18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Monroe, LA
Did you know that about 90% of 18-wheeler accidents or large truck wrecks are caused by human error? If you have suffered significant injuries after a truck accident, this can be disheartening news. You might need legal help from a Monroe truck accident lawyer.Â
While these accidents are highly preventable, they are occurring with greater frequency. Drivers have many distractions available to them, not least of which is a cellular phone. Whether a driver is texting or talking on the phone, his chances of being involved in an accident dramatically increase. Those who are under the influence of drugs and/ or alcohol are also much more susceptible to causing an injury accident.
Short Summary
- 18-wheeler accidents are common and can cause serious injuries due to the large size and weight of the trucks. Common causes include driver negligence, truck malfunctions, and improperly loaded cargo.
- Collisions with big rigs can result in severe injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and other significant injuries. These accidents often lead to long-term health issues and financial burdens for the victims.
- After an 18-wheeler accident, you can seek compensation from multiple parties, such as the truck driver, the trucking company, or even the manufacturer if a defect caused the crash. Compensation can cover tangible losses like medical bills and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering, and, in severe cases, punitive damages for reckless behavior.
- In Monroe, LA, you have only one year to file a claim for an 18-wheeler truck accident due to Louisiana’s strict deadline, making timely action crucial. Additionally, Louisiana’s comparative fault law can reduce your compensation if you’re partially at fault for the accident. You need a Monroe truck accident lawyer to navigate the complexities of your claim, ensure you get fair compensation, and provide experienced, personalized support during this challenging time.
Why 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents Happen
Being injured in a large truck accident can have more severe consequences than any other accident. A standard semi truck can legally weigh up to 80,000 pounds and are commonly between 70 and 80 feet long.
18-Wheeler Accidents Can Be Fatal
A passenger vehicle is no match for an 18-wheeler. In the majority of truck accidents with passenger cars that resulted in injury, it is the passenger vehicle occupants who face significant trauma, while the truck driver walks away with minor scrapes and cuts. These accidents are extremely serious in nature and can often be deadly.
Trucking Companies Will Try Deny Your Claim
Trucking companies will do everything in their power to weaken your claim, and thus deny you a fair settlement. They have extensive legal resources at their disposal and will block your attempt to seek redress. They will do their best to protect the driver, even if there is evidence that he was at fault for your injuries.
Get Legal Help from 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys
Do not accept a claim denial and never accept the first settlement offer. Insurance companies are known to purposely lowball settlements for 18-wheeler crash victims who are strapped for cash. Instead, work with an experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer today to fight for each cent you deserve.
What is an 18-Wheeler Accident?
Big rig crashes, also called 18-wheeler accidents, involve large commercial trucks. These trucks are really heavy and can cause a lot of damage in an accident. They might crash into other cars, swerve off an overpass, or even catch on fire. This can lead to serious injuries or even death.
Here in Monroe, there have been recent accidents where big rigs burst into flames or fell off bridges, hurting the people involved terribly. These crashes need to be investigated to figure out what happened.Â
What’s Causing All These Semi-Truck Wrecks in Monroe?
18-wheeler accidents in Monroe happen for many reasons, just like regular car crashes. But there are some special causes for truck accidents too, like:
- Bigger blind spots, so truck drivers can’t see all the cars around them
- Truck drivers being tired from driving long distances
- Broken parts on the truck, like brakes that don’t work
- Trailers swerving out of control (jackknifing) because of cargo that’s not loaded right or weighs too much
- Truck drivers driving recklessly, like speeding
- Flat tires
- Bad weather or damaged roads
- And other reasons
What are the Common Injuries from 18-wheeler Accidents?
Big rigs can weigh up to 30 times more than a normal car. That’s why crashes with these giant trucks can be so bad for you, your car, and anyone with you. Below are the common injuries that can result from 18-wheeler accidents.Â
Traumatic Brain Injuries
When cars crash, people inside can hit their heads on windows, the steering wheel, doors, or other hard parts of the car. This can cause a brain injury, called a TBI. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says head injuries are a big reason for people getting sick, having lifelong problems, or even dying.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Injuries to the spinal cord can cause problems that never go away, including not being able to move parts of your body at all. This can make it hard to live a normal life. People with these injuries may need wheelchairs to get around, can’t work anymore, and face many challenges, often for the rest of their lives.
