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Truck Accident Attorney New Orleans Can Trust

If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident that resulted in a personal injury, it’s crucial that you speak with a truck accident attorney New Orleans can trust to discuss your options. Contact Mike Mahone today at (504) 564-7342 for a free case evaluation.

Do You Need a New Orleans Truck Accident Lawyer?

Truck Accident Attorney New Orleans Can Trust

A truck accident may leave you feeling devastated and financially exhausted. If you’ve been injured in a New Orleans truck accident due to a negligent truck driver, you may be eligible to be compensated for your severe injuries.

Trucking accidents can lead to expensive medical bills and lost wages. Contact experienced truck accident lawyer and sole-practitioner of The Mahone Firm, Mike Mahone to walk you through the truck accident claim process and a free legal consultation today.

Common Causes of New Orleans Truck Accidents 

Large commercial trucks, 18-wheelers, and tractor-trailers can be seen on the interstates and rural roads all over Louisiana. 

Because trucks are so common, people often forget the dangers they pose. However, commercial truck accidents with passenger vehicles happen frequently and cause truly serious injuries.

There are many causes of 18 wheeler accidents.

  • A truck driver may be overworked and too tired to drive
  • Trucking companies may fail to properly train their drivers on how to safely operate a semi-truck
  • The large commercial truck is not properly maintained
  • Truck drivers speeding or driving too fast
  • Unfamiliar with the area and roadway
  • Failure to check blind spots when merging lanes
  • Traffic jams or other motor vehicle accidents
  • Hazards in the road

These and many other reasons can cause tragic truck accidents that require a New Orleans truck accident attorney.

Large truck accidents actually may increase in the near future because of a recent change in federal law. The recently passed bill suspends some of the rules about the rest periods that truck drivers must take and will allow the truck drivers to be on the road for up to 82 hours per week

This is an increase from the previous maximum of 70 hours per week. Being on the road that much is exhausting for truck drivers and increases the chances for additional truck accident fatalities, which is especially troubling given that truck accidents already claim thousands of lives.

Regardless of the cause of the trucking accident, commercial truck crashes can lead to some of the most devastating personal injuries. The size and weight differences alone between a passenger vehicle and commercial trucks make the potential for a serious accident that much greater. 

Also, commercial trucks tend to sit higher than passenger vehicles, which can lead to more significant collision damage.

Truck accident victims frequently need immediate medical attention and may suffer broken bones, head trauma, back and neck injuries, and even death.

What to Do Next After an 18 Wheeler Accident?

A truck accident can knock you unconscious for hours, days, weeks, or even months. 

By the time you wake up from a coma, you’ll probably be under the care of doctors. Once you have stabilized, it’s best to consult a New Orleans truck accident attorney to tell you the way forward.

If you’re injured but conscious while at the scene of the accident, there are some essential steps you should take. 

Following them will not only keep you safe but greatly influence the outcome of your compensation claims for physical, emotional, and economic damages.

  • Seeking emergency medical attention remains the first line of action after a traffic collision. You need a physical examination even if you feel a little sore. Some injuries might not be apparent but can be life-threatening after a few days or weeks.
  • Make sure to report the accident to the local police as soon as possible, preferably even before you leave the scene. If the accident involved property damage, don’t leave the scene without exchanging information with the property owner.
  • You may have to wait for the police to arrive at the scene of the collision if death occurs unless your injuries are a case of a medical emergency. Remember to be careful with what you say to the police and the parties involved because your statements can incriminate you. If you’re not sure, then don’t answer.
  • Evidence can disappear from the scene quickly. If there are witnesses, request their contact details. It’s also recommended to take pictures of the scene if you’re in the apposition to do so. Don’t focus on the damage to vehicles or property alone. Consider getting snaps that highlight the condition of the road and tires.
  • Lastly, be sure to get a copy of the police report and call a New Orleans truck accident lawyer to guide you through the complicated and stressful legal process.

Who is Liable in an 18 Wheeler Accident?

There’s a web of players that may be held liable for the damages arising from a serious truck accident. However, determining a source of liability is the most challenging part of seeking legal redress.

Considering the large amounts awarded as compensation in truck accident claims, none of the players will easily admit fault. They will put up a legal fight until there’s irrefutable evidence. This is where the experience of an 18 wheeler accident lawyer in New Orleans is critical.

The Mahone Firm can help you investigate the cause of the accident and hold the following possible parties accountable for your injuries.

The Truck driver

The driver may be responsible for damages in the following circumstances:

· Driving under the influence (DUI) of substance

· Distracted driving

· Violation of service hours leading to fatigued truck drivers

· Violation of traffic laws (over speeding, reckless driving, aggressive driving, ignoring traffic signs, etc.)

· Violation of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs)

Trucking Companies

The trucking company may be liable if they:

· Allow drivers without proper commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate their large trucks

· Hire drivers with health conditions that can impair their ability to operate large trucks safely

· Fail to maintain the semi-trucks

· Fail to supervise the drivers

· Fail to background screen drivers for drug and alcohol use

· Encourage unsafe trucking behavior like exceeding the permitted cargo or freight weight

Manufacturer of the Truck and Other Parts

You can file a claim against the manufacturer on the ground of a defective truck or malfunctioning parts contributing to the cause or severity of the accident. Failure of parts such as tires, wheels, brakes, steering columns, and axles increases the risk of crashes.

Mechanics and Cargo Loaders

Mechanics have a legal duty to ensure the truck is inspected correctly and in good working order before it takes to the road. Any shortcomings that lead to truck accidents can be used as a base for negligence. Cargo loaders also may be held liable for damages if they overload a truck or fail to secure cargo properly.

Talk to a Louisiana Trucking Accident Attorney For Free Legal Advice

If you or a loved one is a victim of an 18 wheeler accident, reach out to Mike Mahone today. As a trusted New Orleans truck accident lawyer known for my experience with truck accident cases and aggressively protecting the rights of victims, The Mahone can help you recover money for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and wage loss. Call (504) 564-7342 to request a free case evaluation.

The Mahone Firm is located at 5190 Canal Blvd Suite 102, New Orleans, LA 70124  and 111 Veterans Memorial Blvd. Heritage Plaza, Suite 810 Metairie, LA 70005

We’re open 8 Am-6 PM Mon-Fri & Closed Sat-Sun.

For any additional questions, you can give us a call at (504) 564-7342 or find us on Yelp.

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