New Orleans Truck Accident Lawyer
If you’ve sustained serious injuries in a truck accident in New Orleans due to the negligence of the driver or the company, Douglas & London is ready to help you. We understand the gravity of your situation: financial instability, stress, medical bills, and the fear that you may not be able to provide for your family. These massive vehicles can cause devastating injuries when an accident occurs–often far worse than a car accident. We may be able to pursue damages based on the facts of your case. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation.
Understanding Truck Accidents
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) conducted a study in 2020 that found 73 percent of large truck collisions involve at least one other vehicle, and 4,998 trucks were involved in fatal crashes.
In addition, FMSCA listed the critical events that were associated with a truck accident:
- Running out of the travel lane, either into another lane or off the road
- Loss of control from driving too fast for road conditions, cargo shifting, vehicle systems failure, or poor road conditions
- Colliding with the rear end of another vehicle in the truck’s travel lane
Associated factors in a truck accident include the following:
- Defective or faulty brakes
- Traffic congestion or a previous crash
- Prescription drug use
- Traveling too fast for conditions
- Unfamiliarity with roadway
- Inadequate surveillance
- Fatigue
- Unfamiliarity with roadway
Trust an experienced New Orleans truck accident lawyer from Douglas & London to be your strongest advocate to recover compensation for bodily injuries, pain and suffering, and property damage.
What You Should Do After an Accident
In a truck accident, seek medical treatment even if you feel fine. Many conditions have delayed onset symptoms, such as whiplash and traumatic brain injuries. In addition, your medical records provide essential documentation. While at the accident scene, if not seriously injured, take pictures or videos. If there are witnesses, get their contact information. If possible, obtain the truck driver’s name and who employs them.
Finally, seek representation from a New Orleans personal injury lawyer. At Douglas & London, we’ll fight for fair and reasonable compensation and guide you every step of the way.
Truck Accident Damages You May Recover
Compensation in a truck accident may include economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages: include everything that has an objective cost that is easily tallied by receipts and invoices, including the following:
- Bills from physicians, hospitals, therapists, and other medical service providers.
- Wages and salary that the victim is unable to earn while recuperating.
- Transportation costs to appointments for medical services and therapy.
- Physical damage to your vehicle.
- Expenses for medications, mobility assistance devices, and modifications to living space that are needed to facilitate the rider’s limitations due to injuries.
Non-economic damages: These soft costs are not readily verifiable with invoices or bills, yet they significantly impact the victim’s life. They include the following:
- Pain and suffering caused by the victim’s injuries
- The impact of the accident on the victim’s lifestyle due to scarring or disfigurement
- Psychological trauma
- Recognition of the value of the loss of enjoyment of your regular daily activities
- Impairment of your relationships with your spouse, family, and friends due to your injuries
Who is Held Responsible for Truck Accidents in New Orleans?
You need experienced lawyers with the skills and experience to investigate your truck accident thoroughly. In many cases, the driver will be found negligent, as well as the company that hired them for the following reasons:
- Hiring drivers with a history of drunk driving, substance abuse, or other violations
- Allowing unqualified or unlicensed drivers to operate their trucks
- Not performing drug and alcohol tests as required by FMCSA
- Not taking disciplinary action when a driver fails a drug or alcohol test
- Failing to inspect and maintain their vehicles
- Encouraging drivers to violate hours of service restrictions or engage in other dangerous behaviors
Our team at Douglas & London will also investigate the following to determine liability:
- The official accident report from law enforcement
- Eyewitness testimony
- Testimony by expert witnesses such as accident reconstructionists
- Photos from the crash scene
- Vehicle damage and debris
- Video surveillance footage or dashcam footage
- Truck “black box” data
- Traffic data from GPS and navigation services
Trucking accident victims may face a long road to recovery. However, the law is on your side. We can protect your rights throughout the legal process.
Why Work with Douglas & London?
We will work aggressively to hold those responsible for your accident accountable. Our staff is available 24 hours a day if you need help or have questions. Feel free to fill out the form or call now. Your consultation is free, and there is never a charge unless we win your case because we work on a contingency basis.