Top-Rated Louisiana Truck Accident Lawyers

Every accident involving a motor vehicle is dangerous. Due to the nature and sheer size of commercial trucks, tractor-trailers and semi-trucks, involvement in a truck crash can result in a series of catastrophic injuries and fatalities. You’ll find some of the commonly seen injuries sustained after a trucking accident below:

• Serious head and traumatic brain injuries
• Broken bones
• Disfigurement
• Wrongful death
• Fractures
• Spinal cord injuries
• Lacerations and bruises
• Back and neck injuries
• Burns

In today’s day and age, distracted driving contributes greatly to auto accidents, and trucking accidents are no different. Driver error tends to be the most common cause of trucking accidents in Louisiana. When operating heavy machinery like a big rig, tractor-trailer or semi-truck, there is little to no margin of error.

• Distracted driving: Using a cell phone or other device while driving can increase risk for accidents. In Louisiana, distracted driving has become an even bigger issue.
• Poor logistics: Trucking companies often over schedule and over program truck drivers, which can lead to fatigue and reckless driving.
• Unsafe driving conditions: Driving in harsh conditions like rain, sleet and snow can drastically increase the likelihood of a truck accident.
• Poor training: Trucking companies should be sure to offer proper training for all new hires to promote safe driving.
• Drugs/alcohol: Drivers of any kind should not engage in drugs or alcohol before getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Prescription medications should also be used with caution, and truck drivers should notify their companies and employers of any prescriptions before getting on the road, as it could be a major liability.

If you’re sharing the highway with a tractor-trailer, keep the following things in mind to avoid an accident and potentially a tragedy:

• Never tailgate a truck and allow for enough space in between vehicles
• When driving on highways and interstates, pass trucks quickly and merge quickly
• Avoid driving in a truck’s blind spot
• Don’t drive while fatigued or under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Do not text and drive
• Drive slowly
• Give clear turn signals
• Avoid using brights, as this can be distracting to truck drivers

While there are a number of things drivers of passenger vehicles can do to steer clear of truckers, truckers can also maintain safety and avoid accidents by adhering to the following rules.

• Follow rules and regulations set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier
• Be aware of how long they have been driving: long hours can lead to fatigue, drowsiness and carelessness which can be a danger to those on the road
• Be sure electronic recording technology within the semi-truck is operating correctly

First and foremost, after being in a trucking accident the most important thing to do is seek medical attention. Even if you don’t feel or seem hurt, being evaluated by a doctor can mean the difference between a rock solid case and a flimsy one. For example, if you don’t feel injured at the time of the accident, but develop a brain injury later on in life, you may be able to determine that the cause of the injury was in fact the accident. While waiting for an ambulance or before going to the doctor, call law enforcement to take a look at the scene. There they will take photos, question both parties and start to determine who is at fault for the incident.

After you have contacted law enforcement, the next step is to contact your insurance company and submit any relevant documents and information so they can get started on the claims process. You should simultaneously reach out to a legal representative to ensure you are aware of your rights, and to have an advocate during this challenging time. LegalFinders can find you a state certified, top-rated personal injury attorney in Louisiana to help you through the process and to work with the insurance companies so you get the maximum payout for your accident. Call LegalFinders today to be connected with an attorney and to receive a free consultation and case review.

Louisiana is an at-fault, or tort state. In an at-fault state, the driver, in this case truck driver, who caused the accident is responsible for paying for the other driver’s damages through their own insurance. At the scene of the accident, law enforcement will determine who is at fault for the accident, and the liable parties will pay accordingly. However, in many cases both parties can be at fault. Louisiana has pure comparative negligence laws, which means that a truck driver could be 80 percent at fault, and the other driver could be 20 percent at fault and vice versa. Because Louisiana is an at-fault state, legal proceedings tend to take longer.

Louisiana’s statute of limitations following a car accident or personal injury is one year. This means that victims of trucking accidents have one year from the date of the accident with injuries to file a claim. That’s why it’s recommended you seek help right away in the event of an accident.

A personal injury is one that is sustained due to the negligence or fault of another party. Personal injuries can range in severity, and some injuries may not present themselves until later on in the victim’s life, which is why it’s important to be seen by a medical professional as soon as possible after an accident. Severe injuries can not only be an expensive and lengthy ordeal in terms of medical expenses, but they can also be life-altering and cause long term pain and suffering and in the worst case scenarios — wrongful death. If you are a victim of a personal injury caused by a motorcycle accident or other accident, it’s crucial to seek legal advice immediately.