Trucking accidents in New Orleans are common when truck drivers and trucking companies violate the legal standard of care. For truck drivers, this may involve violating one or more rules of the road, such as by failing to yield the right-of-way, exhibiting road rage, or engaging in distracted driving. Trucking companies may also be violating state or federal motor carrier regulations, such as failing to follow truck weight or load limits.
If you suffered injuries in a recent New Orleans trucking accident, the legal team at Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers has the knowledge, skills, and experience to aggressively advocate for you. We can investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident, file a timely claim or lawsuit on your behalf, and pursue the compensation you need to become whole again.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced New Orleans truck accident attorney, please call us at 866-304-1575 or contact us online.
Why choose Us?
When it comes to maximizing your compensation in a New Orleans trucking accident case, you need a skilled legal team on your side. Not every personal injury firm has the resources to handle complex truck crash claims.
At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our injured clients over the years. We understand the tactics that insurance companies use to try and undervalue claims, and we know how to counter these tactics effectively.
To view our most recent client testimonials, you can click here. Let us help you obtain the compensation you need for your truck accident injuries.
How Much Is My New Orleans Trucking Accident Case Worth?
If you’re involved in a truck accident in New Orleans, you may be entitled to several categories of compensation. Here’s a look at what you can recover – and the factors that can influence the amount you receive.
Examples of Compensation
- Medical Expenses – You can claim compensation for all medical costs related to the accident. This includes emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, prescription medications, and any future medical care you may require.
- Lost income – If you missed work due to injuries from the accident, you can recover compensation for the earnings you lost. This also covers any future income you may lose if your injuries prevent you from returning to work or limit your earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering – This form of compensation addresses the physical pain and emotional distress you experienced because of the truck crash. It can be harder to calculate but is intended to compensate for the effects the accident had on your quality of life.
- Property Damage – You can also claim compensation for any damage to your vehicle or personal property. This includes repair costs or the replacement value if the property was totaled.
- Loss of Consortium – If your injuries affected your relationship with your family, then your family members may be able to claim compensation for loss of companionship and support.
Factors That Determine Compensation
- Severity of Injuries – More severe injuries typically result in higher compensation. If your injuries require extensive treatment or have long-term effects, your compensation will likely reflect that.
- Insurance Coverage – The amount of compensation can depend on the insurance coverage of the parties involved, including the truck driver’s and the trucking company’s policies.
- Evidence – Strong evidence such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements will help support your claim and potentially increase the amount of compensation you receive.
Where do Commercial Trucking Accidents Most Frequently Occur in New Orleans?
In New Orleans, trucking accidents often happen in specific areas due to the city’s layout and heavy traffic. Here are some of the most common locations for these accidents:
- Interstate Highways – Highways like I-10 and I-610 are major routes for trucks. They connect New Orleans with other cities and handle a lot of freight traffic. Because of the high volume of vehicles and the speeds involved, accidents can be more frequent here. The on and off-ramps, where trucks merge in and out of traffic, are particularly risky spots.
- Major City Streets – Streets like Canal Street, Tulane Avenue, and Broad Street see heavy truck traffic on a daily basis. These streets often have complex intersections and high traffic volumes, increasing the chance of collisions.
- Port Areas – The Port of New Orleans is one of the busiest ports in the country. Trucks frequently travel in and out of the port to transport goods. The increased truck traffic in these areas, combined with congestion and narrow roads, can lead to more accidents.
- Construction Zones – New Orleans has many ongoing construction projects. Trucks often navigate through these areas, which can have changing traffic patterns, roadblocks, and detours. These conditions can create hazards and lead to accidents.
- Areas Near the French Quarter – The French Quarter is a popular tourist destination with a lot of narrow and congested streets. Trucks delivering goods to businesses in this area often face difficulties with tight spaces and heavy pedestrian traffic, raising the risk of accidents.
- Bridges and Tunnels – New Orleans has several bridges and tunnels, such as the Crescent City Connection and the Harvey Tunnel. These structures can be challenging for large trucks to navigate, especially if there are issues with visibility, maintenance, or traffic congestion.
Types of New Orleans Truck Accidents
In New Orleans, negligence by truck drivers or trucking companies can lead to several common types of accidents. These incidents often result from failures in adhering to safety regulations or proper driving practices. Here are some of the most frequent types of accidents resulting from negligence:
- Rear-End Collisions – These accidents occur when a truck driver fails to maintain a safe following distance and crashes into the vehicle in front. This type of collision is often the result of speeding, distracted driving, or inadequate braking.
- Blind Spot Collisions – Trucks have large blind spots on their sides and rear. If a truck driver is negligent in checking these blind spots before changing lanes or making turns, they may collide with other vehicles. Failing to use mirrors or signaling appropriately often leads to these accidents.
