I-10 is the nation’s fourth-longest interstate, stretching across the southern United States from Florida to California. There is no information readily available that indicates how many truck drivers per year get into accidents on this expanse of road. However, because it is a primary route for commercial purposes, accidents involving truck drivers are likely fairly common. The Federal Highway Administration released a statement noting that the number of trucks on the road on any given day can range from 8,000 to 55,000. Additionally, the interstate is increasingly becoming congested due to heavy traffic, which may require future construction.
Clogged traffic, numerous heavy vehicles, and other external hazards may contribute to an increased risk of colliding with a truck. However, this is speculation, and no evidence suggests that I-10 is more hazardous than any other highway.
Truck Accidents on Interstate 10
When a large truck collides with a passenger vehicle, it is no surprise who typically sustains the worst injuries. According to the Information Insurance Institute (III), in accidents involving trucks and smaller cars, 96% of the occupants killed were those in the passenger vehicle. In these crashes, there is no limit to the property damage, injuries, and heartache that can follow.
This is one of the many reasons why following a collision, survivors of these accidents choose to move forward with legal proceedings. The treatment of severe injuries alone is costly, without taking into account lost wages, childcare costs, and other increasing expenses. A lawyer can help move forward with a civil action in or out of court that works to remedy these losses when you are involved in a truck accident.
For a free legal consultation, call (337) 777-7777
A Lawyer Can Aid With Financial Recovery
If you or a loved one were injured in a truck accident on I-10, the team at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can help. We fight for the rights of those who have been injured by negligent drivers, handling your case from our first meeting to when you receive compensation. One of our first steps will involve determining liability for your accident. In a collision with a truck, there can often be more than one responsible party.
This can include:
- The individual who was operating the truck that got into an accident.
- The organization which oversaw the driver’s operations, if the truck was for commercial use.
- The company which built the truck, should a defective component be found to hinder the trucker’s driving abilities.
- Any governmental or municipal agencies responsible for the road’s safety.
From there, your truck accident lawyers in Lafayette, LA, can begin the process of investigating the circumstances surrounding your truck accident.
Investigating Your Claim
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 94% of collisions are the result of driver error. This means that when we collect evidence, we will be primarily searching for indicators that relate to the trucker’s negligence in causing the accident.
This may include:
- Distracted driving, such as texting or using a dispatch device
- Driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or fatigue
- Inexperience
- Poor judgment or error
- Speeding
- Driving recklessly
- Failure to adhere to posted traffic guidelines and hazards
- Overloading the truck, which affects how the brakes stop the vehicle
A key element in your case may be the details of the trucker’s logbooks. While on the road, commercial drivers are required to record how many miles they have driven, periods of rest, details of maintenance checks, and other crucial items relating to their performance. If we find that the trucker who got into the accident, for example, had been driving for an extended period without rest, we may be able to argue that they violated federal regulations.
Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today About Your Truck Accident
If you or a loved one were injured on I-10 after colliding with a truck, you have protections offered by the state of Louisiana. You have the right to seek damages resulting from your injuries, and our team can help you get the compensation you need to move forward.
Some of the services that we provide include:
- Keeping you informed of your legal rights
- Negotiating with the liable party (or parties) for financial recovery
- Collecting evidence regarding your claim
- Overseeing all communications with the involved parties, their insurance companies, and possible legal representatives
- Filing your case within the state’s imposed guidelines
- Advocating for your legal rights either out of court or before a judge
- Operating on contingency, meaning that we do not get paid unless we recover compensation for you
Your time to act may be limited. Louisiana’s statute of limitations only allows one year from the date of your accident to move forward with legal action. By not acting within this timeframe, you may lose your right to compensation after getting into a truck accident. To get started, call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today at (337) 777-7777.
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