COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ACCIDENTS
PRACTICE AREAS
LOUISIANA COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
Experienced Shreveport-Bossier City Car Accident Lawyer for Commercial Vehicle Injury Claims
Unfortunately, you can be the safest driver on the road and still suffer from a life-altering commercial truck accident as a result of a negligent commercial vehicle driver. When this happens, Louisiana commercial vehicle accident attorney Michael J. Vergis is here to help you receive the compensation you deserve following such a devastating accident.
Commercial vehicles, such as semi-trucks, passenger buses, and tanker trucks hauling hazardous materials, are often much more difficult to drive than standard passenger vehicles, which is why commercial drivers must obtain certain certifications and adhere to greater safety standards than ordinary drivers.
Additionally, the size, weight, and loads of the vehicles involved make them among the most dangerous on our roads. As a result, accidents involving commercial vehicles are some of the most damaging and deadly accidents individuals can suffer from.
What is a Commercial Vehicle?
A commercial vehicle is any motor vehicle used to transport goods or passengers that:- Weighs more than 10,001 pounds;
- Is a single or a combination of vehicles that weighs more than 26,001 pounds;
- Is designed to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver for compensation, or 15 without compensation; or
- Transports hazardous materials, regardless of vehicle size.
Louisiana Commercial Vehicle Rules and Regulations
Due to the danger that large trucks pose to everyone on the road, the trucking industry has to be heavily regulated by both the state and federal government. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) oversee these regulations. You can find some of Louisiana’s trucking rules and regulations under La. R.S. § 32:414.2.
Commercial vehicles must adhere to specific weight limits, safety inspections, and licensing requirements. Truck drivers must hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and adhere to the rules that come with it. Additionally, commercial trucks must follow regulations regarding proper maintenance, driver training, load securement, and hazardous materials transportation, if applicable. Violations of these rules can result in penalties, accidents, and/or liability for trucking companies.
What Causes Commercial Truck Accidents?
As consumer demand continues to skyrocket, demand on the transportation industry grows, which can encourage truckers and trucking companies to cut corners in order to maximize efficiency and profits. However, trucking accidents aren’t always the fault of the truck driver or the truck company.
Commercial truck accidents can result from a wide variety of factors. In addition to human error, these accidents can stem from issues related to vehicle maintenance, parts malfunctions, or external conditions like weather and road hazards.
A truck accident attorney can investigate the circumstances of your case and determine the cause of your truck accident. Below are some of the most common types of commercial vehicle accidents on Louisiana roads.
Truck Driver Negligence
Commercial trucks demand a lot of caution and attention to operate, but truck drivers are required to stay on the road and behind the wheel for extended periods of time, which can lead to boredom, exhaustion, impatience, and even substance abuse.
Truck driver negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, driver fatigue, or commercial DUIs are all leading causes of commercial truck accidents. Devastating accidents occur when drivers fail to follow safety protocols or traffic laws, putting both themselves and others on the road at risk.
Company Negligence
Trucking companies can also be negligent by hiring unfit drivers, failing to properly train drivers, neglecting to maintain their fleet, or refusing to adhere to safety regulations. Overloading trucks or pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines can also force drivers into situations where they feel they have to break the law and drive irresponsibly, which can contribute to accidents.
Truck accident victims can seek compensation from the trucking company for any accidents caused by company negligence. A competent Shreveport truck accident attorney like Michael Vergis can analyze the facts of the accident and determine the culpability of the trucking company.
Mechanical Failures
Mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, or steering problems, can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles. Regular maintenance and inspections are essential to prevent these issues. When a mechanical failure occurs due to poor upkeep or defective parts, it can lead to catastrophic accidents.
If a mechanical failure causes an accident, the victim can file a truck accident claim against the responsible party. That could be the truck driver themselves, the trucking company that owns the truck, or the parts manufacturers that designed, tested, and manufactured a part of the truck that failed to function properly, causing the accident.
Poor Weather and Road Conditions
Poor weather and road conditions, such as rain, fog, or icy roads, can make it difficult for truck drivers to control their vehicles and can therefore lead to serious truck accidents. Commercial trucks require longer stopping distances, and slick or hazardous conditions increase the likelihood of crashes. Drivers must adjust their speed and driving habits to accommodate these risks.
