Personal Injury Truck Accidents

In order to complete a comprehensive investigation of the driver, you need an attorney who can quickly go to work on your case to obtain driving records, any accident records and or toxicology reports from a drug or alcohol test. Acting promptly to seek legal representation is also necessary to preserve evidence shortly after the accident which may help for a more detailed reconstruction of the events leading up to the collision.

Dealing with issues following an accident with an 18 wheeler is different from dealing with auto accidents where only passenger vehicles are involved. The trucking industry controls the roads, especially in and around areas that have big ports such as New Orleans.

Trucking companies often have teams of attorneys and insurance adjusters who may stand in the way of you receiving the compensation you deserve. It is important for you to talk to your own personal injury attorney before signing or agreeing to anything presented by the insurance adjusters for the trucking company.

In addition, 18 wheeler accident issues are more complex because of the potential number of parties that may be involved. Parties may vary from the truck driver's insurance carrier to the truck manufacturer, if an investigation reveals that there was a product defect with the truck. Often, the truck may be leased by a company whose liability may be a component of your claim and thereby entitling you to compensation.

Although speeding and driver fatigue may seem to be the most common cause of accidents involving 18 wheelers, there may also be issues concerning mechanical repairs, tire blowouts or overloaded and improperly loaded trailers. Records that reflect maintenance performed on the truck are helpful in providing evidence of whether or not the truck was properly maintained and regularly serviced to best ensure safe operation on the road.

Overloaded and improperly loaded trailers could have severe consequences such as jack-knifing. This is when the 18 wheeler may slide off the road or block all lanes of traffic. Where a trailer is found to be loaded improperly and an accident results, the party responsible for the loading may be subject to liability to compensate you for the damages you have sustained. These claims can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, or a variety of other claims that may be available to you on a case by case basis.