Big Rig Truck Accident Lawyer Near Baton Rouge

Living in a busy city like Baton Rouge, you often see big rigs and commercial trucks on the roads. Unfortunately, these large vehicles can be dangerous. Over 250 people in Baton Rouge suffered injuries in commercial vehicle accidents in 2023 alone.

Big rig truck accidents in Baton Rouge can be life-changing. You’re likely dealing with injuries, medical bills, and lost wages. This is a tough time, but you don’t have to go through it alone.

An experienced Louisiana truck accident lawyer at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys can be your advocate. They can fight for the compensation you deserve to cover your medical expenses and lost income, so you can focus on healing.

What Is a Big Rig Truck Accident?

Big rig accidents – that’s when a giant commercial truck (think semi-truck, 18-wheeler, or tractor-trailer) crashes into another car or a pedestrian. These wrecks are a whole different ball game than your typical fender-bender. Big rigs are massive and heavy, so crashes with them can cause much worse injuries.

What Makes Big Rig Crashes So Dangerous? 

Passenger vehicle accidents are bad, but truck accidents are a whole different ball game. Why? Because big rigs are massive and heavy. They’re harder to turn, they take forever to stop, and if they crash into you, it can result in catastrophic injuries or even death. Other than their size, these accidents are so dangerous because they’re a perfect storm of risk factors.

1. These massive machines can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and pack a lot of power. Imagine a speeding car that weighs 40 tons – that’s the kind of force you’re dealing with.
2. Trucks take much longer to stop than cars, which means even a small mistake can turn into a big crash.
3. Fatigue and mechanical issues can further complicate matters, turning a big rig into a potential highway hazard.

Difference Between Car and Truck Accident Claims

If you’re ever injured in a large truck accident, your best option is to get help from a Baton Rouge truck accident attorney specializing in these cases. Here’s why: truck accident claims are different from car accident claims and are more complex in a few important ways.

• Trucks have stricter rules: Unlike regular drivers, truck companies and drivers have to follow a bunch of extra laws. These laws cover things like how many hours they can drive, how much weight they can carry, and even how healthy they have to be.

• Rules get broken: Even with all these rules, some truck drivers break them. They might drive too long, be under the influence, or overload their truck.

Causes of Big Rig Truck Accidents

A big study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) looked at nearly 1,000 trucking accidents and found several main reasons why they happen. 

Here are just a few of the common causes :

• Faulty Brakes: Imagine a car not being able to stop easily – now imagine that car is 80,000 pounds! Faulty brakes on a big rig can cause major accidents.
  
  
• Cargo Problems: If a truck’s cargo shifts around, it can throw the driver off balance and lead to a crash.
  
  
• Distracted Driving and Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers, just like everyone else, can be distracted by their phones or become too tired to drive safely. This can make them slow to react to danger.
  
  
• New Drivers or Unfamiliar Roads: Drivers who are new to trucking or don’t know the roads well are more likely to get into accidents.
  
  
• Drugs and Alcohol: Just like with any driver, drugs and alcohol impair judgment and reflexes, making accidents more likely.
  
  
• Bad Road Conditions: Potholes and uneven pavement can be especially dangerous for big rigs, making it harder for drivers to stay in control.
  
  
• Speeding: The faster a truck is going, the worse the accident will be if it crashes.
  
  
• Tire Blowouts: If a truck’s tire blows, it can cause the driver to lose control and crash.

Steps to Take After a Tractor-Trailer Crash in Baton Rouge

The most important thing to remember in the events following a wreck is to remain calm and don’t panic. Luckily, there are things you can do right away to protect yourself.

These steps are crucial in understanding what to do after a big truck wreck and maximizing your chances of getting what you need while healing. The quicker you act, the better chance you have of a good outcome.

1. Call 911 right away: This gets medical attention to anyone hurt and brings the police to investigate. Their report helps later, but it’s not the final say on who’s responsible.
   
   
2. Get everyone’s information: If the police don’t take a report, get contact and insurance details from everyone involved, especially the truck driver. You’ll need this if you weren’t at fault and want to file a personal injury claim.
   
   
3. Take pictures of the scene: Photos and videos are super helpful. Capture close-ups of the damage, skid marks, signs, and anything showing the weather and road conditions.
   
   
4. See a doctor, even if you feel fine: Sometimes injuries take time to show up. A doctor can check you out and find any problems early on.
   
   
5. Talk to a Baton Rouge truck accident lawyer ASAP:  Remember, you have limited time to assert a claim for compensation following a truck accident. The statute of limitations in Louisiana for a civil lawsuit is one year from the date of the injury. 

Talking to a Baton Rouge personal injury attorney as soon as possible can help secure evidence and ensure your case is handled efficiently

Determining Liability In a Baton Rouge Big Rig Accident

Figuring out who’s to blame in a Baton Rouge big rig accident can be a real headache. There are just so many parties involved, and it’s not always clear whose fault it is. Potentially liable parties could include any of the following:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The truck’s owner (which might be neither the driver nor their employer)
• The party responsible for truck repair or maintenance
• The party that loaded freight onto the truck
• The truck manufacturer, if a part is found faulty
• The government agency responsible for safe highways

Because there are so many possibilities, and everyone has their own insurance company, it’s tough to prove who’s responsible on your own. That’s why you need a lawyer who specializes in truck accidents. 

Types of Compensation You Could Receive

Truck accidents can turn your life upside down. Medical bills pile up, and missing work means lost income. This can be a huge financial strain on top of dealing with injuries.

Here’s the good news: If someone else’s negligence caused your accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Damages are the costs associated with your injury. They can be financial, like medical bills and lost income (economic damages), or they can be for pain and suffering (non-economic damages).

Lost Income

Lost wages due to missing work and any lasting reduction in your earning ability can be compensated for, while a wrongful death claim can also recover lost income and benefits for a deceased loved one.

Property Damage

Since trucks dwarf most cars, crashes with them can leave your car totaled. The good news is you might be able to receive money to fix your car or even replace it entirely.

Pain and Suffering

Not all losses are financial. In a personal injury or wrongful death claim, you can be compensated for the pain and suffering you or a loved one has endured. This includes mental anguish, grief, and the emotional toll of the accident.

How A Big Rig Truck Accident Attorney Near Baton Rouge Can Assist You

In the aftermath of a tractor-trailer crash, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. A Baton Rouge attorney specializing in truck accidents can be a lifesaver. These lawyers understand the ins and outs of truck accident law, which can be complicated. They’ll be there to guide you through every step of the process, so you can focus on recovery.

Here’s how they can help:

• Get the money you deserve: They have the know-how to negotiate with insurance companies and fight for maximum compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.
  
  
• Build a strong case: They’ll meticulously gather evidence like police reports and witness statements to increase your chances of a successful outcome.
  
  
• Take the weight off your shoulders: Dealing with the legal mess can be stressful. They’ll handle that, allowing you to focus on healing.
  
  
• Someone to fight for you: They’ll be your advocate throughout the process, offering emotional support and ensuring your voice is heard.

Call Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys After a Big Rig Accident

If you or someone close to you was hurt in a big truck crash, don’t face this alone. The Baton Rouge big rig accident lawyers at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys can fight for the fair compensation you deserve. 

We know a truck accident can turn your life upside down. That’s why the legal team at our law firm is here to help you heal – and focus on getting better. With our No Win, No Fee guarantee, you won’t have to worry about legal costs unless we win your case, that’s the G Guarantee.

Get Gordon and Get It Done!