Commercial Truck Accident Attorney in Louisiana

In Louisiana, the busy trucking industry is key to our way of life but also increases the risk of truck accidents, leading to serious harm and damage.

This is when you need a skilled Louisiana commercial truck accident attorney. They understand Louisiana’s truck laws and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

Our team specializes in these accidents, offering expert advice and a caring approach to each case. We’re here to support you at every step towards getting justice and starting your recovery.

If you suffered injuries in a commercial truck accident, contact Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys today and get the help you need.

Louisiana Commercial Trucking Accident Statistics

In Louisiana, accidents involving commercial trucks are a major concern on our roads. Due to their large size and heavy weight, these trucks can cause much more damage in a crash than regular cars.

Sadly, many of these accidents lead to serious injuries or even deaths, as shown by an in-depth look at truck crashes in 2022.

• Commercial Drivers Caused Nearly Half of These Accidents
  • Nearly half of all reported truck accidents involve violations by commercial drivers, even with strict regulations in place.
  • The large size and heavy loads of commercial trucks can cause very serious injuries or even death in accidents.
    
    
• Driver Error Is The Leading Cause of Commercial Crashes
  • Over 50% of commercial vehicle violations were due to driver error, specifically careless operation and failure to yield.
    
    
• Where These Crashes Are Most Common
  • In 2022, 34.44% of CMV crashes in Louisiana occurred on interstates, 30.69% on state highways, and 16.19% on U.S. highways.
  • Major routes like I-10 and I-12, used for daily commutes, are high-risk areas.

Truck accidents can happen for many reasons, and these reasons matter when building your truck accident claim. Louisiana personal injury lawyers understand the complexities of these cases and can build a strong strategy to get you the money you deserve.

Common Types of Commercial Truck Accidents

Commercial truck accidents can vary widely, each bringing its dangers and impacts. Knowing the common types of these accidents highlights the need for expert legal help from a Louisiana truck accident attorney.

Our firm frequently deals with:

• Rear-end Collisions: This happens when a truck hits the vehicle in front because trucks need more time to stop.
  
  
• Jackknife Accidents: The truck’s trailer folds towards the cab during sudden stops or turns, like a folding knife.
  
  
• Rollover Accidents: High speeds, wrong loading, or sudden moves can make trucks roll over.
  
  
• Tire Blowouts: When a truck’s tire bursts, it can lose control, leading to swerving or rolling.
  
  
• Underside Accidents: If a truck stops quickly, smaller vehicles might slide under it, often with serious outcomes.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Large Truck Accidents?

Large truck accidents are complex and often result from several factors, making it crucial to understand these causes to prevent accidents and handle their consequences effectively.

A Louisiana commercial truck accident attorney can be invaluable in these situations.

• Distracted Driving: Phones and technology can take truck drivers’ attention off the road, raising the risk of accidents.
  
  
• Driving or Alcohol Impairment: Some truck drivers still use drugs or alcohol before driving, which affects their safe driving ability.
  
  
• Speeding: Truck drivers often speed to meet tight deadlines, making it harder to stay safe on the road.
  
  
• Driver Fatigue: Truck driving can be exhausting, making drivers less alert and more prone to making mistakes.
  
  
• Improper Truck Maintenance: Not keeping up with truck maintenance can lead to problems like brake failures or tire blowouts, causing serious accidents.

Common Injuries After An Accident

If you’re in Louisiana and have been involved in a truck accident, you might face injuries that need the expertise of a commercial truck accident attorney, such as:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Fractures and Broken Bones

Louisiana Trucking Laws and Regulations

Louisiana’s busy roads demand strict trucking regulations. They prevent issues like driver fatigue, intoxication, unsafe cargo, and blind spot accidents.

At Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, we understand these complex laws and fight for fair compensation for truck accident victims.

Many regulations come from the FMCSA, focusing on driver licensing, work hours, inspections, and truck maintenance. These ensure safer roads for everyone.

Companies and their drivers must follow specific trucking regulations in Louisiana, some being:

• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): Drivers need a valid CDL, which they get after thorough training. Strict regulations limit how many hours they can drive to ensure they’re well-rested.
  
