Large trucks can be dangerous traveling companions on America’s roadways. Some semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, flatbeds and 18-wheelers can outweigh the average car by more than 75,000 pounds. Sadly, that means the outcomes of large truck crashes are often tragic. The latest federal statistics show that 3,380 people were killed and 74,000 were injured in large truck accidents in 2009.
Establishing liability in a truck accident can be legally complex because it may not be just the truck driver or another motorist who is at fault. Truck companies, manufacturers and other parties may also be on the hook for the wreck, which can make the lawsuit more challenging.
The accomplished New Orleans truck accident attorneys at Braud & Gallagher welcome that challenge. Call 866-254-4979 or use our online contact form for a free consultation.
The skilled legal team at Braud & Gallagher is committed to protecting the rights of victims who have sustained catastrophic injuries in Louisiana large truck crashes. Our attorneys combine years of legal expertise with innovative technology and aggressive trial techniques so that clients receive the maximum amount of compensation in the shortest amount of time possible.
We have a philosophy at Braud & Gallagher: Our job is not done until you have won.
Braud & Gallagher represents motorcycle accident victims in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Mandeville, Jefferson Parish, St. Charles Parish, Lafourche Parish and throughout Louisiana.
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Braud & Gallagher has a proven track record of success in obtaining top-dollar verdicts and settlements for our clients.
About Louisiana Truck Accidents
Recent data indicates that the number of people who die or are injured in large truck crashes in Louisiana is on the rise. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 95 motorists were killed in Louisiana large truck crashes in 2010, up from 76 deaths the previous year. Another 1,920 people were injured in truck accidents, a 4.4% increase from 2009.
The trucking industry is heavily regulated in an effort to protect motorists from the extra hazards posed by big rigs. For example, detailed regulations specify how often truck drivers must rest between shifts, what types of maintenance must be done on large trucks, how often inspections must be performed and what equipment the truck must be outfitted with. Truck drivers are also required to keep a detailed record of their trips in log books. Unfortunately, these are all rules that are frequently broken – with devastating consequences for other motorists.
What Causes Louisiana Truck Accidents?
The causes of truck accidents often mirror those of passenger car wrecks, such as speeding, reckless driving, inattention, failure to yield and drunk driving. However, driver fatigue is increasingly playing a role in big rig collisions.
Long hauls can be dull journeys for truck drivers. The lull of the highway can lead to drowsiness, lethargy, eye strain and headaches. Recognizing this, the FMCSA has developed hours-of-service requirements that dictate how many hours a driver can remain on the road. Unfortunately, some truck companies pressure their employees to make faster deliveries at the expense of taking rest breaks. Employers may also skimp on performing required maintenance on parts, which can lead to equipment failures like tire blowouts or brake failures.
Some truck drivers use over-the-counter drugs in an effort to stay awake. But they may not know how the medications will affect them or interact with other prescribed medications, which could lead to a devastating wreck.
Other causes of truck accidents may be manufacturer or design defects in the large truck, 18-wheeler, tractor-trailer or single-unit truck itself. If defective equipment causes a deadly accident, an automotive manufacturer may be held liable in what is called a products liability claim. It is important to speak with an experienced New Orleans truck crash attorney to determine whether this area of law may apply to your case.
Injuries in Truck Accidents
Oftentimes, the large size and weight of a large truck protects its driver from sustaining the worst of the injuries in a crash. However, the shock of impact can cause catastrophic trauma for the occupants of the other vehicles in the collision, such as head injuries, neck injuries, spinal cord damage and limb loss. Hospitalizations and rehabilitation may be lengthy, and victims may need 24-hour medical care for the rest of their lives. Put simply, truck accidents can destroy life as you know it.
Hiring a qualified New Orleans tractor-trailer attorney can help you obtain compensation for the harm you’ve suffered at the hands of a negligent truck driver, truck company, truck manufacturer or other outside party. The money you receive may provide financial security for your family as you work to pay medical bills and create a new life in the wake of the crash.
Hurt in a New Orleans Truck Crash? Contact Our Lawyers Today
Braud & Gallagher’s personal injury attorneys will handle your Louisiana truck accident claim with commitment and won’t hesitate to take your case to trial if they believe you received an unfair settlement offer. For a free case evaluation, call 866-254-4979 or use our online form.
Our Louisiana accident attorneys represent injury clients in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Mandeville, Jefferson Parish, St. Charles Parish, Lafourche Parish, Terrebonne Parish, St. John the Baptist and throughout Louisiana.
Remember: Our job is not done until you have won.
