Our Trucking Attorneys Will Fight For Your Compensation If a Negligent Truck Driver Injured You in New Orleans
Due to their size and weight, trucks can cause serious accidents when drivers are negligent. These accidents typically result in severe injuries to other drivers and can sometimes be fatal. Unfortunately, it isn’t always clear how the driver’s negligence caused your accident, which is critical in proving your claim. If you have been injured in a truck accident, a knowledgeable New Orleans truck accident attorney can review your case and determine the cause of your accident.
Driving While Fatigued Louisiana
Truck drivers spend long days behind the wheel, often driving before sunrise and well into the night. While federal regulations limit the number of hours they can spend behind the wheel, drivers do not always follow the law. Regardless of whether they are ignoring these restrictions, the bottom line is that drivers need to stop once they are getting drowsy. Driving while fatigued can hamper the driver’s ability in the following ways:
- Delayed reaction times
- Poor judgment
- Inability to pay full attention
In some cases, the driver may be pressured to drive longer than they should. Whatever the reason, driving a truck while fatigued is negligent.
Truckers Driving While Under the Influence In New Orleans
Another common example of negligent truck driving is driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Despite this fact, many truck drivers still drive while impaired. Over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription drugs can also lead to impairment, especially when combined or other substances. For a truck driver, even the slightest impairment can result in a severe accident.
What Is Considered Distracted Driving?
Driving while distracted is one of the most common causes of negligent truck driving accidents. Distractions can take on many forms, including the following:
- Eating and drinking
- Reading a map or using a GPS unit
- Adjusting the radio
- Talking with dispatch
- Using a phone or similar electronic device
Anything requiring the driver to remove their hands from the wheel or take their eyes off the road is considered a distraction that can lead to a truck accident.
Negligent Truck Driving in Bad Weather
Truck drivers have an obligation to drive safely as determined by road conditions. This means they may have to drive slower than the speed limit or create more space between their truck and other vehicles in bad weather. Bad weather also requires the driver to pay increased attention to the road and traffic. Failure to adjust their driving habits for inclement weather is evidence of negligence.
Aggressive Driving
Another form of truck driver negligence is aggressive driving. Speeding, tailgating, abrupt and unsafe lane changes can all lead to a serious accident.
Failure to Control Overloaded or Oversized Trucks
Oversized trucks or trucks with hefty loads require special attention from the driver as they can be challenging to handle. Waiting too long to brake, turning too fast, or swerving can lead to a rollover or other accident that can cause injury to others. Negligent truck drivers often fail to take the size of their truck and cargo into account when driving.
Contact Bloom Legal After a Truck Driver Caused Your Accident
If you have been injured in a truck accident, the driver and the trucking company may be held liable for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses. To discuss your case and how we may help, contact us today at 504-599-9997 to schedule a free consultation.
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Posted By: Sarah Perrie