Semi-trucks are a vital part of our economy. They transport goods from one place to another, all across the country. Because of this, they are often seen on many roads. Semi-trucks are large vehicles that hold heavy loads. They can be dangerous if they are not correctly used and maintained.
If you were involved in a semi-truck accident caused by another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. An Abbeville semi-truck accident lawyer from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers may be able to help you fight for compensation in a personal injury insurance claim or lawsuit.
Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today at (337) 777-7777 to speak with a member of our team. We can review your claim and discuss your legal options during your free initial consultation.
If you qualify, we may be able to take your case on a contingency-fee-basis, where you do not pay us attorney fees unless and until we are able to get you compensation via a settlement offer or court award.
Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents
Semi-trucks are very large vehicles that take skill and focus to operate safely. Any negligence on the part of the driver or the company that operates or maintains a semi-truck could cause an accident.
Some common causes of semi-truck accidents are:
Distracted Driving
Semi-trucks are often traveling long distances. It can be tempting for a driver to spend their time texting, eating, or talking on the phone. When a semi-truck driver takes their eyes off the road for even just a second, disaster could strike.
Speeding
When a semi-truck is speeding, it can lose control or fail to come to a complete stop in time to avoid an accident. Speeding also increases the force of impact if a collision occurs.
Fatigued Driving
Semi-truck drivers often work long hours on the road. A tired driver may doze off while driving and strike another vehicle. This is one of the reasons why the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has hours of service regulations in place for commercial drivers. A violation of these regulations may be used as evidence in a truck accident case.
Vehicle Maintenance
Maintenance is extremely important when it comes to large vehicles. A brake, tire, or engine failure in an improperly maintained semi-truck could result in a serious accident.
Improper Loading
A vehicle that is not loaded properly could create an accident while on the road. When loading a semi-truck, the load should be evenly spaced and properly secured. The load should also not be too heavy for the truck to manage. If a load is not properly secured, it could cause the truck to lose control.
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Fault and Liability for a Semi-Truck Accident
Depending on how your semi-truck accident was caused, the responsible party may be:
- The semi-truck driver
- The company that operated the semi-truck
- A third party involved with loading the semi-truck
- A truck mechanic
- The manufacturer of a defective truck component
An Abbeville semi-truck accident lawyer from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers may be able to investigate your accident and identify the liable party. We can also collect evidence of liability during our investigation. This may include:
- Photos of videos from the accident
- Evidence requested from the semi-truck operator, such as dashcam footage or maintenance records
- The police crash report
- Testimony from accident reconstruction experts
- Witness statements
- And more
If you believe that another party’s negligence caused your accident, call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today at (337) 777-7777. A member of our team can tell you more about our services during your free initial consultation.
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Potentially Recoverable Damages in a Truck Accident Case
Depending on the details of your accident and your injuries, the potentially recoverable damages in a truck accident case may include:
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses can be anything from the emergency room visit after the accident to follow up treatments for your injuries. Your estimated future costs of medical care may also be included in your compensation.
Property Damage
If your vehicle was damaged in the accident, you could be compensated for vehicle repair or replacement costs. Other damaged property, such as your cell phone, may be covered as well.
Loss of Income
If you had to miss work due to the accident, medical appointments, or lack of a vehicle, you may be able to recover compensation for your loss of income.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering includes any physical or emotional pain you have gone through due to the accident.
Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can estimate a fair settlement range for your damages when we represent you.
Get The HelpYou Need(337) 777-7777To Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION
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Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today
An Abbeville semi-truck accident lawyer from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can manage all aspects of your case when we represent you. This includes all communications and settlement negotiations with the insurance company of the responsible party.
Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers would like to remind you that, per Civil Code (CC) § 3492, there is a general one-year statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits in Louisiana. If you wait longer than this to take legal action, your lawsuit could be dismissed.
For information on what specific legal deadlines apply to you, call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today at (337) 777-7777. A representative of our firm is standing by to provide you with a free consultation on your case.
If you qualify, we may be able to offer you representation on a contingency-fee-basis with no upfront payments required.
Get The HelpYou Need(337) 777-7777To Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION
24 hours a day • 7 days a week
