Tips For Hiring a Semi Truck Accidents Lawyer
If you have been injured in a semi truck accident, you should contact a semi truck accidents lawyer as soon as possible. These types of accidents can result in extensive injuries and damage to property. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to claim damages from the owner of the truck or driver of the other vehicle. Your attorney will have experience in handling these cases and can help you maximize your financial compensation. Listed below are some tips for hiring a semi truck accident lawyer.
Driver error
Truck collisions are one of the deadliest types of accidents on the roads, and while the vehicles themselves are prone to defects, driver error is the leading cause of such crashes. Negligent trucking companies and negligent drivers put lives at risk by running erratically, and these accidents are often caused by driver error. To make matters worse, driver error is often the sole cause of an accident. If you or a loved one has been injured in a semi truck accident due to driver error, you can file a claim for damages.
The most common type of commercial truck accident lawsuits result from driver error. A study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration found that nearly 90 percent of fatal crashes were caused by driver error. Whether the driver is overworked or lacked proper training, mistakes can happen due to many reasons, including insufficient rest periods. No matter the cause, your accident could have been avoided by hiring a qualified attorney to represent your case.
Driver exhaustion
A semi-truck accident can happen due to several factors, including driver exhaustion. Tired drivers have trouble making sound decisions, which is critical to keeping them safe on the road. They may swerve, veer off the road, or even fall asleep at the wheel. These factors all contribute to an increased risk of collision. Driver exhaustion and semi truck accidents are closely related. Here’s how to spot symptoms of driver exhaustion and prevent them from happening to you.
Many people have heard about the link between fatigue and truck crashes. However, what is fatigue? It’s an excessive amount of sleepiness coupled with driving. A driver who feels sleepy while driving is more susceptible to crashing and causing injuries to others. Unfortunately, many truck drivers are under pressure to meet unrealistic deadlines and continue working even if it means they’re fatigued. Fatigued drivers may be liable for accidents, and they may be found negligent if they cause one.
Owner of the truck
While trucking accidents can involve the actions of a rogue driver, a negligent owner of a semi-truck can also be held responsible. If the owner of a semi-truck failed to perform maintenance or repairs on time, they may be liable for the crash. Additionally, the truck manufacturer and parts distributor may be held liable if their products were defective and caused the accident. In a multiple vehicle accident, the other motorists may also be liable for contributing to the crash. It is therefore imperative to hire a qualified truck accident lawyer to explore the options available for compensation.
A truck accident lawyer will begin by investigating the accident and gathering any evidence necessary to prove liability. They may need to enlist the help of an expert in a specific field, such as a mechanical engineer, who can explain the cause of the accident. In some cases, they may also require the testimony of an accident victim’s medical records. However, there are a number of ways to get a fair settlement in a semi truck accident case.
Liability insurance
It is imperative to have adequate liability insurance for semi truck accidents, because these types of crashes often involve a third party, usually the company that employs the truck driver. This complicates the insurance claims process, since insurance carriers often fight over liability for the driver’s actions. Injured parties may not be sure where to start in filing a claim, so an attorney is needed to guide them through the process. Here are the most important factors to consider:
A truck must display a Department of Transportation-issued number, HAZMAT markings, and other safety features, such as a hazard sign. These features are in place to protect and inform drivers, but when a truck driver causes an accident, they can be held responsible. Other factors that may cause truck driver liability include working longer than the law allows, taking illegal drugs to stay alert, or driving while fatigued or drowsy.