18 WHEELER ACCIDENTS
AREAS DE PRÁCTICA
SHREVEPORT 18 WHEELER ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer Serving Injury Victims in Northwest Louisiana
Being struck by an 18-wheeler is often a traumatic and life-altering experience. As your Shreveport 18-wheeler accident attorney, Michael Vergis Attorney at Law knows how devastating these accidents are for victims and their families. Truck accidents often bring about serious injuries, overwhelming medical expenses, and immense emotional strain.
Michael Vergis is dedicated to helping accident victims recover after serious accidents in Shreveport, Bossier City, and throughout Northwest Louisiana. With years of experience representing victims of 18-wheeler and large truck crashes, he understands the legal and investigative needs that come with truck accident cases, including how to approach trucking companies, gather evidence, and push for fair compensation.
While you focus on your own physical recovery, let our team at The Law Office of Michael J. Vergis work to recover the financial compensation you deserve. To speak to an experienced truck accident lawyer at our firm, call (318) 698-3724 o comunicarse en línea to schedule your free initial consultation today.
Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents
There are a number of different scenarios that can lead to a devastating truck accident. However, some of the most common causes of 18-wheeler accidents include driver fatigue, distracted driving, improper truck maintenance, improperly loaded cargo, reckless driving and speeding, and adverse weather conditions.
Driver Fatigue
Driver fatigue is a major cause of 18-wheeler accidents. Truck drivers often face long hours and demanding schedules, which can lead to drowsy driving. When a truck driver operates a large commercial truck while tired, their reaction time and alertness decrease, raising the likelihood of serious accidents.
De acuerdo con la Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), “La Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS) reported that 13 percent of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers were considered to have been fatigued at the time of their crash.”
Conducción distraida
Conducción distraida is another leading cause of trucking accidents (and automobile accidents in general), especially when truck drivers take their eyes off the road to check phones, GPS systems, or other devices. Due to the sheer size and weight difference compared to the average passenger car, large trucks require full driver focus to prevent serious collisions and injuries. When a truck driver is distracted, the risk of causing severe or fatal injuries to other drivers and passengers on the road significantly increases.
Improper Maintenance
Improper maintenance is another common cause of 18-wheeler accidents. Trucking companies are responsible for keeping their commercial vehicles in safe condition, and if preventable issues like faulty brakes, broken lights, or tire blowouts lead to an accident, these companies are liable for any injuries and damages caused as a result.
Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo
Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo is a serious concern for 18-wheelers. Large commercial trucks can become unstable when cargo is uneven or too heavy, leading to accidentes de vuelco and various other dangerous truck collisions. Plus, unbalanced loads make it harder for truck drivers to stop quickly or control the vehicle, especially in traffic or at higher speeds.
Reckless Driving or Speeding
When 18-wheeler truck drivers ignore speed limits or drive aggressively, they put everyone on the road at risk. Large commercial trucks like 18-wheelers and semi-trucks are difficult enough to control as is, but driving at high speeds and/or other reckless driving behaviors can make them even harder to control, increasing the chance of a serious and even fatal car accident.
Las condiciones climáticas
Malas condiciones climáticas can turn any vehicle into a serious hazard on the road, but an 18-wheeler truck’s size and weight add to the risk. Rain, fog, or ice make it harder for truck drivers to safely handle large commercial trucks, leading to dangerous situations for both themselves and other passenger vehicles.
Injuries Commonly Associated with 18-Wheeler Accidents
Injuries from 18-wheeler accidents are often severe, potentially affecting every aspect of an accident victim’s life. Injuries commonly associated with 18-wheeler trucking accidents include:
- Golpes con objetos romos
- Heridas en la cabeza
- Lesiones cerebrales traumáticas (TBI)
- Lesiones de la médula espinal
- Fracturas óseas
- Seat belt injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Severe burns
- Scarring and disfigurement
Lesiones catastróficas like these may require lifelong medical care, extensive rehabilitation, and can lead to permanent disabilities.
Legal Rights of Louisiana Truck Accident Victims
It’s important to know your rights after suffering injuries from an 18-wheeler crash. For example, you have the:
- Right to Compensation – Victims of 18-wheeler accidents in Louisiana have the legal right to seek compensation for a range of damages. These include lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and medical expenses for immediate and future needs. Compensation may also cover surgeries, rehabilitation, therapy, and long-term care resulting from serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries.
- Right to a Thorough Investigation – Louisiana truck accident victims are entitled to a thorough investigation of their accident. This investigation may involve examining trucking logs, maintenance records, driver qualifications, and adherence to state and federal trucking regulations. These details, including hours-of-service rules and vehicle weight limits, are critical for building a strong truck accident claim.
- Right to a Fair Settlement or Trial – Victims have the right to pursue a fair settlement that truly reflects their damages. If the insurance company attempts to minimize their claim with lowball offers, victims can take their truck accident case to court, seeking the compensation they deserve for their losses through truck accident lawsuits.
Liability in 18-Wheeler Accident Cases
Liability in 18-wheeler accident cases can involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, truck manufacturer, and even those responsible for loading cargo. Let’s take a look at some of the scenarios in which these parties might be found responsible for the truck collision.
Truck Driver Liability
A truck driver’s negligence, such as driving under the influence, speeding, or fatigue, is a common culprit when it comes to truck accidents. Fatigue is particularly common yet especially dangerous in the trucking industry, as long hours often push drivers beyond safe limits. When truck drivers fail to follow safety regulations, they can be held liable for truck accident injuries, lost wages, and medical expenses suffered by accident victims.
