Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Metairie, LA

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Metairie, Louisiana?

  The non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Metairie is (504) 835-3116.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Metairie, Louisiana?

  You can get a copy of the police report for the accident in either of the two police departments in Metairie, the Causeway Police Department and Louisiana State Police Troop B – Kenner.

• What are the typical reasons for truck accidents in Metairie?

  The typical reasons for truck accidents in Metairie are negligent acts such as distracted, reckless, drunk, fatigued, and drugged driving. Other causes include failure to yield to oncoming traffic, improper lane changes or shifting of trailer loads, and vehicular parts maintenance issues. Violations of federal hours of service laws may also lead to truck mishaps.

• Can you hold the employer of a commercial vehicle driver liable for a truck accident in Metairie?

  Yes, you can hold the employer of a commercial vehicle driver liable for a truck accident in Metairie. Under Article 2320 of the Louisiana Civil Code, persons involved in truck mishaps can hold the employer of the motorist vicariously liable for damages resulting from the crash. The provision can also allow you to pursue a payout based on the company’s liability policy, which is often greater than an automobile liability policy.

• What are the damages that a truck accident victim in Metairie can recover?

  A truck accident victim in Metairie can recover various damages arising out of the mishap, such as medical expenses, professional losses, and property destruction. A person involved in a truck crash can also claim compensation for the pain and suffering that he or she has experienced as a result of the incident.

• What are the factors that can affect verdicts or settlements in cases involving truck accidents in Metairie?

  Some of the factors that can affect the outcome of claims involving truck accidents in Metairie include the severity of the injuries suffered by the victim, the length of time needed for his or her treatment and recovery, and the costs related to his or her medical treatments. The amount of lost wages and income can also be considered.

• Can you still recover compensation for damages arising out of truck accidents in Metairie if you are an at-fault party?

  Yes, you can still recover compensation for the damages you may have suffered because of being involved in a truck accident in Metairie, even if you are an at-fault party. Under Louisiana’s comparative negligence law, at-fault parties to a crash can still recover regardless of the amount of their fault. In such cases, the court will just deduct the percentage of the claimant’s fault from his or her total settlement amount.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.