A: Every truck accident settlement is unique, but truck accident settlements tend to have higher value compared to other vehicle accidents.If you were in a truck accident, the value of your settlement will mostly depend on the severity of your injuries, as well as which party was at fault and their insurance coverage. It will also depend on whether you were partially liable for the accident, as this would reduce your compensation. An attorney helps you obtain the most compensation.
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New Orleans Truck Accident Lawyer
New Orleans Truck Accident Attorney
Commercial truck drivers are crucial to the economy and national supply chains. These vehicles, like 18-wheelers, operate on the road every day, and most get to their destinations safely. Unfortunately, these trucks can be involved in accidents like any other vehicle. When they are in an accident, the damage can be severe. If you or a loved one was involved in a commercial truck accident, an experienced New Orleans truck accident lawyer can help you can recover financially.
Murphy Law Firm: Fighting for Justice for Victims of Truck Accidents
It can be overwhelming to face the aftermath of a truck accident. You could be dealing with injuries that change the rest of your life or the unimaginable loss of a loved one. Financial compensation cannot fix these losses, but it can provide you with the means and the time you need to recover.
At Murphy Law Firm, our legal team have helped individuals and families navigate these claims for more than 30 years. We listen to your situation carefully and guide you through your options for financial recovery. A claim can recover losses like the cost of your medical bills, the long-term income you have lost, the costs of physical therapy, and the emotional trauma of the accident and your injury. Our skilled personal injury lawyer team help you get the justice you deserve. Contact us today to discuss your case.
Commercial Truck Accidents in New Orleans
The harm caused by a commercial truck accident can be immense. Because of the size, weight, and speed of these vehicles, they often cause multi-car pileups, causing catastrophic injuries and deaths. There were, sadly, three fatal crashes in New Orleans and Orleans Parish in 2024 that involved commercial vehicles. These three crashes resulted in 61 fatalities. These 61 fatalities from commercial vehicle crashes were responsible for all of the parish’s fatalities that year.
There were 158 suspected injury crashes that involved commercial vehicles. Commercial vehicle accidents resulted in 8,219 suspected injuries in 2024. Truck accidents can lead to serious injuries, including lifelong disabilities.
In 2023, most commercial vehicle crashes occurred on state roads, but more fatal crashes happened on the interstate than on state roads. I-10 and I-610 are the primary interstates in New Orleans.
Filing a Claim After a Truck Accident
Truck accidents result in insurance claims like other accidents. However, these claims can get more complicated than other accidents for numerous reasons. One of these reasons is that many different parties could be partially or fully responsible for the accident.
In addition to the drivers in the accident, parties responsible for putting the commercial vehicle on the road could be liable for negligence. Claims may be filed with the trucking company’s insurer or the insurer of another driver.
Who Could Be Liable in a Truck Accident in New Orleans?
A trucking company has many different employees and works with many third-party companies. The negligence of any of these parties could result in a crash, and that party could be held liable. A driver is the most common at-fault party, including both passenger vehicle drivers and commercial truck drivers.
If the commercial truck driver was responsible for the accident, their employer or trucking company is likely to be vicariously liable for the accident. There are many other parties who are involved in or working with trucking companies that may be liable for the accident, such as the following:
- The trucking company. Trucking companies could be vicariously liable for the actions of employees, but can also be directly liable. If a trucking company incentivizes its drivers to ignore federal rest breaks, the company could be liable if the driver’s fatigue causes the accident. A trucking company could also be liable for cutting corners on maintenance, repairs, and inspections, leading to a crash.
- An inspector. Commercial vehicles get a lot of wear and tear on the road, and it is a federal regulation to have them regularly inspected and repaired. If an inspector clears a dangerous truck to go on the road, they could be liable for an accident caused by a truck malfunction.
- A maintenance company. If maintenance was done on a commercial vehicle, but it was insufficient or faulty, the mechanic or their employer could be liable if it causes an accident.
