Find an Experienced 18 Wheeler Accident Attorney in Lafayette
With approximately 2 million 18 wheelers on U.S. highways today, it’s no wonder that trucking accidents are common occurrences. It’s also startling to know that big trucks accounted for nearly 4,000 fatalities on the road in 2013 according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s most recent data. Additionally, the Institute for Highway Safety notes that big truck accident deaths are trending upward – with fatalities 14 percent higher in 2013 than in 2009. If you were injured or if you have lost a loved one in a big rig accident, get the help of a trusted 18 wheeler accident attorney in Lafayette. The experienced team of Louisiana injury lawyers at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, has handled countless Lafayette big truck wrecks and won more than 21 truck accident verdicts of over a million dollars.
Causes of Trucking Accidents and How to Avoid Them
Many 18 wheeler wrecks in Louisiana are attributed to factors that could have been avoided. In many instances, unsafe behaviors of truck drivers or inaction on the part of the trucking company, manufacturer or those responsible for truck maintenance result in tragic accidents. Big rig trucks can weigh 20-30 times as much as passenger cars and are taller with greater ground clearance. Therefore, smaller vehicles often end up under riding trucks in crashes, which is why these types of collisions end with severe consequences for those in small cars. Moreover, poorly maintained truck brakes can compound the already higher risks of large trucks limited braking capabilities. Loaded tractor-trailers take 20-40 percent more road space than cars to come to a stop, and this difference is even greater when roads are wet. Another well-known cause of big rig crashes is truck driver fatigue. National surveys have shown that many 18 wheeler drivers violate the federal hours-of-service regulations, which allow for up to 11 driving hours at a stretch and up to 77 hours over a seven-day period.
Seek the Advice of an 18 Wheeler Accident Attorney in Lafayette
Motor vehicle accidents caused by big trucks are serious and the trucking companies have powerful legal teams on their side to protect them. Unfortunately, most companies are more worried about saving money than taking care of victims who have been injured by the negligence of their drivers. At Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, we have been helping individuals across Louisiana – from Baton Rouge to Shreveport – recover fair compensation after being in an accident with a big rig on the road. With decades of legal expertise, our Lafayette law firm isn’t afraid to fight the big truck insurance companies. Let an 18 wheeler accident attorney in Lafayette make sure you are paid what is right. Don’t wait and don’t accept a quick settlement – contact our Lafayette office located at 1602 West Pinhook Road, Suite 210 – for a free case evaluation today. Or speak to one of our personal injury attorneys 24/7 at 337-999-9999. Our priority is your healing and that is why you don’t pay us any fees unless we win.
