Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash that involved a commercial truck, you may require an attorney who handles semi truck accidents. These kinds of accidents are not common and you'll need someone who is knowledgeable of the laws and regulations that apply to commercial trucks.
Accidents with trucks can cause liability for several parties including the trucking company driver, manufacturer, and others. A skilled lawyer will be in a position to guide you through these legal waters and ensure you receive the money you deserve.
1. Human error
Human error is a huge factor in truck accidents. In fact, 87 percent of crashes involving trucks are caused by an error of some sort. This is because most people are not aware of all the elements that influence the process of getting a large rig or 18-wheeler out on the roads and keeping it safe.
Truck drivers who work long hours and don't get enough rest could also cause fatal accidents. Research shows that fatigued drivers is responsible for 30 percent of all truck accident fatalities.
Truckers must abide by all federal and state laws regarding the time they can drive during a day and how much rest 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 as well as other drivers.
Human error is a difficult problem that can affect many people and different circumstances. It can be difficult to determine who was at fault for an accident and what have to pay for your injuries. It is necessary to work with an experienced and knowledgeable large truck crash lawyer to investigate the causes of a crash in order to determine who is the legal responsibility for paying damages in cash.
2. Defective equipment
Large machinery and industrial equipment can be susceptible to many problems, including malfunctioning safety devices and defective parts. Damages caused by defective equipment could turn a routine day at work into a fatal or life-threatening circumstance for workers and the people surrounding them.
Equipment failure can also lead to financial damages and even damage to a company's reputation. Incorrect ladders can lead to injuries and falls, while defective insulation could lead to electrocution or burns.
Additionally, the defects in the parts of the trailer and truck can pose danger to other drivers. For example a brake system that is not working properly can make it difficult for a truck driver to control the vehicle.
This can cause various truck accidents, such as rear-end collisions and collisions other trucks. Brakes can become faulty due to manufacturing defects or due to a lack of maintenance by the mechanic or owner.
In some instances the manufacturer of the equipment that is defective can be held accountable. A semi truck accident lawyer may seek compensation from the manufacturer in the event that the defect in an equipment piece is the reason of the incident.
3. Long hours
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates how many hours truckers can work per week. These limits are meant to avoid fatigue that can lead to many accidents.
Unfortunately, many truck drivers don't follow the guidelines. In an effort to meet the company's mileage targets, they push themselves well beyond the limits. This can lead to many issues, including overworked drivers as well as erratic driving habits and a higher risk of accidents.
Long commutes and a insufficient amount of sleep can result in long hours, as well as a diminished ability to finish tasks on time. These can result in stress and burnout , which could significantly impact your ability perform at a high-level job.
Despite the risks of working long hours, it's important to remember that you are entitled to a fair shake. The best way to protect yourself is to work with an experienced semi truck accident attorney.
An experienced lawyer can help you file the right insurance claim, get damages and show negligence on the part of the responsible parties. A good attorney will also take the time to review your case and find the most effective way to obtain the compensation you deserve.
4. Negligence
Negligence is defined as any act that is in violation of a person's duty to care to the public. It is the basis for most personal injury claims. This duty of care includes hiring and educating safe drivers, as well as testing for alcohol and substance use, and maintaining trucks in a safe manner.
Distracted driving - Many truck drivers are involved in multiple activities while driving and can be an important factor in accidents. It is important to obey all laws regarding distracted driving.
Equipment failure - Sometimes, an accident may be caused by an issue with the truck trailer or. It is possible to file an action for product liability against the manufacturer of the trailer, truck, or component parts which caused the accident.
Cargo loaders: The companies that load trucks also have duties to ensure that the cargo is properly secured and balanced. Incorrect or unbalanced cargo could cause a truck driver to lose control and could cause an accident.
If you or someone you love was injured in a truck crash it is imperative to seek out a reputable semi truck accident attorney. They are aware of how to investigate these types of cases and will help you prove that negligence caused your injuries.
5. Defective design
A qualified attorney should review the maintenance records of the semi truck and the manufacturer's records to determine the cause of an accident. A seasoned Louisiana truck accident lawyer will analyze these data to discover design flaws that could be used as evidence in lawsuits against the manufacturer.
The law of product liability states that a manufacturer is liable for a product that is defectively designed in cases where the reasonably anticipated risks of injury from it could have been mitigated with the adoption of an alternative design. To prove design defect claims plaintiffs must prove that a safer product was available at the time of the injury, and that a safer alternative would have prevented the harm without negatively impacting the product's utility.
At McCartney Stucky LLC, our founders have extensive experience handling heavy
truck accident lawyer near me crashworthiness cases and can assist you to pursue compensation for your injuries. If you've suffered injuries or a loved one been killed in an accident caused by a defective truck, call our team as soon as possible.
6. Defective maintenance
Maintenance is vital in the
trucking accident settlement attorneys industry to ensure that drivers and freight are safe. Unprofessional maintenance can lead to tire blowouts, brake malfunctions and other risks. Poor maintenance can also lead to serious truck accidents that cause injuries or death.
Defective maintenance is one of the main causes of accidents involving large trucks. The majority of these accidents can be avoided.
Planned maintenance is an important aspect of any company, and companies can take measures to increase their efficiency and reduce the chance of failures by taking preventative measures. These include following safety guidelines checking equipment regularly, and performing regular maintenance.
Although it isn't easy to develop a system of maintenance, it can save you money and prevent any future accidents. Prevention-based maintenance is usually less expensive than having to pay for repairs after an accident.
The team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can assist if you've been injured in an accident that was caused by a negligent company's maintenance of a residential or commercial property. Contact us for more information about our services. Our legal professionals from our firm have extensive experience in premises liability.