Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney

If you or someone close to you has been injured in a crash that involved a commercial truck, you might need to employ an attorney for semi-truck accidents. These accidents are unique and require someone who is knowledgeable of the laws and regulations applicable to commercial trucks.

There are many parties who could be held responsible for the consequences of a truck crash, including the driver, the trucking company, the manufacturer, and many more. A skilled lawyer will be capable of guiding you through these legal pitfalls and ensure that you receive the money you deserve.

1. Human error

Human error is a huge factor in truck accidents. In fact, 87 percent of truck accidents are caused by the possibility of human error. This is due to the fact that most people don't have a complete understanding of the elements that go into the process of getting a big truck or an 18-wheeler onto the road and maintaining its safety.

In addition, truckers who work long hours without having enough rest could result in fatal accidents. Statistics show that fatigued drivers is the main cause of 30% of all truck accidents deaths.

Truckers must comply with all state and federal laws regarding the time they are allowed to drive in a day and the amount of sleep they need before they are able to drive again. This prevents accidents from happening in the first place and it also ensures safety for other drivers.

Human error is a difficult problem that can affect many people and various circumstances. It can be difficult to determine who was at fault for an accident and what are entitled to for your injuries. It takes the assistance of an experienced and knowledgeable large truck crash lawyer to investigate the causes of a crash in order to determine who is the legal liability for paying you damages in cash.

2. Defective equipment

Large industrial equipment and machinery can be subject to many issues, including malfunctioning safety equipment and defective parts. The result of injuries caused by defective equipment can turn a simple day at the worksite into a fatal or life-threatening situation for workers and those who are around them.

The malfunctioning equipment could damage a company's reputation and result in financial losses. The ladders that are not properly constructed can cause injuries and falls, and faulty insulation can cause electrocution or burns.

Defects in the truck or trailer parts could pose a threat to other drivers. For instance an inoperable brake system can make it difficult for a truck driver to steer the vehicle.

This can result in numerous truck accidents, such as rear-end collisions and collisions with other trucks. Brakes can fail due manufacturing problems or the lack of maintenance from the mechanic.

In some cases, the manufacturer of the equipment that is defective could be held responsible. A semi truck accident lawyer can seek compensation from the manufacturer in the event that the defect in an equipment piece is the cause of an incident.

3. Long hours

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

Many truck drivers do not adhere to the rules. Many truck drivers push themselves beyond their limits to surpass their company's mileage goals. This can cause a variety of problems that include overworked employees and erratic driving patterns, and an increased chance of accidents.

Long hours can also mean long commutes, a lack of sleep, and an difficulty in completing tasks before the deadline. These causes can lead to stress and burnout that could be detrimental to your ability perform at the highest level.

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

A good lawyer can assist you make an insurance claim, collect damages or demonstrate negligence on behalf of the parties responsible. A competent lawyer will take the time to review your case to determine the best strategy to get the compensation you deserve.

4. Negligence

Negligence is any action that breaches a person's duty of care to the public, and is the reason for the majority of personal injury lawsuits. This duty of care involves hiring and training safe drivers and also testing their alcohol and drug use, and maintaining their vehicles in a way that is safe.

Distracted driving - Truck drivers often have multiple tasks to complete while on the roads, which could lead to accidents. It is crucial to observe all laws regarding driving distracted.

Equipment failure - Sometimes, accidents could be the result of an issue with the truck trailer, or in the truck. You may file a product liability lawsuit against the truck or trailer manufacturer, as well as any other component that was involved in an accident.

Cargo loaders - Companies that load trucks also have responsibilities to ensure that the cargo is properly secured and balanced. Incorrect or unbalanced cargo could cause a truck driver lose control and cause an accident.

If you or a loved one was injured in a crash involving a truck it is imperative to contact an experienced semi truck accident attorneys accident lawyer. They understand how to investigate these types of cases and help prove that negligence caused your injuries.

5. Defective design

An experienced attorney should scrutinize the maintenance records for the semi truck and the records of the manufacturer to determine what caused an accident. An experienced Louisiana truck accident lawyer will analyze these data to identify possible design defects that can be used as evidence in a lawsuit against the manufacturer.

The law on product liability states that a manufacturer is accountable for a product that is defectively designed when the risks of injury could have been avoided through the use of an alternative design. To prove claims of design defect, the plaintiffs must show that a safer model existed at the time of harm and that a safer alternative would have prevented the injury without negatively impacting the product's value.

McCartney Stucky LLC's founding partners have extensive experience handling cases that involve high-risk truck crashes and can help you seek compensation for your injuries. If you've suffered injuries or your loved one has been killed in an accident caused by a defective truck, get in touch with our team as soon as possible.

6. Defective maintenance

In the trucking industry, proper maintenance is vital in keeping freight and drivers moving in a safe manner. Unprofessional maintenance can lead to tire blowouts, brake malfunctions and other risks. Incorrect maintenance can lead to serious truck accidents that result in injuries or even death.

Incorrect maintenance is among the main causes of accidents with large trucks. Most of these accidents can be avoided.

Companies can improve their performance and decrease failures by planning maintenance. This means implementing appropriate safety procedures, regularly checking equipment and conducting routine maintenance.

Creating a systematic maintenance program isn't easy, but it can also help save money and avoid future accidents. In reality, the cost of preventative maintenance could often be lower than the cost for repairs after an accident.

If you've been injured in an accident caused by a company's defective maintenance of a commercial or residential 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 years of experience in the field of premises liability and will work hard to maximize your compensation.

7. Injuries

The size and weight could cause severe injuries or death when it collides with a passenger vehicle. These accidents could result in the deaths of both the truck driver and passengers.

There are a variety of injuries that could be sustained from semi truck accidents however the most common ones are fractured bones as well as other trauma injuries. The severity of injuries can vary from minor fractures to severe amputations.

Amputations are serious injuries, since they can cause permanent nerve damage and infection. They can also be painful and difficult to treat.

Spinal cord injuries are a different type of severe injury that can occur in a semi truck accident. A spinal cord injury can cause physical and cognitive impairments that can last a life time.

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 hitting the head or neck of the victim. These injuries can cause whiplash or brain injuries, depending on the incident.