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.
Compensation To Seek In A Truck Accident
Experiencing a collision with a commercial vehicle can be an incredibly traumatic event, leaving victims with not only physical injuries but also significant emotional and financial burdens. Given the complexity of these situations, it’s crucial to understand the types of compensation available to those affected. A skilled Metairie, LA truck accident lawyer will know how to best do this. This understanding can be the first step towards recovery, ensuring that victims receive the support they need to rebuild their lives. The Law Offices of Frank D’Amico, Jr. would love to assist if you have been in an accident with a truck. You need to have a lawyer on your side to ensure your rights are protected and you can file for maximum compensation.
Comprehensive Medical Care Coverage
First and foremost, victims are entitled to compensation for all medical expenses related to the collision. This includes immediate treatments and surgeries, rehabilitation costs, and any long-term care needs. The goal is to ensure that the injured party can recover to their fullest potential without the added stress of medical bills.
Compensation For Lost Wages And Earning Capacity
Many victims find themselves unable to work in the aftermath of an accident, whether temporarily or permanently. Compensation can cover lost wages during the recovery period. Furthermore, if the accident results in long-term disability, affecting the victim’s ability to earn as they once could, they may be entitled to compensation for lost earning capacity. This aspect considers not only current lost wages but also future earnings. This can be fairly complicated to calculate, which is why it is crucial to have an experienced Metairie truck accident attorney on your side. He or she will understand how much to seek in your case.
Recovery For Property Damage
The impact of a commercial vehicle can cause significant damage to personal property, most notably the victim’s vehicle. Compensation for property damage covers repair or replacement costs, ensuring that victims are not left out of pocket for expenses directly caused by the collision.
Pain, Suffering, And Emotional Distress
Not all damages from a collision are tangible. Victims often endure considerable pain and suffering, along with emotional distress. While these are more challenging to quantify, compensation for these non-economic damages plays a crucial role in the overall recovery process. It acknowledges the emotional and psychological impact of the accident on the victim and their family.
Punitive Damages In Cases Of Negligence
In situations where the collision resulted from egregious negligence on the part of the commercial vehicle operator or their employer, victims might be awarded punitive damages. These are intended not only as compensation but also as a deterrent against future negligence. Punitive damages send a clear message about the serious consequences of failing to adhere to safety regulations. An experienced LA truck accident lawyer will know how to do this well to ensure you have the best possible chance at gaining compensation.
Ensuring A Fair Settlement
The journey to securing just compensation is fraught with legal complexities. Navigating insurance claims, understanding the intricacies of commercial vehicle regulations, and negotiating settlements demand a sophisticated level of legal expertise. This is where the role of a specialized Metairie truck accident attorney becomes indispensable. They can provide the guidance and representation needed to ensure that victims receive the full spectrum of compensation they are entitled to.
Moving Forward With Confidence
If you or a loved one has been involved in a collision with a commercial vehicle, it’s essential to take immediate steps to protect your rights. Reaching out to a seasoned legal professional can make all the difference in your recovery journey. Our firm is committed to supporting victims through this challenging time, offering the expertise and empathy needed to secure the compensation you deserve. Let us help you navigate this process, allowing you to focus on what matters most: your recovery and well-being. Contact The Law Offices of Frank D’Amico, Jr. today to discuss your case and take the first step towards reclaiming your life.