Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
If you or someone close to you has been injured in a collision involving a commercial truck, you may require a semi truck accident attorney. These kinds of accidents are not common and you will need someone who is knowledgeable of the laws and regulations applicable to commercial trucks.
Accidents with trucks can cause liability for a variety of parties which include the trucking company the driver, the manufacturer and others. A skilled lawyer will know how to navigate through all of these areas and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
1. Human error
Human error is a major factor in truck accidents. In fact, 87% of truck accidents involve some type of error. This is due to the fact that most people don't have a complete understanding of the aspects involved in getting a massive rig or eighteen-wheeler onto the road and keeping it safe.
Drivers of trucks who work long hours and don't have enough sleep could also cause fatal accidents. Data shows that driver fatigue is the cause of 30 percent of all truck accidents fatalities.
Truckers must follow all state and federal laws regarding the time they are allowed to drive in a day and how many hours of sleep they must get before they can drive again. This prevents accidents from occurring in the first place, and also ensures the safety of passengers as well as other drivers.
Human error is a complex issue that can involve many people and different circumstances. This makes it difficult to determine who is accountable for an accident and how much you deserve for your injuries. An experienced lawyer who is skilled in large truck accidents can assist you in determining who is legally responsible for your injuries.
2. Defective equipment
Large machinery and industrial equipment are susceptible to a variety of issues, such as malfunctioning safety devices and faulty components. Equipment that is defective can cause injuries that can cause fatalities or life-altering consequences for workers and others.
The malfunctioning equipment could harm a company's reputation and result in financial losses. A defective ladder can cause falls and injuries as well as electrical equipment may have faulty insulation that could cause burns and electrocution.
Defects in trailer or truck parts can pose a danger to other drivers. A truck driver may have difficulty controlling the truck due to an issue with the brake system.
This can lead to a variety of truck accidents, such as rear-end collisions and collisions with other vehicles. Brakes can become faulty due to manufacturing defects or due a lack of maintenance by the mechanic or owner.
In certain cases the manufacturer of the equipment that is defective might be liable. A semi truck accident lawyer may seek compensation from the manufacturer if there is a defect in the equipment piece is the reason of the incident.
3. Long hours
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates the hours that truckers are allowed work each week. These limits are designed to avoid fatigue, which could be an element in many accidents.
Unfortunately truck drivers don't follow the guidelines. Many truck drivers exceed their limits in an effort to surpass their company's mileage goals. This can lead them to have erratic driving habits, and increase the risk.
Long hours can also result in long commutes, lack of sleep, and an difficulty in completing tasks before the deadline. All of these can contribute to stress and burnout which could have a major impact on your ability to do your job at a top level.
While long hours can be hazardous it is vital to be aware that you are entitled to fair treatment. The best way to protect yourself is by hiring an experienced semi truck accident attorney.
A good lawyer can assist you to file an insurance claim, get damages, or prove negligence on behalf the parties responsible. A good lawyer will take the time to review your case and find the best course of action to ensure you receive the compensation you need and deserve.
4. Negligence
Negligence is defined as any act that breaches a person's duty of care towards the public. It is the basis for most personal injury lawsuits. This duty of care entails hiring and training safe drivers, and also testing them for alcohol and drug use, and ensuring that trucks are maintained in a way that is safe.
Distracted driving - Many truck drivers take on multiple activities while on the road, and this can be an important factor in accidents. Distracted driving is illegal.
Failure of equipment - In certain cases, a defect in the truck or trailer is a factor in an accident. laguna niguel truck accident lawsuits may file a product liability claim against the truck manufacturer or trailer manufacturer, as well as any of the components that played a role in an accident.
Cargo loaders – Companies that load trucks must be able to ensure that cargo is secured. Truck drivers may lose control of their trucks when they are carrying unbalanced or unbalanced cargo. This can lead to accidents.
If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident, it is essential to consult a skilled semi truck accident lawyer. They are well-versed in these kinds of cases and will help determine if negligence is the reason for your injuries.
5. Defective design
A qualified attorney should review the semi truck's maintenance records and the records of the manufacturer to determine the reason for an accident. A seasoned Louisiana truck accident lawyer will utilize these records to determine if there are design flaws that could be used as evidence in a lawsuit against the manufacturer.
The law of product liability states that a manufacturer is responsible for a product that is defectively designed in cases where the reasonably anticipated risks of injury resulting from it could have been avoided through the adoption of an alternative design. To establish a claim of design defect plaintiffs must show that a safer design existed at time of injury and that a safer alternative could have prevented the injury without any impact on the product's use.
McCartney Stucky LLC's founders have vast experience in handling cases involving high-risk truck crashes and can assist you in obtaining compensation for your injuries. If you have been injured or your loved one has been killed in an accident caused by a defective truck, call our team as soon as possible.
6. Defective maintenance
In the trucking industry, proper maintenance is vital in keeping freight and drivers moving safely. Untidy maintenance can lead to brake malfunctions, tire blowouts as well as other hazards. Similarly, defective maintenance can be the cause of a serious truck accident that results in injuries or fatalities.
Defective maintenance is one of the main causes of accidents that involve large trucks. Fortunately, the majority of these accidents are avoidable.
Companies can improve their performance and decrease failures by planning maintenance. This means implementing appropriate safety procedures, regularly checking equipment and performing routine maintenance.
The process of creating a comprehensive maintenance plan isn't easy, however it can also help save money and prevent further accidents. In fact the cost of preventative maintenance can often be less than the cost for repairs following an accident.
The team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can help if you have been hurt in an accident that was caused by a negligent company's maintenance of a residential and commercial property. For more information on our services we invite you to contact us. Our legal professionals from our firm have extensive experience in premises liability. They will fight to secure maximum compensation.
7. Injuries
A semi truck's weight and size can result in serious injuries or death when it encounters a vehicle that is a passenger. In some instances, the driver of the truck as well as the passengers in their vehicle are killed in these collisions.
There are a variety of injuries that can be sustained from semi truck accidents however the most common ones are broken bones , as well as other traumatic damage. There are minor fractures that can occur or even severe amputations.
Amputations can cause nerve damage permanent nerve damage and even infection. They can be extremely painful and difficult to treat.
Spinal cord injuries are another type of severe injury that can happen in an accident involving a semi-truck. A spinal cord injury may cause victims to suffer cognitive and physical impairments that can affect their lives for the rest of their lives.
Semitruck accidents can also result in head and neck injuries to the head and neck. These injuries may be caused by the impact of the crash , or flying objects that strike the victim's neck or head. These injuries can result in whiplash, or even traumatic brain injuries depending on the cause of the accident.