  
• Maintenance and Inspection: Regular inspections and maintenance ensure trucks are safe to drive.
  
  
• Hours-of-Service: There are rules about how long drivers can be on the road to help prevent them from getting too tired.

Louisiana’s trucking rules also include requirements for insurance and limits on how much trucks can weigh. These are in place to protect against the damage that can happen if there’s an accident, which can range from severe injuries to property damage.

Who Is Liable for a Louisiana Commercial Truck Accident?

State laws hold the responsible party accountable for all costs, including car repairs, medical bills, missed work, and pain and suffering.

An experienced lawyer can help determine who is liable for your truck accident in Louisiana, some of which include:

• Major Trucking Company
• Truck Driver
• Truck Owner
• Other Drivers
• Shipping or Loading Company

Truck accidents can be complex with multiple parties involved, making it challenging to determine who is at fault. This is where the expertise of a skilled lawyer becomes crucial. They can conduct a detailed investigation and navigate you through the claims process.

Navigating Louisiana Commercial Truck Accident Settlements

Settling a truck accident case in Louisiana involves knowing key steps. The lawyers at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys are skilled at guiding clients through truck accident settlements and verdicts.

The main parts of the settlement process are:

• Figuring Out Who Is Responsible (Liability Determination): Figuring out who caused the accident is key. This helps us determine negotiation strategies.
  
  
• Looking at Insurance (Insurance Coverage Analysis): We analyze all insurance involved, from the driver to the trucking company, to find the best sources.
  
  
• Negotiating (Negotiation Tactics): We use strong negotiation skills to fight for compensation covering all your damages, aiming to avoid court if possible.
  
  
• Going to Court if Needed (Legal Recourse): If we can’t get you a fair offer, we’ll take your case to court.

Steps to Take After A Commercial Truck Crash

Being in a commercial truck accident can be incredibly stressful, and the journey to getting better might seem very long. It’s important to look after your health first and foremost.

Knowing what to do after such an accident can make it easier to start your truck accident claim when you’re ready.

Here is what to do after a big truck wreck:

• Call 911: This gets you medical attention and reports the accident.
  
  
• Take Photos: If you can, take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage. These photos are important evidence for your claim.
  
  
• See a Doctor: Even if you think you’re okay, some injuries don’t show up right away. A medical check-up is key for your health and links your injuries to the accident.
  
  
• Gather Evidence: Collect any information you can from the scene, like the truck driver’s contact and insurance details, witness statements, and anything else that might help your case.
  
  
• Talk to a Lawyer: A lawyer who knows about truck accidents in Louisiana can really help. They’ll navigate the legal system for you, protect your rights, and help get the compensation you need.

How Can a Louisiana Commercial Truck Attorney Help Your Case?

Hiring a Louisiana commercial truck attorney can ease the stress of recovering from a truck accident.

Here’s what a Louisiana commercial truck attorney can do for you:

• Investigation: Your lawyer will conduct a detailed investigation to collect evidence such as reports, witness accounts, and video to support your case.
  
  
• Identifying Liable Parties: They will determine all parties that could be responsible, extending beyond the truck driver to include the trucking company, manufacturers, and more.
  
  
• Negotiating with Insurance: Experienced in insurance negotiations, your lawyer will go against insurance companies that may want to pay less.
  
  
• Securing Compensation: Your lawyer will fight to get you the money you deserve for everything, from medical bills to lost wages, and even for your emotional pain.

Consult With Louisiana Commercial Truck Accident Attorney

If you’re facing the challenges of a truck accident in Louisiana, getting advice from a Louisiana commercial truck accident attorney can be very helpful. Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys provide a free evaluation of your case to explain your options, that’s the G Guarantee. 

Our experienced team knows Louisiana’s trucking and traffic laws well and is ready to guide you through your case, making sure you’re not going up against big trucking companies and insurance providers by yourself.

Contact our Louisiana commercial truck accident lawyers for legal guidance today!