Trucking Accident Lawyers
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Baton Rouge Truck Accident Attorneys
You might not think there are any major differences between a collision with a car and a collision with a commercial truck. But in reality, there are two very important differences you should be aware of, especially if you’ve been involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler, a tractor-trailer, a flatbed truck, or a commercial vehicle:
Truck accidents cause more damage and injuries. Trucks are significantly larger and heavier than other vehicles on the road. In fact, a large truck with cargo can legally weigh 80,000 pounds. When 80,000 pounds of cargo crash into your vehicle at any speed, the damage can be significant, and injuries can be permanent.
Truck accidents are more legally complex. Non-commercial drivers are responsible for their actions behind the wheel, and rarely, other parties (such as a municipality or auto manufacturer) are involved in an accident. But when you’re struck by a commercial vehicle, several parties may be at fault, including the driver, the trucking company, the truck manufacturer, the trailer owner, the truck mechanic, and so on.
Because truck accidents are more serious and complex than most traffic accidents, it’s even more important to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable Louisiana truck accident attorney after your accident. At Big River Trial Attorneys, we are very familiar with these accidents and can help you obtain the justice and compensation you and your family deserve.
UNDERSTANDING THE TRUCK INDUSTRY IN BATON ROUGE AND LOUISIANA
The trucking industry is an important part of the United States and Louisiana economies. Due to our dependence on trucks for freight shipments, the number of large trucks on the roads increases every year.
While trucking companies bring many good things to our state, there are also a number of problems and concerns within the industry. Trucking companies that violate federal and state commercial vehicle regulations endanger others on the roads, and too many companies cut corners and break laws to increase their profits. For every great trucking company that makes the world a better place, there is one that could be negligent or grossly negligent, a problem that leads to the loss of lives during truck accidents on highways and interstates.
TRUCK ACCIDENTS AND THE I-10 CORRIDOR
Stretching east to west from Santa Monica, California, to Jacksonville, Florida, Interstate 10 is a popular route for both truckers and non-commercial drivers. Businesses, commuters, and long-haul truckers use the highway as it passes through the state.
Because the highway is so congested with traffic and connects major cities in southeastern Louisiana, it’s a hotbed of truck accidents year-round. The causes of these accidents vary, but you should speak with a truck accident attorney if you’ve been involved in an I-10 truck accident.
TRUCK ACCIDENT FACTS AND STATISTICS IN LOUISIANA AND THE UNITED STATES
How often do commercial truck and tractor-trailer accidents occur in Baton Rouge and Louisiana? According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there were 74 trucks involved in fatal accidents in Louisiana in 2013. Of course, truck accidents aren’t just a Baton Rouge and Louisiana phenomenon.
Every year in the United States:
There are about 400,000 large truck accidents nationwide.
Between 4,000 and 5,000 Americans lose their lives in truck accidents each year, about 10 percent of all fatal crashes.
A staggering 75 percent of truck accident fatalities involve passengers in non-truck vehicles.
Between 400 and 500 cyclists are killed each year by large trucks in the U.S., and about 2,000 are injured.
THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF TRAILER AND TRUCK ACCIDENTS
Unlike passenger car accidents and pickup truck accidents, commercial truck and 18-wheeler accidents can have causes that aren’t immediately obvious. Here are just some of the most common causes of truck accidents in Louisiana and the United States:
Distracted Driving.
Because truck drivers are in their vehicles for many hours a week, they can fall victim to distracted driving. This could include anything from using a mobile device to watching TV, eating, or using an on-board computer for work.
Driving Under the Influence.
There are strict regulations regarding commercial drivers who drink or use drugs, and incidents have decreased significantly over the past two decades. However, a surprising number of truckers are still found to be drinking or using drugs while on the job.
Fatigued Driving.
One of the most common causes of truck accidents is tired drivers who have been on the road too long or haven’t gotten enough sleep. Many believe that regulations regarding the amount of time truckers can safely drive for a day and for more than a week should be stricter, but trucking companies have backtracked.
Speeding.
Truckers and trucking companies make more money when they deliver goods faster. So, it’s no wonder that speeding is a big problem in the trucking industry and a very common cause of truck accidents. Trucks shouldn’t be going as fast as other cars on the road because of their size and weight.
Mechanical Failures.
Some truck accidents occur when a part of the truck fails, such as its tires or trailer hitch. In some cases, mechanical failures occur because truck owners or trucking companies fail to properly maintain or repair their vehicles to save money.
Unsafe Loads.
Trucks carrying too much weight can crash and cause significant damage. At the same time, improperly loaded truck trailers can cause the vehicle to sway or roll, knocking out any vehicle in its path.
Poor Driver Verification.
Truck drivers must have special commercial licenses, as well as a stellar record to stay on the road. If a trucking company fails to properly screen a driver it hires, or if it refuses to fire a driver with problems, it may be liable for an accident.
Defective Truck Parts.
In some cases, a defective auto part may have caused the truck accident. For example, a defective tire could explode and cause the truck to lose balance, sway, and roll.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR A TRUCK ACCIDENT?
There are several entities that could be liable after a tractor-trailer accident in Louisiana. In some cases, more than one party will be responsible, and damages must be divided proportionally among all responsible parties. These liable parties could include:
The Truck Driver Or The Owner.
The truck driver may have been driving recklessly, under the influence, or distracted at the time of the accident.
The Transport or Leasing Company.
The trucking company may have failed to investigate the driver, ignored federal trucking regulations, or failed to maintain the vehicle.
A Manufacturer.
The manufacturer of the cab, trailer, hitch, or tires could be liable for an accident if they produced a defective or dangerous product that failed to function before or during the crash.
The Shipper or Truck Loader.
If the shipping company and truck loader don’t do their job properly, items can shift during transport and cause an accident. Or an overloaded truck can experience braking problems, causing an accident.
An experienced Louisiana truck accident attorney can help you understand who is responsible for your truck accident injuries and find evidence to support your claims.
FOUR THINGS TO DO AFTER A TRUCK ACCIDENT
Being involved in an 18-wheeler accident can be extremely overwhelming, especially if you’re injured. Still, it’s vital that you know what’s most important in the hours, days, and weeks following your accident. Here are the four steps every accident victim should follow.
See a doctor as soon as possible. Taking care of your health is more important than anything else: If you’re not taken to the hospital by ambulance, be sure to be examined at the scene of the accident and schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. Keep in mind that some injuries may be overpowered by adrenaline, while others may take longer to develop, such as traumatic brain injuries.
Gather all possible evidence. We understand that you’re probably not healthy enough to investigate the wreckage and solve the mystery of what happened, but even if you can jot down witness names and take some photos with your phone, you could preserve evidence that will help you win your truck accident injury case in the future.
Don’t buckle under pressure. Trucking companies are very, very familiar with fighting accident and injury claims. One tactic they’ll use, along with insurance companies, is to convince you to give a recorded statement without an attorney or settle for much less than your case is worth. Don’t do that either.
Contact a tractor-trailer accident attorney. When it comes to these cases, we have as much experience as the trucking companies and can level the playing field. Schedule a consultation today to speak with our team.