Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney

If you or someone close to you has been injured in a crash caused by a commercial truck you may have to engage an attorney for semi-truck accidents. Because these accidents are so specific, you'll need someone who knows the specific laws and regulations applicable to commercial trucks.

There are many parties who could be held accountable for an accident with a truck, such as the driver and the trucking company, the manufacturer, and many more. A knowledgeable lawyer knows how to navigate these areas, and will ensure you get the compensation that you deserve.

1. Human error

Human error is a huge factor in truck accidents. In fact, 87 percent of truck accidents result from an error of some sort. This is a problem since most people aren't aware of the many factors that affect getting a big truck or eighteen-wheeler on the road and keeping it secure.

Additionally, truck drivers who work long hours and not having enough rest could result in fatal accidents. Statistics show that fatigued drivers is the cause of 30 percent of all truck accident fatalities.

Therefore, it is essential for truckers to follow federal and state regulations on the amount of time they can drive in one day and how much sleep they should get before driving again. This prevents accidents from occurring in the first place, and also helps ensure safety for other drivers.

However, human error is a complex matter that involves many different people and situations. It is hard to determine who is at fault for an accident and how much you are liable for your injuries. It is necessary to work with an experienced attorney for large truck crashes to look into the causes of a crash in order to figure out who may have legal liability for paying you money damages.

2. Defective equipment

There are many things that could be wrong with large industrial machinery and equipment, including malfunctioning safety systems and defective parts. Damages caused by defective equipment could turn a routine working day into a life-threatening or fatal situation for the workers and others around them.

The faulty equipment can also affect a company's reputation, and result in financial losses. The ladders that are not properly constructed can cause injuries and falls, while poor insulation could lead to burns or electrocution.

The defects in the trailer or truck parts could pose a threat to other drivers. For example an inoperable brake system may make it difficult for a truck driver to control the vehicle.

This can lead to a variety of truck accidents, such as rear-end crashes and collisions with other vehicles. Brakes can fail due to manufacturing defects or lack of maintenance by the mechanic.

In certain cases, the manufacturer can be held responsible for the defective equipment. A semi truck accident lawyer may seek compensation from the manufacturer if a defect in an component of the equipment is the cause of an accident.

3. Long hours

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates the hours truckers are allowed to work in a week. These limits are meant to stop fatigue that can lead to many accidents.

Unfortunately truck drivers do not follow the rules. Many truck drivers exceed their limits in order to surpass their company's mileage goals. This can cause various issues which include stressed drivers and erratic driving patterns, and an increased risk of accidents.

Long commutes and a insufficient amount of sleep can result in long hours, and a decreased ability to complete tasks on time. All of these can contribute to burnout and stress, which could have a major impact on your ability to complete your job at a high-quality.

Despite the risks of working long hours, it's important to remember that you're entitled a fair shake. The best way to protect yourself is to hire an experienced semi truck accident attorney.

A good lawyer can assist you file an insurance claim, recover damages, or prove negligence on behalf the parties responsible. A good lawyer will take the time to review your case and find the most effective way to get you the compensation you need and deserve.

4. Negligence

Negligence refers to any action that breaches a person's duty of care for the public. It is the basis for most personal injury lawsuits. This duty of responsibility could include hiring and training safe drivers as well as testing them for drug use and alcohol consumption, and maintaining the trucks in a safe manner.

Distracted driving - Truckers often perform multiple tasks while on the roads, which can result in accidents. It is important to obey the law regarding distracted driving.

Failure of the equipment - In some cases, a defect in the trailer or the truck itself could be the reason for an accident. It is possible to file an action for product liability against the manufacturer of the trailer, truck or the component parts which caused the accident.

Cargo loaders - Companies that load trucks have duties to ensure that cargo is secured. Unbalanced or loose cargo may cause a truck driver to lose control and lead to an accident.

An experienced semi truck crash lawyer is recommended if you or a loved has been injured in a collision with a truck. They understand how to investigate these cases and can help establish that negligence was the cause of your injuries.

5. Defective design

A qualified attorney should review the maintenance records of the semi-truck and records of the manufacturer to determine the reason for an accident. The information can be used by a skilled Louisiana truck accident lawyer to find design flaws that could be used in a lawsuit against a manufacturer.

The law of product liability states that a company is responsible for defectively designed products in cases where the reasonably anticipated risks of injury from it could have been avoided with the use of an alternative design. To prove a claim for design defects plaintiffs must show that a safer product was available at time of injury and that a less hazardous alternative could have prevented the injury, without any impact on the product's use.

McCartney Stucky LLC's founders have a wealth of experience handling cases involving crashworthiness of heavy trucks and are able to help you seek compensation for your injuries. If you've been injured or a loved one been killed in an accident caused by a defective heavy truck, please contact our team as soon as you can.

6. Defective maintenance

In the trucking industry, maintaining is essential to keep drivers and freight moving in a safe manner. Incorrect maintenance could lead to brake malfunctions, tire blowouts and other risks. Similarly, defective maintenance can be the cause of a serious truck accident that causes deaths or injuries.

Defective maintenance is one of the most common causes of accidents involving large trucks. Many of these accidents can be avoided.

Companies can improve their performance and reduce failures by planning maintenance. These include following safety procedures, inspecting equipment regularly, and performing routine maintenance.

The process of creating a comprehensive maintenance plan isn't easy, however it can also save money and prevent future accidents. In reality, the cost of preventative maintenance could typically be less than paying for repairs after an accident.

If you have suffered injuries in an accident caused by an organization's negligent maintenance of a residential or commercial property, the team at Leav & Steinberg LLP can assist you in finding an answer to your case. Contact us to find out more about our services. The lawyers at our firm have vast experience in the field of premises liability and will work hard to maximize your compensation.

7. Injuries

A semi truck's weight and size can result in severe injury or even death if it encounters a vehicle that is a passenger. These accidents can lead to the deaths of both the truck driver as well as the passengers.

There are a myriad of injuries that can be sustained in semi truck accidents however the most common ones are fractured bones and other trauma injuries. There are fractures that are not serious or severe amputations.

Amputations can result in nerve damage, permanent nerve damage, and even infections. Amputations can be extremely painful and difficult for patients to treat.

Semitruck accidents can cause severe injuries such as spinal cord injuries. A spinal cord injury could cause cognitive and physical impairments that can last for a life time.

Semitruck accidents can also cause head and neck injuries to the head and neck. These injuries can be caused either by the impact of a collision or by flying objects striking the head or neck of the victim. These injuries can cause whiplash, or traumatic brain injuries, depending on the crash.