How do 18-wheeler accident cases differ from car accidents
Motor vehicle accidents that involve a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or another type of truck, can result in an injury claim. These types of accidents require that all parties involved understand this. Accidents involving 18-wheeler trucks Many factors can immediately complicate matters.
It is no surprise that lousianna trucking companies and their insurances have extensive experience handling injuries resulting from accidents involving drivers. Insurance companies often press victims into accepting lump-sum settlements far below what they are entitled to.
You should get legal representation immediately if you have suffered severe injuries or a loved one has been killed in a truck accident in Covington, LA. Commercial truck accident cases are more complicated than those for car accidents. An experienced Louisiana personal injury attorney can help you navigate this complex legal process. For a thorough and honest evaluation of your case, call Ernest J Bauer or contact us online for a complimentary consultation.
Here’s how we work for you to get you compensated:
■ Take the evidence
■ We work with insurance companies
■ All forms and notices must be filed
■ Aggressive negotiation
■ Use our years of experience wherever you go
Commercial Drivers Have Different Standards
Truck drivers who hold a Commercial Driver’s License are subject to higher standards when driving any motor vehicle on public roads. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration notes imposes a higher standard. CDLs are required for commercial truck drivers. Special endorsements may be required for trucks with double- or triple-trailer trailers, tanks, or trucks transporting hazardous materials.
The FMCSA has higher standards regarding state licensing and testing of drivers. Drivers of 18-wheelers must also adhere to strict regulations:
■ Hours of service (which determines how long they can drive on a single stretch)
■ Drug DUI, and alcohol testing (including a lower limit of blood alcohol content to avoid DWI charges)
■ Use of a cell phone (with restrictions on handheld devices)
Your lawyer will need to quickly preserve evidence from the trucking company and determine if any laws or rules were broken after a truck accident. This is a crucial step in proving negligence in your truck crash case. To schedule a consultation if you have been injured in a truck accident, contact us today.
Truck crashes cause more serious bodily injuries
The likelihood of a fatal collision with a commercial truck is also significantly increased. A person killed in an accident involving a commercial truck can choose to sue the truck driver and company for wrongful death.
Due to the size of large commercial trucks, which can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, injuries to other people are often more severe. Injuries to passengers and drivers of passenger cars that collide with 18-wheelers can cause severe, potentially fatal injuries.
■ Neck injuries
■ Back injuries
■ Accidents involving seatbelts
■ Broken bones
■ Injuries to the ribs and torso
■ Head injuries
■ Traumatic brain injuries
■ Paralysis
■ Spinal cord injuries
■ Intestinal injuries
■ Burn injuries
■ Lacerations
S18-Wheeler Crashes Cause More Damages
Louisiana Truck accidents can result in severe injuries and property damage. Victims often have to seek higher damages amounts than they would in other cases. A fair offer should include all treatment costs, medical expenses, and any other expenses that the victim will have to pay. Trucking companies and their insurances don’t like losing cases at trial, so settlements are quite common. However, some cases cannot be settled through settlement negotiations and will need to go to court. It doesn’t matter what. Having a skilled 18-wheeler accident attorney by your side is essential.
Semi-truck accidents involve more responsible parties
18-wheeler accidents can often be different in proving liability. While most motor vehicle accidents are caused by the driver being negligent, truck accidents can be caused by multiple people.
A lawsuit stemming from a truck accident could name some defendants:
■ Truck drivers
■ Truck drivers
■ Truck drivers’ employers
■ Manufacturers of truck parts
■ Maintenance companies
■ Freight owners
■ Owners and drivers of other vehicles
Large trucks require larger insurance policies
Truck accident claims can cause severe damages, so insurance for commercial motor vehicles can be more costly than the average consumer would pay to insure their cars. Also, policy limits can be much higher, and there is more at stake.
Trucking companies and insurers will do anything to minimize or eliminate liability in truck accident claims. To handle your claim, you will need an attorney familiar with negotiating with aggressive truck insurers.
Ernest J Bauer has a long history of negotiating maximum settlements on behalf of truck accident victims. We are skilled litigators, and our dedicated attorneys will take your case to trial if the trucking company or insurance refuses to pay fair compensation. Contact us immediately if an insurance company has attempted to contact you or offer you a quick settlement following a truck accident.
Truck Crash Cases Show Different Evidence
Photographs of crash scenes are beneficial later because they can be cleaned up quickly. A victim of any motor vehicle accident will often be able to obtain the most evidence possible by simply using their smartphone’s camera to take as many photos as possible of the scene.
Evidence that can be used to support these cases:
■ Driver’s training and qualification files
■ Hours of Service Documentation
■ Inspection records for trucks
■ Maintain records
■ Records for drug screening
■ Downloads of onboard system
■ Delivery documents
■ Instructions for dispatch
■ Weight tickets
■ Bills of Lading
Summary
Are you injured in an accident involving an 18-wheeler or other large commercial vehicle? Our injury lawyers in Covington have the experience and resources to gather all evidence necessary to prove that someone is responsible for your accident.
Contact us now for a consultation with one of our experienced team members. To discuss the details of your Louisiana motor vehicle accident and answer any questions that you might have, our Covington attorneys are available to meet with you. As we proceed with your claim for damages, we will inform you of your legal rights. You can rest assured that we won’t make any money unless you win.
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