Commercial vehicles are a necessity in today’s world. Though they provide goods and materials that keep us fed, clothed, and happy, they also pose a significant risk to drivers on the road.
Truck accidents often leave devastation in their wake, and if you have been injured by one, you need a Laplace truck accident lawyer to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers is a law firm established in New Orleans and surrounding areas. We value community and take pride in our engagement, including hosting a podcast about local happenings called ‘Overruled.’
Our team, including the Laplace personal injury lawyer who may address your case, operates with the mindset of fighting for the win.
Common Cause of Laplace Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can be the result of a perfect storm that may not leave anyone at fault. However, they are often due to some degree of preventable influence, including the truck driver’s negligence. Some examples of this that we see in truck accident cases include:
- Failing to check blind spots: semi-trucks or 18-wheelers have large blind spots that leave other drivers vulnerable. Just like we are accountable for checking our blind spots, the truck driver may be liable if this caused the accident.
- Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often drive for long periods of time, leaving them physically and emotionally exhausted and more likely to make mistakes while driving.
- Improperly loaded cargo: Cargo in a truck must be loaded in a particular way to ensure the weight is appropriately balanced. If dock workers fail to load the truck appropriately, the trailer may flip or jackknife.
- Inadequate maintenance: Commercial vehicles drive long distances, and ensuring they are appropriately maintained is critical to safe operation. This includes braking systems, trailer hitches, tires, and anything else required for safe functioning.
- Speeding: Some drivers receive incentives or bonuses for earlier deliveries, which encourages them to speed or drive too fast for the conditions. At higher speeds, the truck needs more time and space to stop completely and is at an increased risk of an accident.
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(504) 500-1111Complications in a Laplace Truck Accident
One of the unique challenges of truck accidents is that it can be difficult to identify who is truly at fault. Countless parties are involved in maintaining, loading, and driving a truck, leaving just as many possible liabilities.
In some cases, driver negligence may also fall on the employer, and an experienced truck accident attorney in Laplace can help you investigate to determine those responsible.
Once you identify the cause of the accident, you must determine who was responsible for the task and who is responsible for ensuring that it was completed appropriately.
This may be an employer who failed to adequately train or supervise their employee or a driver who disregarded the hours of service regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to get an incentive. Determining responsibility can take a thorough investigation because of how many parties are often involved.
Statute of Limitations
Almost all court processes have a statute of limitations (SOL). In Louisiana, the SOL for most civil cases, according to CC 3493.1, is two years.
While this is the standard, you may benefit from speaking with a truck accident lawyer in Laplace to ensure your situation does not have extenuating circumstances that can adjust this time frame.
After a Laplace Truck Accident
Even a relatively minor truck accident can feel earth-shattering and leave you unsure of what to do next. An experienced attorney with Scot Vicknair may be able to give you guidance and confidence in what to do after an 18-wheeler accident. However, before you speak with them, you should consider a few priorities:
- Call 911: This call will ensure that your accident is reported to the police according to RS32:398. This step also ensures that EMS arrive if you need them
- Take photos: photo evidence can be critical in your case, so you can take the time after the accident to take photos of the area, the vehicles, and any injuries you have
- Seek medical attention: Medical evaluation following your accident is essential to ensure you do not have any hidden injuries, and it begins formal documentation of your injuries
In the days following the accident, you will likely receive contact from the other driver’s insurance company. It is vital to your case to remember that this insurance company is focused on protecting their assets, not yours. Therefore, you may benefit from keeping the conversation minimal.
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(504) 500-1111Compensation for Your Laplace Truck Accident
A personal injury claim or lawsuit often aims to recover compensation for the injuries you sustained because of the defendant’s negligent behavior. Most cases begin with an insurance claim, during which you may sit with your attorney to determine the monetary value of your losses.
If you suffered more common injuries such as broken bones, head injuries, or internal bleeding, you may include damages such as:
- Medical bills
- Travel reimbursement for medical care
- Prescription costs
- Lost wages from missed work due to injuries
- Pain and suffering
The above list is certainly not exhaustive, but it may give you a general idea of what losses you can recover in an insurance claim or lawsuit may qualify as. Most insurance companies would prefer to settle cases outside of court to ensure they have more control over what they agree to.
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(504) 500-1111Call a Laplace Truck Accident Attorney Today to Support Your Case
Recovering from an injury can be difficult enough without the concern of a legal case or handling the insurance company. When you work with a Laplace truck accident attorney from Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers, you can rest assured that you have someone working diligently to maximize your recovery.
Our core values set us up for success in establishing an ethical, individualized, and solution-focused approach to your case.
Our firm operates on a contingency–based payment schedule, so you do not have to worry about owing us anything until we recover your compensation. Additionally, we offer a free case consultation with no obligation to proceed.
Call us today for the support you deserve.