If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a truck accident, or your loved one was involved in a fatal truck accident, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills and other losses.
Truck Accident Attorneys in New Orleans
Highway 90, the stretch of highway that spans from Lafayette to New Orleans, is one of the most dangerous highways in Louisiana. Large commercial trucks frequent this stretch of roadway, and truck accidents are not uncommon. These massive vehicles can cause devastating injuries when an accident occurs — often far more catastrophic than a car accident. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a truck accident, or your loved one was involved in a fatal truck accident, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills and other losses. Contact a New Orleans truck accident lawyer at Wright Gray Law Firm and let's talk about how we can help you in your time of need.
New Orleans Truck Accident Guide
Why Choose the Truck Accident Lawyers at Wright Gray Law Firm?
Wright Gray Law Firm was established in New Orleans by two experienced personal injury lawyers with a combined 60 years of experience between them. They have recovered tens of millions of dollars for accident victims through settlements, verdicts, and judgments. Our lawyers won't give in to the dirty tactics trucking companies and insurance companies use to get out of paying accident victims what they deserve. We fight to get each and every client the maximum compensation they deserve.
How Dangerous are Truck Accidents?
Commercial trucks transport a variety of products and materials across New Orleans to other parts of Louisiana and the U.S. However, despite the important service they provide, they are one of the most dangerous vehicles on the road. When large truck accidents occur, the results can be catastrophic.
Louisiana's fault-based compensation system allows truck accident victims to get a financial settlement for their injuries. It's easy to place blame an accident on truck driver negligence, but often multiple parties can be held liable in a truck accident case. Any person or party whose negligence contributed to a truck accident should be held responsible for the resulting injuries.
Thus, it is crucial to get an experienced truck accident attorney when pursuing truck accident claims. New Orleans Truck accident attorneys at Wright Gray can help you seek justice and recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
The New Orleans truck accident lawyers at Wright Gray Law Firm are ready to fight on your behalf and guide you through the process of recovering compensation.
What Are the Leading Causes of Truck Accidents?
According to the National Safety Council’s latest Injury Facts, there were 5,788 fatalities in the U.S. involving large trucks—which represents an 18% increase from the previous year. There were also 155,000 truck accident injuries—which translates to a 12% increase from the previous year. Overall, large-truck collision rates climbed 5% compared to the previous year.
Large commercial trucks account for:
- 9% of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes
- 5% of all registered vehicles
- 10% of total vehicle miles traveled
The number of truck accident fatalities and injuries shows just how prevalent commercial truck crashes are. So, what exactly are the causes of New Orleans truck accidents?
Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol
Due to the number of hours truckers spend on the road, it's not unusual for them to use substances to help them stay alert. However, these drugs could also affect their cognitive ability, which might lead to an accident. Similarly, a truck driver who operates under the influence of alcohol can cause an auto accident. In New Orleans, it is illegal for commercial truck drivers to operate their vehicles with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04% or higher — half of the 0.08% limit for drivers of non-commercial passenger vehicles. Therefore, a drunk-driving trucker would also face criminal liabilities.
Speeding
Just like in car accidents and motorcycle accidents, speeding is a leading contributor to truck crashes. When a vehicle weighs up to 80,000 pounds or more, it would be deadly if they drive at a high-speed rate and cause an accident. Thus, truck drivers must maintain the speed limit posted on the interstate highway they're traveling on.
Fatigue
Fatigue is quite common among truck drivers, especially when operating outside the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations which limit hours of service. When a driver is exhausted and tired, it is easier for them to crash. So, truckers should get adequate rest, work only within the stipulated hours, and avoid drowsy driving.
Distracted Driving
Distractions could also result in a traffic accident involving trucks. According to recent annual statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 2,800 people were killed and an estimated 400,000 were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver. There are three types of distracted driving, namely: cognitive, visual, and manual. Due to the size of the trucks, drivers must keep their focus on the road at all times or a serious truck accident could occur.
Other known causes of truck collisions 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 seen in Louisiana truck accident cases:
- Head-on Collisions: It occurs when a truck collides with a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction. It could result in fatalities or severe injuries for those involved.
- Rear-End Collisions: It happens when a truck strikes another vehicle from behind. It could also be a smaller tailgating vehicle that struck the commercial truck from behind. Either way, accidents of this nature are deadly.
- Underride Accidents: This is one of the deadliest types of semi-truck accidents. They happen when a truck stops quickly and an approaching car gets stuck under the trailer.
- Rollover Accidents: When a truck driver loses control of the vehicle, the tractor-trailer may roll over, causing an accident. This crash type also results in goods spillage.
- Jackknife Truck Accidents: These motor vehicle accidents occur when the front of the cab and the rear trailer of a commercial truck move out of sync and the trailer sways sideways causing the tractor-trailer to lose control.
Connect with a New Orleans Truck Accident Attorney
If you were injured in an accident involving a commercial vehicle, contact a New Orleans truck accident lawyer from Wright Gray Law Firm. Our legal team has the resources and experience to investigate accidents involving large trucks and get you the maximum compensation in your case.
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 like this could be minor like whiplash, or more severe injuries like dislocated discs in the spine. However, back injuries are different from spinal cord injuries. Note that accident injuries affecting the neck and back can keep you from returning to work and daily 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 and Brain Injuries
Head injuries affect the quality of life the accident victim lives. When the injury penetrates the skull to the brain, it becomes a traumatic brain injury. Note that some head injuries may not be immediately apparent, so ensure you get medical care immediately after an automobile accident.
