Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
If you or someone close to you was injured in a collision with a commercial vehicle, you may have to engage an attorney for semi truck accidents. These accidents are unique and require someone who is knowledgeable of the laws and regulations that apply to commercial trucks.
Accidents involving trucks can result in liability for several parties including the trucking company driver, manufacturer, and others. A good lawyer will know how to navigate all of these areas to ensure you get the compensation that you deserve.
1. Human error
Truck accidents are often caused by human error. In fact almost 87 percent of truck accidents are caused by the possibility of error. This is because the majority of people don't understand all the elements that go into the process of getting a big truck or an 18-wheeler onto the road and maintaining its safety.
Truck drivers who work long hours and don't get enough rest can also be responsible for fatal accidents. The data shows that fatigue of drivers is responsible for 30% of all truck accidents fatalities.
Truckers must follow all state and federal rules regarding the amount of time they can drive in a day and how many hours of sleep they need to get before they can drive again. This helps prevent accidents from happening in the first place and also ensures the safety of passengers and other drivers.
Human error is a thorny issue that can involve many people and various circumstances. This makes it difficult to determine who is at fault for an accident and how much you're entitled to compensation for your injuries. An experienced attorney who specializes in large truck crashes can help you determine who is legally responsible for your damages.
2. Defective equipment
There are a lot of things that could go wrong with large industrial machinery and equipment such as malfunctioning safety systems and faulty parts. Injuries from defective equipment that can cause fatalities or life-altering outcomes for workers and other people.
Failures in equipment can cause financial loss and damage to a company's reputation. The ladders that are not properly constructed can cause injuries and falls, while poor insulation can cause burns or electrocution.
Defects in trailer or truck components can pose a risk to other drivers. A truck driver could have difficulties controlling his truck because of an issue with the brake system.
This can result in various truck accidents, such as rear-end collisions and collisions other trucks. Brakes can become faulty due to an issue with the manufacturing process or due a lack of maintenance by the owner or mechanic.
In some cases, the manufacturer can be held accountable for the defective equipment. A semi truck accident lawyer can seek compensation from the manufacturer if a defect in an component of the equipment is the cause of an incident.
3. Long hours
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates the hours that truckers are permitted to work in a week. These limits are meant to reduce fatigue, which can lead to numerous accidents.
Many truck drivers don't adhere to the rules. Many truck drivers push themselves to their limits in order to surpass their company's mileage goals. This can cause many issues that include overworked employees, erratic driving habits, and a higher risk of accidents.
Long commutes and insufficient amount of sleep can result in long working hours, and a decreased capacity to complete tasks on time. All of these contribute to burnout and stress, which can have a significant impact on your ability to perform your job at a high standard.
While long hours can be hazardous it is vital to remember that you are entitled to fair treatment. A semi truck accident lawyer is the best option to ensure that you are protected.
A good lawyer can help you file the correct insurance claim, get damages and show negligence on the part of the liable parties. A good attorney will also look over your case and determine the most efficient way to get you the compensation you need and deserve.
4. Negligence
Negligence refers to any act that is in violation of a person's duty to care towards the public. It is the foundation for the majority of personal injuries claims. This duty of care could include hiring and training safe drivers and testing them for alcohol use and alcohol consumption, and maintaining trucks properly.
Distracted driving - Truck drivers take on multiple tasks while on the road and can be an important factor in accidents. It is important to obey all laws regarding distracted driving.
Equipment failure - Sometimes, an accident could be caused by an issue with the truck trailer or the truck. It is possible to bring an action for product liability against the manufacturer of the trailer, truck or other components which caused the accident.
Cargo loaders: Companies that load trucks have duties to ensure that cargo is secured. Loose or imbalanced cargo can cause a truck driver to lose control and cause an accident.
A seasoned semi truck accident lawyer is recommended if you or a loved is injured in a truck crash. They are familiar with these kinds of cases and can help establish negligence was the cause of your injuries.
5. Defective design
A qualified attorney should look over the semi truck's maintenance records as well as the manufacturer's records to determine the root of an accident. These data can be used by a skilled Louisiana truck accident lawyer to discover design flaws that could be used in the case of a lawsuit against the manufacturer.
The law of product liability states that a manufacturer may be held liable for defectively designed products if there are reasonable foreseeable risks of injury. To establish a claim of design defect plaintiffs must prove that a safer product was available at the time of harm, and that a less dangerous alternative would have prevented the harm without negatively impacting the utility of the product.
McCartney Stucky LLC's founders have a wealth of experience handling cases involving heavy truck crashesworthiness and can assist you in obtaining compensation for your injuries. Contact us immediately if you or a loved one have been hurt by a truck that was defective.
6. Defective maintenance
In the trucking industry, maintaining is essential in keeping freight and drivers moving in a safe manner. Unprofessional maintenance can cause brake malfunctions, tire blowouts as well as other hazards. Defective maintenance could cause serious truck accidents that cause injuries or even death.
Large trucks are frequently involved in accidents due to poor maintenance. Fortunately, the majority of these accidents are avoidable.
atlanta truck accident lawyer are an essential aspect of any company, and companies can take steps to improve their performance and reduce the risk of failures using preventative measures. This includes following safety protocols as well as regularly checking equipment and performing routine maintenance.
Creating a systematic maintenance program isn't easy, however it can also save money and avoid future accidents. In fact, the cost of preventative maintenance could often be lower than the cost for repairs after an accident.
If you have been injured in an accident caused by an organization's negligent maintenance of a residential or commercial property, the team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can assist you in finding the best solution for your situation. Contact us to learn more about our services. Our firm's legal professionals have years of experience in premises liability. They will fight to secure maximum compensation.
7. Injuries
The weight and size of a semi truck could cause serious injury or even death in a crash with a passenger car. In some cases the truck's driver and the passengers in the vehicle die in these crashes.
There are a variety of injuries that could be sustained in semi truck accidents However, the most common ones are broken bones and other traumatic injuries. The severity of injuries ranges from minor fractures up to amputations.
Amputations can result in nerve damage permanent nerve damage and even infections. They can also be painful and difficult to treat.
Semitruck accidents can lead to severe injuries such as spinal cord injuries. A spinal injury can leave victims with physical and cognitive impairments that may affect their lives for years to come.
Neck and head injuries are also commonplace in semi truck accidents. These injuries could be caused by the impact of the crash or flying objects that strike the victim's neck or head. Based on the nature of the crash, these injuries can cause whiplash or a traumatic brain injury.