Trucks are bigger and heavier than any other vehicle on the road. When trucking accidents happen, they may lead to serious injuries and accidents. However, we rely on 18-wheeler trucks to ship cargo all over the United States. It’s a fact that without the trucking industry, we may not enjoy many comforts of modern life. As wagons are indispensable, there’s much training and effort made towards safe operation of trucks. But sharing the road with such gigantic vehicles could lead to deadly collisions.

Truck drivers receive quality training but they are still human. An accident involving a truck is more likely to result in death. Speed is one of the most common causes of collisions. Truck drivers are often the major contributing factors in most trucking collisions. This means that if you’ve been involved in a trucking accident, you are entitled to seek compensation for the negligence of the drivers.

Benefits Of Hiring Trucking Accident Attorneys

After a trucking collision, the sooner you hire a trucking accident attorney, the better. Time is definitely critical after a collision and it’s crucial to carry out an investigation instantly. If the investigation is delayed, the trucking company may gain significant advantage. Only a trained legal representative can handle your case quickly.

The Truck Accident Attorneys at the Law Offices of L. Clayton Burgess have the experience you need in case you are a victim of a trucking accident. Our team of seasoned legal representatives investigates the accident and studies all the evidence thoroughly. Trucking collisions are complicated and dealing with the layers of liability is challenging.

The attorneys at the Law Offices of L. Clayton Burgess have the experience and resources to tackle complicated cases. Our legal representatives offer a free consultation to apprise you of the legal process and help with your case.

Truck Accidents Are Complicated

Victims who have been involved in a car accident are of the opinion that they can handle the legal process even after a trucking accident. However, it’s important to understand that there are a lot of added complications after trucking collisions. In fact, there could be innumerable parties liable for the accident. An experienced attorney can gather all the necessary evidence to support your claim and determine the responsible party. The seasoned Truck Accident Attorneys at the Law Offices of L. Clayton Burgess can gather the necessary evidence to support your case. After a collision, you can remain focused on the crucial things: yourself and your family.

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Determining Liability In Trucking Accidents

Just like most car accidents, trucking collisions are also caused due to driver errors such as speeding and fatigued driving. However, there are other contributing factors that are unique to the trucking industry. A seasoned Lafayette trucking accident attorney should ideally make complete investigation of multiple factors to determine liability. In an aftermath of a trucking collision, it’s never advisable to share any information with your insurance company without consulting your lawyer. Insurance companies make an utmost effort to pay minimum possible compensation. Any information you reveal to other parties could be used to weaken your case. For more information on liability in trucking accidents, visit Liability & Lawsuits page.

What makes a truck driver liable?

1.Driving under the influence of alcohol.
2.Working beyond the recommended driving hours.
3.Careless or reckless driving.
4.Not adhering to any safety protocol while transporting hazardous material.
5.Failure to inspect the vehicle, trailer, or cargo.
6.Failure to maintain the vehicle.

When are trucking companies liable?

1.Having untrained or unlicensed drivers operating their trucks.
2.Not disciplining drivers.
3.Encouraging drivers to work beyond normal shift hours.
4.Failure to check drivers for compliance with regulations.
5.Allowing trucks to be on the road after failing on maintenance and inspection checks.

Regulations in Trucking Accidents

Truck accidents are known for being legally complicated. This is mainly due to the nature of the trucking industry. Trucks operate across state lines and within individual states. These distinctions are known as intrastate (within one state) and interstate (across state borders). These regulations however vary depending on which company owns the truck. When there’s an accident, you may have to consult one type of regulation or both!

State Law

State and Federal laws are not identical and may vary depending of the type of truck or cargo. Moreover, each State has different insurance requirements. The bottom line is that determining culpability in trucking accidents is challenging. Having a team of trained legal representatives on your side is always beneficial.

Federal Law

As per Federal law, regular safety checks and registration procedures are important. Trucks driving across State lines often have more than one insurance carrier. Adhering to Federal regulations requires a lot of documentation by the trucking industry. Our experienced legal team is capable of combing through all the complex paperwork.

Hours Of Service

Sleep is one of the most important factors for any trucker. In fact, a sleepy driver is as dangerous as a drunken driver. To ensure enhanced safety, there are rules in place called ‘Hours of Service’, set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration:

1.Maximum drive time is 70 hours a week.
2.A trucker may resume driving after 34 consecutive hours of rest.
3.There must be a 30-minute break during the first 8 hours of driving.
4.There’s an 11-hour daily drive limit.

Ideally, drivers have to maintain a logbook to note any sleep and rest periods. While electronic logging in is becoming the industry standard, paper logs are also maintained. There are times when paper logs are tampered with to corrupt data and records.

Truck drivers may break traffic rules, even with the encouragement of employers. To cater to increasing demands and maintain profits, trucking companies often take liberties with safety requirements. High demand means truckers rely on illegal drugs and over-the-counter methods to stay awake for long periods.

Common Trucking Accident Injuries

Injuries in a trucking accident can be complicated. If the collision doesn’t lead to death, it may leave the victim with catastrophic injuries. Common trucking accident injuries include:

1.Back and neck injuries.
2.Brain damage.
3.Broken bones.
4.Paralysis.
5.Severe and/or permanent nerve damage.
6.Rupture or laceration of organs.
7.Severe burns.
8.Death.

Allow Truck Accident Attorneys To Fight For You

When long-term disability is a real possibility, having a dedicated team of legal professionals fighting for your rights is the best- case scenario. As the medical bills increase, you’ll not be able to return to work for some time. The seasoned legal representatives at the Law Offices of L. Clayton Burgess understand how crucial it is to maintain your family’s way of life.

As per LSU Data Reports, 200 crashes involving gigantic trucks occurred in Lafayette Parish in 2016. If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident, our attorneys at the Law Offices of L. Clayton Burgess are readily available for assistance. Irrespective of how severe the injuries are, do not give up hope. We leave no stone unturned to ensure that our clients receive maximum compensation.

As a plaintiff, you have the right to avail of the services of a truck accident lawyer in Lafayette LA to get justice against the damages and injuries caused. Our trucking accident attorney in Louisiana helps victims protect their civil rights when someone violates them. We understand the value of having a highly experienced Louisiana trucking accident attorney on your side to protect you from all legal adversities. At The Law Offices of L. Clayton Burgess, you get the best team of lawyers who are committed to serving you, protecting you, and securing your present and future well-being. Contact our Lafayette truck injury lawyer and book FREE consultation today!