Truck accidents cause severe injuries compared to small cars. Sometimes, truck crashes prove fatal, leaving families devastated. After a truck accident, injured victims and loved ones of deceased victims find themselves in financial peril. The large insurance companies used by trucking companies may try to deny your truck accident claim or give you a low settlement.
A Meaux truck accident lawyer will fight for your right to a favorable truck accident settlement. We can help you recover damages such as medical bills, repair costs, burial expenses, loss of income, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of support
Negligent Causes of Truck Accidents
At first glance, it may seem as though the truck driver’s negligence is the reason for the accident. While this is true in some cases, it is not always true. The crash may be due to negligence by the trucking company, local government or contractor tasked with road maintenance.
Negligence by the Driver
Negligent acts by the driver significantly contribute to truck accidents. These actions include:
- Speeding
Trucks are heavy and take a longer time to come to a halt compared to smaller cars. If the driver drives above the set speed limit, they will take an even longer period to get to a complete stop. This makes the driver more likely to cause a rear-end crash. Speeding also causes the load on the truck to shift, which can result in the entire vehicle tipping over.
- Driving While Impaired
When truck drivers operate the vehicle while drunk or after abusing drugs, their reasoning, coordination, and reaction abilities are affected. These qualities are essential in ensuring they drive safely.
- Distracted Driving
Driving while distracted takes your focus off the road increasing the chances of a truck accident. Being distracted can include failure to look at the road or letting the mind wander.
Negligence by the Trucking Company
The trucking company is responsible for proper hiring, training, and implementing state and federal laws in their operations. Failure to do so may get them sued due to a crash by their truck drivers. Some ways the company demonstrates negligence include:
- Hands-off Hiring Approach
If the company hires the driver without ensuring they have a commercial driver’s license and the employee causes an accident, their negligence will have contributed to the crash. The company also needs to look at the potential driver’s records to ensure they have no serious driving infractions.
- Poor Loading Practices
The trucking company is in charge of hiring and training workers to properly load cargo so that it does not shift during the trip. Shifting can cause fatal accidents. If the firm does not ensure the truck is loaded correctly, they share some of the accident liability.
- Violating Hours of Service
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets hours of service that truck drivers should work. Going beyond these hours leads to driving when tired or drowsy which can cause life-changing crashes. Trucking companies that violate these time guidelines demonstrate negligence and contribute to truck accidents.
- Negligence by a Government Agency or Contractor
Potholes and other road defects may cause a truck accident. In such a case you can file a truck accident claim against the government agency or contractor tasked with the maintenance of that road for your injuries and losses.
For a free legal consultation with a truck accident lawyer serving Meaux, call (337) 777-7777
Establishing Fault in a Meaux Truck Accident Case
To determine fault in a Meaux truck accident case, you will have to show proof that the party contravened the law, thereby demonstrating negligence and causing the crash. Since there are different parties that may share fault, establishing liability can prove difficult. If the truck company hired an independent contractor as their driver, things get even more tangled up.
Most times if the truck driver caused the accident while within the scope of their work duties, the liability will fall with their employer. Insurers will use the resources at their disposal to put up a strong defense to counter your claim or lawsuit.
Establishing fault when so many entities are involved in a truck accident may seem impossible. But, a Meaux truck accident lawyer can carry out a detailed investigation to determine who the fault lies with. They will then work to fight for your rightful compensation.
Meaux Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me (337) 777-7777
Recoverable Damages in a Meaux Truck Accident
Due to the large size of trucks, injuries sustained from a truck accident are often severe and life-long. You can recover damages for:
- Current and future medical costs
- Lost current and future income
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If your family member died from a truck crash you can file a wrongful death claim to get compensated for your devastating loss. A truck accident lawyer will help you understand which damages you can recover from your truck accident. They will then collect and present the evidence for these damages to support your claim.
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How a Meaux Truck Accident Lawyer Will Help
Since insurance companies have a lot to lose by paying the maximum claim amount, they may try to lowball you. Your Meaux truck accident lawyer will defend your claim to ensure you get maximum compensation. Many times, truck accident claims can be settled out of court.
If you do not reach a settlement agreement with the insurer, you can file a truck accident lawsuit in a civil court. Your lawyer will prepare you for trial and represent your case in court. They will present your case’s evidence and argue your case for a fair settlement.
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Contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today
We represent personal injury victims as they pursue the compensation they deserve from the liable party. We will carry out the necessary investigations to determine fault, build a strong case and hold negotiations with the insurance provider on your behalf. You do not have to bear the burden on your own. Contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today to discuss your case details.
Call or text (337) 777-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
