Shreveport Truck Accident Lawyer

If you were involved in a commercial truck accident in Shreveport, it may seem overwhelming to deal with your medical treatment and mounting medical bills. A Shreveport truck accident lawyer from Wright Gray Law Firm can help ensure you receive fair compensation for your truck accident-related injuries. Don’t hesitate. Contact our personal injury law firm today and let’s discuss your case.

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Driving on Louisiana highways can be extremely hazardous due to the number of large commercial trucks that travel on them daily, and far too often truck accidents occur. Our Shreveport truck accident lawyers have compiled this overview to help you understand your rights and what compensation you may be entitled to following a commercial truck accident.

Trucks are ubiquitous on the roads of Shreveport, transporting goods from one location to another, be it within Louisiana or the rest of America. Trucks deliver a wide range of necessary items everywhere and are essential to our daily lives. However, it’s important to recognize the potential hazards they can create on the roads, not only for truck drivers but also for other motorists.

Louisiana has a fault-based compensation system in place to help victims of car and truck accidents get the financial relief they need. This system makes it possible for individuals to receive settlements, thus reducing the devastating effects of such collisions on anyone involved. Obtaining financial compensation for a trucking accident injury can be tricky since multiple parties could be held accountable.

Retaining an experienced truck accident lawyer is essential when seeking justice after a truck accident. The lawyers with Wright Gray Law Firm in Shreveport have more than two decades of experience helping accident victims recover compensation for their injuries. We can provide the legal assistance you need to get what you deserve. Contact us today.

It can be difficult for truck accident victims to cope with the trauma and serious injuries following a truck accident. We’re here to provide you with the necessary legal assistance and guide you through your truck accident claim so you can recover the compensation you need and deserve.

Truck Accident Statistics

According to the National Safety Council’s latest Injury Facts, there were 5,788 fatalities in the U.S. involving large trucks—an 18% increase from the previous year—and 155,000 truck accident injuries—representing a 12% increase from the previous year. Large trucks include those with a gross weight of more than 10,000 pounds, such as semis, 18-wheelers, and tractor-trailers, but exclude commercial buses and motor homes. The rate of large-truck collisions climbed 5% compared to the previous year.

Large trucks account for:

• 9% of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes
• 5% of all registered vehicles
• 10% of total vehicle miles traveled

What Are the Leading Causes of Trucking Accidents?

According to the statistics, there is a high incidence of commercial truck-related collisions. There are several reasons for these startling statistics:

Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol

Truckers who drive for long hours should be cautious when using stimulants to stay alert. These drugs may temporarily perk them up but can also end up impairing their judgment, which could lead to hazardous situations on the road. Drinking and driving is a major risk in Shreveport. A commercial truck driver who drives under the influence of alcohol can easily lead to an accident. To ensure safety, drivers should maintain a BAC of 0.04 percent at all times. As a result, any trucker driving while intoxicated can be subjected to criminal charges. 

Speeding

Speeding is one of the major causes of truck accidents, much like it is with car and motorcycle collisions. When a vehicle weighs more than 80,000 pounds, it can cause fatal accidents if they drive at a high speed. It is essential for truck drivers to stick to the speed limit indicated on the interstate highway they’re driving on. Failing to do so can lead to serious consequences and penalties.

Fatigue

Truck drivers often experience exhaustion and fatigue, especially when driving for extended periods outside of FMCSA regulations. This makes them more prone to accidents, as it is difficult for someone with little energy to remain focused on the road. It is essential to ensure that truckers receive sufficient rest, adhere to the set maximum hours of service, and prevent driving while fatigued. Doing so would make the roads a lot safer.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a major cause of truck-related accidents. In the United States alone, The Centers for Disease Control Prevention reported that in 2018, there were 2800 fatalities and 400,000 injuries due to distracted drivers. To reduce the risk of accidents, truck drivers must remain focused at all times while driving. Such focus means avoiding distractions like cognitive, visual, and manual inattention. It’s absolutely necessary to constantly be aware of the size of trucks and their surroundings.

Other known factors that can contribute to truck accidents are:

• Reckless driving
• Blind spots
• Inadequate training
• Poor truck maintenance 
• Wheel blowout
• Jackknifing 
• Different Types of Truck Accidents 

Below are some of the most common types of truck accidents: 

• Head-on Collisions: A head-on collision is a dangerous situation that often results in fatalities or life-altering injuries for those involved. It occurs when a truck meets with another vehicle heading in the opposite direction.
• Rear-End Collisions: Rear-end collisions involving trucks and vehicles can be devastating. It could be a large commercial truck striking another vehicle, or a smaller vehicle tailgating a truck which then strikes it from behind. Regardless of the situation, this type of accident often ends in tragedy.
• Underride Accidents: Semi-truck collisions can be especially dangerous, like when a vehicle gets wedged underneath the trailer as it comes to an abrupt stop. These types of accidents can cause immense harm.
• Rollover Accidents: Losing control of a truck can lead to serious accidents, with the vehicle possibly rolling over. This kind of crash can cause great property damage as well result in cargo spillage.

Connect with a Shreveport Truck Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident, a personal injury lawyer from Wright Gray Law Firm can fight for fair compensation on your behalf. Utilizing our resources and knowledge, we can conduct an extensive investigation into your injury claim or represent you in court should your case become a truck accident lawsuit. Our team is dedicated to helping you get the results that you deserve.

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What Are the Common Injuries in Truck Accidents?