- A shipping or loading company. If a commercial truck is overloaded or loaded improperly, it can lead to many issues. This includes jackknifing, tipping over, or putting too much strain on the vehicle and causing a breakdown. The company could be liable for the accident.
A truck manufacturer could also be liable if the accident was caused by a truck breakdown.
Why Else Are Truck Accidents More Complicated?
In addition to numerous potentially at-fault parties, there are several other factors that make these claims more complex and harder to navigate. This includes:
- High-cost damages. The injuries and other damages in a truck accident are usually more severe. Because of this, the value of full and fair compensation must be significant to cover those losses. Disabling injuries can have significant costs, such as mobility aids, surgeries, modifications to homes and vehicles, long-term at-home care, and more. Despite the provable damages, it is still difficult to secure full and fair compensation for high-value settlements.If you were in a truck accident, it is essential that you get medical care. In addition to emergency medical care at the scene after calling emergency responders, you should get medical treatment at a hospital. This protects your personal health and provides the necessary documentation for your claim.If you were injured in New Orleans, nearby medical centers include New Orleans East Hospital, located at 5620 Read Boulevard, and Ochsner Baptist, located at 2700 Napoleon Avenue.
- Regulations. Commercial trucks are regulated by state and federal guidelines. These guidelines cover truck maintenance and upkeep, the training and hiring of truck drivers, truck weight limits, controlled substances tests for drivers, safety features, and breaks that the truck drivers must take. If the trucking company or other parties broke these regulations, this can help prove liability.
- Commercial insurers. Many truck accident claims are filed with commercial insurance carriers. These insurers are much harder to deal with than most car insurance providers. Commercial carriers have higher insurance coverage limits due to the significant cost of most truck accidents, but securing those limits is not easy. These companies are aggressive in protecting their bottom line and limiting their liability.
Because of these complications, it is especially important that you have the support of an attorney who understands these cases. That way, you know your attorney has experience in managing the investigation of complex damages and serious accidents, and they already know how to negotiate with commercial carriers. This experience helps your case go more smoothly.
FAQs
Q: What Kind of Lawyer Do I Need to Sue a Trucking Company?
A: To sue a trucking company, you need to work with a personal injury lawyer who has experience in truck accident claims. Filing claims against a trucking company’s commercial insurer is complicated and requires strategy and resources. When your attorney has experience with these claims, they know how to navigate this process more efficiently and successfully.When selecting a potential attorney, review their professional reputation and past casework to determine if they can support you with your claim.
Q: How Do Truck Accident Lawsuits Work?
A: A truck accident claim typically operates like other car accident claims because parties injured in the accident can file insurance claims with the insurer of the at-fault party. If the at-fault party is the truck driver or another party employed by the trucking company, then the claim would be filed with the trucking company’s commercial insurer. An investigation is conducted to determine the cause of the crash and which party or parties are liable for the accident.
Q: How Long Will a Truck Accident Claim Take to Settle in Louisiana?
A: There isn’t a set timeline to settle a Louisiana truck accident claim because every case is unique. If fault is contested, it may take longer to reach a settlement. Contested fault means that parties do not agree on who is liable for the accident. When you have clear and substantial evidence of fault, the case may settle more quickly. Truck accident cases also take longer if they proceed to court.
Working With a Dedicated and Compassionate Truck Accident Attorney in New Orleans
A truck accident claim needs to be investigated and filed quickly after a crash happens. Unfortunately, this is very difficult for many injured individuals. The most effective way to get legal support during this time and promptly investigate the accident is to work with a dedicated attorney. That way, you don’t have to navigate a claim alone. You can take time to physically recover, trusting your claim is in good hands.
At Murphy Law Firm, we understand the complexities of truck accident claims and know the frustrations of dealing with the aftermath of the accident. Contact our team today and see how we can help you get essential financial recovery.
New Orleans, Louisiana Truck Accident Resources
- Average Truck Accident Settlement in Louisiana
- How Federal Regulations Affect Truck Accident Lawsuits
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