Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
A semi truck accident lawyer is required if you or someone you care about has been injured in a collision with a truck. Since these accidents are specific, you’ll need someone who is familiar with the specific laws and regulations that govern commercial trucks.
There are many parties that could be held responsible for a truck accident, including the driver as well as the trucking lawyers company, the manufacturer, and many more. A competent lawyer will be able to navigate these areas to ensure you get the compensation that you are entitled to.
1. Human error
Human error is a huge factor in truck accidents. In fact 87 percent of truck accidents are caused by the possibility of human error. This is because the majority of people are unaware of all the factors that go into the decision of putting a big rig 18-wheeler on the road, and keeping it secure.
In addition, truck drivers who work for long hours without having enough rest could result in fatal accidents. In fact, data shows that 30 percent of all truck accident fatalities are caused by driver fatigue.
Truckers must adhere to all federal and state rules regarding the amount of time they can drive per day and how many hours of sleep they need to get before they can drive again. This will prevent accidents from happening in the first place and also ensures the safety of passengers as well as other drivers.
Human error is a thorny problem that can affect many people and various circumstances. It is difficult to determine who is at fault for an accident and how much 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 injuries.
2. Defective equipment
Large machinery and industrial equipment can be subject to many problems, semi truck accident Attorney such as malfunctioning safety devices as well as defective components. Defective equipment can cause injuries that can lead to fatalities or life-altering consequences for employees and others.
A malfunctioning equipment can also result in financial losses and damage to the company’s reputation. Ladders that are not properly constructed can cause falls and injuries, while electrical equipment may be insulated incorrectly, which could result in burns or electrocution.
Moreover, defects in the parts of the trailer and truck could pose a risk to other drivers. For instance a brake system that is not working properly may make it difficult for a truck driver to steer the vehicle.
This can cause a variety of truck accidents, including rear-end collisions as well as collisions with other trucks. Brakes may fail due to manufacturing defects or due a lack of maintenance by the owner or mechanic.
In certain cases, the manufacturer of the equipment that is defective might be held accountable. If there is a defect in the 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 truckers are allowed to work in a week. These limits are designed to stop fatigue that can lead to many accidents.
A lot of truck drivers don’t adhere to the rules. Many truck drivers push themselves to their limits in an effort to surpass their company’s mileage goals. This can lead to various issues which include stressed drivers and driving habits that are unpredictable, and a higher chance of accidents.
Long commutes and lack of sleep can all lead to long hours as well as a diminished capacity to complete tasks on time. These can result in stress and burnout that can significantly impact your ability to perform at a high-level job.
Despite the risks of working for long hours, it’s essential to remember that you are entitled to fair treatment. A semi truck accident lawyer is the best way to ensure your rights.
A good lawyer can help you to file an insurance claim, collect damages or prove negligence on behalf the liable parties. A competent lawyer will examine your case and determine the best course of action to obtain the compensation you deserve.
4. Negligence
Negligence is any action that is in violation of a person’s obligation of care to the public and is the foundation for most personal injury lawsuits. This duty of care can 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 — Truck drivers frequently have multiple tasks to complete while on the road, which could result in accidents. Distracted driving is an offence.
Equipment failure — Sometimes, an accident may be caused by a defect in the truck trailer, or in the truck. You could file a Product Liability action against the truck or trailer manufacturer, or any other component that was involved to the accident.
Cargo loaders: Companies that load trucks have duties to ensure that cargo is secured. Truck drivers may lose control of their trucks in the event of unbalanced or loose cargo. This can lead to accidents.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision with a truck it is imperative to contact an experienced semi truck accident attorney. They are well-versed in these kinds of cases and can help prove that negligence caused your injuries.
5. Defective design
If a semi truck is involved in an accident, it’s crucial that a professional examines the truck’s maintenance record and the records of the maker of the vehicle to determine the reason for the accident. A seasoned Louisiana truck accident lawyer will use these data to determine if there are design flaws that can be used as evidence in a lawsuit against the manufacturer.
The law of product liability states that a manufacturer is liable for defectively designed products when reasonably foreseeable risks of injury could have been avoided with the adoption of an alternative design. To establish a claim of design defect, plaintiffs must prove that a safer design existed at time of injury and that a less hazardous alternative could have prevented the injury without any impact on the product’s use.
At McCartney Stucky LLC, our founders have years of experience in handling crashworthiness of heavy trucks cases and can assist you to get compensation for your injuries. If you’ve suffered injuries or have a loved one who has been killed in an accident caused by a defective truck, please contact our team as soon as you can.
6. Defective maintenance
In the trucking business, maintenance is crucial to keeping drivers and freight moving in a safe manner. Unprofessional maintenance can cause brake malfunctions, tire blowouts and other dangers. In the same way, improper maintenance could be the cause of a fatal truck accident that results in deaths or injuries.
Maintenance issues are among the main causes of accidents with large trucks. Many of these accidents can be prevented.
Companies can improve their performance and reduce the risk of failure by planning maintenance. These include implementing proper safety procedures, regularly checking equipment and performing routine maintenance.
While it may be difficult to create a system for maintenance, it can save you money and to avoid future accidents. In reality the cost of preventative maintenance may often be lower than the cost for repairs following an accident.
If you have suffered injuries in an accident caused by the carelessness of a business’s maintenance of a commercial or residential property, the team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can assist you in finding the best solution for your situation. Contact us today to learn more about our services. Our legal professionals at our firm have years of experience in premises liability. They will do their best to get the maximum amount of compensation.
7. Injuries
A semi truck’s weight and size can cause severe injuries or even death if it collides with a passenger vehicle. These crashes can cause the death of the truck driver and the passengers.
There are a myriad of injuries that can be sustained during semi-truck accidents however the most common ones are broken bones and other traumatic injuries. The severity of injuries ranges from minor fractures to amputations.
Amputations can be very dangerous injuries, as they can lead to permanent nerve damage, and possibly infection. They can also be painful and difficult to treat.
Spinal cord injuries are a different type of serious injury that could occur as a result of an accident involving a semi-truck. A spinal cord injury can cause physical and cognitive impairments that can last a life time.
Head and semi Truck accident attorney neck injuries are also commonplace in semi truck accidents. These injuries can be caused either by the impact of a collision or by flying objects striking the victim’s neck or head. Depending on the nature of the incident these injuries can result in whiplash or a brain injury.