Overview of Marrero Truck Accidents
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), as many as 40 percent of all large truck crashes are the result of truck driver fatigue. Although truck drivers, under federal regulations, are not allowed to drive more than 11 hours at a stretch, these rules are often broken in the attempt to get loads delivered quickly. Truck drivers are not paid unless they are behind the wheel driving, so their motivation lies in their paycheck.
Trucking companies make more money the more loads truck drivers deliver, so they also have a financial motivation to ignore violations of these regulations. It was determined that the risk of a truck collision almost doubles between the 8th and 10th hour of driving, doubling again between the 10th and 11th hour. If you have ever driven for eleven hours solid, you know how exhausting it can be.
In general, truck drivers who drive at night are at a greater risk than those driving during daytime hours. Fatigue-related accidents are more likely to occur between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m. Truck drivers who have been awake for 18 hours are much more likely to show cognitive impairment. Some studies have shown that truck drivers who have been awake for more than 18 hours are as big a danger to other drivers as impaired drivers. Sleep deprivation can adversely affect truck drivers in the following ways:
- Memory impairments
- Easily distracted
- Balance impairments
- Slower reaction times
- Increased risk of falling asleep behind the wheel
- Judgment impairments
- Balance issues
Whether your truck accident was the result of an overly fatigued driver or was due to another issue, it is imperative that you speak to an experienced Marrero semi-truck accident lawyer.
Why Choose a Marrero Truck Accident Attorney from New Orleans Legal?
Having a strong Marrero truck accident attorney on your side can significantly impact the outcome of your truck accident claim. The truck accident legal team at New Orleans Legal has been helping people just like you for many, many years. While we understand that every case is unique in some way, there are also similarities. You are hurting, perhaps unable to work, facing medical expenses and financial devastation, and you need help. You need someone who actually cares about you, your injuries, and your future.
We will work hard to get you back to your normal life as quickly as possible. We do this by getting you the medical treatments you need to get better—and working hard for a fair settlement that fully covers your damages. Attorney Peter Diiorio believes deeply in his clients—your future, your health, and your rights matter to Peter and his team. While we understand that you have many choices when choosing a Marrero semi-truck accident lawyer, we believe your choice will be clear once you speak to Peter J. Diiorio.
About Marrero
Marrero is a census-designated place in Jefferson Parish, on the south side of the Mississippi River, within the New Orleans metro area. With a population of almost 33,000, Marrero was named for the founder of the Marrero Land company—and Louisiana politician—Louis H. Marrero. Marrero was originally named Amesville, after the Boston businessman, Oakes Ames, who purchased much of the land that eventually became Marrero.
The city of Marrero is headquarters to one of the largest medical complexes in Jefferson Parish, as well as to the Barataria Preserves portion of the Jean Lafitte National Historic Park. Just a stone’s throw away from the Crescent City Connection bridge over the Mississippi River to the French quarter, Marrero is a thriving, diverse place to live, work, and have fun.
What Do You Do Following a Semi-Truck Accident?
Following a Marrero truck accident, if you are medically able, make sure everyone at the scene is safely out of the way of traffic. Of course, if you are seriously injured, don’t try to move, rather wait for medical help to arrive. Your medical status is the most important issue right now. Even if you think you are not that badly injured, you need to be checked out by a medical professional.
When you are involved in an accident, adrenaline floods your body, often masking injury symptoms. Either call 911 or make sure someone else does. This will ensure that both the police and an ambulance arrive at the scene. The police will secure the scene and control traffic, then will gather information to put into their report. Tell the truth to the police but keep your answers short and to the point.
It is important that you obtain witness contact information and take photos at the scene if you are able. This evidence can be invaluable for your future claim. Never admit fault, even if you think you might be partially responsible for the accident. This includes not saying “I’m sorry” to the other driver. While you may simply be saying you’re sorry the accident occurred, it can be misconstrued as your admission of fault. Don’t forget to obtain a copy of the police report as soon as it becomes available.
Once you are home, contact your own insurance company to notify them of the accident, then contact an attorney as quickly as possible. When you are home, jot down everything you can remember about the accident. Even the smallest detail can turn out to be incredibly important and can help your attorney secure a fair settlement on your behalf.
Who is Liable Following a Truck Accident?
Liability following a truck accident can be complex. The truck driver could be liable, particularly if he or she was distracted, impaired, driving aggressively, or was overly tired. If the driver was not thoroughly vetted by the trucking company or was not properly trained before being sent out, the trucking company could be held responsible. If the accident was caused by shifting or falling cargo, the loading company may bear some responsibility. If a defective truck part or a lack of maintenance caused the action, the manufacturer of the truck part or the maintenance company could be held partially liable for your injuries. Your Marrero truck accident attorney can determine who is at fault for your truck accident, then hold them responsible for your injuries and other damages.
How Attorney Peter Diiorio Can Help You Following a Marrero Semi-Truck Accident
Following your Marrero truck accident, choosing an experienced lawyer is one of the most important things you can do. There is simply no substitute for real-life experience in a courtroom as well as experience negotiating with insurance companies. Truck accident cases are particularly complex, with multiple liable parties and extremely severe injuries.
Sorting out the liability and translating this into a fair settlement takes a strong legal advocate like Peter Diiorio. Marrero truck accident attorney Peter Diiorio is never afraid to thoroughly investigate your case, then aggressively pursue liability. Peter is never intimidated by a large insurance company and will be the fierce advocate you need when you need it most. Contact attorney Peter Diiorio today for a comprehensive free consultation.
Learn More About Our Jefferson Parish Truck Accident Services
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