Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision with a commercial vehicle, you may need to hire a semi truck accident attorney. Because these accidents are so unique, you'll want someone who is knowledgeable about the specific laws and regulations that apply to commercial trucks.
Accidents with trucks can cause liability for several parties, including the trucking company manufacturer, driver, and others. A knowledgeable lawyer knows how to navigate through all of these areas and ensure that you receive the amount of compensation you are entitled to.
1. Human error
Human error is a major factor in truck accidents. In fact nearly 87 percent of truck accidents are caused by the possibility of error. This is due to the fact that most people don't know all the elements involved in getting a massive tractor or 18-wheeler onto a road and maintaining its safety.
In addition, truck drivers who work long hours without getting enough rest can result in fatal accidents. Research shows that fatigued drivers is the main cause of 30 percent of truck accident fatalities.
Truckers must abide by all federal and state laws regarding the time they are allowed to drive in a day and how much rest 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 and other drivers.
Human error is a thorny issue that can involve a variety of people and various circumstances. This makes it difficult to determine who is accountable for an accident and what you are entitled to for your injuries. An experienced attorney who specializes in large truck crashes can assist you in determining who is legally responsible for your injuries.
2. Defective equipment
There are many things that can fail with large industrial equipment and machinery, including malfunctioning safety systems and defective components. Injuries from defective equipment which can result in death or life-altering consequences for workers and other people.
Failures in equipment can cause financial losses and damage to the company's reputation. A defective ladder can cause injuries and falls and electrical equipment might have faulty insulation that could cause burns and electrocution.
Defects in the truck or trailer parts can pose a danger to other drivers. A truck driver might have difficulty controlling the truck due to a malfunctioning brake system.
This can result in many truck accidents, including rear-end collisions as well as collisions with other trucks. Brakes can fail because of manufacturing defects or lack of maintenance from the mechanic.
In some cases, the manufacturer of the equipment that is defective can be held responsible. A semi truck accident lawyer may seek compensation from the manufacturer if the defect in the component of the equipment is the cause of the incident.
3. boulder truck accident lawsuits how long truckers can work during the week. These limits are intended to avoid fatigue that can lead to numerous accidents.
Unfortunately truck drivers do not adhere to the guidelines. Many truck drivers exceed their limits in order to surpass their company's mileage goals. This can lead to unruly driving habits, and increase the risk.
Long commutes and a lack of sleep can result in long hours, as well as a reduced ability to complete tasks on time. All of these factors can lead to stress and burnout, which can have a significant impact on your ability your job at a high standard.
While long hours can be hazardous, it is important to remember that you are entitled to fair treatment. The best way to protect yourself is to work with an experienced semi truck accident attorney.
A good lawyer can help you make an insurance claim, recover damages, or show negligence on behalf of the liable parties. A competent lawyer will be sure to examine your case and determine the best way to proceed to get the compensation you deserve.
4. Negligence
Negligence is the act that violates a person's duty of care to 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 drug use and alcohol consumption, and maintaining trucks in a timely manner.
Distracted driving - Truck drivers frequently have multiple tasks to complete while on the road, which could lead to accidents. Distracted driving is considered to be illegal.
Equipment failure - Sometimes, accidents can be caused by a defect in the truck trailer, or in the truck. You could file a Product Liability action against the truck or trailer manufacturer, as well as any component parts that contributed in an accident.
Cargo loaders - Companies that load trucks also have the responsibility to ensure that the cargo is secured and balanced. Truck drivers could lose control of their trucks when they have unbalanced or loose cargo. This could result in accidents.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident it is imperative to consult a skilled semi truck accident attorney. They are familiar with these kinds of cases and can help prove negligence caused 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 root of an accident. These data can be used by an experienced Louisiana truck accident attorney to determine design flaws that could be used in a lawsuit against a manufacturer.
Laws governing product liability state that a manufacturer is responsible for defectively designed products when reasonably foreseeable risks of injury could have been prevented by the adoption of a reasonable alternative design. To prove claims of design defects plaintiffs must show that a safer model existed at the time of injury, and that a less hazardous alternative would have prevented the injury without impacting the utility of the product.
McCartney Stucky LLC's founders have vast expertise in handling cases involving crashworthiness of heavy trucks and are able to assist you in seeking compensation for your injuries. Contact our team immediately if you or a loved one has been injured by a defective truck.
6. Defective maintenance
Maintenance is crucial in the trucking industry to ensure that the freight and drivers are safe. Unprofessional maintenance can lead to brake malfunctions, tire blowouts and other dangers. Poor maintenance can also lead to serious truck accidents that result in injury or even death.
Incorrect maintenance is among the most common causes of accidents with large trucks. Fortunately, the majority of these accidents can be avoided.
Maintenance plans are an essential aspect of any company, and companies can take measures to increase their efficiency and reduce the risk of failures taking preventative measures. These include implementing the right safety procedures, regularly checking equipment and performing regular maintenance.
Although it isn't easy to design a system for maintenance, it will save you money and help to avoid future accidents. Preventative maintenance is often cheaper than having to pay for repairs after an accident.
If you have been injured in an accident caused by an organization's negligent maintenance of a commercial or residential property our team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can help you find the best solution for your situation. For more information about our services get in touch with us. Our legal professionals from our firm have years of experience in premises liability. They will fight to secure maximum compensation.
7. Injuries
The weight and size of a semi truck could cause serious injuries or even death in a collision a passenger car. These crashes can cause the death of both the truck driver as well as the passengers.
While there are many types of injuries that can occur in a semi truck accident, the most frequent are broken bones and other injuries that are traumatic. The severity of injuries ranges from minor fractures to severe amputations.
Amputations are serious injuries as they can cause permanent nerve damage, and possibly infection. They can be extremely painful and difficult to treat.
Semitruck accidents can lead to severe injuries such as spinal cord injuries. A spinal cord injury may leave victims with physical and mental impairments that may affect their lives for the rest of their lives.
Semitruck accidents can also result in neck and head injuries to the head and neck. These injuries can be caused by the force of the crash , or flying objects that strike the victim's neck or head. Based on the nature of the accident, these injuries can cause whiplash or a brain injury.