Experiencing an 18-wheeler accident in New Orleans can be devastating. A collision with a truck of that size can cause a person serious injuries and even death. If you or your loved one has suffered an injury in an 18-wheeler accident, Arnona Rose, Attorneys at Law is ready to learn more about your case. We are committed to advocate for the fair and just compensation that New Orleans accident victims deserve. 

We believe that when someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you should not have to pay for it. Contact our New Orleans 18-wheeler attorneys today to learn how we can advocate for your rights. We offer our potential clients a free case evaluation. 

Truck Drivers Owe Other Drivers and Pedestrians a Duty of Care

The federal government highly regulates the commercial trucking agency. Intense regulation is necessary due to the dangers that large 18-wheeler trucks cause to other pedestrians and cars on the road. The maximum weight of a large truck, as well as the maximum driving time of truckers, are regulated by federal and state guidelines. Those commercial truckers and their employers who fail to abide by these rules can be held liable by their victims. 

Under Louisiana law, truck drivers owe everyone else on the road a duty of reasonable care. When drivers breach that duty of care by their negligence or recklessness, they are financially responsible for damages that the victims of the accidents incur. Victims of New Orleans 18-wheeler accidents may also be able to bring a lawsuit against the truck driver’s employer. When the employer failed to use reasonable care when hiring the driver, or hired a driver without enough experience or without the proper license, the company may be vicariously liable for their employee’s negligence. 

How Prevalent are New Orleans 18-Wheeler Accidents?

Large truck accidents are more common than many people realize. According to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, 103 fatal motor vehicle accidents involved large trucks and buses in 2019. That year, 2,714 large truck and bus accidents caused injuries. Large trucks and buses are responsible for 15.7% of all fatal collisions as well as 6.2% of all injury accidents that same year. Any time passenger vehicle drivers get on the road with large 18-wheelers, they are putting themselves at risk. 

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents

There are many different causes of 10-wheeler accidents. Many of the same causes of passenger car vehicle accidents also cause commercial truck accidents. Causes of 18-wheeler accidents range from driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol to driving with overweight freight or cargo. The key difference between passenger vehicle accidents and 18-wheeler accidents is that 18-wheeler trucks are massive. When commercial truck drivers make a mistake, the consequences can be fatal. 

For example, when a commercial truck driver swerves into the road and horizontally blocks a highway, multiple oncoming cars can crash into the truck. These types of dangerous 18-wheeler accidents often result in multiple fatalities and severe injuries. The following are common causes of 18-wheeler truck accidents.

Speeding

Many truck drivers are independent contractors. If they do not complete a delivery on time, they do not get paid. Even those truckers who work as employees face serious pressure to complete jobs on time. This time pressure can lead truck drivers to speed in order to earn more money. In many cases, the temptation to speed to make up time is too great. Unfortunately, when commercial truck drivers speed, the dangers to others on the road are huge. The faster the 18-wheeler drivers drive, the more time and distance it takes to bring the large truck to a safe stop.

Tire Failure and Brake Failure 

Ensuring that the tires on 18-wheeler vehicles are safe is paramount. Commercial truck drivers and other drivers are at risk of fatal injuries when semi-truck tires blow out on the road. In some cases, 18-wheeler drivers fail to replace tires that are overly worn, risking a dangerous tire blow out. In other cases, tires are under or overinflated. Debris and potholes can also cause tire failure. 

Similarly, commercial truck drivers have a duty to make sure that their brakes are working well. When truck drivers “ride the brakes” too often, they can wear them out. All drivers should ensure that their trucks receive regular maintenance to prevent brake failure. When commercial truck drivers drive down a steep hill and the brakes fail, the truck can skid off of the road and collide with a stationary object, causing serious injuries and death. 

Driver Fatigue and Distracted Driving

As mentioned above, truck drivers are required to work on extremely tight schedules. They often push themselves too hard, to the point of being extremely fatigued. Fatigue can cause micro-sleeping, impaired motor skills, a loss of concentration, and a loss of concentration on the road. Truck drivers can only drive for certain amounts of time before they are required by law to take a break. 

When drivers cause 18-wheeler accidents because of their fatigue, they may be entitled to compensation for their injuries. Additionally, truck drivers are not immune to distracted driving. With their long hours on the road, it can be tempting to check a text message or engage in other distracting behavior. 

Seeking Compensation After an 18-Wheeler Accident

If you have suffered an injury caused by a large truck accident, you may be entitled to damages. Under Louisiana law, victims of someone else’s negligence can recover lost wages, past and future medical bills, as well as pain and suffering. The best thing you can do is to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. 

At Arnona Rose, Attorneys at Law, we have a proven track record of securing significant settlements and jury verdicts on behalf of our clients. We offer our potential clients a free initial consultation to discuss their case. Contact our personal injury law firm as soon as possible to schedule your initial consultation.