Trucking Company Liability
Truck companies can often be held liable in 18-wheeler accident cases due to improper training of truck drivers, setting unrealistic schedules that lead to driver fatigue, or neglecting required vehicle maintenance. When a truck company fails to follow safety standards or pressures truck drivers to meet strict deadlines, they put both truck accident victims and other motor vehicle drivers at risk. This negligence can be a significant factor in truck accident claims and lawsuits.
Manufacturer Liability
In some 18-wheeler accident cases, the truck manufacturer may hold liability if defective parts contributed to the crash. Issues like faulty brakes, steering mechanisms, or other essential components can lead to dangerous situations for both the truck driver and other motor vehicles on the road. When defective equipment causes a truck accident, the manufacturer may be responsible for any damages suffered by truck accident victims.
Third-Party Liability
In trucking accident cases, liability can extend beyond the truck driver and their employer to include third parties, such as another driver on the road. For example, if a car wreck involving a truck is caused by the reckless or negligent actions of a driver in an average passenger vehicle, that driver may be held partially or fully responsible for the accident. Identifying all liable parties is crucial in ensuring victims receive the compensation they deserve.
What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Louisiana
After an 18-wheeler accident in Louisiana, taking specific steps to protect your health and legal rights is of the utmost importance. After contacting the police and/or appropriate local authorities, you should:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if injuries aren’t immediately visible, getting medical care after any motor vehicle accident is priority for your health, especially one involving large trucks. It’s also important to document any medical treatment your receive for your truck accident injuries, as this will later come in handy for your claim.
- Document the Accident Scene: Capture photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, and any visible injuries to support your truck accident claim.
- Gather Information: Collect contact details from witnesses, the truck driver, and any involved parties to strengthen your potential truck accident case.
- Contact an Attorney: Reach out to an experienced Abogado de lesiones personales de Shreveport to make sure evidence is preserved and your rights are protected throughout the process. Michael Vergis is a trusted advocate for those dealing with 18-wheeler truck accident injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and even wrongful death cases. He will handle each aspect of your truck accident claim, from accident investigation to negotiations with insurance companies.
Why You Need an Experienced Shreveport Truck Accident Lawyer Like Mike Vergis
Trucking accident cases are challenging due to the many factors that can affect liability and compensation. For instance, semi-truck accidents often involve federal trucking regulations, multiple liable parties like trucking companies and cargo loaders, and confusing insurance policies. A Shreveport auto accident lawyer like Mike Vergis understands these aspects and can manage the detailed investigations and negotiations required. He and his legal team have the knowledge to handle each part of the legal process, from examining trucking logs to dealing with insurance companies and beyond.
With years of experience handling 18-wheeler accident cases in Louisiana, Michael Vergis has a proven record of helping truck accident victims pursue fair compensation. His understanding of Louisiana traffic laws and his skill with complicated truck accident claims make him an effective advocate. Rest assured, Attorney Vergis fights aggressively for his clients, pushing back against low settlement offers and working tirelessly to make sure they receive the support and compensation needed for their recovery.
The Role of a Truck Accident Attorney
An experienced attorney can be essential in pursuing compensation after a truck accident. At The Law Office of Michael Vergis, our Shreveport truck accident lawyers conduct detailed investigations, including analyzing police reports, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing truck maintenance records, to uncover key factors like driver negligence and speed limit violations. As a dedicated semi truck accident attorney, Michael Vergis identifies all liable parties, from the truck driver and trucking company to third parties like cargo loaders or other drivers on the road, ensuring every avenue for compensation is explored.
Handling insurance companies after a truck accident can be overwhelming, but Attorney Vergis works tirelessly to protect clients from low settlement offers and negotiate for fair compensation, securing enough financial recovery for all related medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, long-term care, and more. If a fair settlement isn’t possible, he is ready to file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf and take the case to trial, fighting for justice and maximum compensation by whatever means necessary.
Compensation Available in 18-Wheeler Accident Cases
When it comes to truck accident cases, there are many potential avenues for financial compensation. Our personal injury lawyers will identify and pursue every last possibility for compensation, including:
- Gastos médicos (current and future medical bills, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care needs)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity (lost income from time off work while recovering and compensation for diminished earning capacity if permanent injuries prevent you from resuming previous roles)
- Dolor y sufrimiento (physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life)
- Daño a la propiedad (costs for vehicle repairs or replacement)
18-Wheeler Accident Wrongful Death Claims
Tragically, many 18-wheeler accidents result in devastating wrongful death cases, leaving families grappling with an unimaginable emotional loss. These fatal accidents cause families to face not only the overwhelming grief of losing a loved one but also substantial financial challenges, including medical expenses, funeral costs, and the loss of household income that may have been provided by the truck accident victim. With all this in mind, pursuing a wrongful death claim can be necessary for a family’s future stability and sense of justice.
In these cases, a Abogado de muerte por negligencia en Shreveport like Michael Vergis can help families navigate these difficult times by seeking justice and pursuing compensation to ease the financial burdens caused by such tragedies.
Contact Michael J. Vergis: Your Trusted Shreveport-Bossier 18-Wheeler Crash Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been in an accident involving an 18-wheeler or other commercial truck, don’t face this challenging time alone. Contact Michael J. Vergis, your trusted commercial vehicle accident lawyer, to discuss your case and legal options. With experience in handling complex car accidents and various commercial vehicle cases, Attorney Vergis is here to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Llama (318) 698-3724 today for a free legal consultation with a Shreveport 18-wheeler accident attorney on our team or fill out our formulario en linea to schedule a meeting at your convenience.
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