Even though adverse weather is often unavoidable, drivers who fail to accommodate the weather can be held responsible for things like not reducing speed or maintaining control of their vehicle. Additionally, state and governmental agencies as well as local municipalities can be held responsible for poorly maintained roads, especially when they lead to a serious truck wreck. A skilled Louisiana truck accident attorney will evaluate the facts to determine who was at fault in this type of truck accident case.
Common Commercial Vehicle Crash Injuries
Commercial truck accidents often lead to severe injuries, both physical and emotional, due to the size and force of these vehicles. Victims may experience immediate physical trauma as well as longer-term psychological effects, impacting not only the individual’s health but also their ability to work and maintain their quality of life. Below are some of the different types of injuries people can suffer from as a result of truck crashes.
Severe Physical Injuries
Severe physical injuries from a truck accident can include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and multiple bone fractures. These types of injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Victims may also suffer from internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, which can be life-threatening. The impact of these serious injuries can be long-lasting, affecting a person’s mobility, independence, and overall quality of life.
In far too many cases, a truck driver’s negligence or a trucking company’s failure to follow safety regulations can lead to fatal crashes. In such scenarios, the surviving family members may be entitled to seek justice through a wrongful death lawsuit. A skilled Louisiana wrongful death lawyer like Michael J. Vergis can help families pursue compensation for the loss of a loved one caused by a fatal truck crash, holding any and all of the responsible parties accountable.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
The emotional and psychological impact of a truck accident can also be profound, often leading to conditions such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Victims of a big truck accident may experience ongoing fear, flashbacks, or difficulty returning to normal activities, especially if they were severely injured or witnessed traumatic events during the crash.
This emotional distress can significantly affect their daily life, relationships, and overall well-being, sometimes requiring therapy or counseling to manage. If the accident resulted in a wrongful death, it can also cause severe emotional anguish to the family members of the victim, as they mourn the loss of their loved one.
Long-Term Effects
Unfortunately, long-term disabilities are another common consequence of these serious accidents, especially when truck accident victims suffer from catastrophic injuries like spinal cord injuries, amputations, or traumatic brain injuries. These conditions can result in permanent mobility issues, chronic pain, or cognitive impairments, almost always requiring ongoing medical care for extended periods following the accident.
In some cases, individuals may no longer be able to work or perform daily tasks independently, leading to a lifelong need for rehabilitation and support services. This can also affect the lives of their family members as they have to take on certain responsibilities and caregiving tasks, further emphasizing the need for experienced commercial truck accident attorneys to help secure the compensation they need to lead a somewhat normal life.
What To Do After Being Injured in an Accident With a Commercial Vehicle
After being injured in an accident with a commercial vehicle, the first step is to seek immediate medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor. Prompt treatment ensures your injuries are properly documented, which can be critical for any future legal claims.
If you’re able, gather information at the accident scene, including the truck driver’s details, company name, and contact information for witnesses. Taking photos of the vehicles, damage, and any visible injuries can also be helpful. Next, report the accident to the police and obtain a copy of the accident report.
Once your immediate needs are addressed, it’s important to contact a personal injury attorney who has experience handling truck accident cases. These cases can be complex, involving multiple parties such as the truck driver, trucking company, and their insurance providers. Louisiana truck accident lawyers have the experience necessary to help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and recover compensation for your losses. Be sure to avoid discussing the accident with the trucking company’s insurance company or signing any documents before consulting with your lawyer.
Who is At Fault in a Commercial Truck Accident?
It’s not always clear who is liable in a truck accident. In commercial vehicle accident proceedings, there are a number of people or parties that can be held liable for compensation, including the truck driver, truck owner, truck company, truck manufacturer, maintenance company, other vehicles, or another third party. An experienced truck accident lawyer at our law firm will have the skills necessary to help determine and prove fault in your truck accident case.
How Much Compensation Can I Get From a Commercial Vehicle Accident?
There is no such thing as an “average” settlement amount for Louisiana truck accidents. However, in general, truck accident claims tend to generate higher settlement amounts than other Bossier auto accident claims. Settlements for commercial vehicle accidents can range from tens of thousands to even tens of millions of dollars.
