Louisiana Truck Accident Attorneys

Louisiana Truck Accident Attorneys

Commercial trucks are a regular sight on the highways of Louisiana. While these large vehicles are an essential part of the state’s economy, they also can cause devastating injuries if they crash into other vehicles.

Laws Regarding the Trucking Industry in Louisiana

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development¹ not only enforces federal regulations that apply to the commercial trucking industry but also set out additional rules for trucks driving within the state. Specifically, the state limits where and when commercial vehicles may travel and how permits are issued for commercial travel. Furthermore, all of the traffic laws in Louisiana apply to all commercial drivers, who may even be subject to stricter laws than other drivers. Unfortunately, many truck drivers or companies violate state and federal law, which often can lead to serious collisions.

Types of Truck Collisions

Just like any other traffic accident, commercial trucks can collide with other vehicles in different ways. While certain types of collisions can be more deadly than others, all truck accidents have the potential to cause lasting or even fatal injuries. Some examples include:

• Rear-end accidents with the truck in the rear, which can result in an override crash
• Rear-end accidents with a car in the rear, which can result in an underride crash
• Rollover accidents, which can result in cargo spills that cause additional damage and injury
• Jackknife accidents, which can affect all of the cars on an entire stretch of highway if the driver loses control

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Many truck accidents happen due to the negligent actions of either the trucking company or the truck driver. Some examples of negligence that can lead to crashes include:

• Impaired driving
• Distracted driving
• Fatigued driving
• Failure to inspect a big rig
• Improper cargo loading
• Hiring dangerous drivers
• Failing to manage or discipline drivers

These are only some instances in which negligence can lead to severe truck accidents and injuries. In order to recover for your losses, it is imperative to identify the negligent party and present proof of their careless actions.

What To Do After a Truck Accident

After a truck accident, you should always take certain steps to ensure you have the right to financial recovery whenever possible. Specifically, you should do the following after a truck crash:

• Listen to emergency medical personnel if they tell you that you require immediate treatment
• If you can stay on the scene, call law enforcement and make sure you give them your side of the story
• Take photos of the scene and make notes of what you believe happened
• Seek a medical examination as soon as possible after the accident to identify all possible injuries
• Speak to a skilled truck accident lawyer as soon as you can

The Importance of an Experienced Attorney

Truck accident victims are often entitled to substantial compensation for their injuries and losses. However, these cases can be very complicated, so it is critical to have a skilled truck accident lawyer representing your rights so you do not risk losing valuable financial recovery.

¹http://perba.dotd.louisiana.gov/wsRegulations.nsf