As the home of a major port in the United States, Louisiana gets significant traffic from commercial trucks of all shapes and sizes. Unfortunately, with this increase in trucker presence often comes the risk of truck accidents in nearby areas, such as Slidell.
If a negligent truck driver caused you or your loved one to suffer injuries in a collision, it could qualify you for damages. Let a Slidell truck accident lawyer from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers examine your case during a free consultation. We may be able to represent you and offer our legal services as your case moves forward. Get in touch today at (504) 777-7777.
When Truck Accidents Warrant a Personal Injury Case
Any truck collision that involves a negligent act could qualify the victims for damages in an insurance claim or lawsuit. Negligence behind the wheel can include actions like driving while under the influence, failing to yield the right-of-way, speeding, and driving too fast for road conditions.
In addition to these, a few acts of negligence are unique to collisions involving commercial trucks, such as:
- Violation of hours of service regulations: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the number of consecutive hours truck drivers are allowed to be on the road, as well as the time they need to rest between shifts. Violating these regulations can lead to drowsy driving, significantly increasing the risk of collisions.
- Failure to perform vehicle inspections and necessary maintenance: Due to their heavy use and the loads they carry, commercial trucks require regular inspections and maintenance to keep them in safe driving condition. Neglect of maintenance and inspection before a trip can leave issues like broken lights or worn tires unresolved, creating hazardous conditions.
- Improper cargo loading: Truck drivers often haul heavy and sometimes dangerous cargo. Along with a vehicle inspection, these drivers are responsible for ensuring that this cargo is properly secured before getting behind the wheel. Otherwise, it may shift or come loose during transit, which can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle or leave hazards on the road.
These additional causes are just some of the factors that make truck accident cases more complex than other types of collisions. Cases involving commercial trucks often have more than one liable party and different forms of evidence, as well.
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You May Have a Case Against Multiple Parties
If a truck driver caused you or a loved one to suffer injuries in a collision, you may be able to mount a case against them for damages. However, you also may be able to hold other parties liable at the same time. In many states, including Louisiana, trucking companies can be held liable for their drivers’ actions under certain circumstances.
Vicarious liability is a legal doctrine that outlines how employers may be responsible for any negligent actions their employees commit while fulfilling their duties. This means that under CC Art. 2320, you may be able to file a claim or lawsuit against a negligent truck driver and the trucking company that employed them if there is evidence to do so.
To pursue such a case, we will need to prove the driver:
- Was employed with the company at the time of the collision.
- Was performing their job duties when the collision occurred.
- Committed an act of negligence, which led to the collision.
- Injured you and caused you to suffer financial damages because of the collision.
Trucking companies can also be liable for failing to enforce proper hiring practices, vehicle inspections and maintenance, and hours of service. Initiating an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit against a company can be intimidating, which is why our team would like to handle the whole process for you.
Reach out to Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today at (504) 777-7777 to learn how a Slidell truck accident lawyer may be able to help.
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Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Advocates for Truck Accident Victims
When our team takes on a case, we agree to handle every aspect of the proceedings on behalf of our client. This includes launching an investigation into the collision and the driver and company involved.
Due to the different factors involved in these cases, the evidence our team would seek to collect on your behalf may differ, as well. In addition to the police report, eyewitness testimony, and surveillance footage, we will also look for evidence like:
- The driver’s driving logs
- Data from the truck’s computer systems
- Dash camera footage
- Vehicle maintenance logs
Items like these will be in the trucking company’s hands, and it will be our goal to obtain them for your case as soon as possible. This type of evidence may not last long, and it can be vital to your claim or lawsuit.
Once we have the necessary evidence, we can begin to build a case that proves negligence and liability of the other parties involved. Our team will also review your medical bills, repair expenses, and missed income to arrive at the total value of your case. When possible, we will also seek compensation for your intangible damages, like pain and suffering.
With a complete case, we can submit your claim to the driver or trucking company’s insurer and enter settlement negotiations. If these negotiations fail or time starts running out on the statute of limitations, we can proceed with filing a lawsuit.
The statute of limitations on personal injury in Louisiana—CC Art. 3492—only gives us one year to file a lawsuit, so it is best to reach out to us for your free consultation as soon as possible.
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Let a Slidell Truck Accident Lawyer Represent You
If you are considering hiring an attorney for your or your loved one’s truck accident case, do not hesitate to call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers. When you need someone on your side as you seek damages from the negligent driver, their employer, and any other liable parties, our team can be there every step of the way.
Contact our firm today to receive a confidential, no-obligation case assessment at no cost to you. One of our representatives can review your case for free and help you learn more about how we can help. Get started now by calling (504) 777-7777.
Get The HelpYou Need(337) 777-7777To Schedule a FREE CONSULATION
24 hours a day • 7 days a week
