Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
A semi-truck accident attorney can help you if you have an accident with a truck or car. 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
Every year, tired drivers are responsible for thousands of crashes. There are a variety of factors that cause these accidents, but driver fatigue is the most prevalent.
Truckers are faced with a demanding job that requires them to travel long distances in short amounts of time. They need to be able to respond quickly to changes in traffic signals and other dangers, making rapid decisions. Drivers are sometimes under immense pressure to meet deadlines.
Drivers who are drowsy have impaired reflexes and may not be quick to react to situations that could be dangerous. These consequences can be more severe than driving under the influence. Contact law enforcement if you suspect that a trucker may be driving while impaired.
Fatigue can impact judgment and result in physical risks. This can cause slow reactions, lapses in focus and poor decision making.
Fortunately, the federal government has set up regulations to tackle the issue of fatigued driving. These regulations are designed to decrease the risk of truck accidents and injuries.
These rules limit the amount of hours that truckers are allowed to drive for a 24 hour period. Many trucks have built-in systems that monitor the number of duration of time a driver is on duty. In the first eight hours on duty, Semi truck accident attorney truckers are required to take 30 minutes of rest.
FMCSA regulates the time that truckers can drive and not need to rest. This is to ensure that truckers don’t become exhausted and lose control of their vehicles. The agency estimates that there are about 88,000 accidents involving large trucks each year that are caused by fatigued drivers.
Truckers should eat a healthy diet and rest for the recommended hours prior to when they begin their shift. They must take longer breaks if they feel fatigued. A review of their maintenance records may be helpful in confirming their ability to drive.
The fatigued truckers could cause serious collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians. The «Truck Crash Cause Study» was conducted by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA). The study found that fatigue was a major factor in over 12,000 truck accidents involving commercial trucks over a three-year period.
Tire and brake failures
A majority of large truck accidents can be attributed to brake failure. If you are injured in a collision with a truck may be able to bring an action for product liability against the manufacturer of the brakes.
Federal law requires that commercial trucking companies to maintain their trucks including the brakes. In some instances, improper maintenance can cause the breakdown. A malfunctioning air brake system could cause the brakes’ to fail and lead to a crash. In the same way, a defective headlight or windshield wiper can cause an accident.
Brake failure is usually the most common mechanical problem. The tractor-trailer’s mass adds to the truck’s acceleration. A truck requires a long brake distance to avoid hitting another vehicle or a pedestrian.
Tires are also an important aspect of a vehicle. Particularly on an 18-wheeler, having a tire that’s failed is a serious hazard. It could lead to the vehicle losing control, leading to a rear-end collision , or even a rollover.
Many drivers don’t know they’ve got a brake issue or tire problem until it occurs to them. When the brakes on a truck are not working correctly, the driver has less control over the vehicle and could easily cause a crash.
The best way to avoid a crash is to ensure your truck is well maintained and loaded. In addition, drivers should conduct a post-trip check to detect any mechanical problems.
According to the Department of Transportation (DOT) More than a third of tractor-trailer accidents are due to brake malfunctions. A malfunctioning vacuum tube may cause the issue. Overheating a brake can cause it to generate enough heat to cause fire.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has established guidelines and standards for trucks. These guidelines govern the installation of air compressors and tanks and protection valves. These systems are more complex than the ones used in most cars. Consequently, it is crucial that they be maintained and replaced if needed.
There are many reasons for an automobile to fail, but brake and tire problems are among the most common. These defects can lead to devastating consequences.
Comparative fault
Utilizing comparative fault in a personal injury case will increase your odds of winning the large sums. Comparative fault is a legal concept that allows the court to determine percentages of responsibility for an accident. The amount of fault will determine the amount of damages that are awarded.
It’s no secret that some people are often responsible for injuries they cause. You could be held accountable when you cross the street. However you’ll not be able to sue for damage to property.
For a pedestrian truck crash, you could still get compensation for your losses even if your part was at fault. A jury will need to find that your negligence was at least equal or greater than the negligence of the driver of vehicle you were crossing in front of.
A lawyer for comparative fault can negotiate with the insurance company to obtain an acceptable settlement. Your compensation won’t cover the entire amount of your medical bills or other expenses. You could receive a part of the cash paid by the insurance company of the other driver.
It is crucial to avoid having to pay directly to the insurance company of the driver. Although it may appear easy to just take the quick route however, you could lose a lot of money.
Having an experienced comparative fault lawyer to represent you is the best way to make sure that you get the money you are entitled to. You need a solid defense if you’re in a motor vehicle accident.
An attorney who is a comparative fault lawyer can explain the law of Arizona based on comparative fault. They can also help you navigate your car accident. If you’ve been injured in an auto collision, it is important to contact an attorney for comparative fault right now.
Comparative fault can be confusing and a skilled attorney can explain the whole thing. Research is the best way to find out which type of lawyer you need to hire.
Punitive damages
You could be entitled to compensation if get injured in a semi-truck accident or if your loved ones are killed. To claim damages you have to prove the negligence of the other party. If you are able to succeed, you may be awarded damages in the form of punitive and economic damages.
Economic damages can include medical bills as well as lost wages, property damage and other forms of economic losses. Check your old pay stubs for these types damages. Punitive damages could be awarded to drivers who were drunk at the moment of the crash.
Non-economic damages may include suffering and pain as well as loss of companionship and loss of future income. These damages can be difficult to quantify, however an experienced lawyer can assist you to determine them. If you’ve suffered injuries in a semi truck accident litigation truck accident, you should contact an experienced lawyer as soon as you can.
Punitive damages may also be awarded in a semi truck accident. These damages are designed to penalize the party at fault, and deter others from engaging in similar conduct. It can be challenging to obtain punitive damages. You must establish that the other party was in gross negligence.
Punitive damages may be awarded in cases of reckless driving, drugged driving, or speeding. They can be awarded in situations where the victim knew or ought to have known of a high likelihood of injury.
The jury will decide how the total damages of your case will be reduced. Each defendant will be accountable for a proportion of damages. This percentage will be determined according to the fault of each defendant. This can reduce the total amount of damages by up to 20%.
Penalties for semi truck accidents could also be awarded if a trucking company failed to maintain a tractor-trailer unit in a safe state. They may not have properly adhered to safety regulations or not have properly screened drivers.
An experienced attorney can assist you obtain the maximum amount of damages. You will need to provide evidence.