Hammond Big Rig Truck Accident Lawyers

Positioned between the bustling interstate highways 55 and 13, Hammond thrives as a busy commercial hub. But amidst the hustle and bustle, there’s a sobering reality: the significant presence of large commercial trucks brings potential danger for local drivers.

These massive commercial vehicles, vital as they are for the city’s economy, pose a considerable risk on the road. Even minor accidents involving them can lead to devastating injuries like brain trauma, spinal cord damage, or paralysis.

At Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, we understand the unique challenges Hammond residents face after big rig accidents. Our experienced team of Hammond truck accident attorneys is here to fight for those who have suffered serious injuries on the road.

Why Choose Gordon McKernan Big Rig Accident Lawyers Near Hammond?

In the wake of a big rig accident, the gravity of the situation can feel overwhelming. With the trucking industry operating under stringent regulations and formidable legal teams representing trucking companies, the stakes are undeniably high.

At Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, we rise to the challenge with knowledge and determination. Our legal team knows the ins and outs of Louisiana’s trucking laws, which allows us to navigate the complexities of your claim.

Gordon McKernan’s Proven Results in Big Rig Truck Accident Cases

At Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, we’ve built a solid track record of success in big rig truck accident cases. Our team has consistently delivered outstanding results for our clients, securing 59+ Million+ verdicts and settlements for victims of truck accidents. 

We understand the significant impact these accidents can have on your life. That’s our Louisiana truck accident attorneys are committed to covering every aspect of your recovery journey. Whether it’s handling medical bills, recouping lost income, or addressing the emotional toll of the accident, our dedication to justice for our clients remains steadfast.

Common Causes of Big Rig Truck Accidents

Big rig accidents can have devastating consequences. Here at Gordon McKernan, our extensive experience in handling truck accident claims across Louisiana allows us to identify several recurring causes of these life-altering events.

• Distracted Driving: Commercial drivers face long stretches behind the wheel, and lapses in focus, whether caused by phones, eating, or even adjusting the radio, can be catastrophic. 
  
  
• Driver Fatigue: Demanding schedules often push truck drivers past safe driving limits. Federal regulations exist to prevent fatigue, but compliance can be lax. 
  
  
• Improper Loading and Overloading: The way cargo is loaded significantly impacts a truck’s handling. Uneven weight distribution, caused by improper loading or overloading, makes maneuvering difficult, especially during turns or sudden stops, and can lead to rollovers or jackknifing accidents. 
  
  
• Equipment Failure: Faulty brakes, tires, steering, or lighting can directly cause accidents. These failures may be due to poor maintenance, manufacturer defects, or simple wear and tear. 
  
  
• Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, ice, and strong winds can significantly impact truck handling and driver visibility. While the weather can’t be controlled, how drivers respond to it can. Reducing speed, increasing following distance, and pulling over when necessary are crucial safety measures. 
  
  
• Inadequate Driver Training and Experience: Operating a commercial truck requires specialized skills and knowledge. Inadequate training or lack of experience can leave drivers unprepared for complex situations like heavy traffic, urban environments, or emergencies. 

Determining Liable Parties In a Hammond Big Rig Accident

Following a devastating Hammond big-rig accident, medical bills pile up, lost wages create a financial strain, and emotional distress weighs heavily. You deserve answers. Who caused this accident, and how can you recover the compensation you need to move forward?

Our experienced Hammond truck accident lawyers at Gordon McKernan will fight to hold the liable party accountable, but first, we need to determine who that is.

Louisiana Law and Liability

Louisiana follows a legal principle called negligence. This means that the party whose carelessness caused your accident is financially responsible for your damages. This party could be:

• The Truck Driver: Driving under the influence, speeding, distracted driving, or fatigued operation are all potential examples of negligence.
  
  
• The Trucking Company: They may be liable if they failed to properly maintain the truck, violated safety regulations, or hired an unqualified driver.
  
  
• A Parts Manufacturer: If a defective part on the truck caused the accident, the manufacturer could be held responsible.
  
  
• Another Driver: A third driver’s negligence could also be a factor in the crash.

Proving Your Case: The Importance of Evidence

To hold the liable party accountable, we need to prove their negligence. This involves gathering evidence to demonstrate:

• Duty of Care: The other party owed you a duty to act safely on the road.
• Breach of Duty: They breached that duty through their actions or omissions.
• Causation: Their breach directly caused your accident and resulting injuries.

Navigating Fault: Louisiana’s Pure Comparative Fault System

Louisiana operates under a pure comparative fault system. This means the court will assign a percentage of fault to each party involved in the accident, including you. Your compensation award will be reduced by your share of the blame.

Don’t let this discourage you, as our team has the experience and knowledge to investigate your accident thoroughly, build a strong case that minimizes your assigned fault, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Types of Compensation in Big Rig Truck Accident Cases

Truck accidents can be devastating, leaving victims with serious injuries, emotional trauma, and significant financial hardship.  If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, you may be facing mounting medical bills, lost wages from missed work, and the emotional toll of the experience.

The good news is that the law allows victims of truck accidents to seek compensation for their damages, some of which include:

1. Medical Expenses
2. Lost Income
3. Property Damage
4. Pain and Suffering

Statute of Limitations in Hammond Big Rig Truck Accidents

In Louisiana, there is a strict one-year statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit stemming from a personal injury or wrongful death caused by a truck accident. This means you generally have only one year from the date of the accident to initiate legal proceedings. 

Why is the deadline so important? If you wait too long to file a lawsuit, Louisiana courts may dismiss your case entirely. This can leave you without a legal path to recover compensation for damages.

How Can A Hammond Big Rig Truck Accident Lawyer Help?

When you’re dealing with the fall out of a big rig truck accident, it’s a lot to handle. And even though the deadline for filing a claim might seem far off, getting things sorted out can take time. That’s why it’s crucial to act fast and get in touch with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.

• Thorough Case Building: Big rig accidents involve a lot of details, so we will dig deep to find all the facts and evidence we need to make a solid case. Whether it’s figuring out who’s responsible or gathering proof of negligence, we leave no stone unturned. 
  
  
• Skilled Negotiators on Your Side: Dealing with insurance companies can be tough as they often try to pay out as little as possible. But we’re here to fight for you. Our team has a strong track record of standing up to insurance companies and getting our clients fair treatment and compensation.
  
  
• Reliable Legal Support: Recovering from an accident is hard enough without having to worry about legal stuff. That’s where we come in. Our compassionate attorneys take care of everything—from filing paperwork to representing you in court—so you can focus on getting better.

Consult with a Big Rig Accident Attorney Near Hammond Today

If you find yourself in the aftermath of a collision involving a large commercial truck, the road ahead can seem daunting. At our firm, we understand the complexities of such situations all too well. With our seasoned team of Louisiana big rig accident attorneys, we’re here to guide you through.

Our commitment is clear: advocating for the compensation you rightfully deserve in the wake of a serious injury. We recognize the profound impact big rig accidents can have—both physically and emotionally. That’s why we offer a no-obligation, free consultation to discuss your case. Plus, with our guarantee, you won’t pay a cent unless we secure compensation for your injuries.

Reach out to our Hammond big rig accident lawyers today to schedule your free consultation. We’re here to stand by your side and advocate fiercely for the justice you deserve.