Internal Injuries
Automobile accidents with blunt force trauma could cause injury to vital organs like the liver, bladder, kidney, pancreas, and spleen. In addition, internal injuries are hard to treat and often have delayed symptoms. So, ensure you see a doctor even if you feel fine after an accident.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Injury crashes can damage the spinal cord which can result in paralysis. Spinal cord injuries need immediate medical treatment to mitigate the risk of permanent damage. Thus, seek medical attention immediately after being involved in a truck accident, and get all necessary tests, including MRIs and X-rays.
Other common truck accident injuries are lacerations, seat belt injuries, rib and torso injuries, and wrongful death. When a truck accident fatality occurs, the deceased's legal beneficiaries may be able to seek compensation through a wrongful death claim.
What Should You Do After a Commercial Trucking Accident?
The steps you take after a truck accident can determine the success of your personal injury claim. To ensure you do not jeopardize your chances of getting the maximum compensation, do the following:
- Stop at the accident scene and make an accident report to the relevant authorities.
- Seek medical treatment for your injuries. It is crucial to get a medical checkup even if you feel fine after the collision. Your medical records are vital evidence in your personal injury claim.
- Identify the other parties involved and exchange information with them. For example, get their contact details, insurance company name, policy number, vehicle registration, and license.
- Check for witnesses and try to get their version of events. Also, get their contact information as you may need them to testify during the insurance claims process or in a personal injury lawsuit.
- Document the accident by taking pictures of the accident scene and damaged vehicle parts. You can also ask for traffic CCTV footage of the crash.
- Hire an experienced accident attorney.
Who Can You Sue for a Truck Accident in New Orleans?
Negligent driving is the primary cause of trucking accidents, but there are times when the truck driver would not be the only liable party. Below is the class of people that can be liable for this accident type.
- The Truck Driver: Truckers have a duty of care to other road users. When they breach this duty and the truck driver's negligence causes an accident, they will be held liable for the damages they caused the accident victim.
- The Trucking Company: Employers in the trucking industry, under vicarious liability, would be accountable for the negligent actions of their drivers. This is especially when truck companies knowingly hire a driver with a history of reckless driving or drunk driving.
- Cargo Loaders: When improperly secured cargo causes a truck crash, the cargo loader would be the one to pay recoverable damages to the victim.
- Truck Manufacturer: The truck manufacturer would be the responsible party if a defective part caused the accident.
- Third-Parties: Where another driver on the road fails to maintain the standard of care and causes a crash, they will be the negligent party. In such a case, the third party would be the one to compensate you even if the truck driver directly struck your vehicle. Find out more about third-party claims from our New Orleans auto accident lawyers.
What Compensation Can You Get in a Truck Accident Claim?
Generally, truck accident victims can get economic damages and non-economic damages for their injuries and property damages. This compensation covers both physical pain and emotional pain. It includes:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Loss of income or lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Vehicle repair and cost of other property damage
- Loss of enjoyment
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
- Permanent disability
- Disfigurement and scarring
Wrongful death claims also cover the funeral and burial expenses of those who died in traffic accidents involving semi-trucks.
How Can a Truck Accident Attorney Help Me?
When you hire a truck accident attorney with Wright Gray Law Firm, we will begin right away on your truck accident case. Our lawyer can assist you in the following ways:
- Investigate the accident and advise you on your legal options
- File preservation orders with the truck company or truck driver to preserve evidence, such as inspection reports and trucking logs
- Identify all liable parties, such as trucking companies, cargo loaders, and truck manufacturers
- Gather testimony from eyewitnesses
- Recruit accident reconstructionists, and medical, engineering, and financial experts to speak on your behalf
- Negotiate with liable parties and their insurance companies for a fair settlement
- File your case in civil court within Louisiana’s statute of limitations
- Represent you in court and advocate on your behalf should your case become a truck accident lawsuit
- Provide peace of mind knowing a professional is handling your truck accident case
Contact Wright Gray Law Firm at 504-500-0000 or fill out our online contact form below. Our personal injury law firm offers free consultations and case evaluations.
Truck Accident FAQ
Being involved in a motor vehicle collision can wreak havoc on your life. If you are prepared to move forward with a personal injury claim against the person responsible for your accident, continue reading to learn more about what you can expect throughout the process.
How long do I have to file a semi-truck accident claim in New Orleans?
Unfortunately, your time is very limited, so you’ll need to move fast. For a personal injury claim, you’ll have only one year before you’re barred from recovery.
What should I tell the insurance companies?
You need to call the insurance company after the fact, but be careful with your words. When speaking to the insurers, it’s best not to incriminate yourself or make any claims about fault; these can be used against you later. Share only the basic details and tell the insurer to call your lawyer.
What if I lost a loved one in a truck accident?
Sadly, this is common. Many people are killed in 18-wheeler crashes every year, and your loved one might have been one of them. In this case, speak with one of our lawyers about a wrongful death claim, which can help you get justice for your lost loved one.
Connect with a New Orleans Truck Accident Attorney at Wright Gray Law Firm Today
A semi-truck collision can be traumatic, painful, and life-changing, but you don't have to financially suffer because of another person's mistakes. With the right legal support on your side, you can get back on your feet with the compensation you need to get your life back in order.
A New Orleans truck accident lawyer from our firm will fight for your case and use all our resources and experience to investigate your claim. With our team, you can expect results.
If you have questions or would like to speak with a New Orleans truck accident lawyer about your case, give Wright Gray a call.
We offer free consultations so you know what to expect before you sign anything. Give us a call at 504-500-0000 or fill out our online contact form below.
Client Testimonial
"Professional, personable, diligent, and thorough are just a few of the words I can use to describe this firm. From day one I felt I was in safe hands. The communication was open, honest and every promise was delivered upon. I felt at ease knowing I had a team that was passionate handling my case and I’m ever so grateful." -Hadassah J. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Wright Gray Trial Lawyers - New Orleans Office
201 St Charles Ave Suite 2710
New Orleans, LA 70170
P: 504-500-0000
