Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
An attorney for semi-truck accidents is required if you or someone you love has been injured by a car crash. Because these accidents are so special, you'll need someone who is familiar with the specific laws and regulations applicable to commercial trucks.
Accidents involving trucks can result in liability for many parties including the trucking company manufacturer, driver, and others. A competent lawyer will be capable of guiding you through these legal waters and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
1. Human error
Human error is a major factor in truck accidents. In fact, 87% of truck accidents involve the possibility of human error. This is a problem because many people are unaware of all the factors that go into the process of getting a large rig or 18-wheeler out on the roads and ensuring it is safe.
In addition, truck drivers who work for long hours without getting enough rest can result in fatal accidents. Statistics show that fatigued drivers is the main cause of 30% of all truck accidents fatalities.
As a result, it is crucial for truckers to adhere to federal and state rules regarding how long they can drive in a day, and how much sleep they must get before driving again. This helps prevent accidents from happening in the first place, and also ensures the safety of passengers as well as other drivers.
Human error is a complex problem that can affect many people and different circumstances. It is hard to determine who was at fault for an accident and how much you should be paid for your injuries. It is necessary to work with an experienced large truck crash lawyer to look into the causes of a collision to determine who could be at legal responsibility for paying money damages.
2. Defective equipment
There are many things that could fail with huge industrial machinery and equipment which includes malfunctioning safety equipment and defective components. Defective equipment can result in injuries that can lead to fatalities or life-altering consequences for employees and others.
A malfunctioning equipment can also result in financial damages and even damage to a company's reputation. The ladders that are not properly constructed can cause injuries and falls, while faulty insulation could lead to burns or electrocution.
Moreover, defects in the parts of the trailer and truck could pose a risk to other drivers. A truck driver might have trouble controlling the truck due to an inoperative brake system.
This could lead to various truck accidents, including rear-end collisions as well as collisions with other trucks. Brakes may fail due to manufacturing issues or lack of maintenance by the mechanic.
In some cases manufacturers can be held responsible for the defective equipment. If there is a defect in the piece of equipment is the cause of an accident, a semi truck accident lawyer can seek compensation from the manufacturer.
3. Long hours
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates the hours truckers are allowed to work in a week. truck accident lawyer bronx are intended to reduce fatigue that can lead to many accidents.
Unfortunately truck drivers do not adhere to the guidelines. Many truck drivers push themselves beyond their limits in order to surpass their company's mileage goals. This can result in many issues such as overworked drivers as well as erratic driving habits and an increased chance of accidents.
Long hours can also result in long commutes, lack of sleep, and inability to complete tasks before the deadline. All of these can contribute to burnout and stress, which can have a significant impact on your ability to complete your job at a top level.
Despite the risks of working for long hours, it's important to remember that you're entitled an equal chance to be treated with respect. A semi truck accident lawyer is the best way to ensure your rights.
A good lawyer can help you file the right insurance claim, collect damages and show negligence on the part of accountable parties. A good attorney will also be sure to examine your case and determine the most efficient way to get you the compensation you need and are entitled to.
4. Negligence
Negligence is any act that violates someone's duty of care to the public. It is the basis of most personal injury claims. This duty of responsibility could include hiring and training safe drivers, testing them for drug use and alcohol consumption, and maintaining the truck in a proper manner.
Distracted driving - Truckers often perform multiple tasks while driving on the road, which could lead to accidents. Distracted driving is illegal.
Equipment failure - In some cases, a defect in the truck or trailer itself could be the cause of an accident. It is possible to file an action for product liability against the manufacturer of the truck, trailer or other components that contributed to an accident.
Cargo loaders - Companies who load trucks also have duties to ensure that the cargo is secured and balanced. Loose or imbalanced cargo can cause a truck driver lose control and cause an accident.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident it is crucial to contact an experienced semi truck accident lawyer. They are well-versed in these kinds of cases and will help establish negligence was the cause of your injuries.
5. Defective design
A qualified attorney must review the maintenance records of the semi truck as well as the manufacturer's records to determine the root of an accident. An experienced Louisiana truck accident lawyer will use these data to determine if there are design flaws which can be used as evidence in lawsuits against the manufacturer.
Product liability law states that a manufacturer is responsible for a product that is defectively designed in cases where the reasonably anticipated risks of injury could have been mitigated with the adoption of a reasonable alternative design. To prove a claim for design defects the plaintiffs must demonstrate that a safer design existed at the time of injury, and that a less dangerous alternative could have avoided the harm , without affecting the product's functionality.
At McCartney Stucky LLC, our founders have extensive experience in handling crashworthiness of heavy trucks cases and can help you seek compensation for your injuries. Contact us immediately if you or a loved one have been hurt by a defective truck.
6. Defective maintenance
In the trucking industry, proper maintenance is vital in keeping freight and drivers moving in a safe manner. Unprofessional maintenance can cause brake malfunctions, tire blowouts and other risks. Additionally, improper maintenance may be the cause of a fatal truck accident that results in deaths or injuries.
Large trucks are frequently involved in accidents due to poor maintenance. Fortunately, the majority of accidents can be avoided.
Companies can enhance their performance and decrease failures by planning maintenance. These include following safety guidelines as well as regularly checking equipment and performing regular maintenance.
Although it can be a challenge to establish a system to manage maintenance, it can save you money and help prevent future accidents. In fact, the cost of preventative maintenance may often be lower than the cost for repairs following an accident.
If you have been injured due to the negligence of a company's maintenance of a commercial or residential property, the team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can assist you in finding the solution to your case. Contact us to learn more about our services. Our firm's legal professionals have years of experience in premises liability. They will strive to ensure maximum compensation.
7. Injuries
The weight and size of a semi truck could cause serious injuries or even death in a collision an automobile that is a passenger. In some instances, the driver of the truck and the passengers in the vehicle die in these crashes.
There are a myriad of injuries that can be sustained from semi truck accidents, but the most common ones are fractured bones as well as other trauma damage. It is possible to sustain minor fractures or even severe Amputations.
Amputations can be very serious injuries, since they can lead to permanent nerve damage and infection. They can be extremely painful and difficult to treat.
Spinal cord injuries are another kind of serious injury that can happen in an accident involving a semi-truck. A spinal cord injury can leave victims with physical and cognitive impairments that can affect their lives for years to come.
Neck and head injuries are also commonplace in semi truck accidents. These injuries can be caused either by the impact of a crash or by flying objects striking the victim's neck or head. These injuries can result in whiplash or brain injuries based on the accident.