Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
An attorney for semi-truck accidents may be needed if you or someone loved ones has been injured in a truck crash. Because these accidents are so specific, you'll need someone who is knowledgeable about the specific laws and regulations that govern commercial trucks.
Accidents with trucks can cause liability for many parties, including the trucking company driver, manufacturer, and others. A skilled lawyer will know how to navigate these areas and ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
1. Human error
Human error is a major factor in truck accidents. In fact almost 87 percent of crashes involving trucks are caused by an error of some sort. This is a problem since most people aren't aware of the many factors that influence getting a big rig or eighteen-wheeler on the road and keeping it secure.
Drivers of trucks who work long hours and don't get enough rest can also be responsible for fatal accidents. In fact, research shows that 30 percent of all fatal truck accidents are the result of fatigued drivers.
Therefore, it is vital for truckers follow federal and state regulations on how many hours they can drive in one day, and how much sleep they should get before they can drive again. This prevents accidents from occurring in the first place and also ensures safety for other drivers.
However, human error is a complex matter that involves a myriad of people and conditions. It's difficult to determine who was at fault for an accident and the amount you should be paid for your injuries. An experienced lawyer who is skilled in large truck accidents can assist you in determining who is legally responsible for your damages.
2. Defective equipment
Large industrial machinery and equipment are susceptible to a variety of problems, including malfunctioning safety devices as well as defective parts. Accidents caused by equipment that isn't working can turn a simple working day into a life-threatening or fatal scenario for employees and those near them.
Failures in equipment can cause financial losses and damage to a company's reputation. Defective ladders can lead to injuries and falls and electrical equipment might have a defective insulation that 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 could make it difficult for truck drivers to steer the vehicle.
This can lead to a variety of truck accidents, including rear-end collisions and collisions with other trucks. Brakes may fail due to a manufacturing defect or due to lack of maintenance by the mechanic or owner.
In certain cases the manufacturer could be held accountable for defective equipment. If there is a defect in the 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 number of hours truckers are able to work during the week. These limits are intended to prevent fatigue, which can lead to numerous accidents.
Unfortunately many truck drivers don't adhere to the rules. In an effort to meet the company's mileage targets, they go over these limits. This can lead to various issues, including overworked drivers and erratic driving patterns, and an increased risk of accidents.
anchorage truck accident lawyer can also be a long commute, lack of sleep, and inability to complete tasks before the deadline. All of these can lead to burnout and stress which could have a major impact on your ability to complete your job at a top level.
While working long hours can be dangerous it is vital to keep in mind that you have a right to fair treatment. The best way to protect yourself is to employ an experienced attorney for semi truck accidents.
An experienced lawyer can help you file the appropriate insurance claim, obtain damages and establish negligence on the part of accountable parties. A good lawyer will look over your case and determine the most effective way to obtain the compensation you need and are entitled to.
4. Negligence
Negligence refers to any action which violates a person's responsibility of care for the public, and is the basis for most personal injury lawsuits. This duty of responsibility could include hiring and training safe drivers and testing them for drug use and alcohol consumption, as well as maintaining trucks in a timely manner.
Distracted driving - Truck drivers typically perform multiple tasks while driving on the roads, which could cause accidents. It is crucial to observe all laws pertaining to distracted driving.
Equipment failure - In some cases, a defect in the trailer or the truck itself could be the reason for an accident. You can file a product liability lawsuit against the truck or trailer manufacturer, or any of the parts that were involved to the accident.
Cargo loaders: The companies who load trucks also have responsibilities to ensure that the cargo is properly secured and balanced. Truck drivers could lose control of their vehicles in the event of unbalanced or unbalanced cargo. This could lead to accidents.
An experienced 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 can help you 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 truck's maintenance record and records from the manufacturer of the vehicle to determine what led to the crash. A seasoned Louisiana truck accident attorney will utilize these information to find design flaws which could be used as evidence in lawsuits against the manufacturer.
Product liability law states that a manufacturer can be held liable for defectively designed products when there are reasonable foreseeable risks of injury. To establish a claim of design defect plaintiffs must show that a safer design existed at the time of the injury and that a safer alternative could have prevented the injury, without affecting the product's utility.
At McCartney Stucky LLC, our founders have years of experience in handling crashworthiness of heavy trucks cases and can assist you to pursue 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, contact our team as soon as possible.
6. Defective maintenance
In the trucking industry, proper maintenance is vital in keeping freight and drivers moving in a safe manner. Incorrect maintenance could lead to tire blowouts, brake malfunctions and other risks. Poor maintenance can also result in serious truck accidents that cause injury or even death.
Large trucks are frequently involved in accidents due to inadequate maintenance. The majority of these accidents can be avoided.
Companies can enhance their performance and decrease failures by planning maintenance. These include implementing the right safety procedures, regularly inspecting equipment and performing regular maintenance.
The process of creating a comprehensive maintenance plan can be a challenge, but it can also save money and prevent further accidents. Prevention-based maintenance is usually less expensive than paying for repairs after an accident.
The team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can assist you if you've been injured in an accident caused by a company's negligent maintenance of a residential or 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 get the maximum amount of compensation.
7. Injuries
A semi truck's size and weight could result in severe injury or death if it encounters a vehicle that is a passenger. These accidents can lead to the deaths of the truck driver and the passengers.
While there are many different kinds of injuries that could occur in a semi truck accident, the most frequent are broken bones and other trauma-related damages. Injuries can range from minor fractures, to serious amputations.
Amputations can cause nerve damage permanent nerve damage and even infection. They can also be painful and difficult to treat.
Semitruck accidents can cause severe injuries, including spinal cord injuries. A spinal cord injury may cause cognitive and physical impairments that may affect their lives for a long time to come.
Head and neck injuries are also common in semi-truck accidents. These injuries may be caused by the force of the crash , or flying objects that hit the victim's neck or head. These injuries can cause whiplash or brain injuries depending on the cause of the accident.