An accident with a commercial vehicle usually involves a truck or trailer’s immense weight and force impacting your car and causing severe damage. You might be eligible to seek compensation from various sources if this happened because of another party’s negligence. Driving under the influence, drowsiness, and failing to properly secure cargo are common contributors to commercial vehicle collisions.
While going up against a commercial vehicle driver or company for damages may sound overwhelming, a Baton Rouge commercial driver lawyer can offer the support you need. Call Morris Bart at (225) 341-5694 for a consultation to discuss your case and review your rights.
The Commercial Truck Driver May Be at Fault
Accidents caused by large commercial trucks are often the fault of the driver. For example, truck drivers might show signs of being impaired or drowsy. Drowsy driving is common among truck drivers, who spend long periods on the road at odd hours. Failure to recognize drowsiness and pull over to rest can equate to negligence. Meanwhile, intoxicated drivers will receive citations for their crimes, but they can also be subject to a civil lawsuit for the injuries they caused.
Drivers who load their vehicles must balance their loads, hitch the trailers properly, and inspect their brakes. The door on the trailer must also be secure. Inspecting a truck properly before getting behind the wheel is part of a trucker’s job, and failure to do so also falls under negligence.
If the driver was not looking when changing lanes or performed another driving maneuver unsafely, they could be held accountable for colliding with your vehicle. These examples of negligent driver actions or inaction can cause catastrophic accidents and may qualify you for compensation.
For a free legal consultation with a Commercial Driver Accident lawyer serving Baton Rouge, call (225) 341-5694
The Trucking Company Might Be Liable
Sometimes, the trucking company that employs the driver or owns the truck that caused the collision is legally responsible for the damages. You may have cause to sue the trucking company if:
- The vehicle or trailer was not in good condition and had not received regular service.
- The driver was forced to drive outside of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
- The accident occurred while the trucker was performing their regular duties.
- The driver did not already have or receive proper training upon becoming an employee of the company.
The employer has a “duty of care” to everyone who shares the road with their trucks, and you can sue when an employee has violated that “duty of care.” You may also be able to file a claim under the company’s commercial insurance policy to recover the damages you seek.
Compensation You May Be Able to Request
After your accident, you might be hurt, miss work, or even lose your job. When you call Morris Bart at (225) 341-5694 for a consultation, one of the factors we can discuss is the damages that may be available to you. These may include:
- Medical bills just after the accident
- The cost of recovery
- Lost income from missing work or losing your job
- Lost income potential if you cannot go back to work at all
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
Click to contact our Baton Rouge Truck Accident Lawyers today
Consulting with a Lawyer
Your Baton Rouge personal injury attorney will compile the information needed to prove how much the accident has cost you using the evidence available. For example, medical bills and pay stubs can help your lawyer determine the economic damages of the lawsuit. If you are injured and unable to work as you normally would, you may request the difference in pay or perhaps compensation for vocational training.
You should also explain how your family has suffered during this difficult time, as this may warrant pain and suffering damages. Speaking with a lawyer about the circumstances of your accident may help you understand the full scope of your damages.
Call for a Consultation About Your Commercial Driving Accident
Call Morris Bart at (225) 341-5694 today to learn how a Baton Rouge commercial driver accident lawyer can assist with your case. Accidents involving commercial trucks can be devastating and can lead to catastrophic injuries. Speaking with an attorney can help you learn how to recover compensation and protect your rights.
Questions?Call (225) 341-5694
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
