10 Sites To Help You To Become An Expert In Truck Accident Law
Truck Accident Law
A lawyer for truck accidents with experience in the field has a thorough understanding of the laws which govern truck drivers and trucking companies. They will investigate to uncover evidence, like trucking company maintenance records which may be evidence to be used to prove negligence.
A NYC truck accident lawyer in NYC can assist you in determining who's at fault for your incident and help you recover your injuries.
1. Injured or fatigued Driver
The simplest method to determine who is at fault in a collision between an automobile and a car is to look at the behavior of the driver. A lawyer for truck accidents can look over surveillance footage and witness statements to determine which driver was responsible for the accident.
Many places are equipped surveillance cameras, including most intersections and interchanges as well as certain gas stations, hotels, restaurants, and other businesses. A skilled truck accident lawyer can use this evidence to identify the potential defendant, particularly when the driver was unobservant or distracted at the time of the accident.
In the event of a truck accident it is also possible that the driver was fatigued or even injured at the time of the accident. A thorough analysis of the driver's road logs can reveal if they went too long without sleep or failed to follow Motor Carrier Safety Regulations that limit the amount of time truckers can be on the road and require sufficient rest breaks.
The trucking company could be held accountable for negligence of their employees. A negligent hiring procedure or training policy could have contributed to the accident. Policies that encourage drivers to drive for as long as they can, thus reducing their sleep and rest times and increasing their accident risk, may also have contributed.
The government agencies responsible for maintaining roads can also be held accountable if a dangerous road caused the accident. A truck accident lawyer who has experience can identify the agency responsible and then hire an expert in construction or maintenance with experience to look into the cause of any unsafe conditions in the event of a case. A skilled attorney can identify the multiple parties that could be liable and pursue compensation from all sources.
2. Defective Equipment
Many truck accidents happen because of malfunctioning equipment. This includes brakes, tires and cargo restraints. These pieces of equipment were created to withstand the rigors of use and must be maintained and repaired to prevent failure. If something goes wrong, it could leave the driver of a truck in a position to control the vehicle and can cause fatal or serious collisions. The trucking company, the manufacturer or parts dealer, or repair shop can all be held accountable for malfunctioning truck parts and equipment.
If an accident occurred as a result of a malfunctioning part or piece of equipment, the injured person could pursue damages for economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses today and in the near future, lost income and loss of earning potential. Noneconomic damages include pain and suffering and brain injuries that are traumatic emotional distress. In certain circumstances, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the defendant and stop future negligence.
Despite the best efforts of trucking companies and their drivers, some equipment problems are inevitable. It is crucial to determine the parties accountable in order to seek compensation for your loss.
If you've been in a truck crash and need help from an experienced attorney at the Burch Law firm can assist. Contact us now to set up an appointment at no cost. Our lawyers will review the case, identify the responsible parties, and fight for the compensation you're due. We can help you recover compensation for medical expenses or lost wages, as well as physical or emotional suffering. We handle cases throughout Missouri, including Jefferson City, Columbia, and St. Louis. We are available 24 hours a days, 7 days a weeks to answer your call.
3. Improperly Loaded Cargo
The cargo that trucks transport on the road might seem easy enough, however there are strict regulations that loaders and drivers must adhere to when stacking and secure their loads. Infractions to these rules can lead to serious problems. In a report released recently, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration found that shifting cargo is among the most common causes of truck accidents.
Many of these truck crashes involve cargo falling off of the vehicle and onto other vehicles or the road. This is especially dangerous since the cargo may cause a danger or obstruction on the road and cause other drivers to swerve. It could also fall on pedestrians who are walking or riding a bicycle near the truck.
Based on the manner in which the incident occurred, multiple parties may be at fault. If a driver was negligent in loading his or her cargo, for instance this person could be held accountable under the legal theory of respondeat superior. The trucking company employing that driver may also be liable for its actions, since it is responsible for the actions of its employees under the principle of vicarious accountability.
An experienced lawyer for truck accidents can utilize police reports and professional investigators to determine the root of an accident that was caused by inadequately secured or loaded cargo. A Cordisco and SAIL LLC lawyer will assist victims to determine which defendants they should pursue a claim for compensation against. A successful case could result in a settlement or verdict which will give victims the money they require to recover.
4. Unsafe Road Conditions
The trucking companies, as well their drivers, share the obligation of keeping their vehicles in good working condition. Failure to do this could lead to serious accidents. Trucks are often equipped with mechanical parts that must be inspected and replaced in order for them to function correctly. If this isn't the case it can result in dangerous and unsafe roads.
The conditions of the road and weather can cause truck accidents too. Because of their size trucks are more prone to be involved in accidents during stormy weather and on wet roads. Truck drivers must also follow strict Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration guidelines regarding the amount of time they are allowed to drive in a day. These regulations are designed to protect the public, but if truck drivers don't follow them in order to meet deadlines or to make more money from their employers, it puts the public at risk.
Potholes and uneven surfaces could cause skidding. amarillo truck accident law firm are inadequate lane markings like solid or broken lane lines that cause confusion for drivers about the lane they're in and merging lane ramps that are too small for larger vehicles to safely switch lanes.
If a truck accident happens due to poor road conditions the trucking company or the government agency that is responsible to maintain that road could be held responsible. The person responsible for causing the hazardous conditions must be proven guilty of breaching its obligation of care. This can include negligent hiring or vehicle maintenance, as well as drug testing. California law permits victims to recover damages for medical bills or lost wages, pain and loss of quality life.
5. Pedestrian injuries
Truck accidents can be extremely hazardous for pedestrians walking along roads or in their own yards. People walking on foot are not always protected from the weight and size of a truck and could suffer fatal or catastrophic injuries.
In these situations an attorney for personal injury will seek compensation from the person who caused the injury. In certain cases the party who was negligent could be the driver of the truck who crossed a red light and struck the pedestrian. However, in other cases, it could be a trucking business that allowed the trucker to work longer than the time allowed by law or failed to maintain the vehicle properly.
Distraction or inattention are the most common causes of accidents involving pedestrians and trucks. This type of accident happens frequently in car accidents, but it can be fatal for truck drivers since they are higher in the air and have larger blind zones which are difficult to spot.
If a pedestrian is injured in a car accident it is possible to be awarded compensation for medical expenses and loss of earnings, pain and suffering, as well as property damage. In some cases, the plaintiff is found partly responsible for the accident due to their own actions (such as not turning over to the left side when the truck began to accelerate) the amount they receive will be reduced according to. It is important to select an attorney for personal injuries who is skilled and experienced to manage your case. Contact us now to begin.