Semi-truck accidents occur each day on roads in Louisiana. While some semi-truck accidents simply result in “fender benders,” others result in serious injury or death. Many injured victims of semi-truck accidents are overwhelmed by the red tape that is inevitably involved immediately after a semi-truck accident. There is typically law enforcement personnel to deal with, medical providers, insurance companies, and investigators. Sometimes there are accident reconstructionists, public aid liens, Medicare liens, and subrogation rights that need to be addressed. It is not uncommon for a person injured in a semi-truck accident to be unable, or at least less able, to address these complicated issues directly following their accident. Unfortunately, however, much of the groundwork must be done right away to make sure that a semi-truck accident victim is properly compensated.

Semi-truck accident victims must realize that often while they are still receiving initial medical treatment the “at fault” semi-truck driver has already notified his or her company about the accident and/or the insurance carrier that represents their interests. Every insurance company has a team of adjusters, investigators, and attorneys whose primary responsibility is to limit the liability of the insurance company and minimize the amount of money to be paid to injured parties. The semi-truck accident victim should have a similar team watching out for his or her needs.

In Louisiana, semi-truck accident victims who have suffered a personal injury may be entitled to recover damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, disability, permanent disfigurement, dismemberment, wrongful death, scarring, loss of opportunity to enjoy life, interference with marital and/or parental relationships, and other types of damages. Additionally, you may be eligible for “special” damages, such as past, present, and future medical bills, wage loss, loss of earnings potential, and other out-of-pocket expenses.

The Louisiana semi-truck accident lawyers in our firm can help “level the playing field” by providing auto accident victims with information regarding the practical and legal aspects of personal injury law and semi-truck accident claims.

The attorneys in our firm have represented thousands of individuals who have been seriously injured. Through experience and education, our firm is able to expertly evaluate medical injuries and pursue personal injury claims on behalf of persons injured in semi-truck accidents and/or their family members.

Each year thousands of people are killed or seriously injured in semi-truck accidents. Like anyone else using our highways and roadways, semi-truck drivers and the companies they work for, have a duty to operate their vehicles in a safe and responsible manner. Unsafe driving, oversized loads, and various other treacherous practices put the public and the truck drivers in danger.

Large trucks weighing over 10,000 pounds represent only 3% of all registered vehicles on the road in the U.S., yet they account for over 25% of the deaths in multiple-vehicle traffic accidents. Here are some alarming statistics:

• Over four hundred and fifty thousand large trucks were involved in semi-truck accidents last year.
• Over one million people were involved in semi-truck accidents.
• Over five thousand people were killed in semi-truck accidents.
• Over one hundred and forty thousand people were injured in semi-truck accidents.
• One-third of the injured suffered catastrophic damage as a result of a semi-truck accident.

Mechanical failures, reckless driving, and improper driver training account for some semi-truck accidents. However, the overwhelming cause is driver fatigue. The National Highway Transportation Safety Association (NHTSA) reports that driver fatigue is responsible for 30% to 40% of all semi-truck accidents. In a recent survey, almost 20% of semi-truck drivers admitted to falling asleep at the wheel at least once in the previous three-month period.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury or death as a result of a semi-truck accident it is imperative that you contact our attorneys to protect your legal rights.  Or, submit a free case evaluation form on this website. The initial consultation is free of charge. If we agree to handle your semi-truck accident case, we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if, and when, there is a money recovery for you. In many cases, a lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations. So please contact our semi-truck accident lawyers right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation as a result of an accident involving a semi-truck, commercial truck, garbage truck, dump truck, logging truck, UPS truck, FedEx Truck, Amazon Truck, Logging Truck or any other type of commercial vehicle.

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Our Louisiana semi-truck accident lawyers handle cases in Louisiana and across the country, associating with local counsel as required by various state rules and when necessary to get the best results for our clients. We are also proud to say that annually we spend thousands of dollars on continuing education so that our semi-truck accident lawyers and staff are well acquainted with the latest applications of the law.

Trucking accidents is the term commonly given for collisions between large trucks (vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds) and moving passenger vehicles, other trucks, parked vehicles, or pedestrians. In 2000, one out of every eight fatal car accidents involved a large truck. This can be attributed not only to the size and weight of these trucks but also to significant blind spots in the field of view of truck drivers.

How do trucking accidents usually occur?
Like other vehicle crashes, trucking accidents can result from a variety of causes, but statistics show that certain situations make them more likely. For example, there is an increased risk of a trucking accident when a passenger vehicle tries to cut into the inside lane while a truck is making a wide right turn. This increases the likelihood of an accident because it places the passenger vehicle in the truck driver’s blind spot.

Some other ways that trucking accidents occur include:
· Truck driver is overly tired or working beyond standard hours
· Vehicle problems, such as brake failure
· Truck driver does not carefully monitor truck’s blind spots
· Drivers fail to leave adequate space between vehicles
· Passenger vehicle cuts in front of a truck
· Drivers not paying attention to the road
· Aggressive or reckless drivers
· One of the drivers involved under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Tips for Preventing Trucking Accidents
Many trucking accidents could have been prevented had the drivers taken the proper precautions. Being alert, leaving adequate space for unexpected stops, and staying out of blind spots can all help to prevent trucking accidents. In addition, drivers can decrease their odds of having an accident by avoiding the roads when they are tired and when they have been drinking alcohol. Limiting driving distractions (such as eating or talking on a cell phone while driving) is also an important step towards limiting accidents.

What should drivers involved in a truck wreck do?
Drivers involved in trucking accidents should take certain steps at the scene of the collision as well as in the days immediately following the crash. Being involved in a trucking accident can be very frightening and the aftermath can be chaotic and confusing, especially if there have been any serious injuries. If you have been in a trucking accident, consider contacting not only your insurance company but also an attorney who specializes in trucking accident cases.

At the scene of the accident, you should gather and record the following information if possible:
· Names, addresses, and phone numbers of those involved
· Insurance company information from the other driver(s)
· Contact information for any witnesses
· Names of police officers if any are present at the scene
· Location of the accident
· Any apparent injuries
· Any visible damage to the vehicles involved

In the days following a trucking accident, you should make sure that you complete the following steps as necessary:
· Inform your insurance company of the accident
· File a police report if there have been any injuries or extensive vehicle damage
· Contact the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to see if a report needs to be filed there
· Contact our personal injury lawyers who have decades of experience in litigating trucking accident cases

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Millions Recovered

Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for our clients. While we don’t guarantee results, we do promise to work towards the best possible outcome for you. If you or someone you love has suffered injuries or lost their lives in a truck accident, please contact our office for a free case evaluation.

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