18-wheelers are some of the largest vehicles on the road. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 18-wheelers may weigh around 20 to 30 times more than regular passenger vehicles. Because of the size and strength of these vehicles, the slightest mistake on behalf of an 18-wheeler driver can result in extreme disaster.
If you were involved in an 18-wheeler accident, an Abbeville 18-wheeler accident lawyer from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers may be able to fight for compensation on your behalf. While you focus on recovering from your injuries, or team can handle all aspects of your personal injury insurance claim or lawsuit.
For a free consultation on your case with a member of our team, call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today at (337) 777-7777.
Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents
If another party’s negligence caused your accident, they may be liable for your damages. A variety of negligent actions may cause an 18-wheeler accident. These may include:
Traffic Law Violations
If an 18-wheeler driver causes an accident by speeding, making an illegal turn, or any other type of traffic law violations, they may be liable for the resultant damages.
Worn Brakes
When the brakes on an 18-wheeler are worn, they may not be able to stop as quickly as they should. With their size and weight, these vehicles already take longer than the average vehicle to stop. When the brakes are worn, this time may increase and can easily cause an accident.
Lack of Training or Experience
Driving a large vehicle can be very difficult. It takes skill and training to be able to maneuver an 18-wheeler under any circumstances. If a driver is not adequately trained, they may face an event they are not prepared for. 18-wheeler drivers must also possess a commercial driver’s license.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving can cause accidents for any driver. An 18-wheeler truck driver is often driving long distances. It can be tempting to pay attention to a phone or something else to pass the time. However, taking your eyes off the road for even a few seconds can result in disaster.
Impaired Driving
Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can not only reduce response times, but it can also cause the driver to make decisions they would not otherwise.
Depending on how your accident occurred, the potentially liable party may include:
- A truck driver
- A trucking company
- A truck mechanic
- A vehicle component manufacturer
Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can investigate your 18-wheeler accident and identify the liable party when we represent you. For a free case review with a representative of our firm, call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today at (337) 284-9548.
For a free legal consultation with a 18-wheeler accident lawyer serving Abbeville, call (337) 777-7777
Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were 4,237 fatal large truck accidents and 344,000 injury accidents in 2017.
18-wheeler accidents can occur in a variety of ways. Types of 18-wheeler accidents may include:
Bridge Strikes
Bridge strikes occur when a vehicle is too large to fit under a bridge. The vehicle driver may not realize they do not have the clearance and try to fit under the bridge. This could result in disaster for the truck driver as well as the passengers in the nearby cars.
Head-On Collision
When a head-on collision occurs with an 18-wheeler, it is usually more devastating for the other vehicle.
Rear-End Collision
Getting rear-ended by an 18-wheeler can result in serious injuries or even death.
Rollover
Rollover accidents are common with large trucks, especially when they are carrying a significant amount of weight. If a truck is loaded with too much weight, the back end can pull the truck to one side or the other when they turn a corner. The weight can pull them so hard that the entire vehicle could roll over.
Spilled Cargo
If a truck is not properly loaded, the cargo can spill out onto the road. This can cause accidents with other vehicles if they cannot react to the road’s debris on time.
Abbeville 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Near Me (337) 777-7777
Potentially Recoverable Damages in a Truck Accident Case
If you can prove that another party’s negligence caused your accident, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages.
The potentially recoverable damages in a personal injury case may include:
- Medical expenses (both current and future)
- Property damage
- Loss of income
- Reduced earning capability
- Pain and suffering
An Abbeville 18-wheeler accident lawyer from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can gather evidence of your damages and their value when we represent you.
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How Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Can Help with Your Case
If you were hurt in an accident with an 18-wheeler, Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers may be able to help you. If you qualify, an Abbeville 18-wheeler accident lawyer from our firm may be able to handle all aspects of your case, including:
- Investigating your accident to identify the liable party
- Collecting evidence of their liability
- Collecting evidence of your damages
- Filing your insurance claim and/or lawsuit
- Managing all communications, deadlines, and paperwork for you
- Negotiating for a settlement offer
- Taking your case to trial, if necessary
If you are considering taking legal action for your injuries, Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers encourages you to act soon. Per Louisiana Civil Code (CC) §3492, there is a general one-year statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits in Louisiana.
To learn more about our services and your legal options in a free case review with a member of our team, call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today at (337) 284-9548.
We may be able to provide you with representation on a contingency-fee-basis. In this payment structure, we do not collect attorney fees unless and until you win your case and recover compensation via a settlement offer or court award.
Call or text (337) 777-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