- Jackknife Accidents – A jackknife accident happens when a truck’s trailer swings out and forms a “V” shape with the truck cab. This can occur if the driver suddenly brakes or if the trailer skids. Poorly maintained brakes or improper load distribution often contribute to this dangerous situation.
- Rollover Accidents – Trucks, particularly those with high centers of gravity, are prone to rolling over. This type of accident can result from sharp turns, speeding, or improper loading. Negligence in securing cargo or maintaining tire pressure can also increase the risk of rollovers.
- Cargo Spills – If a trucking company fails to properly secure a truck’s cargo, it can shift or spill onto the roadway. This negligence can lead to accidents when other vehicles collide with the spilled cargo or when the truck itself loses control due to shifting loads.
- Running Red Lights or Stop Signs – Truck drivers who run red lights or fail to stop at stop signs create significant hazards. This type of negligence is often due to speeding or trying to meet tight delivery deadlines, leading to dangerous intersections and severe collisions.
- Improper Maintenance – Trucks that are not regularly maintained can experience mechanical failures such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts. Negligence in performing regular maintenance checks can result in accidents due to these failures.
Common Injuries in a New Orleans Trucking Accident
Injuries in a New Orleans truck accident can be severe due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. Here are some of the most common types of injuries that victims may suffer:
- Whiplash – This injury occurs when the head and neck are violently jerked back and forth, causing strain or damage to the neck muscles and ligaments. It can result in pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.
- Back Injuries – Truck accidents can cause significant stress on the spine, leading to herniated discs, spinal fractures, or lower back pain. These injuries can be debilitating and may require extensive treatment or surgery.
- Head and Brain Injuries – Concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and skull fractures can occur if the victim’s head strikes an object or if the brain is jolted within the skull. These injuries can range from mild to severe and may cause long-term cognitive and emotional effects.
- Broken Bones – The force of a truck collision can also lead to fractures or broken bones in various parts of the body, including the arms and legs. Healing from these injuries often requires immobilization, pain management, and sometimes surgery.
- Chest Injuries – Injuries to the chest can include rib fractures, punctured lungs, or contusions. These injuries may cause severe pain and difficulty breathing, requiring immediate medical intervention.
- Soft Tissue Injuries – Injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, such as sprains, strains, and contusions, are common in trucking accidents. These can cause pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.
- Limb Amputations – In severe accidents, limbs may be crushed or severed. Amputations can be traumatic and may require prosthetics and extensive rehabilitation.
Fighting the Insurance Company after a New Orleans Truck Accident
When dealing with an insurance company after a trucking accident in New Orleans, fighting for fair compensation can be challenging. At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we can:
- Gather Evidence – Collecting detailed evidence is crucial. We can obtain police reports, medical records, photographs of the accident scene, and witness statements. This evidence helps establish the facts of the accident and the extent of your injuries.
- Consult with Experts – In some cases, it may be beneficial to consult with accident reconstruction experts or medical professionals who can provide expert opinions on the cause of your accident and the severity of your injuries. Their insights can further strengthen your case.
- Negotiate with the Insurance Company – Insurance companies may initially offer a low settlement. By aggressively negotiating with the insurer, we can help you secure a fair amount. We will also be prepared to counter their offers with detailed evidence and clear explanations of why you deserve more.
- File a Lawsuit – If settlement negotiations fail, we can file a lawsuit on your behalf. This involves presenting your case in court, where we can use the collected evidence and expert testimony to argue for appropriate compensation.
Our lawyers can handle every step of the process for you, ensuring that you receive the justice and compensation you deserve for your accident-related losses.
Important Steps to Take after a Truck Accident in New Orleans
After being involved in a truck accident in New Orleans, there are several crucial steps to take to protect your health and your legal rights:
- Seek Ongoing Medical Treatment for Your Injuries – Follow through with all recommended treatments and follow-up appointments to ensure your health is properly addressed.
- Obtain Medical Records – Keep copies of all medical records, including hospital reports, treatment plans, and bills. These documents are essential for proving the extent of your injuries and the costs associated with your care. It’s also a good idea to keep a daily journal of your symptoms and pain.
- Collect Documentation – Gather all relevant documents related to the accident. This includes police reports, photographs of the accident scene, and witness statements. This evidence will support your claim by showing how the accident occurred and its effect on you.
- Consult with an Experienced New Orleans Truck Accident Lawyer – At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, our experienced legal team can help navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure that you receive the fair compensation you deserve. Our experienced attorneys can provide valuable guidance and representation throughout every stage of your case.
By following these steps, you can effectively manage your recovery and strengthen your case for compensation.
Contact an Experienced New Orleans Truck Accident Lawyer Today
At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we are prepared to advocate aggressively for your rights and, if necessary, take your case all the way to a jury trial or alternative dispute resolution proceeding for a favorable result.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a skilled New Orleans truck accident attorney, please call us at 866-304-1575 or contact us online.