18-Wheeler Accidents

Every day, 18-wheeler trucks crisscross Louisiana, transporting goods around the state. Sometimes they do this safely, but when they’re involved in crashes, the results can be devastating. These are large vehicles carrying heavy loads, and 18-wheeler accidents can cause significant damage, injuries and even deaths.

There are also legal issues particular to these crashes that mean they are complex and involved cases. This is an area where both federal and state laws apply. As a result, they often require an experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer to secure the best possible compensation for those harmed. Patrick Yancey Law Firm has successfully handled these kinds of cases, and is here to help you.

Not a Regular Car Crash

We are all familiar with “breaking news” coverage of these crashes. Their scale means they shut down roads for hours and lead to the mass arrival of police, firefighters, paramedics and other first responders.

Accidents involving 18-wheeler trucks are almost always devastating, involving multiple vehicles as well as many drivers and passengers as victims. The truck drivers often suffer significant injuries.

Big rig crashes can be complex and involve different issues than regular task car crashes. In particular, there is often more than one party at fault and more than one factor that led to the accident.

Of course, driver error and road conditions play a role in many 18-wheeler accidents. But they are not the only contributing factors. The trucking company may also be to blame. They may not have proper procedures and safety checks in place to ensure drivers secure their cargo properly and do not carry oversized loads. There may also be pressure on drivers to cut corners or drive for longer hours than the law allows in order to meet tight delivery schedules. Or, maintenance might be neglected.

Trucking companies are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which has hundreds of regulations for everything from load sizes to how cargo is secured and to how long drivers can work and drive. A violation of any one of these statutes can lead to a catastrophic crash that injures countless members of the public.

Determining Who’s at Fault

In order to assess how much compensation is owed to victims of 18-wheeler crashes, they must prove who was at fault and to what extent. Determining what led to an 18-wheeler truck accident requires the careful assessment of evidence from the crash. This can include reviewing:

• Driver log books
• Trucking company logs
• Mobile phone records
• Accident reports
• Crash data from onboard vehicle systems
• Witness statements
• Information on road conditions and weather
• Trucking company policies and procedures

All of this requires thorough knowledge not only about the law, but also how trucking companies operate – and the ways in which their lawyers defend against these cases to try to minimize what they have to pay. Even seasoned lawyers who work on other types of auto accidents may not have the right experience to represent those injured in an 18-wheeler truck crash.

Hire an Experienced Louisiana 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer

The first step for anyone involved in an 18-wheeler crash, regardless of the severity of their injuries or damage to their vehicle, should be to hire experienced legal counsel. This sometimes includes truck drivers, who must have their own lawyer to bring legal action against their trucking company employer.

A knowledgeable attorney can assess your case and advise on the best course of action to make sure you receive the most compensation possible for your injuries and damages. This can include recovering costs for future medical care.

Our law office thoroughly understands all of the issues involved in 18-wheeler crashes, and helps clients get results.

If you or your loved one is the injured party of an 18-wheeler truck accident, the Patrick Yancey Law Firm will devote every resource necessary to bring you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.