Truckers spend more time behind the wheel than everyday drivers. They also experience tremendous pressure from their employers to deliver their goods on time regardless of weather conditions, traffic, or other challenges.
Because of the time they spend on the road and the danger their vehicles can pose to normal traffic, truck drivers are held to a higher standard and are also expected to operate their vehicles safely, but that is not always the case.
Truck accident victims often suffer considerable injuries due to the size of the trucks that hit them compared to the size of accident victims’ standard-size passenger vehicles.
These injuries can lead to financial, emotional, and physical damages. A loved one’s injuries could mean you have to assume the role of caretaker, struggling to pay bills and trying to make the best decision for your family.
Do not let the liable or negligent trucker that hit you get away with it. You have the right to hold the negligent driver responsible with counsel from an experienced Gretna personal injury lawyer. Your Gretna truck accident lawyer from Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers could help you 24/7 when you are ready to hold them responsible and maximize your compensation.
Challenges to Trucking Safety
I-10, one of the major interstates connecting the east and west coasts, travels through the heart of the state, significantly increasing the trucking traffic in the area. This interstate system faces tremendous pressure, in part because of the state’s unique geography. Swamps and wetlands mean the state has fewer side roads and alternative routes than many locations.
In addition, the extensive bridges reduce the shoulders and other safety areas for drivers. As a result, truckers may have a more difficult time avoiding accidents and may be less able to slow down at the time of an accident. However, truck drivers holding a commercial driver’s license (CDL) are held to a higher standard according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) CDL Overview.
Traffic delays, which are often exacerbated by bad weather, can lead to erratic behavior not only from truckers but also from other drivers. Not only could the trucker be responsible for causing your wreck, but other third parties could also share the blame. Because they know the unique challenges on local roadways, a Gretna truck accident attorney can investigate the circumstances and help build a case against the responsible parties.
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504-500-1111Why Trucks Are Exceptionally Dangerous
Understanding why trucks are more dangerous than passenger vehicles helps explain why truck wrecks are more likely to lead to severe injuries. Trucks are challenging to maneuver, surrounded by blind spots, and harder to stop than other vehicles. In addition, their sheer size means more force in an accident, which makes accidents more common and more likely to lead to catastrophic injuries or even death.
The culture of trucking also influences how hazardous truck accidents can be. Some truckers engage in hazardous driving behaviors by using illegal or legal substances to stay alert, driving while under the influence, or driving while tired or distracted.
The monotony of the job makes it easy for drivers to get distracted or sleepy even though they are required to adhere to the FMCSA’s hours of service regulations under 49 CFR 395. A Gretna truck wreck lawyer considers all the potential factors that might lead to a wreck, which can help them determine who is at fault.
In addition to the truck driver, other potentially liable parties include the trucking company, loading companies, other drivers on the road, and the parties responsible for road maintenance. Once they identify potentially responsible parties, your truck accident lawyer in Gretna, LA, could bring a claim or a lawsuit on behalf of a client.
Damages Our Gretna Truck Accident Lawyers Demand
With the dangers that trucks can present to normal drivers, there are too many losses to count that you may have suffered in your trucking accident. While you may have hoped to be made whole through an insurance claim alone, your settlement may not cover all of your losses.
There are two primary types of compensatory damages that you can recover through insurance and civil claims, and a third is exceedingly rare and only applies under very specific circumstances.
Economic Damages
Economic damages describe verifiable financial losses that you have suffered as a result of your collision. Some examples include your current and future medical expenses, the costs to repair or replace your vehicle, lost wages and future earning potential, and loss of household services. These damages can be confirmed through bills, receipts, and estimates.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are much more complex to put a dollar amount on. Examples of non-economic losses include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, mental anguish, emotional distress, and feelings of shame, apprehension, shock, or fear.
Your dedicated Gretna catastrophic injury lawyer can help calculate these losses to maximize your compensation and ensure every loss you have suffered is accounted for.
Punitive Damages
Louisiana Civil Code Article 3546 essentially outlaws punitive damages throughout the state of Louisiana. However, if the trucker who hit you is found to have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the collision, punitive damages may apply under Louisiana Civil Code Article 2315.4.
Working with a highly qualified Gretna car accident lawyer from Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers can help you accurately assess the total value of your damages and help you understand if these exemplary damages apply to your case.
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504-500-1111Talk to a Truck Accident Attorney in Gretna, LA
The time after a truck accident can be challenging. You might be dealing with severe injuries that can turn your life upside down. Spouses and children may become caregivers, and a leader may become dependent.
In addition, losing a wage earner often leads to immediate financial harm. This puts people in a vulnerable position, which insurance companies may try to exploit through lowball settlement offers.
Before you talk to insurance companies, schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a truck accident attorney in Gretna, LA, from Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers, who could help you get the money you deserve.