Broken Bones
Big rig crashes often cause broken bones because of the speed and force involved. These injuries can be very painful and make it hard to move around. People hurt in these crashes are also more likely to bleed a lot, get infections, and have other problems.
Big rig crashes can cause many other injuries besides the ones we’ve already talked about. These include injuries to your back, whiplash and other problems with your neck, cuts, scrapes, and bruises. They can also cause burns, which can range from minor to very serious. There are other injuries possible too.
Who Can You Be Held Liable for an 18-wheeler Accident?
After a big truck accident, just like any car crash, you have the right to get compensation from the person who caused it. But with 18-wheeler wrecks, there are more people you might sue. Who you sue depends on what happened, who the driver works for, or if the truck itself broke down.
Here are some of the people you could sue in Walton County after a truck accident:
- The truck driver
- The company that owns the truck
- The person who owns the trailer
- The company that made the truck or a broken part
- A company that fixes the truck (if something they did caused the crash)
Sometimes you can even sue more than one of these people. Figuring out who’s to blame can be tricky, and each person’s insurance company will try to say they aren’t responsible.
What Compensations Can I Claim After a Truck Accident?
Truck accidents can really hurt you, both physically and financially. The good news is there are ways to get money back for what you lost. Here’s a simpler explanation of the different types of money you might get:
- Money you can count up: This covers things with a price tag, like fixing your car, missing work because of injuries, or even if you can’t work like you used to in the future.
- Pain and Suffering: This isn’t just about medical bills. It’s about how the accident affected your life in other ways, like not being able to do things you enjoyed before.
- Punishment for Very Bad Driving: In really bad cases, like drunk driving accidents, the court might give the other driver a punishment award. This isn’t to make you feel better, but rather to say their actions were terrible.
Understanding these different types of money is important. It helps make sure you get paid fairly for everything you’ve been through after a truck accident.
Is There a Deadline for Filing 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents Claim in Monroe, LA?
Truck accidents in Louisiana can hurt you badly and cost you a lot of money. The important thing to know is you only have one year to file a claim to get money back. That’s because according to a Louisiana law (like a rule), evidence gets harder to find over time and people forget things. If you miss this deadline, you might not be able to get any money for your injuries.
Could Comparative Fault Ruin My Truck Accident Case?
In Louisiana, there’s a law that says everyone involved in an accident shares some of the blame. So, if you’re partly at fault for a wreck, the amount of money you get might be reduced. For example, if they decide it was 25% your fault, you might only get 75% of the money you deserve, minus any lawyer fees.
Why Do I Need a Monroe Truck Accident Lawyer?
Been in a truck accident? Don’t settle for anything less than what you deserve. Get someone who can understand the physical, emotional, and financial hardships that follow a truck accident. Below are the qualities that you should look for:
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- Experienced: Choose someone who has substantial experience and understanding of personal injury law, specifically related to truck accidents. An experienced Monroe truck accident lawyer can understand the complexities involved in truck accident claims and how to navigate them effectively.
- Proven Track Record: A proven track record in handling truck accident claims can give you added confidence when choosing your lawyer. Look for someone who can demonstrate their success rate in cases similar to yours.
- Personalized approach: During this difficult time, it’s important to have a lawyer who empathizes with you and understands your unique situation. They should be committed to tailoring solutions that meet your specific needs.Â
Get Legal Help From Our Monroe Truck Accident Lawyer Now!
If you’re recovering from a truck accident, securing a skilled attorney can be the key to maximizing your settlement. At E. Orum Young Law Personal Injury Attorney, we strive to recover damages for all your needs—from medical bills and lost wages to pain, suffering, and property damage. Trust us to advocate for you every step of the way, including representing you in court if needed.
Don’t take the financial risk of draining your savings and assets to cover large expenses. Many times, victims of serious truck accidents sustain injuries that require long-term care, sometimes even for life. You are entitled to compensation for lost wages, unforeseen medical expenses and more.
Other than 18-wheeler accidents, we can also assist you with car accidents and other personal injury concerns. Schedule a free case review at any time! Our Monroe truck accident lawyer is here to help you.