Auto, Truck and Motorcycle Accidents
It is an unfortunate fact that the simple act of traveling down the road or along the highway, in an instant, can result in life-altering injury or death. There are laws, regulations, and standards in place to ensure the safety of the drivers and passengers of motor vehicles. Still, tragedies happen every day on our roads. The experienced team at The Maher Law Firm has successfully represented the victims of accidents involving automobiles, trucks, and motorcycles.
Auto Defects
Motor vehicle drivers and passengers suffer when vehicle and tire manufacturers fail to guard against preventable hazards such as:
- Defective brake systems
- Sudden accelerations
- Post-crash fires
- Defective restraint systems
- Air bag failure
- Defective vehicle steering device
- Defective tires
In addition, rollovers have a higher fatality rate than other kinds of crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that in 2002, more than 10,000 people died in rollover crashes. Pickup trucks, vans, and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are particularly susceptible to rollover during a crash due to defects in their design. While manufacturers advertise SUVs as ideal family vehicles, the increased momentum and weight distribution of these large vehicles can lead to rollover. SUVs have also been known to experience instability, tire blowouts, and collapsed roofs, among other problems.
If you believe that you or a loved one is a victim of a defective automobile or tire, contact The Maher Law Firm to discuss your case confidentially. With our team’s vast knowledge of the laws, regulations, and standards applicable to automotive and tire manufacturers, we can help.
Trucks
Dangerous or careless over-the-road truck drivers cause many accidents. According to its most recent published report, the National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA) found that in 2005 alone, there were 442,000 crashes in the United States involving large trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds. In these crashes, 5,212 people died and 114,000 others were injured. An alarming one out of eight traffic fatalities in 2005 resulted from a collision involving a large truck. Sadly, 76% of the deaths were of the innocent drivers and passengers who occupied the other vehicle involved in the crash.
Common causes of truck-related tragedies are:
- Fatigued, sleepy, or inexperienced drivers
- Inadequate training
- Drug or alcohol impairment
- Oversized trucks
- Overloaded trucks
- Poorly maintained brakes
- Absence of under-ride protection under-guard (WILL ANYONE KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS?)
- Hazardous safety systems
- Speeding
- Dangerous, reckless, or aggressive driving
The experienced attorneys at The Maher Law Firm are knowledgeable of the federal and state laws regulating the trucking industry and have successfully represented the victims of trucking accidents. If you or a loved one is a victim of a trucking accident, contact us to discuss your case confidentially.
Motorcycles
In 2005, the number of people killed in U.S. motorcycle accidents rose 13 percent from the previous year. Also, the 87,000 injured in 2005 represent a 14 percent increase over the 76,000 reported in 2004. In addition to the tragic loss of life, motorcycle crashes can cause severe and life-altering injuries, including friction burns, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and disfigurement. Piled onto the trauma of the collision is the trauma of medical bills, lost wages, and insurance adjustment headaches.
The Maher Law Firm represents motorcyclists who have sustained personal injuries in a collision or crash, including those resulting from defective motorcycles and parts. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, contact us to discuss your case confidentially. Our team can serve as a resource of information about your available options and help to lessen the impact of your traumatic experience.