Commercial truck accidents in New Orleans can have devastating consequences for everyone involved. These accidents often leave victims struggling to recover physically, emotionally, and financially. If you sustained injuries or lost a loved one due to a large truck crash someone else caused, you’re likely dealing with emotional and physical pain along with significant financial burdens.
A New Orleans truck accident lawyer from Smiley Law Firm can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and hold the at-fault party accountable. Our team offers a free case evaluation, so you can understand your options and take the next steps toward justice. Contact us right away to discuss your case and learn how we can help.
Truck accidents in New Orleans often result from a combination of human error, mechanical failure, and regulatory violations. Commercial trucking is a demanding industry, and when safety standards are compromised, the consequences can be catastrophic. Below are some of the most common reasons truck accidents happen:
Truck drivers are often under tight deadlines and may spend long hours on the road to meet delivery schedules. While federal regulations, such as the Hours of Service rules, are in place to limit driving hours and prevent fatigue, some drivers or companies may ignore these restrictions. Fatigue significantly reduces reaction times, judgment, and overall driving ability, making drowsy driving one of the leading causes of truck accidents.
Truck drivers, like other motorists, may engage in distracting behaviors while driving. Using a smartphone, adjusting GPS devices, eating, or even looking away from the road for a few seconds can lead to devastating collisions. Given the size and weight of commercial trucks, even a moment of inattention can have dire consequences for nearby drivers.
Large trucks require more time and distance to come to a complete stop. When a truck driver exceeds the speed limit or drives aggressively, the risk of losing control of the vehicle increases. Speeding not only reduces reaction time but also increases the force of impact in a collision, making the injuries more severe.
Improperly loaded or overloaded cargo is another common cause of truck accidents. Cargo that isn’t evenly distributed or secured properly can shift during transit, causing the truck to tip over or jackknife. Overloaded trucks can also put undue stress on tires and brakes, leading to equipment failure.
Commercial trucks travel thousands of miles every month and require regular maintenance to stay safe on the road. Unfortunately, some trucking companies cut corners by skipping routine inspections or failing to repair known issues. Worn brakes, defective tires, and malfunctioning lights are common maintenance-related problems that lead to accidents.
Some accidents occur because a truck driver is under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or even prescription medications that impair their ability to drive safely. Federal regulations require routine drug and alcohol testing for commercial drivers, but violations still occur.
New Orleans is no stranger to heavy rain and storms, especially during hurricane season. Slick roads, reduced visibility, and high winds can create hazardous conditions for large trucks. Drivers who fail to adjust their speed or driving style to account for the weather increase the likelihood of an accident.
Driving a commercial truck requires specialized skills and training. When trucking companies fail to provide adequate training to their drivers, the chances of accidents increase. Untrained drivers may struggle with handling large vehicles, especially in difficult situations like sharp turns or emergency stops.
Commercial trucks have larger blind spots than passenger vehicles, often referred to as “no-zones.” If a truck driver fails to check these areas before changing lanes or turning, they risk colliding with a vehicle they cannot see.
Running red lights, failing to yield, or ignoring other traffic rules can lead to accidents. Truck drivers and trucking companies have a responsibility to follow all applicable laws to keep others on the road safe.
Understanding why truck accidents occur is the first step in holding the responsible parties accountable. Whether the accident stems from driver negligence, poor maintenance, or improper loading, victims have the right to pursue compensation for their losses. Smiley Law Firm conducts detailed investigations to uncover the causes of truck accidents and identify all liable parties, ensuring victims have the best chance to recover what they’re owed.
Louisiana sees a high number of truck accidents each year, particularly in urban areas like New Orleans where commercial traffic is heavy. According to LSU CARTS reports:
Common areas in New Orleans where truck crashes occur include:
Truck accidents can lead to severe injuries due to the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles. Some common injuries include:
The force of a collision with a truck can cause significant trauma to the head and brain. TBIs may range from mild concussions to severe injuries that result in memory loss, cognitive impairment, or permanent disability. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, therapy, and long-term care.
Truck accidents frequently lead to spinal cord damage, which can cause partial or complete paralysis. Depending on the location and severity of the injury, victims may lose mobility or sensation in specific areas of their bodies. These injuries often come with lifelong medical needs, including physical therapy, assistive devices, and home modifications.
The impact of a truck collision can lead to broken bones in the arms, legs, ribs, or other parts of the body. Some fractures are simple breaks that heal with time, while others are compound or complex fractures requiring surgery, physical therapy, and months of recovery.
Fires and chemical spills are not uncommon in truck accidents, especially when fuel tanks rupture. Burn injuries can range from first-degree burns to severe third-degree burns, often leaving victims with significant scarring, nerve damage, and a need for reconstructive surgery.
The sheer force of a truck crash can damage internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, or lungs, even without visible external wounds. These injuries often require emergency surgery and carry a high risk of complications if not treated promptly.
Even in lower-speed collisions, the sudden impact of a truck accident can cause whiplash or other neck injuries. While some cases resolve with rest and treatment, others result in chronic pain and limited mobility.
Truck accidents can cause injuries severe enough to require the surgical removal of a limb, or the impact itself may lead to traumatic amputation. Losing a limb significantly alters a person’s quality of life and may necessitate prosthetics, rehabilitation, and adjustments to daily activities.
Muscles, tendons, and ligaments are often strained or torn in truck accidents. These soft tissue injuries can cause chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, affecting a person’s ability to work or perform everyday tasks.
Beyond the physical injuries, truck accidents often result in emotional and psychological harm. Victims may develop conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression. Psychological injuries can affect relationships, job performance, and overall quality of life.
Unfortunately, the severe nature of truck accidents often results in fatalities. When a loved one is killed in a truck crash, surviving family members face profound emotional and financial challenges. A wrongful death claim can help families pursue compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and other damages.
Determining liability in a truck accident is more complex than in a standard car crash. Multiple parties could be responsible, including:
At Smiley Law Firm, we conduct thorough investigations to identify every liable party and ensure your claim accounts for all sources of compensation.
Louisiana follows a comparative fault system, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Insurance companies often try to exaggerate a victim’s fault to minimize payouts. Our skilled personal injury attorneys can counter these tactics by presenting evidence that highlights the negligence of the truck driver or other parties involved.
To recover the highest settlement possible, you need an attorney to build a strong case backed by evidence. Key steps include:
Negotiations with insurance companies often involve pushback, as adjusters aim to minimize payouts. If they refuse to offer a reasonable settlement, Smiley Law Firm is prepared to present a compelling case in court.
Smiley Law Firm has a long-standing reputation for helping personal injury victims in New Orleans recover fair compensation. Here’s what sets us apart:
Most cases settle out of court through negotiations. However, if the at-fault party or their insurer refuses to make a fair offer, going to court may be necessary to seek the compensation you deserve.
Yes. Interstate trucking companies are subject to federal regulations. Our team can handle the complexities of pursuing claims involving out-of-state entities.
Louisiana law gives you one year from the date of the accident to file a claim. You must act promptly and contact an attorney. They can preserve evidence and build a strong case for you.
The amount depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and non-economic losses like pain and suffering.
Surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim to recover damages such as funeral costs, loss of financial support, and the emotional impact of losing a loved one.
If a New Orleans truck accident hurt you or a loved one, Smiley Law Firm is here to help. Our dedicated attorneys will work tirelessly to hold the responsible parties accountable and secure compensation that addresses the full scope of your losses.
Call us today at (504) 822-2222 or fill out our online contact form for a free case evaluation. Let us guide you through the process so you can focus on your recovery.
201 St Charles Ave Ste 2500
New Orleans LA, 70170
Phone: (504) 822-2222
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