Construction vehicles are built to perform heavy-duty jobs. They can demolish, excavate, haul tons of materials or debris, and mix and pour cement, among other functions. Victims of construction truck accidents can sustain debilitating, sometimes permanent injuries that affect their mobility and physical functioning, emotional well-being, and financial stability.
The team at Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers is here to help victims seek just compensation for their losses by putting a skilled New Orleans truck accident lawyer on the case. Over the last decade, our team has recovered over $100 million for our clients.
If you have been hurt by a construction truck accident, get in touch with an experienced New Orleans construction truck accident lawyer right away. Do not worry about legal costs–we do not accept fees until we secure your settlement or trial award.
What to Do After a Construction Truck Accident
If you are involved in a construction truck accident while on the job, report the incident to your supervisor immediately. Of course, if your injuries warrant emergency care, take care of your immediate health needs first.
Delaying care can put your well-being at risk and potentially compromise your claim, as the at-fault party may assert your decision to postpone care caused your injuries to get worse or that you really were not hurt that badly, to begin with if you did not need to see a doctor right away.
For on-the-job injuries, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation, but to collect, you must report the incident promptly. Our New Orleans personal injury lawyers can help with that.
If it is safe for you to move, start collecting important information at the accident site. Exchange information with the involved drivers, take pictures of the accident environment and crash results, note any nearby traffic or security cameras, get contact information from witnesses, and call law enforcement to the scene.
Injured on Someone Else’s Property?
Know Your RightsOur expert premises liability lawyers will help you hold negligent property owners accountable.
Get a Free Case Evaluation
504-500-1111How Construction Truck Accidents Happen
The Occupational Health Safety Administration (OSHA) recognizes the dangers construction vehicles present to workers. According to research cited by the organization, more than “100 workers are killed and over 20,000 are injured” every year “in the highway and street construction industry.”
More than half of construction industry worker deaths involve the vehicles and equipment used in and around the work area.
Construction vehicles share the roads with passenger cars and pedestrians while hauling materials to or from a site, putting those road-sharers at risk. Others on the road also face dangers when passing by or through zones where construction trucks are in use. There are a variety of reasons for construction truck accidents, though some are more common than others.
Low Visibility
Construction trucks often comprise several complex systems in one vehicle. They may include attached cement mixers, materials stacked in a flatbed, or other equipment–cranes, pulleys, or scoops–blocking their view. Operators often have low visibility of their surroundings, including nearby workers or other vehicles.
Hard to Control
Construction vehicles are typically large, heavy, and cumbersome. Even smaller (by comparison) vehicles, like bulldozers or forklifts, are hard to control. Making turns, backing up, or simply slowing down can be difficult.
Moving Parts
The moving parts extending from construction vehicles present opportunities for accidents. Workers can get caught between gears or be struck by hooks or materials swinging from cranes. OSHA’s outreach training program recognizes“caught-in-or-between” and “struck-by” accidents as two of the fatal-four categories of accidents on construction sites.
Driver Error or Incompetence
Truck operators must be well trained to minimize driver errors and thoroughly trained to avoid accidents caused by driver incompetence. Employers and supervisors must ensure proper oversight and take proactive measures to protect the safety of all potential victims.
Vehicle Malfunction
Construction vehicle manufacturers, mechanics, inspectors, operators, and site supervisors all play a role in ensuring the trucks work safely. Vehicle or part defects or malfunctions can lead to devastating accidents. All involved parties must comply with OSHA motor-vehicle safety standards.
How a Construction Truck Accident Attorney in New Orleans Will Manage Your Case
After visiting a doctor, your next call should be to Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers. A New Orleans construction truck accident attorney from our team is aware of what you should know about construction related injuries and death. Once we enter a legal partnership, you can count on us to protect your rights and handle all legalities of your case.
Your lawyer will:
- Examine all aspects of the accident to identify the negligent party and gather evidence to prove their negligence caused the accident and its consequences.
- File your claim within Lousisiana’s statute of limitations. The state recently changed its laws through ACT 423, and victims now have two years from the date of an accident to file.
- Value your losses, counting every financial loss or incurred expense and putting a fair dollar amount on your physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Demand substantial compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance and other representatives. Our team knows how to negotiate a higher truck accident settlement and will work to secure the maximum.
- Fight for you at trial should the at-fault party refuse to engage in good-faith negotiations.
Throughout your case, your construction truck accident attorney in New Orleans will keep you updated and answer your questions. At Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers, we treat clients with respect and courtesy. We are fighting your case, and you deserve to know what is happening every step of the way.
Harmed by a Dangerous Defective Product?
We’re Here for YouOur experienced product liability attorneys will fight to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Schedule a Free Consultation
504-500-1111We Are Dedicated to Your Success
When you partner with Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers, you are more than just a case number. You are a client who matters–your well-being is important to us.
Our team fights to win, but we only win when you do. We are in the fight together and will work tirelessly to deliver the most favorable case outcome possible.
