Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
A semi-truck accident attorney can assist you if you are in an accident with either a car or truck. A seasoned attorney will know what to look out for, and will be able to assist you in getting the compensation you deserve.
Fatigued drivers
Thousands of crashes are caused by tired drivers each year. There are many variables that could cause these accidents but fatigue is the most frequent.
Truckers are required to travel long distances in short periods of time. This is a demanding job. They must be able to react quickly to changes in traffic signals or other hazards, and take quick decisions. Drivers may sometimes be under pressure to meet deadlines.
A driver who is tired has decreased reaction time and is often incapable of reacting quickly to potentially dangerous situations. The consequences could be similar to driving under the influence of alcohol. Contact police If you suspect that a trucker may be driving while impaired.
Fatigue can affect judgement and result in physical risks. This can lead to slow reaction times, blurred focus , and poor decision-making.
Fortunately the federal government has established regulations to address the issue of fatigued driving. These restrictions are intended to reduce the amount of truck accidents as well as the number of injuries that are sustained.
The rules restrict the number of hours truckers can be on the road within a 24-hour time frame. Many trucks have built-in systems that track the amount of time the driver has been working. For the first eight hours of their shift truckers are required take 30 minutes of rest.
FMCSA regulates the hours that truckers are allowed to drive without stopping to rest. The FMCSA regulates the hours truckers spend on the road in order to prevent them from getting tired or losing control of their trucks. According to the agency, there are about 88,000 accidents involving large trucks each year that are caused by fatigued drivers.
It is essential for truckers to follow a healthy diet and get the recommended hours of rest prior to taking an hour off for a shift. If they think they are fatigued and need to take longer breaks. A look at their maintenance records might prove helpful in confirming their ability to drive.
Tired truckers can lead to serious collisions with pedestrians and other vehicles. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducted research dubbed the «Truck Crash Cause Study.» Over a three-year span, fatigue was identified as a factor in more than 12,000 trucking crashes.
Failures of the brake and tire
Failure of the brakes is the reason for about one-third of all major truck accidents. Anyone injured during a crash with a truck might be able to pursue a claim for product liability against the manufacturer of the brakes.
Federal law requires that commercial trucking companies to maintain their trucks, including the brakes. In certain instances, however, inadequate maintenance can result in the breakdown. A malfunctioning air brake system could cause the brakes’ malfunction and create a crash. A faulty windshield wiper, or a damaged headlight, could cause an accident.
Brake failure is typically the most straightforward mechanical issue as the weight of a tractor-trailer increases its speed. To avoid hitting pedestrians or other vehicles, trucks have to maintain a safe braking distance.
The tires are an important component of a vehicle. Particularly on an 18-wheeler, the presence of a tire that has failed poses a serious risk. It can result in the vehicle losing control, leading to a rear-end collision , or even a the vehicle rolling over.
Many drivers do not realize they are suffering from a brake or tire failure until it happens to them. When the brakes on a truck aren’t working properly, the driver has less control over the vehicle and could easily cause a crash.
The best way to prevent the possibility of a crash is to ensure that your truck is properly maintained and loaded. In addition, Semi Truck Accident Attorney truck drivers should conduct a post-trip inspection in order to determine any mechanical problems.
In fact, the Department of Transportation (DOT) reports that more than a third of all tractor-trailer accidents result from a brake failure. The problem can be as simple as a malfunctioning vacuum hose. Overheating a brake can cause it to produce enough heat to set fire.
The Federal Motor semi truck Accident Attorney Carrier Safety Administration has developed standards and guidelines for trucks. These guidelines cover the installation of tanks and air compressors and also protection valves. These systems are more complex than those found in most automobiles. Consequently, it is crucial to keep them in good condition and replaced when necessary.
There are many causes for the vehicle to fail however, brake and tire issues are the most frequent. These issues can have devastating consequences.
Comparative fault
Utilizing comparative fault in a personal injury case can increase your odds of winning the big bucks. Comparative fault permits the judge to determine the percentage of fault for an accident. The amount of damages awarded will be determined on the amount of fault attributed.
It’s not a secret that people are accountable for the injuries they cause. You could be held liable for injuries if you walk across the street. However, you won’t be allowed to sue for property damage.
In the event of a pedestrian-truck accident, you could still get compensated for your losses, even if you were partly at fault. A jury has to determine that your negligence was equal to or greater than the negligence of the driver of vehicle you crossed in front of.
A comparative fault lawyer can negotiate with the other driver’s insurance company to obtain an equitable settlement. Your settlement won’t cover total cost of your medical bills or other expenses. You may be eligible to receive a portion of the amount paid by the insurance company of the other driver.
It is important to avoid settling directly with the insurance company that covers the driver. While it may seem simple to simply take the quick route however, you could lose an enormous amount of money.
An experienced comparative fault lawyer can help you receive the compensation you’re entitled to. You need a strong defense in the event that you are involved in a car accident.
An Arizona comparative fault attorney can explain how Arizona’s laws were created. They can also help navigate your car accident. If you have been injured in a car collision, you should contact a lawyer who handles comparative fault away.
Comparative fault is a tangled issue, but a knowledgeable lawyer will be able to make sense of it all. The best way to determine which type of lawyer you should employ is to do your research.
Punitive damages
If you’re injured in a semi-truck accident or if a loved one dies in a fatal accident, you may be entitled to compensation. To recover damages you must prove that the other party was at fault. party. You will likely be awarded punitive and economic damages in the event that you can prove the other party was responsible.
The economic damages can be anything such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. You can examine old pay stubs for these types damages. If the driver was drunk at the time of the incident the driver could be held liable for punitive damages.
Non-economic damages include pain and suffering as well as companionship or loss and loss of future income. These damages can be difficult to quantify, however a qualified lawyer can assist you in identifying them. A lawyer who is qualified is required to be contacted immediately if you’ve been injured in a semi-truck accident.
Punitive damages can also be awarded in a semi truck accident settlement-truck accident. These damages are designed to penalize the party at fault and deter others from similar behavior. It can be difficult to get punitive damages. You must prove that the other party is in gross negligence.
Punitive damages are possible in cases involving reckless driving, drunk driving, and speeding. They can also be awarded in instances where the victim knew or should have known of a significant risk of injury.
The jury will determine the amount of your total damages will be reduced. Each defendant is responsible for a proportion of damages. This percentage will be determined by the individual’s fault. The total amount of damages can be reduced by up to 20.
Companies that do not maintain their tractor-trailer units in safe conditions could be subject to punitive damages. They may not have properly followed safety regulations or may not have properly screened drivers.
An experienced attorney can help you in obtaining the maximum amount of compensation. You will need to provide proof.