Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
A semi
truck accident attorney is required if you or someone you care about has been injured in a truck crash. These kinds of accidents are not common and you'll need someone who is knowledgeable of the laws and regulations applicable to commercial trucks.
Truck accidents can lead to liability for a variety of parties including the trucking firm driver, manufacturer, and others. A good lawyer will be capable of guiding you through these legal waters and ensure you receive the money you deserve.
1. Human error
The majority of truck accidents are caused by human error. In fact 87 percent of truck accidents are caused by an error of some sort. This is a problem because the majority of people are unaware of all the factors that affect the process of getting a large rig or eighteen-wheeler on the road and ensuring it is safe.
Additionally, 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 fatal truck accidents are caused by driver fatigue.
Truckers must comply with all federal and state regulations regarding how long they can drive during a day and the amount of sleep they must get before they can drive again. This prevents accidents from happening in the first place and also provides safety for other drivers.
However, human error is a complex matter that involves many different people and circumstances. It is difficult to determine who is at fault for an accident and the amount you have to pay for your injuries. It takes the assistance of an experienced attorney for large truck crashes to analyze the cause of a crash to determine who could be at legal liability for paying you money damages.
2. Defective equipment
There are many things that could be wrong with large industrial machinery and equipment that could fail, including malfunctioning safety systems and parts that are defective. Accidents caused by equipment that isn't working can turn a simple day at the workplace to a life-threatening scenario for employees and those who are around them.
The malfunctioning equipment could damage a company's reputation and cause financial losses. A defective ladder can cause falls and injuries and electrical equipment might have a defective insulation that could result in burns or electrocution.
Defects in trailer or truck components can pose a risk to other drivers. For example a brake system that is not working properly may make it difficult for truck drivers to steer the vehicle.
This can lead to a variety of truck accidents, such as rear-end crashes and collisions with other vehicles. Brakes can fail because of manufacturing problems or the lack of maintenance from the mechanic.
In certain instances, the manufacturer can be held accountable for the defective equipment. If there is a defect in the piece of equipment is the cause of an accident, a semi-truck accident attorney can seek compensation from the manufacturer.
3. Long hours
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates the number of hours truckers can work per week. These limits are intended to avoid fatigue, which is the cause of many accidents.
Many truck drivers don't adhere to the rules. Many truck drivers push themselves to their limits to go beyond their company's miles goals. This can lead to unruly driving habits and increased accidents risk.
Long commutes and a lack of sleep can result in long working hours, and a decrease in your capacity to complete tasks on time. These can result in stress and burnout , which could be detrimental to your ability perform at an elite level.
Despite the risks of working long hours, it's essential to remember that you're entitled an honest shake. A semi truck accident lawyer is the best way to ensure your rights.
A competent lawyer can assist you file the proper insurance claim, get damages and show negligence on the part of parties responsible. A good lawyer will look over your case and determine the most effective way to secure the compensation you deserve.
4. Negligence
Negligence is any action that breaches a person's duty of care to the public, and it is the basis of most personal injury claims. This duty of care includes hiring and training safe drivers, as well as testing their alcohol and drug use, and maintaining trucks in a way that is safe.
Distracted driving - A lot of truck drivers engage in multiple tasks while driving, and this can be an important factor in accidents. It is important to obey the law regarding distracted driving.
Equipment failure - Sometimes, an accident could be caused by an issue with the truck trailer, or in the truck. It is possible to file a claim for product liability against the manufacturer of the truck, trailer, or component parts that contributed to an accident.
Cargo loaders: Companies who load trucks are responsible to ensure that cargo is properly secured. Unbalanced or loose cargo can cause a truck driver to lose control and lead to an accident.
An experienced semi truck accident attorney is recommended if or someone you love has been injured in a truck crash. They are well-versed in these kinds of cases and can assist you to establish negligence was the cause of your injuries.
5. Defective design
A qualified attorney must review the maintenance records of the semi truck and the records of the manufacturer to determine the root of an accident. An experienced Louisiana
truck accident Law Firms accident lawyer will use 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 company is responsible for defectively designed products when reasonably foreseeable risks of injury resulting from it could have been avoided with the adoption of an alternative design. To prove claims of design defects plaintiffs must prove that a safer design was in place at the time of injury and that a less hazardous alternative would have prevented the injury without impacting the utility of the product.
McCartney Stucky LLC's founders have vast experience handling cases that involve 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 due to a defective heavy-truck.
6. Defective maintenance
In the trucking industry, maintaining is essential to ensure that drivers and freight are moving in a safe manner. Improper maintenance can result in brake malfunctions, tire blowouts as well as other hazards. Additionally, improper maintenance may be the reason for a serious truck accident that causes deaths or injuries.
Large trucks are often involved in accidents due to poor maintenance. Fortunately, the majority of these accidents are avoidable.
Companies can improve their performance and decrease failures by planning maintenance. These include following safety guidelines, inspecting equipment regularly, and performing regular maintenance.
Implementing a well-planned maintenance program isn't easy, however it can also save money and avoid future accidents. Prevention-based maintenance is usually less expensive than the cost of repairs following an incident.
The team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can help if you have been injured in an accident caused by negligence of a business's maintenance of a residential and commercial property. For more information on our services get in touch with us. Our legal professionals from our firm have extensive experience in premises liability. They will work hard to ensure maximum compensation.
7. Injuries
A semi truck's size and weight could result in serious injuries or even death when it encounters a vehicle that is a passenger.