Every day, commercial trucks are on public roads transporting materials for their businesses, and some of these trucks get into major accidents. Fuel trucks have a higher liability of causing major accidents due to the fact that they carry combustible substances like gasoline or oil, which can cause massive explosions and seriously injure other motorists. In some cases, fuel truck accidents can cause death.
If you or a loved one were injured or sustained other damages in an accident involving a fuel truck, Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can assign you a New Orleans fuel truck accident lawyer to work on your case and fight for compensation on your behalf. Call our team today at (504) 777-7777 for a free consultation.
Fuel Trucks Pose Several Risks on the Road
Fuel trucks impose a high risk of damage if involved in an accident. These trucks often carry volatile chemicals or flammable substances. They are also dangerous due to their weight. The weight of a fuel truck may cause it to be unable to stop quickly and have poor maneuverability.
Fuel trucks can also become unstable in inclement weather, such as heavy rain. Slippery roads can become too slick and cause the truck to veer off the road or turn over.
Truck drivers are expected to drive for long periods of time, which might lead to them getting distracted or fatigued while driving. This may be under their own discretion, or they might be pressured by their employer to deliver a load in an unreasonable amount of time.
Commercial truck drivers might also be under the influence of substances, such as high amounts of caffeine or other stimulants in order to stay awake and alert for long hauls. According to the Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene (JPMH), their results showed that nearly a third of truck drivers admitted to drug consumption during their careers and that truck drivers were more inclined to use stimulants and other performance-enhancing drugs.
Truck drivers might also carry heavy loads, which might go beyond capacity and against highway regulations. Some truck drivers might not be adequately trained to operate fuel truck systems and might make mistakes, such as improperly securing the load or ignoring the engine warning lights.
Multiple Parties May Be Held Liable in a Fuel Truck Accident
When pursuing a legal claim involving a fuel truck, that truck may be owned by another company or manufacturer. There might be a variety of parties potentially liable for the damages caused in a fuel truck accident besides the truck driver. The truck’s manufacturer, the truck driver’s employer, the company responsible for performing truck maintenance, or a parent company may all be held accountable.
Businesses in the United States have a duty to ensure that their operations and products do not pose a danger to the general public as well as their employees. Trucking companies have a duty to care for the safety of fellow motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians on public roads.
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.
ClientBe Wary of Offers from the Insurance Company
You may receive a call from the insurance company associated with the liable party. Do not engage with the insurance company before consulting a New Orleans truck accident lawyer.
To prevent you from taking your case to court, an insurance company may offer you a settlement immediately in hopes of settling your case as quickly as possible. However, this settlement offer might not factor in the extent of your total damages. You might want to hire a legal team that can advocate on your behalf while you are recovering from your injuries. They can determine if a settlement offer is fair based on their calculations of your damages.
You may be able to recover the following types of damages:
- Medical expenses: These expenses are related to the treatments you received for your injuries sustained in the accident. They may include costs for surgeries, doctor’s appointments, imaging exams, and prescription medicines, among other expenses.
- Repairs for damaged property: You might be able to get compensated for repairs you had to make on your property.
- Funeral expenses: These expenses may involve costs for funeral and burial services if you lose a loved one in a fuel truck accident.
- Lost wages: You may be reimbursed for the wages you did not earn due to your inability to work.
- Mental anguish: You might be compensated for the emotional trauma you experienced from the accident, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This may also include costs for psychological therapy.
- Pain and suffering: You might be compensated for any physical discomfort you experienced due to your injury and/or during recovery.
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 | ClientYou Must File within the Statute of Limitations
You must file your fuel truck accident lawsuit within two years of the accident, according to the Louisiana Civil Code (CC) § 3492. This is a relatively short amount of time for an attorney to collect and compile evidence to present to the court, so it is imperative that you make arrangements with an attorney as soon as possible after the incident.
If you were involved in a fuel truck accident and sustained damages, call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today at (504) 777-7777 for a free consultation.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientGet Legal Assistance by Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today
Fuel truck accidents can be devastating. A New Orleans fuel truck accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation by investigating your accident and collecting evidence to support your case against the liable party or parties.
If you would like legal assistance with building your personal injury case, call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today at (504) 777-7777 for a free case evaluation.
