New Orleans Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer

New Orleans Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney

Commercial transportation vehicles can get into vehicle accidents like any other car on the road. Because these vehicles are subject to unique regulations, it can complicate the process of filing for compensation. Working with a New Orleans commercial vehicle accident lawyer could help you protect your rights and financial interests and relieve stress as you physically recover.

Commercial transportation companies are typically held to a higher standard of safety than private individuals and private organizations. While commercial transportation accidents may occur less frequently than other kinds of vehicle accidents, they nevertheless do occur and can result in significant personal injury to one or more passengers. If you have been injured in an accident while in a taxi, bus, limo, or another commercial vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation.

Navigating Claims Against Commercial Transportation Companies With Hammond Law Firm, LLC

Exceptional legal support can be the difference between a successful claim that recovers your losses and having your claim denied. Whether you are a passenger in one of these transportation vehicles or a third party involved in an accident, Hammond Law Firm, LLC can help you navigate a claim, investigate fault, and fight for the compensation that you are owed.

Hammond Law Firm, LLC can represent your interests and strive for greater levels of success thanks to our tested experience with these areas of the law. Contact our commercial transportation accident attorneys in New Orleans today to begin.

For over 40 combined years, our team has supported individuals injured by the negligence of others. When commercial transportation companies fail to uphold their duty of care, you can recover financial losses like income, medical bills, and property damage. We provide you with reliable and dedicated legal support.

“Common Carrier” Law in New Orleans, LA

Most  personal injury  cases are based on what are referred to as negligence rules. Commercial transportation providers have a duty to take a certain standard of precaution to help ensure the safety of their passengers. A claim against these providers occurs when the commercial transportation provider does not fulfill its duty of care to its passengers. The standard of care required of commercial transportation depends on the state, but in many states, commercial transportation providers have a responsibility to take a higher degree of precaution than other individuals and organizations.

Transportation companies are often subject to “common carrier” law. Common carriers include such transportation as tour buses, taxi cabs, and limousines. Operators and other employees of transportation companies have a high duty of care for their passengers and are required to receive special training as part of their job.

The procedure for bringing a claim against a commercial transportation company may also differ from a standard personal injury lawsuit. If the common carrier is owned by the government it is subject to special rules. Publicly owned common carriers may require you to give notice to the government before you can sue for personal injury so that the government may try to settle with you out of court. A lawsuit cannot be filed until the settlement deadline has passed.

That being said, there is also a maximum time limit, or statute of limitation, to your right to bring a personal injury lawsuit to court. Different states may have different laws governing lawsuits against government organizations and only an experienced attorney may know state-specific laws pertaining to personal injuries and property damage in commercial transportation accidents.

The attorneys of Hammond Law Firm, LLC can help ensure that you do not miss your window for filing a claim against a commercial transportation company in the case of a personal injury or property damage.

What Makes Commercial Vehicle Accidents More Complicated?

In Orleans Parish in 2024, there were 174 crashes involving transit buses, 44 of which resulted in suspected injuries, 12 crashes involving mini-buses, three of which were suspected injury crashes, and 11 crashes involving motor coaches. There was one crash involving a large limo.

There are several reasons why commercial vehicle accidents are harder to navigate and secure fair compensation compared to other types of motor vehicle accidents.

Damage Severity

Some commercial vehicles, such as buses, transportation trucks, or limos, are much larger and heavier than other vehicles. This factor can increase the severity of an accident and the injuries and other damages that those in smaller vehicles sustain. Although damages are more significant, it is still difficult to get insurers to offer a settlement that fairly compensates for these losses.

Federal Regulation

Certain transportation vehicles are regulated by state and federal laws. This may include how taxi or bus drivers are trained or vetted, how the vehicles are maintained, and other guidelines to improve safety. When these regulations are ignored, a company can be held liable. An attorney is crucial for understanding these laws and whether they were broken.

Potential Liable Parties

Many companies and individuals are responsible for the upkeep, use, and transportation of commercial vehicles. Because so many parties are involved, many of them may be partially or fully liable for an accident. It takes a much more in-depth investigation into the accident to determine who can be held liable.

Liability may include the driver’s employer, the manufacturer, the party responsible for vehicle maintenance, or the owner of the vehicle. Often, if the driver of the commercial vehicle is at fault, the employer is vicariously liable. A third party in the accident could also be liable.

Commercial Insurers

Commercial vehicles mean the involvement of commercial insurers. Even if it is determined that they are not liable, these companies will investigate the accident. Like all insurers, their goal is to mitigate their liability, and commercial insurers have even more resources to do this. They work to undermine your claim, potentially even trying to blame you for the accident, all to avoid paying a full and fair settlement.

An experienced attorney can help you understand your options for compensation and has the resources to investigate the accident and its cause.

Effective Personal Injury Representation at Hammond Law Firm, LLC

Have you suffered a personal injury or property damage in an accident involving commercial transportation? You may be entitled to compensation for the damages sustained. Hammond Law Firm, LLC in New Orleans, LA has court-tested experience and a comprehensive understanding of specific state laws which may apply to lawsuits against common carriers.

Contact our New Orleans commercial transportation accident lawyers today or call (504) 586-3535 to schedule your free case review and consultation with us