However, the amount of compensation you can get from a truck accident is entirely dependent on the circumstances of your unique case. Our commercial truck accident attorneys at The Law Offices of Michael J. Vergis can evaluate your claim and the factors at play in your accident and determine how much compensation you may be owed.
Factors that can affect the amount of compensation a victim can claim from a truck accident include:
- The actual damages sustained by the victim (including injuries, medical bills, property damage, lost wages, emotional distress, etc.)
- The amount of culpability the negligent party or parties had in causing the accident
- The amount of culpability the victim had in the accident
- The strength of the victim’s legal representation
What Damages Are Recoverable From a Commercial Vehicle Accident?
In the aftermath of a trucking accident, victims may be entitled to recover financial compensation for the damages they suffered as a result of the accident. These damages can include both economic and non-economic losses, and while this compensation can’t erase the damage done by the accident, it can help the victim and their family move forward with their lives following the crash.
Below are some of the main types of compensation individuals can recover following a Louisiana truck accident.
Medical Expenses
Victims of commercial motor vehicle accidents can recover medical expenses related to their injuries, which can include a variety of expenses, such as:
- Hospital bills
- Emergency transportation and care costs
- Surgery and aftercare costs
- Follow-up medical treatment costs
- Medication costs
- Physical therapy costs
- Adaptive physical device costs
- Home adaptation costs
- Ongoing rehabilitation costs
This covers both immediate treatment and any future medical care necessary for recovery. Proper documentation of these expenses is essential to ensure that injury victims are compensated for all incurred costs following their accident.
Lost Wages
Due to how serious trucking accidents can be, the injuries caused by these accidents will often prevent a victim from being able to attend work for a period of time. In some cases, truck accidents can potentially prevent victims from ever returning to their previous career path due to permanent disability.
With this in mind, accident claims can allow victims to recover both their past earnings and any future lost income if the injuries lead to long-term disability or reduced earning capacity. A Louisiana truck accident lawyer like Michael Vergis can ensure that any and all lost wages or lost earning capacity is compensated for in your truck accident claim.
Pain and Suffering
Accidents involving large commercial vehicles, like semi-trucks, often leave victims traumatized. In fact, many victims of these accidents suffer PTSD which can decrease their quality of life and negatively impact them for months or years to come. Pain and suffering damages compensate victims for any of the physical and emotional distress experienced due to the accident.
Unlike medical expenses and lost wages, pain and suffering compensation is subjective and may vary based on the severity of the injuries and the impact on the victim’s daily life. Let a knowledgeable truck accident attorney at our law firm assess all of your emotional damages and aggressively advocate for the compensation you deserve.
How Our Shreveport Commercial Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help
Attorney Michael J. Vergis is dedicated to helping victims of trucking accidents in Shreveport, Bossier City, and the nearby Northwest Louisiana areas navigate these difficult legal claims. With extensive experience in personal injury law, he understands the unique challenges posed by Louisiana truck accident cases, including the involvement of multiple potential liable parties.
Attorney Vergis will work diligently to investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident, gather essential evidence, and establish liability to build a strong case on your behalf. He will also advocate for your best interests, ensuring that you receive fair compensation for the damages you suffered. If a truck accident resulted in the death of your loved one, he can file a wrongful death claim and help you seek compensation for your unimaginable loss.
He and his team are also committed to providing personalized support throughout the personal injury claim process, allowing you to focus on your recovery while they fight for the justice you deserve. With Attorney Vergis by your side, you can feel confident in your pursuit of accountability and compensation after a trucking accident.
Were You the Victim of a Commercial Vehicle Accident? Call Attorney at Law Michael J. Vergis Today
A commercial vehicle accident is far more complicated than a general car accident claim in Shreveport or Bossier City, especially if it involves a huge truck company. Commercial carriers often have substantial legal teams representing them and insurance adjusters fighting to pay you the lowest settlement amount possible. That’s why you need a competent commercial vehicle accident lawyer in your corner fighting for the damages you deserve.
Attorney Michael J. Vergis is here to provide you with the personal support and legal services you need for your case to succeed. To schedule a free consultation with a commercial truck accident lawyer you can trust, call The Law Offices of Michael J. Vergis at (318) 698-3724 or contact us via our website today. We take on personal injury cases on a contingency basis, so you owe us nothing unless we win your case and you receive compensation.
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