New Orleans Trucking Accident Attorneys
Record-Setting Results for Victims of Big Rig Accidents in New Orleans
Truck accidents are responsible for thousands of fatalities every year—with more than 100,000 people suffering injuries in truck accidents annually. Truck accidents can be amongst the most devastating vehicle crashes because big rigs weigh more than 10,000 pounds and can cause serious damage. If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in a truck accident, you have the right to seek compensation. Contact our New Orleans truck accident attorneys at Clayton, Frugé & Ward today for a free case review!
Understanding Truck Accidents: What Makes Them Different
Truck accidents significantly differ from standard vehicle accidents in several ways. These differences are crucial to understand, both in terms of the severity of the accidents and the legal complexities they present.
Some of what makes truck accidents different from standard car accidents:
- Severity of Damage: Due to their size and weight, trucks can cause more severe damage compared to typical passenger vehicles. In a collision, this more often leads to more serious injuries and even fatalities.
- Complexity in Liability: Determining liability can be more complex. It often involves multiple parties such as the truck driver, trucking company, manufacturers of truck parts, and sometimes, third-party logistics providers.
- Regulatory Environment: The trucking industry is subject to stringent federal and state regulations, which impact how accidents are investigated and claims are processed. Your attorney will need to be aware of these to move forward.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
One common cause of truck accidents is trucker fatigue. In fact, the FMCSA reported at least 13% of truck accidents are directly attributed to tiredness despite the requirements outlined in Chapter 6.3.1 of the Motor Carrier Safety Planner. About 25% of accidents occur when the driver has been driving for over 17 hours in a day. Truckers make money based on the number of miles they travel; however, truckers have to spend time inspecting their vehicle, filling their logbook, waiting for cargo to be loaded, and submitting to inspections. Drivers are not being paid for these duties, motivating them to drive as much as they can despite being fatigued—making them a hazard on the road.
In addition to fatigue, other common causes of truck accidents include:
- Mechanical Failures: Failure to adhere to regular maintenance can lead to mechanical issues such as brake failure.
- Improper Loading: Incorrectly loaded or secured cargo can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unstable.
- Distracted Driving: Like all road users, truck drivers can be susceptible to distractions such as mobile phone use.
- Poor Weather Conditions: Large trucks are particularly vulnerable to adverse weather conditions.
- Inadequate Training: Insufficient training for truck drivers on handling large vehicles can contribute to accidents.
Understanding these factors is essential for anyone involved in a truck accident, as they influence the investigation, determination of liability, and the overall legal approach to addressing such incidents.
Why You Need a New Orleans Trucking Accident Attorney
Trucking accidents can be devastating, often resulting in serious injuries, extensive property damage, and even death. Even minor injuries from a truck accident can have long-lasting effects. If you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident, it's important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, our New Orleans trucking accident attorneys have a proven track record of success and are dedicated to helping victims of trucking accidents get the justice and compensation they deserve. We understand how difficult the time can be after a truck accident, and we are here to do everything we can to help you navigate them.
Contact our New Orleans truck accident attorneys today for a free consultation: (225) 209-9943!