What Percentage of Truck Accidents Are Caused By Cars On I-10?
It is hard to know exactly what the percentage of truck accidents caused by cars on I-10 is, but it is a potentially dangerous stretch of highway. The Louisiana State University Center for Analytics & Research in Transportation report that there were 39 fatal crashes on I-10 in Louisiana in 2019. In their Persons Killed by Age, Role, and Gender report, they state that 686 total people died in the state that same year.
The Insurance Information Institute states that 16.9% of fatal crashes in 2017 involved drivers who were driving too fast. Many believe that speeding on an Interstate is socially acceptable, but in truth, Louisiana enforces a 75-mph speed limit on Interstate highways.
Large Trucks Pose a Real Threat in Accidents with Passenger Vehicles
All car accidents are scary, and many of them lead to major property damage and severe bodily injury. Collisions between cars and 18-wheelers, in particular, have the potential for disastrous results, as the differences in size, weight, and power between the two vehicles create a situation that is especially perilous for the car driver.
Determining Liability in Your Truck Accident in Louisiana
A truck driver may be at fault for your injuries and losses. The liable driver may have engaged in reckless or distracted behaviors, like speeding or sightseeing. Actions of these kinds can cause a lot of damage. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that distracted driving claimed: “3,166 lives in 2017 alone.”
- 300.5 of the Louisiana State Civil Code prohibits civilian use of reading, writing, or sending text-based communications while driving. A truck driver may have been distracted by his or her phone at the time of your accident.
Weather conditions contribute to the percentage of truck accidents caused by cars on I-10 and could have contributed to your injuries as well. While you cannot pursue damages from Mother Nature, you can make sure that the truck driver and trucking company made sure to prepare the truck for inclement weather and practiced safe driving habits. For instance, if the truck driver was not using snow tires or speeding in the rain, these facts may bolster your claim for damages.
A Lawyer May Be Able to Help You with Your Car-Truck Accident Case
Your truck accident attorneys in Lafayette may be able to help you by:
- Representing you in court, if necessary
- Gathering and analyzing evidence
- Speaking with witnesses
- Working with accident reconstructionists and expert witnesses
- Keeping you up to date throughout the case
- Answering any questions you may have
- Valuating your damages
- Fighting for justice on your behalf
- Handling all communication with insurance companies
- Filing all paperwork within relevant timelines
If you were involved in a car-truck accident, you may be eligible for compensation regardless of which vehicle you were driving. Do not leave potential compensatory damages on the table.
A car accident attorney from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can help. We offer a free consultation and never charge a fee until you win your case. To speak with a member of our team today, call us at (337) 777-7777. You have nothing to lose by speaking with us. Reach out today.
