Large trucks can weigh 20 to 30 times as much as passenger cars, which is why, when an accident occurs, the results can be catastrophic for any occupants in a car. In fact, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that 4,136 people died in large truck accidents in 2018. While 16% of those who were killed were truck drivers, the vast majority—67%—were the occupants in cars and other passenger vehicles.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a truck accident in Baton Rouge, you are probably hurt and feeling overwhelmed. Medical bills and car repair expenses can quickly add up, and if you are unable to work because of your injuries, you may be scared and unsure of where to turn for help.
Morris Bart, LLC is here to help. Our Baton Rouge truck accident lawyer team has worked on many cases like these, and we are proud of the results we achieved in those cases. We also work on a contingency fee basis, which means if you decide to retain our services, you only pay us if you receive a settlement or award with your case.
For a free, no-risk review of your case, call us today at (225) 341-5694.
Types of Injuries That Occur in Truck Accidents
There are a wide variety of injuries that can occur in trucking accidents, although some of the more common include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) and Other Head Injuries
Head injuries like traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions frequently occur in motor vehicle accidents, as victims will often strike their heads on the door, window, steering wheel, or something else upon impact. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), TBIs are a major cause of death and disability. They reported that in 2014, an average of 155 people died each day as a result of injuries that included a TBI. When the victim does survive, they may experience extended periods of unconsciousness or memory loss.
Spinal Cord Injuries
This type of injury is the result of damage directly to a part of the spinal cord. Many victims require wheelchairs or other assistive devices after receiving this type of injury, as they often experience a partial or total loss of mobility below the site of the injury.
Internal Bleeding
This type of injury can be particularly dangerous, as many victims do not know they are bleeding until the injury becomes life-threatening. While some small bleeds can heal themselves naturally, severe injuries like those caused by trauma from truck accidents often cause serious damage to blood vessels, organs, and bones.
Broken Bones
These are a highly common injury in a motor vehicle accident, although they do cause extreme pain and require long periods of healing. In some cases, they create a risk for other complications. For example, if a broken bone is severe enough to break through the skin, there are complications associated with resetting the bone, possible blood loss, and risk of infection.
If you have suffered injuries in a truck accident due to the negligent actions of another driver, call Morris Bart, LLC at (225) 341-5694. A Baton Rouge truck accident lawyer can offer a free consultation on options for recovering compensation for your losses.
For a free legal consultation with a Truck Accident lawyer serving Baton Rouge, call 800-537-8185
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
There are numerous factors that can result in a catastrophic truck accident. While sometimes external factors like adverse weather conditions lead to an accident, in many cases, it was the negligence of one or more parties that led to an accident. Some examples of that are:
Driver Fatigue
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that their research on drowsy driving shows drivers are more than twice as likely to make a mistake in their performance than a driver who has adequate rest. Because truck drivers can legally be on the road driving for up to 11 hours per day, the likelihood of a driver becoming fatigued is very high. In fact, the CDC reports that commercial drivers like truck drivers are among the types of drivers who are most likely to drive drowsy. Sadly, NHTSA estimates that drowsy driving is responsible for up to 6,000 fatal crashes each year. Because of the enormous size of a tractor-trailer, the likelihood of a fatality is much higher.
Improper Maintenance
IIHS reported that in a 2010 study that examined the role of defective equipment in large truck accidents, almost 55% of the trucks had at least one mechanical violation. Even more shocking, though, was that almost 30% had at least one condition serious enough that the trucks should have been taken out of service immediately. The study found that, of all the violations, the most common problems were violations in lighting and braking. Because trucks require much longer distances for stopping—even more so on wet or slippery roads—any problem with the braking system can significantly increase the likelihood of a crash.
Distracted Driving
Truck drivers are susceptible to distracted driving the same as drivers of passenger cars. Changing the radio station, eating, or just looking at the scenery around them can all cause distractions that take the driver’s eyes and attention off the road. Because truck drivers spend up to 11 hours behind the wheel, they may be even more at risk of using devices to pass the time. While truck drivers are prohibited from operating cell phones while driving, studies show that even a hands-free device can slow reaction time.
Baton Rouge Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me 800-537-8185
How a Baton Rouge Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
There are a few specific ways that a truck accident lawyer can help your case. We can:
- Answer your questions and offer you legal guidance for the best path to take after your accident
- Gather evidence, including police reports, eyewitness statements, fuel and lodging receipts, and maintenance records
- Obtain testimonies from medical experts and accident scene reconstruction experts
- Calculate the total cost of your losses
- Identify the liable party
- Handle communication with the truck carrier’s insurance company and other parties
- Negotiate to the fullest extent of your injuries
- Pursue compensation at trial if we cannot come to a fair agreement out of court
It is important not to delay if you plan to pursue legal action after your accident. The Louisiana statute of limitations only gives the plaintiff one year from the date of the accident to file a claim. Also, memories fade over time, so it can be easiest to collect evidence as soon as possible after an accident.
For a free, no-risk review of your case, contact Morris Bart, LLC today at (225) 341-5694.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
