Semi-trucks can often be found on highways, transporting cargo from one place to another and serving an important role in a wide range of industries. Unfortunately, their large size and heavy weight can also make them a danger to other vehicles.
If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a truck accident, you might want to explore your legal options and learn more about how an Andrew semi-truck accident lawyer can help you fight for compensation. Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers at (337) 777-7777 for a free consultation.
Semi-Truck Drivers Must Abide by Federal Regulations
Federal agencies know that accidents involving semi-trucks can be dangerous and deadly. That is why there are so many rules governing carriers, drivers, and the trucks themselves. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has set rules concerning the hours when truck drivers are allowed to operate. They also set regulations for truck maintenance, weight maximums, and equipment standards.
As a result of these regulations, truck drivers, cargo shippers, and the companies that own these semi-trucks have a duty to abide by these rules. They need to keep these trucks safe and ensure that they are ready to ride on roads with smaller, more vulnerable vehicles. Truck drivers cannot engage in risky driving behaviors and must adhere to weight limits.
If they do not abide by these regulations, they may be held liable for the accidents they cause.
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Truck Accidents Put Lives at Risk
Semi-truck accidents can be particularly harrowing due to the weight and power of the trucks themselves. Federal and state regulations govern how heavy these vehicles can be. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the federal maximum for single-axle trucks traveling on the national highway system is 20,000 pounds. That is the smallest type of semi-truck out there, and it still can weigh four to five times more than the typical passenger vehicle.
As a result, these heavy vehicles can have devastating effects when they hit smaller vehicles. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), more than 4,100 people were killed in truck accidents in 2018, and 67 percent of those victims were in passenger cars.
Because trucks are larger and heavier, they take longer to slow down and stop. This makes certain driving behaviors, like speeding and tailgating, far riskier for semi-truck drivers to engage in. Other types of negligent driver behavior can also lead to accidents, such as driving while drowsy. Driver fatigue from driving over the federally regulated amount of hours and drug use are common culprits in accidents involving semi-trucks.
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Your Legal Team Can Help You Pursue Damages
An accident with a semi-truck might leave a person with extensive vehicle damage. They might have to stay in the hospital due to their injuries and face mounting medical bills. Accident victims might not be able to work for an extended period of time. An accident can change a person’s life and prevent them from doing everything they used to be able to do.
If you were severely injured in a semi-truck accident and it affected your life, you may be eligible to pursue damages. An Andrew semi-truck accident lawyer can help you recover the compensation you need to recover from your damages, such as:
- Your medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced earning potential
- Loss of enjoyment
- Property damage
Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers at (337) 777-7777 to learn more about pursuing damages and your legal options.
Liable Parties
In many passenger vehicle accidents, there is usually only one liable party, which is usually one of the two parties involved. In an accident involving a semi-truck, there might be multiple parties involved since multiple parties might be responsible for the semi-truck vehicle itself.
Here is what we mean by that. Numerous federal regulations exist concerning large trucks. A carrier, often the truck owner, needs to keep up with maintenance and ensure that their truck is safe for operation. Drivers can report safety issues to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). A history of safety violations can potentially be used against a carrier when they are sued over an accident.
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A Lawyer May Provide You Several Services to Build Your Case
Hiring a lawyer is not a requirement if you plan to pursue damages after a semi-truck accident, but hiring one can help you build your case if you need legal assistance. A lawyer may offer to:
File Your Case
In accordance with the Louisiana Civil Code (CC) §3492, you generally have one year to pursue a personal injury case in Louisiana. This can seem like a long time, but as you recover from injuries and try to return to work and your normal life, that time can pass quickly. When you hire a lawyer, they can file your case for you so that you meet the statute of limitations.
Gather Evidence
Your lawyer can gather evidence to support your claim that the other party was negligent and should compensate you for your damages. This evidence may include police reports, eyewitness accounts, information from the investigation of the crash, and the carrier’s safety record.
Handle All Communications
A lawyer can take care of your case and communicate with all involved parties, updating you when there is any news to report or a settlement offer to consider. As your lawyer manages your case, you can get back to living your life.
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Call for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a truck accident, do not delay. Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers at (337) 777-7777 for a free consultation. We can tell you more about how an Andrew semi-truck accident lawyer can help you, and we can answer any questions you have about your legal options.
Get The HelpYou Need(337) 777-7777To Schedule a FREE CONSULATION
24 hours a day • 7 days a week
