Truckers spend more time behind the wheel than everyday drivers. They also experience tremendous pressure from their employers to deliver their goods on time regardless of weather conditions, traffic, or other challenges.
When you are in a truck accident, you may be dealing with substantial injuries. These injuries can lead to financial, emotional, and physical damages. A loved one’s injuries could mean you have to assume the role of caretaker, struggling to pay bills and trying to make the best decision for your family. You have the right to hold the negligent driver responsible with counsel from an experienced personal injury attorney. A Gretna truck accident lawyer from Scott Vicknair could help you.
Challenges to Trucking Safety
I-10, one of the major interstates connecting the east and west coasts, travels through the heart of the state, significantly increasing the trucking traffic in the area. This interstate system faces tremendous pressure in part because of the state’s unique geography. Swamps and wetlands mean the state has fewer side roads and alternative routes than many locations. In addition, the extensive bridges reduce the shoulders and other safety areas for drivers. As a result, truckers may have a more difficult time avoiding accidents and may be less able to slow down at the time of an accident.
Traffic delays, which are often exacerbated by bad weather, can lead to erratic behavior not only from truckers but also from other drivers. Because they know the unique challenges on local roadways, a Gretna truck accident attorney could investigate the circumstances and help build a case against the responsible parties.
Why Trucks Are Exceptionally Dangerous
Understanding why trucks are more dangerous than passenger vehicles helps explain why truck wrecks are more likely to lead to severe injuries. Trucks are challenging to maneuver, surrounded by blind spots, and harder to stop than other vehicles. In addition, their sheer size means more force in an accident. The result is that accidents are more common and are more likely to lead to catastrophic injuries or even death.
The culture of trucking also influences how hazardous truck accidents can be. Some truckers engage in hazardous driving behaviors by using illegal or legal substances to stay alert, driving while under the influence, or driving while tired or distracted. The monotony of the job makes it easy for drivers to get distracted or sleepy.
A Gretna truck wreck lawyer considers all the potential factors that might lead to a wreck, which can help them determine who is at fault. In addition to the truck driver, other potentially liable parties include the trucking company, loading companies, other drivers on the road, and the parties responsible for road maintenance. Once they identify potentially responsible parties, the attorney could bring a claim or a lawsuit on behalf of a client.
Talk to a Truck Accident Attorney in Gretna
The time after a truck accident can be challenging. You might be dealing with severe injuries that can turn your life upside down. Spouses and children may become caregivers, and a leader may become dependent. In addition, losing a wage earner often leads to immediate financial harm. It puts people in a vulnerable position, which insurance companies may try to exploit through lowball settlement offers.
Before you talk to insurance companies, schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a Gretna truck accident lawyer from Scott Vicknair who could help you get the money you deserve.