driver and the passengers in their vehicle are killed in these collisions.
There are many types of injuries that can be sustained from 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 lead to 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 can happen in an accident involving a semi-truck. A spinal cord injury could cause physical and cognitive 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 a crash or by flying objects striking the victim's neck or head. Depending on the nature of the accident these injuries can lead to whiplash or a traumatic brain injury.