Truck Injury Lawyer Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters
Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving a commercial truck, you may have to engage a semi truck accident attorney. These types of accidents are very unique and you will need someone who is knowledgeable of the laws and regulations applicable to commercial trucks.
There are many parties that are liable in the event of an accident involving a truck, including the driver as well as the trucking company, the manufacturer, and more. A skilled lawyer will know how to navigate through all of these areas, and will ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
1. Human error
Human error is a major factor in truck accidents. In fact nearly 87 percent of truck accident attorneys accidents are caused by some form of error. This is because the majority of people are unaware of the various factors which go into getting a big rig or 18-wheeler on the road, and keeping it safe.
Truck drivers who work long hours and don't have enough sleep could also cause fatal accidents. The data shows that fatigue of drivers is the reason for 30 percent of all truck accident fatalities.
In the end, it is important for truckers to comply with federal and state regulations regarding the number of hours they are allowed to drive in a day and how much sleep they need to get before driving again. This will 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 issue that can involve a variety of individuals and different situations. This makes it difficult to determine who is accountable for an accident and how much you're entitled to compensation for your injuries. It requires the assistance of an experienced and knowledgeable large truck crash lawyer to look into the causes of a collision to determine who is the legal responsibility for paying damages in cash.
2. Defective equipment
There are many things that can happen to large industrial machinery and equipment such as malfunctioning safety systems and parts that are defective. The result of injuries caused by defective equipment can transform a day at work to a life-threatening situation for workers 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, while electrical equipment may have faulty insulation that can cause burns or electrocution.
The defects in the trailer or truck components can pose a risk to other drivers. A truck accident lawyers driver may have trouble controlling the truck due to a malfunctioning brake system.
This can result in a number of truck accidents, such as rear-end collisions and collisions with other vehicles. Brakes can fail due to manufacturing defects or a lack of maintenance from the mechanic.
In certain cases the manufacturer of the equipment that is defective may be liable. A semi truck accident lawyer can seek compensation from the manufacturer in the event that a defect in an equipment piece is the reason of the incident.
3. Long hours
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates the number of hours truckers can work during the week. These limits are designed to prevent fatigue which can cause numerous accidents.
Many truck drivers do not adhere to the rules. Many truck drivers push themselves to their limits to surpass their company's mileage goals. This can lead to a variety of problems which include stressed drivers, erratic driving habits, and a higher risk of accidents.
Long hours can also result in long commutes, lack of sleep, and inability to finish tasks by the deadline. These causes can lead to stress and burnout that can affect your ability perform at an elite level.
While long hours can be dangerous it is vital to be aware that you are entitled to fair treatment. The best way to protect yourself is to employ an experienced semi truck accident attorney.
The right lawyer can help you file the correct insurance claim, collect damages, and prove negligence on the part of parties responsible. A good lawyer will look over your case and determine the best strategy to obtain the compensation you deserve.
4. Negligence
Negligence refers to any act that violates someone's duty of care to the public. It is the foundation for the majority of personal injuries claims. This duty of care involves hiring and training safe drivers and also testing for alcohol and drug use, and maintaining their vehicles in a safe manner.
Distracted driving - Truckers often perform multiple tasks while on the roads, which can result in accidents. Distracted driving is a crime.
Failure of the equipment - In some instances, a defect in the trailer or the truck is a factor in an accident. It is possible to file a claim for product liability against the manufacturer of the trailer, truck or any component which caused the accident.
Cargo loaders – Businesses that load trucks have duties to ensure that cargo is secured. Loose or imbalanced cargo can cause a truck driver to lose control and lead to an accident.
If you or someone you love was injured in a crash involving a truck, it is essential to contact an experienced semi truck accident lawyer. They are experienced in these types of cases and will help prove negligence caused your injuries.
5. Defective design
A qualified attorney should review the maintenance records for the semi truck as well as the manufacturer's records to determine the reason for an accident. These records can be used by a skilled Louisiana truck accident attorney to discover design flaws that could be used in an action against a manufacturer.
Product liability law says that a manufacturer can be held accountable for defectively designed products when there are reasonable foreseeable risks of injury. To prove a claim for design defects, plaintiffs must prove that a safer design existed at the time of the injury and that a less hazardous alternative could have prevented the injury, without impacting the utility of the product.
McCartney Stucky LLC's founders have extensive experience in handling cases involving crashworthiness of heavy trucks and are able to help you seek compensation for your injuries. Contact us immediately when you or a loved one have been hurt due to a defective heavy-truck.
6. Defective maintenance
In the trucking industry, maintenance is key in keeping freight and drivers moving safely. Incorrect maintenance can result in brake malfunctions, tire blowouts and other risks. Incorrect maintenance can cause serious truck accidents that result in injuries or death.
Large trucks are often involved in accidents due to poor maintenance. Fortunately, most of these accidents are preventable.
Companies can enhance their performance and decrease failures by planning maintenance. This includes implementing safe procedures, regularly checking equipment and performing routine maintenance.
While it may be difficult to establish a system to manage maintenance, it will save you money and help prevent any future accidents. In fact, the cost of preventative maintenance may typically be less than paying for repairs following an accident.
The team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can help if you've suffered injured in an accident that was caused by a company's negligence in the maintenance of a residential and commercial property. For more information about our services, please contact us. The legal professionals of our firm have years of experience in premises liability. They will work hard to get the maximum amount of compensation.
7. Injuries
A semi truck's size and weight could result in serious injuries or even death if it collides with a passenger vehicle. In some cases the driver of the truck as well as the passengers in their vehicle die in these crashes.
While there are many different types of injuries that can be sustained in a semi-truck accident, the most common are broken bones as well as other injuries that are traumatic. It is possible to sustain minor fractures or severe Amputations.
Amputations are extremely serious injuries, since they can lead to permanent nerve damage and even infection. Amputations can be extremely painful and difficult for patients to treat.
Spinal cord injuries are another type of severe injury that can happen in an accident involving a semi-truck. A spinal cord injury could leave victims with physical and cognitive disabilities that can impact their lives for years to come.
Neck and head injuries are also common in semi-truck accidents. These injuries can be caused by the impact of the crash or flying objects that strike the victim's neck or head. Depending on the nature of the incident these injuries can result in whiplash or a traumatic brain injury.