According to a CNN report, it is estimated that 4,000 people are killed each year in truck accidents and more than 100,000 people are injured annually. Accidents involving large trucks are responsible for catastrophic injuries and many fatalities. The large size and tremendous weight of these vehicles puts other drivers and passengers at risk for devastating injuries in a collision.
Because truck accidents are different from other types of vehicle accidents, you need a NoLA truck accident attorney to ensure the accident claim is handled correctly.
Two Killed in Truck Accident with 18-Wheeler
The evening before Thanksgiving, two Abbeville men were killed in a collision with an 18-wheeler in Iberia Parish. According to police reports, Jones Mitchell and Gerald Mitchell were travelling westbound on La. 14 on their Suzuki motorcycles when the driver of a Peterbilt 18-wheeler pulled out in front of their motorcycles. Even though both men were wearing helmets at the time of the collision, they suffered fatal injuries and both were pronounced dead at the accident scene.
Why are Truck Accidents Different From Other Motor Vehicle Accidents?
The trucking industry is governed by federal and state regulations and laws. You need a truck accident attorney who understands these regulations and rules to investigate violations contributed to the accident.
The most obvious difference in truck accidents cases is the great disparity between the vehicles involved in the accident. A passenger vehicle or motorcycle does not provide adequate protection in a collision with a commercial truck. Therefore, accident victims often suffer fatal injuries or life-altering injuries that cause permanent medical conditions. The damages in truck accident cases can be extremely high; therefore, the insurance providers for truck companies aggressively defend claims to reduce the amount it must pay to the victims. The insurance company has a team of individuals who actively investigate cases to reduce the company’s liability.
Talk To a NoLA Truck Accident Attorney
A truck accident attorney understands how to obtain the evidence necessary to establish liability for the accident. In a truck accident case, the attorney must act quickly to identify and preserve key evidence such as the information contained on the truck’s black box, maintenance records for the truck, the driver’s logbook, truck inspections, and the physical evidence from the accident scene. If the truck accident attorney does not act quickly, key evidence could be lost or destroyed. In some cases, the truck accident attorney will utilize experts to reconstruct the accident to establish liability.
Trucking Accidents are Complex
Another difference is in the number of defendants in a truck accident case. Depending on the circumstances and facts, you may have several parties who are responsible for your damages. Potential defendants in a truck accident include but are not limited to the driver, the truck company, the owner of the truck/trailer, the shipper, the company who loaded the shipment, a repair shop, or a parts manufacturer. Identifying all of the responsible parties is crucial to receiving the maximum compensation for your damages. Put our experience to work for you.
You Need an Experienced New Orleans Truck Accident Attorney
When you need an experienced truck accident attorney, contact our office for a free case evaluation. The Olinde Firm has the resources, experience, and knowledge to handle commercial truck accident cases. We want to protect your rights to ensure that you receive a fair and just settlement for your losses.