Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
A semi truck accident attorney may be needed if you or someone you love has been injured in a collision with a truck. Because these types of accidents are individual, you'll need someone who is knowledgeable about the specific laws and regulations applicable to commercial trucks.
Truck accidents can lead to liability for a variety of parties including the trucking firm, driver, manufacturer, and many others. A competent lawyer will be able to navigate these areas to ensure you receive the amount of compensation you are entitled to.
1. Human error
Most truck accidents are caused by human error. In fact almost 87 percent of crashes involving trucks are caused by the possibility of error. This is because most people don't know all the aspects involved in the process of getting a big tractor or 18-wheeler onto a road and maintaining its safety.
Truck drivers who work long hours and don't have enough sleep could also cause fatal accidents. Research shows that fatigued drivers is the cause of 30 percent of all truck accidents deaths.
Truckers must comply with all state and federal regulations regarding the length of time they are allowed to drive in a day and the amount of sleep they need before they are able to 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 involves a myriad of people and situations. It is difficult to determine who is responsible for the accident and how much you are liable for your injuries. lafayette truck accident lawyer who is skilled in large truck accidents can assist you in determining who is legally responsible for your injuries.
2. Defective equipment
There are many things that can happen to large industrial machinery and equipment that could fail, including malfunctioning safety systems and faulty parts. Damages caused by defective equipment can transform a working day into a fatal or life-threatening situation for workers and those surrounding them.
Equipment failure can also lead to financial damages and even damage to a company's reputation. Ladders that are not properly constructed can cause falls and injuries and electrical equipment might have faulty insulation that could cause burns or electrocution.
Defects in truck or trailer components can pose a risk to other drivers. A truck driver may have difficulty controlling the truck due to a malfunctioning brake system.
This can cause a number of truck accidents, such as rear-end collisions as well as collisions with other vehicles. Brakes can fail due manufacturing problems or the lack of maintenance by the mechanic.
In some cases the manufacturer of the equipment that is defective could be held responsible. If an issue with a piece of equipment is the reason of an accident, a semi truck accident lawyer may seek compensation from the manufacturer.
3. Long hours
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates the number of hours that truckers are allowed to work during the week. These limits are designed to avoid fatigue which could cause many accidents.
Many truck drivers don't stick to the rules. In an effort to meet their company's mileage goals they push themselves to the edge of the limits. This can cause many issues which include stressed drivers and driving habits that are unpredictable, and an increased chance of accidents.
Long hours can also lead to long commutes, lack of sleep, and inability to complete tasks before the deadline. These issues can cause stress and burnout that could have a significant impact on your ability perform at an extremely high level.
Despite the dangers of working for long hours, it's important to remember that you're entitled an equal chance to be treated with respect. The best way to safeguard yourself is by hiring an experienced attorney for semi truck accidents.
A good lawyer can assist you file an insurance claim, get damages, or prove negligence on behalf of the liable parties. A professional lawyer will look over your case and determine the best method to receive the amount you are due.
4. Negligence
Negligence refers to any act that breaches a person's duty of care for the public. It is the foundation for the majority of personal injury claims. This duty of care could include hiring and training safe drivers, testing them for drug use and alcohol consumption, as well as maintaining trucks in a timely manner.
Distracted driving - A lot of truck drivers take on multiple activities while driving and can be an important factor in accidents. It is crucial to observe all laws regarding driving distracted.
Failure of the equipment - In some instances, a defect in the trailer or the truck is a factor in an accident. You could file a Product Liability action against the truck or trailer manufacturer, as well as any component parts that contributed to the accident.
Cargo loaders - Companies that load trucks also have the responsibility to ensure that the cargo is secured and balanced. Truck drivers can 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 accident, it is essential to speak with a seasoned semi truck accident attorney. They are experienced in these types of cases and can help establish negligence was the cause of your injuries.
5. Defective design
A qualified attorney should review the maintenance records of the semi truck and the manufacturer's records to determine the reason for an accident. A seasoned Louisiana truck accident lawyer will analyze these data to determine if there are design flaws which can be used as evidence in lawsuits against the manufacturer.
Product liability law states that a company can be held responsible for defective products if there are reasonable risks of injury. To establish a claim of design defect plaintiffs must prove that a safer design existed at the time of the injury and that a safer alternative would have prevented the injury, without impacting the utility of the product.
At McCartney Stucky LLC, our founders have years of experience handling heavy truck crashworthiness cases and can assist you to seek compensation for your injuries. Contact us immediately when you or a loved one have been hurt due to a defective heavy-truck.
6. Defective maintenance
In the trucking business, maintenance is crucial to keep drivers and freight moving safely. Unprofessional maintenance can lead to tire blowouts, brake malfunctions and other hazards. Defective maintenance can also lead to serious truck accidents that result in injuries or death.
Incorrect maintenance is among the most common causes of accidents with large trucks. Fortunately, the majority of these accidents are preventable.
Maintenance plans are an essential element of any business and businesses can take steps to improve their performance and reduce the number of failures by taking preventative measures. This includes following safety protocols and regularly inspecting equipment, and performing regular maintenance.
Although it can be a challenge to develop a system of maintenance, it will save you money and prevent any future accidents. In fact the cost of preventative maintenance may often be lower than the cost for repairs following an accident.
If you have been injured in an accident caused by a company's defective maintenance of a commercial or residential property, the team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can assist you in finding a solution to your case. For more information about our services we invite you to contact us. Our legal professionals at our firm have extensive experience in premises liability. They will do their best for maximum compensation.
7. Injuries
The weight and size of a semi truck can cause serious injuries or even death in the event of a collision with a passenger car. These accidents could result in the deaths of the truck driver and passengers.
There are a myriad of injuries that could be sustained from semi truck accidents However, the most common ones are broken bones and other traumatic damage. Injuries can range from minor fractures, to serious Amputations.
Amputations can be very serious injuries, as they can lead to permanent nerve damage and 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 could leave victims with cognitive and physical impairments that could affect their lives for years to come.
Semitruck accidents can also result in head and neck injuries to the head and neck. These injuries could be caused by the force of the crash , or flying objects that strike the victim's head or neck. Depending on the nature of the crash these injuries can result in whiplash or a traumatic brain injury.