Truck accident victims would suffer one or more of the following injuries: 

Back and Neck Injuries 

Injuries sustained from car accidents can range from minor to very severe. Whiplash, dislocated discs in the spine, and back injuries are all common ailments associated with auto collisions. However, these are completely distinct from spinal cord injuries which can be much more dangerous. It is vital to note that an accident can cause injuries to the neck and back, which may prevent you from engaging in work or other regular activities.

Broken Bones 

Broken bones are one of the most common truck accident injuries. The impact of the accident determines the severity of the injury. In some cases, like in underride accidents, the victim could have their bones crushed. 

Head Injuries 

Head injuries can have drastic implications on the well-being of a person. When the skull is damaged to the point that it affects the brain, it is considered a traumatic brain injury and this can negatively impact one’s quality of life. It’s important to bear in mind that potential head trauma may not be obvious right away, so make sure you seek medical attention following a car accident without delay.

Internal Injuries 

Automobile accidents that involve blunt force trauma can cause severe damage to your internal organs, such as the liver, bladder, kidney, pancreas, and spleen. Furthermore, treating internal injuries is a challenging task because symptoms may not present themselves right away. It is important to consult a doctor after an accident, even if you do not feel any pain or discomfort. This will ensure that any potential injuries are identified as soon as possible.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Auto accidents can lead to serious spinal cord injury which can cause paralysis. It’s essential to get immediate medical attention and treatment following a car crash since it may help prevent permanent damage. An MRI scan and X-rays are needed for diagnosis; hence, it is important to seek professional medical assistance right away.

Besides cuts and bruises, truck accidents can also lead to seat belt injuries, trauma in the rib cage and torso area, as well as wrongful death in cases of fatal crashes. When such an unfortunate incident takes place, the victim’s legal beneficiaries usually take action by filing a lawsuit to seek financial compensation. Unless the deceased had a valid claim against them prior to their death, there can be no wrongful death claim. Therefore, it is important to confirm that there was a case before moving forward with any legal proceedings.

What Should You Do After a Commercial Trucking Accident?

After a truck accident, the actions you take are crucial for getting the best possible outcome from your injury claim. To guarantee you receive fair compensation, make sure to do the following:

• In case of an accident, you should stop at the scene and make a report to the relevant authorities. This is extremely important as it can help with insurance claims and legal proceedings.
• It’s critical to get a medical checkup even if you don’t appear to be hurt after the accident. Seeking medical treatment for any injuries you may have will ensure that your medical records are preserved as valuable evidence for your personal injury claim.
• When you are in a motor vehicle accident, it is important to obtain the contact information of those involved and share yours. This should include their insurance company name, policy number, vehicle registration and driver’s license. Doing this can help with claims processing and insurance filing. 
• Ensure you obtain witness reports and contact details. This will assist with the insurance claims procedure or personal injury lawsuit if necessary. It’s essential to try and obtain their account of the incident.
• It is necessary to take photographs of the crash site, along with the destroyed auto parts, for documentation of the accident. You may also be able to acquire CCTV footage of the collision from traffic sources.
• If you’ve been in an accident or sustained any type of physical injury, it is in your best interest to consult a Shreveport personal injury lawyer. They will be able to provide expertise in understanding the complexities of your legal case and guide you through the process.

Who Can You Sue for a Truck Accident in Shreveport?

Negligent driving is one of the main contributors to trucking accidents. However, depending on the situation, certain people or entities may be held accountable. These can include other drivers participating in the accident, insurance companies, and product manufacturers.

• The Truck Driver: Truckers have an increased level of responsibility while driving given the size and power of their vehicles. If they fail to exercise proper care and cause an accident, they must bear the financial burden of any losses sustained by the victims.
• The Trucking Company: Trucking companies are often held accountable for the irresponsible behavior of their drivers. This is known as vicarious liability and companies should always be cautious when it comes to hiring, particularly in regards to any history of reckless or intoxicated driving. Your lawyer would handle most negotiations against the trucking company’s insurance carrier.
• Cargo Loaders: If a truck accident is caused due to improper loading of cargo, the responsible person or company will be liable to cover the compensation of any recoverable losses that the victim incurred.
• Truck Manufacturer: If an accident was caused due to a faulty truck component, the truck maker could be held responsible for any harm that may have been caused.
• Third-Parties: If another driver fails to act responsibly on the road and causes an accident, he/she is to blame and will have to pay for any damages incurred. That would also be true if a truck was involved and it made direct contact with your vehicle. Our experienced car accident attorneys in Shreveport can provide more information about third-party claims. Reach out to them for further details.

What Compensation Can You Get in a Truck Accident Claim?

When a truck accident occurs, victims are often entitled to monetary damages to help cover any physical and emotional injuries they suffered, along with property damages. These economic and non-economic damages provide financial relief for someone’s physical discomfort as well as their mental anguish. Accident claims may result in compensation for the following damages:

• Cost of medical care
• Loss of income 
• Vehicle repair
• Loss of enjoyment
• Loss of consortium 
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional anguish
• Out-of-pocket expenses

Wrongful death claims encompass not only funeral and burial expenses but also the possibility of punitive damages if there is proof of gross negligence. Personal injury lawsuits can help survivors receive such compensation. Therefore, it’s important to put in a proper effort in order to make sure that you get the maximum settlement that you are entitled to.

Contact a Shreveport Truck Accident Lawyer from Wright Gray Law Firm Today

If you or a loved one was involved in a trucking accident, our personal injury lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us at 888-912-4944 or fill out our online contact form below, and let’s discuss your case.

Wright Gray Trial Lawyers – Shreveport Office

520 N Market St Suite A
Shreveport, LA 71107
P: (318) 524-7122