Overview of Metairie Truck Accidents
In the state of Louisiana in 2021, 8.3 percent of the total number of fatal automobile collisions involved a large commercial truck. In the same year, 2.9 percent of the automobile collisions in the state that resulted in serious injuries involved a truck. Accidents that involve commercial trucks are more dangerous than most vehicle collisions, posing a high risk of severe or catastrophic injuries. The size and weight of a large truck, the fact that many of these trucks are carrying hazardous materials, and the skill and attention required to drive a large commercial truck all factor into the dangers of truck accidents.
Hours-of-service regulations are largely regulated by the federal government. There is a 14-hour “driving window” limit, an 11-hour driving limit, and 60-hour/7-day or 70-hour/8-day limits. Although it is not based on a 24-hour period, the 14-hour driving window is considered a daily limit. Any time you start work—not necessarily just driving, but also filling up your truck, checking tires, brakes, and cargo, etc.—you have a 14-hour window. Within that window, you can only drive for 11 hours. You must then spend at least 10 consecutive hours off-duty. You can’t “stretch” the 14-hour limit by taking a lunch break or a nap, however, if your truck has a sleeper berth, you may be able to extend the 14-hour limit somewhat.
Truck accidents are unique in that there can be more than one liable party. The truck driver may have been engaging in distracted driving behaviors like eating while driving, talking on the phone, attempting to program a GPS location, or texting while driving. The truck driver may have been impaired or may have been driving aggressively. Aggressive driving behaviors include exceeding the speed limit, tailgating, and weaving in and out of traffic. The trucking company may be liable if it failed to perform a thorough background check on the driver or failed to ensure the driver was properly trained.
If the accident is caused by shifting or falling cargo, the loading company may be partially responsible, and if poorly maintained brakes or tires caused the accident, the maintenance company could be partially responsible. If a defective truck part is responsible for the accident, then a product liability claim could be filed against the manufacturer. It requires a highly experienced Metairie semi-truck accident attorney to properly assign liability and hold those people or entities responsible.
Why Choose New Orleans Legal for Your Metairie Truck Accident?
When you have been injured in a truck accident and are dealing with the aftermath, it can feel overwhelming. Choosing an attorney may feel like one more task you have to deal with. The good thing about this particular task is that once you’ve chosen a Metairie truck accident lawyer, many of your other accident-related burdens will be taken from your shoulders. Once your lawyer is handling the insurance side of your accident, you will be able to focus on healing from your injuries.
Attorney Peter Diiorio from New Orleans Legal will be a fierce advocate for you, your finances, your health, and your future. Peter has a deep belief in the power of team effort, working with his team of professionals to fully meet the needs of every client. The New Orleans Legal team includes a network of top-notch medical doctors who are ready to treat our clients immediately, with no unnecessary delays. We have highly skilled investigators on our team to comprehensively investigate every single case. Leading experts in the areas of accident reconstruction and insurance round out our team. We will ensure your truck accident claim will be fully supported by Metairie truck accident lawyer Peter Diiorio and our experienced team.
About Metairie
Metairie is a census-designated place in Jefferson Parish, with a population of approximately 144,000. As the largest community in Jefferson Parish, and the fifth-largest census-designated place in the nation, Metairie would be the fourth-largest LA city behind Shreveport if it were incorporated. Metairie is bordered by New Orleans to the east, Kenner to the west, and Lake Pontchartrain to the north.
Despite the fact that Metairie is not an incorporated city, it ranked in the top 50 cities for best places to live across the United States, ranking at number 27. Metairie is a New Orleans suburb with plenty of fun things to do for residents and visitors alike. Camp Parapet Monument is a historic landmark that includes the area’s cultural heritage, while Green Acres Park will help renew your mind and soul. Stroll the Metairie business district to soak in the character and charm of the area, then take the kids to the Girard Playground.
What Is the Legal Process Following a Truck Accident?
Following a Metairie truck accident, there are likely to be severe injuries, so seeking medical attention for all those involved is crucial. Call 911 for an ambulance and police officer, ensuring everyone is safe and properly attended to.
The police will prepare a report regarding the accident that may indicate who was at fault for the collision. This can be a good resource for your attorney once you file your claim. If you are medically able, take photographs at the scene of the accident and obtain contact information from any witnesses.
Exchange contact and insurance information with the driver of the truck. Even if you think you might have been partially at fault for the accident, never admit this. Once you have been treated for your injuries and are at home, contact your own insurance company to let them know about the accident. Next, contact an experienced Metairie semi-truck accident attorney to discuss the right way to proceed.
Your attorney will contact the truck company’s insurer to discuss a settlement and will enter into negotiations. If the insurance company simply won’t pay what your claim is worth, a lawsuit will be filed. Generally, this is sufficient to convince the insurance company to pay you an equitable settlement, however, a few cases will actually make it to trial where a judge or jury will determine the outcome.
What Are Common Injuries Following a Truck Accident?
Traumatic brain injuries, concussions, lacerations to the head and face, and other head injuries are among the most common types of truck accident injuries. Symptoms of traumatic brain injury can include headaches, memory and mood issues, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty remembering. Other common truck accident injuries include:
- Back and neck injuries, including spinal cord injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Lacerations
- Burns
- Internal injuries
- Wrongful death
How Can Attorney Peter Diiorio Help Following Your Metairie Truck Accident?
If you are the victim of a truck accident, you will appreciate the dedication of Metairie truck accident lawyer Peter J. Diiorio. Peter works zealously to solve the problems of each and every client. Having an attorney that truly cares about you and has a strong legal team helping him meet your needs, can change the outcome of your truck accident. Attorney Peter Diiorio has a highly client-centric practice that benefits you at every turn. When you choose Peter Diiorio and New Orleans Legal, we will fight for your rights and for your future. Contact Peter Diiorio today for a comprehensive evaluation of your Metairie truck accident.
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