Garbage trucks provide an invaluable service to the residents of Lafayette and can commonly be seen traveling on city roads. These large vehicles can weigh up to 64,000 pounds, as mandated by the U.S. Department of Transportation. As you can imagine, even while traveling at a relatively low speed, these trucks can inflict thousands of dollars in damage upon colliding with another vehicle. When this occurs, not only can the driver be held responsible, but also the municipality and the manufacturer of the truck itself. These factors all depend on the circumstances of your situation.
If you were injured or a loved one passed away due to a collision with a garbage truck, you should not have to be responsible for the resulting expenses. When you work with the legal team at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, you can rest easy knowing that we are on your side. We can investigate the details surrounding your accident and negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf. We offer a free initial consultation and work on a contingency basis. For more information, call us today at (337) 777-7777.
Garbage Trucks Can Pose a Threat if Operated Negligently
All garbage truck drivers must hold specific licenses to be able to work legally. In Louisiana, depending on the municipality and trucking company, drivers generally need to have a Class B license that allows for the operation of large vehicles. The Louisiana Commercial Driver’s License Manual outlines what garbage truck drivers need to be considered for employment. When truckers get licensed to drive a large vehicle, they are trained in how to practice defensive driving, navigate “tight spots,” and techniques to otherwise ensure safe operation. However, not all drivers exercise due diligence when on the job.
Some factors that can cause an accident involving a garbage truck can include:
- Distracted driving, such as texting or addressing other workers
- Speeding
- Braking suddenly
- Not checking blind spots or mirrors for pedestrians or cars
- Unsecured waste falling out of the back of the truck
- Taking a wide turn
- Inexperience or poor judgment
If the driver of a garbage truck did not handle their vehicle with the necessary caution, then they may be responsible for your injuries. Additionally, if we find during our investigation that the trucker in your accident did not hold the appropriate licensure for operation, this may be grounds for assigning negligence. A Lafayette garbage truck lawyer can pursue damages from the individual driver and the organization that employed them.
Working with a Lafayette garbage truck lawyer who has experience handling these types of cases can be your best asset in determining how and why your accident occurred.
For a free legal consultation with a garbage truck accident lawyer serving Lafayette, call (337) 223-9925
A Lawyer Can Help You Determine Liability
Drivers of large trucks are often the employees of a larger company. Under “respondeat superior,” we may be able to assign vicarious liability to their employer should a trucker’s actions be found to violate a basic standard of care.
Possible defendants in your case may include:
- The driver of the truck
- A municipality if the driver was a government worker
- The waste management company, if the driver was a private employee
- The manufacturer of the vehicle, if certain parts were found to be defective
While this may open additional avenues for compensation, directly dealing with all these parties can be difficult. Each party may have a different insurance company. Some may delay getting back to you in hopes that you will drop your claim. This can be overwhelming and frustrating. When you work with a Lafayette garbage truck lawyer from the team of Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, one of our goals is to make this process as easy for you as possible. We can handle all communications with the involved parties and work to get you the compensation you deserve. For more information, call (337) 777-7777.
Lafayette Garbage Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me (337) 223-9925
Possible Compensation You May Be Entitled To
The success of a personal injury or wrongful death claim hinges on whether you obtain compensation. Your case is unique, and the financial recovery that you are entitled to will depend on the circumstances of your case.
Possible awards include coverage for:
- Emergency transportation, medical care, and any other procedures conducted in the aftermath of the accident
- Any income you have lost during your recovery
- Reduced earning capacity
- Emotional trauma
- Pain and suffering and inconvenience
- Long-term rehabilitation
- Loss of consortium
- Wrongful death
You could be owed additional expenses that we have not listed here.
Click to contact our Lafayette Truck Accident Lawyers today
What Our Team Can Do for You
Once a lawyer has determined whether one, two, or more defendants are responsible for your losses, they can begin measures to start your case.
From there, your legal team can:
- File your claim in a timely manner
- Collect evidence relevant to your claim
- Speak with counsel for the defendant(s) to explore any available settlement options
- Formulate a strategy to promote your case’s success
- Defend your rights throughout the legal process
One of our primary goals is to prove that the responsible party (or parties) in your case acted negligently, and in doing so, caused your accident. Once we accomplish this, we can move forward with pursuing compensation.
Call A Lawyer Today
You should be aware that Louisiana’s statute of limitations may impact your ability to pursue damages after an accident. The timeframe for filing a civil action for personal injury cases is generally one year from the date of the accident. In instances of wrongful death, you have one year from the date of your loved one’s passing. This is not much time, so it is important that you call a lawyer soon after your collision.
Call Our Team at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today
After your Lafayette garbage truck accident, you should be able to focus on your recovery without the burden of legal matters. When you work with a Lafayette garbage truck lawyer from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we can make this a reality for you. Dedicated members of our team are standing by to hear how your accident happened and determine how we can be of assistance. Call us today at (337) 777-7777 to get started.
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