Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
A semi truck accident attorney may be needed if you or someone you care about has been injured in a collision with a truck. These accidents are unique and you'll need someone who is familiar with the laws and regulations applicable to commercial trucks.
Truck accidents can lead to liability for a variety of parties including the trucking company, driver, manufacturer, and many others. A competent lawyer will be able to navigate through these areas and make sure you get the money you are entitled to.
1. Human error
Human error is a major factor in truck accidents. In fact, 87 percent of accidents involving trucks involve some form of error. This is because many people are unaware of all the elements which go into getting a big rig or 18-wheeler in the road and ensuring it is safe.
Drivers of trucks who work long hours and don't get enough rest can also be responsible for fatal accidents. The data indicates that 30 percent of all truck accident fatalities result from fatigue of the driver.
It is essential for truckers to comply with federal and state regulations regarding the number of hours they can drive in one day, and how much sleep they need to get before driving again. This prevents accidents from happening in the first place, and it also ensures safety for other drivers.
Human error is a complex matter that involves a variety of people and conditions. This makes it difficult to determine who is at fault for an accident and what you deserve for your injuries. It takes the assistance of an experienced attorney for large truck crashes to look into the causes of a crash in order to figure out who may have legal responsibility for paying you money damages.
2. Defective equipment
Large industrial equipment and machinery can be subject to many issues, including malfunctioning safety devices and faulty parts. Injuries from defective equipment that can lead to fatalities or life-altering outcomes for employees and others.
The malfunctioning equipment may damage a company's reputation and cause financial losses. Incorrect ladders can cause falls and injuries, while electrical equipment may have faulty insulation that could result in burns or electrocution.
Defects in trailer or truck components can pose a risk to other drivers. A truck driver might have difficulties controlling his truck due to an inoperative brake system.
This could lead to various truck accidents, including rear-end collisions and collisions with other trucks. Brakes may fail due to manufacturing defects or a lack of maintenance by the mechanic.
In some cases, the manufacturer of the equipment that is defective might be liable. If charlotte truck accident lawyer with a piece of equipment is the cause of an accident, a semi truck accident lawyer can seek compensation from the manufacturer.
3. Long hours
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates the hours that truckers are permitted to work each week. These limits are set to stop fatigue, which could be a contributory factor in many accidents.
Unfortunately truck drivers don't adhere to the guidelines. Many truck drivers exceed their limits in order to exceed their company's mileage goals. This can result in many issues which include stressed drivers, erratic driving habits, and an increased risk of accidents.
Long commutes and lack of sleep can lead to long hours, and a decrease in your ability to complete tasks on time. All of these contribute to stress and burnout, which could have a profound impact on your ability your job at a high-quality.
Despite the dangers of working for long hours, it's important to remember that you're entitled to 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 help you make an insurance claim, get damages or demonstrate negligence on behalf of the responsible parties. A professional lawyer will take the time to review your case and determine the best course of action to secure the compensation you're entitled to.
4. Negligence
Negligence is any act which violates a person's obligation of care for the public. It is the foundation for the majority of personal injury lawsuits. This duty of care may include hiring and training safe drivers and testing them for alcohol use and alcohol consumption, as well as maintaining trucks in a timely manner.
Distracted driving - Truck drivers often have multiple tasks to complete while on the roads, which could result in accidents. Distracted driving is an offence.
Equipment failure - Sometimes, an accident could be caused by an issue with the truck trailer, or in the truck. It is possible to bring an action for product liability against the manufacturer of the trailer, truck or the component parts that caused an accident.
Cargo loaders: The companies who load trucks also have duties to ensure that the cargo is properly secured and balanced. Unbalanced or loose cargo can cause a truck driver lose control and could cause an accident.
If you or someone you love was injured in a truck accident, it is essential to contact an experienced semi truck accident lawyer. They are aware of how to investigate these types of cases and will help you prove that negligence caused your injuries.
5. Defective design
A qualified attorney must review the semi truck's maintenance records and records of the manufacturer to determine the reason for an accident. An experienced Louisiana truck accident attorney will utilize these records to discover design flaws which can be used as evidence in an action against the manufacturer.
Laws governing product liability state that a manufacturer is accountable for defectively designed products when reasonably foreseeable risks of injury could have been prevented by the adoption of an alternative design. To prove design defect claims plaintiffs must show that a safer design existed at the time of injury, and that a safer alternative would have prevented the injury, without affecting the product's utility.
At McCartney Stucky LLC, our founders have extensive experience handling heavy truck crashworthiness cases and can help you seek compensation for your injuries. Contact our team immediately in the event that you or a loved one have been hurt by a defective truck.
6. Defective maintenance
Maintenance is crucial in the trucking industry to ensure that freight and drivers are secure. Incorrect maintenance can result in brake malfunctions, tire blowouts and other hazards. Incorrect maintenance can lead to serious truck accidents that result in injury or even death.
Large trucks are frequently involved in accidents due to poor maintenance. Fortunately, the majority of these accidents are preventable.
Companies can enhance their performance and reduce failures by planning maintenance. These include implementing the right safety procedures, regularly checking equipment and performing regular maintenance.
Making a plan for maintenance that is systematic isn't easy, but it can also help save money and avoid any future accidents. In reality the cost of preventative maintenance could often be less than the cost for repairs after an accident.
The team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can help if you've suffered hurt in an accident that was caused by a company's negligent maintenance of a residential and commercial property. For more information on our services and solutions, please contact us. Our firm's legal professionals have years of experience in premises liability. They will strive for maximum compensation.
7. Injuries
The size and weight can cause severe injuries or death if it is struck by a car. These crashes can cause the death of the truck driver and the passengers.
There are a myriad of injuries that could be sustained during semi-truck accidents however the most common ones are fractured bones and other trauma injuries. You can sustain minor fractures or severe Amputations.
Amputations can be very dangerous injuries, as they can cause permanent nerve damage and infection. They can be extremely painful and difficult to treat.
Semitruck accidents can result in severe injuries like spinal cord injuries. A spinal injury can cause physical and cognitive impairments that last a lifetime.
Head and neck injuries are also common in semi truck accidents. These injuries can be caused by the force of the crash or by flying objects that strike the victim's neck or head. Depending on the nature of the crash the injuries could cause whiplash or a brain injury.