A truck accident can be far more devastating than an accident involving a regular passenger vehicle. The weight and size of these trucks make them incredibly dangerous. For example, the truck may not be well-maintained or the driver was not trained properly. In 2018 alone, nearly 6,000 trucks and buses were involved in accidents in which someone lost their life, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The agency has also concluded that the number of accidents involving trucks that lead to injuries has been increasing in recent years.
If you were harmed in a truck accident, you are probably wondering whether you are eligible to receive financial recovery from the parties responsible. You can work with a Lake Charles semi-truck accident lawyer to answer this question and ensure that you are taking full advantage of any rights available to you. Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers may be able to help you with all aspects of your case. We offer a free consultation so that you can learn more about how we might be able to work together. Call our office now at (337) 777-7777 for a free consultation with one of our team members.
Why Semi-Truck Accidents Happen
There are many different issues involved in a semi-truck accident that are unique and different from accidents involving other motor vehicles. For example, the size of these vehicles is often the primary factor in the severe injuries that result from these accidents.
In addition, drivers must undergo training in order to be able to operate these vehicles safely. Trucking companies must be sure to only hire qualified drivers that have clean driving records. Still, many accidents happen because of poor driver training, driver carelessness, oversight on the part of the trucking company, or intentional recklessness.
Our truck accident lawyers in Lake Charles have effectively handled cases resulting from a wide array of different causes. Some additional reasons for semi-truck accidents include:
- Poor truck maintenance: If the semi-truck’s brakes, lights, axle, and other key components are not kept in good working condition, then accidents can happen.
- Drug use: Some drivers turn to drugs to help them stay awake and alert behind the wheel. These drugs can include prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and illegal substances.
- Speeding: Drivers often have to adhere to delivery deadlines or may be paid on how many miles they can cover, leading to speeding.
- Driver fatigue: Some drivers do not take adequate breaks to make sure that they are in good enough condition to drive long distances.
- Failure to complete driver training: A driver may not have earned his or her commercial trucker’s license and completed appropriate coursework on how to operate these vehicles safely.
- Failure to watch for other vehicles and pedestrians: Truck drivers need to be aware of their blind spots and try to avoid collisions with motorists and pedestrians.
There may have been other factors that played a part in your semi-truck accident. One of the best ways to understand your situation and whether you deserve compensation from the other parties involved is to consult a Lake Charles semi-truck accident lawyer at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers. Through a free consultation, you can learn about the legal aspects of your accident, what types of damages you may be able to recover, and whether our team can help you. Call our office now to get started at (337) 777-7777.
Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientUnderstanding Liability in Semi-Truck Accidents
There are a few different hurdles that you have to overcome before you are eligible to receive compensation after a semi-truck accident:
- Duty: Just like regular motorists, semi-truck drivers have a duty to drive with a certain degree of ordinary care and skill. This responsibility includes following traffic laws, adjusting driving to meet changing road conditions, and more.
- Breach: To recover compensation, you have to show that the truck driver and/or trucking company did not act according to this duty. Proving a breach can include evidence of things like speeding or intoxication.
- Causation: You must establish a link between the defendant’s breach of the duty of care and the injuries that you suffered. If there was some other factor primarily responsible for the crash, then that defendant may not owe you compensation.
- Damages: To receive compensation, you must offer proof of the expenses and injuries that you suffered and their connection to the accident. Medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering are a few categories of damages that may be available to you.
Employers are generally liable for the accidents that their employees cause while on the job, so the trucking company may owe you compensation for the injuries that its truck driver caused in your accident. Establishing this liability involves proving an employment relationship between the truck driver and the trucking company.
There may be additional insurance policies available to cover your damages, too.
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientConsult a Lawyer for Your Semi-Truck Accident Case
Although the idea of working with a lawyer may intimidate some people, it is a helpful step towards learning more about your rights and making sure that you receive the compensation that you deserve. At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we provide supportive legal counsel to injury victims. While we work to build the strongest case possible on your behalf, you can focus on healing and getting your life back on track.
Some of the things that a lawyer will do while working on your case include negotiating with insurance companies, collecting and organizing evidence, communicating with expert witnesses, preparing you for important court appearances of depositions, and preparing for trial if the case progresses that far.
Do not fight your case alone. A Lake Charles semi-truck accident lawyer can help. Call (337) 777-7777 to get started.
