Truck Accident Lawyer Metairie, LA
If you were injured in a truck accident, you may want to discuss your case with a Metairie, LA truck accident lawyer. You may be entitled to compensation. An experienced lawyer can help you go after the compensation you deserve.
Common Truck Accident Causes
Truck accidents occur every day in the U.S. and can cause a lot of damage. Since commercial trucks are so big and heavy, they frequently result in severe injuries. If you were recently hurt in a truck accident, you may want to consult a Gretna, LA truck accident lawyer.
Here are some common causes of truck accidents.
- Speeding. Truck drivers are often under strict deadlines to deliver their goods. This can put immense pressure on drivers. If they are behind schedule due to bad weather or poor road conditions, they may drive above the speed limit to catch up. Unfortunately, speeding can lower truck drivers’ reaction times and even cause them to lose control of their vehicles.
- Distracted driving. Truck drivers may give into distractions more frequently than drivers of passenger vehicles. They often have to be on the road for many hours at a time and get bored. These truck drivers might send text messages or eat, for example, to pass the time. These actions can take both their eyes and attention off the road, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Unsecured cargo. Before getting behind the wheel, truckers should make sure that their cargo is properly secured. If it is not secured, the cargo could fly off the trailer and onto the road, resulting in an accident.
- Drowsy driving. As mentioned before, truck drivers often have to be on the road for long hours. Eventually, it can take its toll. As a Gretna truck accident lawyer can confirm, drowsy driving is one of the most common causes of truck accidents. When truck drivers have not gotten enough rest, they may have trouble focusing on the road ahead or even fall asleep behind the wheel.
- Alcohol and drug use. Despite the known dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, some truck drivers still choose to do so. Truck driving can be a very stressful job at times, and truckers may use alcohol or drugs to cope. Unfortunately, these substances can impair their judgment and coordination, increasing the chances of a collision.
- Inadequate training. Operating a commercial vehicle is not the same as driving a passenger vehicle. It is much more difficult. That is why truck drivers require adequate training before getting behind the wheel. However, some trucking companies may skimp on training to save money. Poorly trained truck drivers might not know how to operate a commercial truck safely and have a higher chance of getting into accidents. In accidents caused by poor training, trucking companies may be held responsible.
- Poor maintenance. Just like passenger vehicles, commercial trucks require regular maintenance to run properly. Since maintaining commercial trucks is expensive, some trucking companies may not maintain their vehicles as often as they should. If you were injured in a truck accident due to poor maintenance, both the truck driver and trucking company may be held liable. It is important to discuss your case with a Gretna truck accident lawyer as soon a possible.
How Truck Accidents Differ from Car Accidents
If you plan to pursue compensation after getting into a truck accident, it’s important to know the facts behind these types of crashes. The truth is that they are much different from accidents involving only passenger vehicles. Here are some different ways that truck accidents differ from car accidents.
- Commercial vehicles are much larger and heavier. Commercial vehicles are very large and weigh tens of thousands of pounds. Therefore, it stands to reason that they can cause major damage to anything they touch. In an accident, they are more likely to total a passenger vehicle, even if they aren’t going very fast.
- Truck accidents cause more severe injuries. As mentioned above, commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than other vehicles. This means that they are more likely to cause life-threatening injuries, like traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries, in accidents. The extra weight creates a lot of force that can put the body at risk of more strain.
- There are multiple liable parties. In an accident involving only passenger vehicles, you’re only dealing with the other driver. If you are in an accident with a truck, however, you may have to deal with multiple liable parties. In addition to the truck driver, you may be able to hold the truck company, manufacturer and even the maintenance provider responsible. The more parties you can sue, the greater compensation you can ultimately get. An experienced Metairie truck accident lawyer can help you determine liability.
- Cargo can be hazardous. Unlike passenger vehicles, commercial trucks carry cargo. If the cargo isn’t properly secured, it can fall off or cause the truck to tip over. Cargo also contains hazardous chemicals, which can cause additional injuries.
- There are many regulations in the trucking industry. Truck drivers are held to a higher standard than drivers of passenger vehicles. They have to follow strict regulations, such as driving slower in certain areas and logging in their hours. If they don’t follow these regulations, they can get in trouble. Because these regulations can be quite complex, it’s important to work with a lawyer who can help you navigate them.
Getting Compensation in a Truck Accident Case
After a truck accident, you should seek medical attention right away. These accidents often result in serious injuries, so it is important to make your health a top priority. A doctor will assess your injuries and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Then, consult with a lawyer who specializes in truck accident cases. He or she can help you gather evidence, identify all the liable parties and negotiate with the insurance company.
Schedule a consultation with a Metairie truck accident lawyer from The Law Offices of Frank D’Amico, Jr. today.