The cost to hire a commercial vehicle accident lawyer relies on many factors, such as the attorney’s experience with these complex cases and how complicated your specific accident is. Most injury lawyers charge a contingency fee, meaning they are paid a percentage of the final settlement or verdict if the case is successful. If the attorney cannot secure compensation, then they do not receive attorney’s fees. Always discuss the costs with a potential attorney upfront.
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New Orleans Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer
Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney in New Orleans, LA
If you are hit by a commercial vehicle, you may be able to recover compensation from the company’s commercial insurer. Unfortunately, this process is complex and often frustrating. These commercial insurers fight to protect their bottom line and do not want to give fair settlements. Whether you were hit by a commercial truck, a delivery vehicle, a bus, or another commercial vehicle, an experienced New Orleans commercial vehicle accident lawyer can help you.
Murphy Law Firm: Your New Orleans Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney
You shouldn’t have to deal with insurers when you are facing a serious injury, especially when those insurers are trying to undermine how bad your injuries are or even try to blame you for the crash. At Murphy Law Firm, we know how to deal with commercial insurers. Our attorneys have over 150 years of combined legal experience, and we leverage our knowledge to protect your rights and financial future.
When you bring us your case, we listen to your unique circumstances and determine the options you have for financial compensation. Our firm has secured millions for those injured by the negligence of commercial drivers, including a $3.8 million settlement after a commercial truck accident. Whether you were involved in a crash on the I-10, Napoleon Avenue, or elsewhere, our team is here to help.
What Are the Types of Commercial Vehicle Accidents?
Commercial vehicles include any vehicle that is owned or operated by a company for its business. This can include:
- Delivery vehicles
- FedEx vehicles
- UPS trucks
- 18-wheelers
- Limos
- Charter and touring buses
- Private garbage or dump trucks
These vehicles may be registered to their specific company and only be used for business purposes, or may be temporarily used as a business rental. In New Orleans and Orleans Parish, there were 166 commercial vehicles involved in accidents in 2024, resulting in 160 accidents.
If you are injured in a vehicle accident, it is essential to report the accident to emergency services and remain at the scene. When you are able to leave the scene, it is crucial to get medical care, even if you received treatment at the scene.
Accidents involving these vehicles are often more complicated than other car accidents, because the company’s commercial insurance policy will likely be involved. Commercial insurance companies have many more resources at their disposal compared to personal car insurance companies. Their policies may have a higher payout, but it is much harder to secure that payout. It’s essential that you hire a commercial vehicle accident lawyer to protect your interests. Guidance from a skilled New Orleans car insurance claim lawyer can help you navigate coverage layers, exclusions, and timing requirements.
Holding a Company Liable After a Commercial Vehicle Accident
When you are hit by a car and the accident was not your fault, you can hold the at-fault driver’s insurance liable. When that vehicle is a commercial vehicle, and an employee is responsible for the accident, their employer can be held vicariously liable. Through vicarious liability, you can file a claim with the company’s commercial insurer.
Companies may also be held directly liable for the accident. A company may be liable for negligent actions contributing to the crash, such as:
- Failing to vet drivers
- Not providing training or ensuring that drivers were trained
- Not inspecting or ensuring maintenance on company vehicles
- Failing to ensure safety regulations are met
Claims would also be filed against the company’s commercial insurer in these cases.
Holding a Driver Liable After a Commercial Vehicle Accident
The company is not always liable after an accident, because they are only vicariously liable if their employee was working and completing job duties while driving. There are cases where employees use vehicles for personal reasons or even take the vehicle to commit a crime. If the employee gets into an accident in these circumstances, they would likely be the liable party. You could recover compensation through a claim with their personal insurer.
There may be other situations where the commercial driver is partially or fully liable for the accident. It is important to work with a New Orleans accident attorney who understands these complex nuances.
Meet Our Attorney
Peyton Murphy
Peyton Murphy, a Louisiana lawyer with 30+ years of experience, specializes in personal injury cases. He founded Murphy Law Firm in Baton Rouge in 1993 and fights for his clients’ compensation.
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FAQs
How Much Are Most Commercial Vehicle Accident Settlements in New Orleans?
The value of a commercial vehicle accident settlement will depend on the severity of the accident and the resulting injuries.
The average cost to occupants in motor vehicle accidents was over $98,000 per person for emergency department visits in 2023 and nearly $267,000 for hospitalizations, but many commercial vehicle accidents have higher damages on average. Many of the vehicles are larger, causing more serious crashes. The more severe your injuries, the higher a settlement is likely to be.
How Hard Is It to Win a Commercial Vehicle Accident Claim in Louisiana?
The difficulty of winning a commercial vehicle accident claim relies on factors such as how much evidence supports your case against the at-fault party, whether fault is contested or not, and whether you have the support of a skilled accident attorney. Each case is unique, so your case may be very straightforward or very complicated. When a commercial insurer is involved, it will use its substantial resources to try to prevent your case from succeeding.
How Long After a Commercial Vehicle Accident Can You File a Claim in Louisiana?
You have a short window of time to file a claim in Louisiana for a commercial vehicle accident. For a civil claim, you have to consider the statute of limitations, but for an insurance claim, you have to act even more quickly. Insurance claims may need to be filed as soon as possible after a collision. It’s important to be aware of both of these deadlines and how they affect your case.
Talk to Our Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers About Your Case
Commercial vehicle accidents can leave you with serious injuries, and these vehicles have many complex federal and state regulations that can interact. It is crucial that you have an attorney who knows these legal specifics and can also bring you compassionate and dedicated legal representation. Contact Murphy Law Firm today to learn how we can help.
Your Path to Legal Resolution Starts with Murphy Law Firm.
When you choose Murphy Law Firm, you gain access to a team of experienced attorneys with a proven track record of success. We understand the importance of trust, and we strive to build lasting relationships with our clients by delivering exceptional results.
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