A truck accident can leave you with serious injuries and emotional distress that affect every aspect of your life. You may struggle to complete daily tasks on your own or worry about how you will get around while your vehicle is being repaired.
With a Kenner truck accident lawyer from Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers, we bring over three decades of trial experience to help you seek justice and recover the compensation you need.
Our team is here to help you overcome these challenges with skill and compassion. We Fight for The Win is. Contact your dedicated Kenner personal injury lawyer today to schedule your free consultation and learn more about which legal options may be most viable based on the circumstances of your case.
Liability for Truck Accidents in Kenner
There can be several different liable parties in a truck accident, including the following:
The Truck Driver
Truck drivers can be directly responsible for accidents when they fail to follow safety regulations or engage in negligent behavior. Common examples include distracted driving, speeding, or failing to check blind spots before changing lanes. These actions can lead to devastating accidents that result in severe injuries or fatalities.
Federal regulations, such as those enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), require drivers to adhere to hours-of-service rules outlined in 49 CFR 395 to prevent fatigue.
Violations of these regulations, like driving longer than legally permitted, increase the likelihood of accidents. Drivers who violate safety rules or drive recklessly can be held accountable for their negligent actions.
Cargo Loaders
Cargo loaders play a critical role in ensuring that trucks are loaded safely and securely. Improperly loaded cargo can shift during transit, causing the truck to lose balance or tip over. Accidents caused by unsecured or overloaded cargo often result in severe injuries and significant property damage.
The Trucking Company
Trucking companies can be held accountable for accidents caused by unsafe practices or policies. These companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers, maintaining their vehicles, and following federal and state safety regulations.
Victims of truck accidents may have the right to pursue compensation when a trucking company fails to uphold its responsibilities, such as:
- Improper hiring practices – Trucking companies must carefully screen drivers for qualifications and past safety violations.
- Inadequate maintenance – Regular maintenance and inspections are essential to keeping commercial trucks safe and operational and federally mandated under 49 CFR 396.3.
- Unrealistic delivery schedules – Pressuring drivers to meet overly ambitious deadlines often leads to speeding, driving while fatigued, or skipping necessary breaks.
- Improper training – Trucking companies are required to provide adequate training for their drivers to handle large vehicles safely.
Determining liability in truck accident cases often requires a detailed review of the trucking company’s records and policies. Our team will examine these details to identify any negligent practices that contributed to the accident. This process can increase your chances of securing full compensation for your losses.
The Truck Owner
Truck owners may be held accountable for accidents when they fail to meet their responsibilities for maintaining or leasing their vehicles. In many cases, trucking companies lease trucks from individual or corporate owners.
Truck owners who neglect safety issues or fail to disclose problems with the vehicle may share responsibility for accidents caused by those defects.
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504-500-1111Common Truck Accident Injuries and Grounds for a Claim
Truck accidents often cause catastrophic injuries that can affect every aspect of your life. These injuries frequently result in long-term medical needs, loss of income, and significant emotional distress.
Some of the most common injuries our truck accident clients have had to contend with include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burn injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
The severity of your injuries and how they affect your life play a critical role in determining your eligibility for a claim. To establish negligence, we must prove duty, breach, causation, and damages.
Your Kenner truck accident attorney with Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers will evaluate the current and future impact of your injuries when calculating the value of your claim.
You Have Several Opportunities for Legal Recourse
If you suffered injuries in a truck accident, there are multiple avenues available to recover the compensation you deserve.
From filing insurance claims to pursuing a civil lawsuit, each option can help you address the financial and emotional challenges caused by the accident. Keep your options open if you want to get the most out of your case.
Filing a Claim with the Insurance Company
Filing an insurance claim is often the first step after a truck accident in Louisiana. As a fault-based state, Louisiana requires the at-fault driver’s insurance to cover damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
Under LA R.S. § 32:900, liability insurance is mandatory for all drivers and must meet minimum coverage requirements.
Pursuing a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Civil Court
Filing a civil lawsuit allows you to recover damages that insurance may not fully cover. This option is often necessary for victims with extensive injuries or when multiple parties share liability. Some of the damages you may recover in a truck accident lawsuit:
- Reduced earning potential
- Lost quality of life
- Loss of income
- Disfigurement and skin scarring
- Permanent disability
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Personal property losses
Acting quickly is essential, as Louisiana imposes a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims under LA Code of Civil Procedure Art. 1424.1 under Louisiana Senate Bill SLS-24RS-557.
Waiting too long to file could result in losing your right to recover compensation. You can take a look at our testimonials to see how we acted quickly to help others secure maximum compensation for their claims.
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504-500-1111Get Help from a Trial-Proven Truck Accident Lawyer in Kenner for Help Today
If you suffered injuries in a truck accident, the road to recovery can feel overwhelming. Your truck accident attorney in Kenner from Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers is here to help you get through some of the most difficult times in your life.
Fill out our convenient contact form now or call us to schedule your no-cost, risk-free consultation as soon as today.