Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
If you or someone close to you has been injured in a crash that involved a commercial truck, you may need to hire a semi truck accident attorney. Because these incidents are individual, you'll need someone who knows the specific laws and regulations applicable to commercial trucks.
Accidents involving trucks can result in liability for several parties which include the trucking company manufacturer, driver, and others. A competent lawyer will be able to navigate all of these areas and make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.
1. Human error
Human error is a huge factor in truck accidents. In fact nearly 87 percent of truck accidents are caused by some kind of error. This is because most people don't know all the elements that go into getting a huge tractor or 18-wheeler onto a road and maintaining its safety.
Drivers of trucks who work long hours and don't sleep enough could also cause fatal accidents. The data indicates that 30 percent of fatal truck accidents are caused by driver fatigue.
It is essential for truckers to comply with federal and state regulations on how many hours they can drive in one day and how many hours of sleep they need before driving again. This will prevent accidents from happening in the first place and also ensures the safety of passengers and other drivers.
However, human error is a complex issue that affects a variety of individuals and situations. It is hard to determine who was responsible for the accident and what have to pay for your injuries. An experienced lawyer who is skilled in large truck accidents can help you determine who is legally responsible for your damages.
2. Defective equipment
There are many things that can fail with large industrial equipment and machinery that could fail, including malfunctioning safety systems and defective parts. Damages caused by defective equipment can transform a day at the workplace into a life-threatening or fatal scenario for employees and those around them.
Equipment failure can also lead to financial losses and damage to a company's reputation. Incorrect ladders can cause injuries and falls as well as electrical equipment may have a defective insulation that could result in burns or electrocution.
Moreover, defects in components of trailers and trucks could pose a risk to other drivers. A truck driver could have difficulties controlling the truck because of an issue with the brake system.
This can result in a number of truck accidents, including rear-end collisions and collisions other vehicles. Brakes can fail due to manufacturing problems or the lack of maintenance from the mechanic.
In some cases, the manufacturer of the equipment that is defective might be held responsible. A semi truck accident lawyer can seek compensation from the manufacturer in the event that 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 number of hours truckers are able to work each week. These limits are intended to prevent fatigue, which could be the cause of many accidents.
Unfortunately truck drivers don't follow the guidelines. In order to meet their company's mileage goals they exceed these limits. hemet truck accident lawsuits can result in erratic driving habits and a higher risk.
Long hours can also lead to long commutes, lack of sleep, and inability to complete tasks before the deadline. All of these contribute to stress and burnout which could have a profound impact on your ability your job at a high level.
While long hours can be hazardous It is essential to be aware that you are entitled to fair treatment. A semi truck accident lawyer is the best way to ensure that you are protected.
A competent lawyer can assist you file the appropriate insurance claim, recover damages and show negligence on the part of accountable parties. A competent lawyer will take the time to review your case to determine the best way to proceed to obtain the amount you are due.
4. Negligence
Negligence refers to any action that breaches a person's duty of care to the public. It is the reason for the majority of personal injury lawsuits. This duty of care includes hiring and training safe drivers, and also testing for alcohol and drug usage, and maintaining the trucks in a proper manner.
Distracted driving - Truck drivers often perform multiple tasks while on the road, which could result in accidents. Distracted driving is considered to be illegal.
Failure of equipment - In certain instances, a defect in the trailer or truck itself may be responsible for an accident. It is possible to bring an action for product liability against the manufacturer of the trailer, truck or any component that caused an accident.
Cargo loaders - The businesses who load trucks also have responsibilities to ensure that the cargo is properly secured and balanced. Incorrect or unbalanced cargo could cause a truck driver lose control and lead to an accident.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash involving a truck, it is essential to consult a skilled semi truck accident attorney. They know how to look into these cases and can help you establish that negligence was the cause of your injuries.
5. Defective design
A qualified attorney must review the semi truck's maintenance records and the records of the manufacturer to determine what caused an accident. A seasoned Louisiana truck accident attorney will utilize these records to find design flaws which could be used as evidence in a lawsuit against the manufacturer.
Product liability law states that a manufacturer is liable for defectively designed products when reasonably foreseeable risks of injury from it could have been prevented by the adoption of a reasonable alternative design. To prove claims of design defect, the plaintiffs must show that a safer product was available at the time of harm and that a less dangerous alternative could have avoided the harm , without affecting the utility of the product.
At McCartney Stucky LLC, our founders have years of experience in handling crashworthiness of heavy trucks cases and can assist you to 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 drivers and freight are safe. Untidy maintenance can lead to tire blowouts, brake malfunctions, and other hazards. Similarly, defective maintenance can be the cause of a fatal truck accident that results in injuries or fatalities.
Large trucks are frequently involved in accidents due to inadequate maintenance. Most of these accidents can be avoided.
Planned maintenance is an important element of any business and companies can take measures to enhance their performance and decrease the chance of failures by using preventative measures. This includes implementing safe procedures, regularly inspecting equipment and performing routine maintenance.
Although it can be a challenge to establish a system to manage maintenance, it can save you money and prevent any future accidents. In fact, the cost of preventative maintenance could often be lower than the cost for repairs following an accident.
If you have suffered injuries due to the carelessness of a business's maintenance of a commercial or residential property our team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can help you find an answer to your case. For more information on our services, please contact us. The lawyers at our firm have extensive experience in the field of premises liability and will work hard to maximize your compensation.
7. Injuries
The size and weight could cause severe injuries or death when it collides with a passenger vehicle. In some cases the truck's driver and passengers in their vehicle die in these accidents.
While there are many different types of injuries that can be sustained in a semi-truck accident, the most common are fractured bones and other injuries that are traumatic. It is possible to sustain minor fractures or severe Amputations.
Amputations can cause nerve damage permanent nerve damage and even infections. Amputations can be extremely painful and difficult to treat for patients.
Semitruck accidents can lead to severe injuries such as spinal injuries. A spinal cord injury may cause cognitive and physical impairments that last a lifetime.
Semitruck accidents can also cause neck and head injuries. These injuries can be caused either by the impact of a collision or flying objects hitting the victim's neck or head. These injuries can result in whiplash or traumatic brain injuries based on the accident.