How a Commercial Vehicle Accidents Lawyer in New Orleans Can Protect Your Rights After a Collision

Understanding Your Legal Options After a Commercial Vehicle Accident

Accidents with commercial vehicles, like trucks or delivery vans, can lead to severe injuries and complicated legal issues. If you’ve been in this type of accident in New Orleans, you may be up against large companies and their insurance providers. Our commercial vehicle accidents lawyer in New Orleans can help you navigate the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

This article will explain how having the right lawyer by your side can make a big difference after a commercial vehicle accident. Whether it’s gathering evidence, handling insurance companies, or proving who is at fault, having the right legal support is essential. Understanding your rights is the first step to ensuring you are treated fairly after an accident.

Quick Summary:

• Commercial vehicle accidents tend to be more severe than regular car accidents due to the larger size and heavier loads of these vehicles. A commercial vehicle includes any vehicle used by a business to transport goods or passengers, such as trucks, delivery vans, and buses. Common types of commercial vehicle accidents include rear-end collisions, jackknife accidents, T-bone collisions, rollover accidents, and cargo-related accidents. Each type of accident poses unique risks and legal considerations, making it essential for those involved to understand the specific circumstances and regulations that apply.
• Several factors can cause commercial vehicle accidents, and knowing these common causes can help keep you safe on the road. Driver fatigue is a significant issue, as long hours lead to slower reaction times and poor decision-making. Distracted driving, such as using a phone or eating, increases risks, especially with larger vehicles. Speeding is another frequent cause, as commercial vehicles require more time to stop due to their size and weight. Additionally, improper maintenance of vehicles, overloaded or poorly loaded cargo, and adverse weather conditions can all contribute to accidents, making it essential for drivers and companies to stay vigilant.
• Commercial vehicle accidents often lead to complex legal challenges due to the involvement of multiple parties. One major issue is determining liability, as figuring out who is at fault is essential for receiving compensation for injuries and damages. Louisiana’s “comparative fault” rule reduces compensation based on the percentage of fault assigned to the injured party. Insurance disputes can complicate matters further, as companies may deny claims or contest the payout amount. Additionally, compliance with strict safety regulations and the involvement of various parties, such as drivers and cargo companies, can make legal proceedings more complicated when seeking damages, which can include medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.

Understanding Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Commercial vehicle accidents can be more serious than regular car accidents. These vehicles are usually larger and often carry heavier loads, which can cause more damage in a crash. When involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle, it’s important to understand what counts as a commercial vehicle and how the rules for these vehicles may differ from ordinary cars.

A commercial vehicle is any vehicle a business or company uses to transport goods, provide services, or carry passengers. These vehicles are often owned by a business and are driven by employees. Examples include large trucks, delivery vans, buses, and even company cars. Because commercial vehicles are used for work purposes, they are subject to special laws, including strict maintenance and safety rules. These rules are set by agencies like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and can affect how an accident is handled legally.

Types of Commercial Vehicle Accidents

There are many different types of commercial vehicle accidents. Knowing these types can help you know what you might be dealing with and what legal steps to take next. Here are some of the most common types:

• Rear-End Collisions: This happens when a commercial vehicle, like a truck or van, hits the back of another vehicle. Because commercial vehicles are so heavy, they take longer to stop, which makes these crashes common. The impact can be much worse than a regular rear-end accident.
• Jackknife Accidents: A jackknife accident occurs when a large truck’s trailer swings out and forms an angle with the cab. This often happens when the truck skids or the driver suddenly brakes hard.
• T-Bone Collisions: This type of accident happens when a commercial vehicle crashes into the side of another vehicle. T-bone collisions are especially dangerous at intersections.
• Rollover Accidents: In a rollover accident, the commercial vehicle flips onto its side or roof. This can happen when a truck or van takes a sharp turn too quickly or loses balance because of shifting cargo.
• Cargo-Related Accidents: This occurs when the cargo in a truck or van falls off or spills onto the road. Improperly secured cargo can shift during travel, causing accidents or leading to hazardous conditions for other drivers. Trucking companies must follow specific safety rules about how they load and secure cargo.

Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Various factors can lead to commercial vehicle accidents. Being aware of the most frequent causes can help you stay safe on the road and guide you on what to do if you’re involved in a collision. Many of these accidents happen because of driver mistakes, mechanical problems, or unsafe road conditions. Here are the common causes of commercial vehicle accidents:

• Driver Fatigue: Fatigue is a major problem for commercial drivers who spend long hours on the road. Drivers may push themselves too hard to meet delivery deadlines, leading to slower reaction times and poor decision-making.
• Distracted Driving: This happens when the driver’s attention is taken away from the road, often because of using a phone, eating, or looking at something inside the vehicle. Distracted driving is dangerous for any driver, but the risks are higher with large vehicles due to their size and weight.
• Speeding: Driving too fast is another common cause of commercial vehicle accidents. Because trucks and vans are larger and heavier than cars, they need more time to stop. When a commercial vehicle speeds, it increases the chances of an accident because the driver might not be able to stop in time or control the vehicle properly.
• Improper Maintenance: Poor maintenance of commercial vehicles can lead to accidents. Trucks and delivery vans must be kept in good working condition to be safe on the road. Problems like faulty brakes, worn-out tires, or steering issues can cause a crash.
• Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo: Overloading a truck or van can affect how well the driver can control the vehicle. Improperly loaded cargo can shift during travel, making it harder to steer or stop the vehicle. If the cargo falls off the truck, it can cause accidents with other vehicles on the road.
• Poor Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, or icy roads make driving more dangerous for any vehicle, but commercial vehicles are especially at risk. Larger vehicles are harder to control in bad weather, and the risk of skidding or losing control is greater.