St James Parish Truck Accident Lawyer

Big truck accidents can be catastrophic. They may result in multi-car pile-ups, totaled vehicles, severe and disabling injuries, and even death. The size, weight, and speed of commercial trucks make them more likely to cause severe harm. If you or a loved one were involved in a commercial vehicle accident, a St James Parish truck accident lawyer can determine how you can recover compensation, such as from the trucking company’s insurer or another insurer.

Commercial drivers provide an essential service, and many are exceptionally safe drivers who are aware of their responsibilities. Accidents can happen even when drivers are careful. However, some drivers do not uphold their duty of care. Injured individuals deserve support when this happens.

In St. James Parish, there were 196 suspected injury crashes, and 22 of those crashes involved a commercial motor vehicle. Commercial vehicle crashes are less common than other collisions, but can cause life-altering injuries and damages when they do occur.

Experienced Truck Accident Attorneys in St. James Parish

A collision with a commercial vehicle is more likely to cause debilitating injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and amputations. These injuries can require significant immediate medical care, and they can also change someone’s entire future. They may be unable to complete daily tasks, require at-home replacement services, and be unable to work.

Filing a claim against the at-fault party can help injured individuals recover these financial losses. At Gauthier Amedee, we can help you fight for justice and hold the negligent party accountable. Our firm understands how stressful these cases can be, and we want to limit the stress and strain on you and your family. Let us be your Go2Lawyers if you were injured in St. James Parish.

What Commonly Causes Commercial Truck Accidents?

Vehicle accidents are most commonly caused by a driver in the accident, but commercial truck accidents are more complicated than other collisions. While one or more drivers may be liable, there are many other parties that may be liable as well.

In Louisiana, a commercial motor vehicle crash is often more likely to be the fault of drivers other than the commercial truck driver. In 2023, in the state, 51.7% of these fatal crashes were caused by non-commercial drivers, while 35.7% were caused by a truck driver. Commercial drivers were responsible for 45.1% of injury crashes compared to 50.0% for other drivers, and 42.4% of property damage-only crashes compared to 60% for other drivers.

Determining Fault

To determine the party or parties who are at fault for the accident, an investigation of the cause of the crash needs to be conducted. Some of the common causes of truck accidents include:

• Vehicle or equipment malfunction. Commercial vehicles like semi-trucks see significant use each day, leading to a lot of wear on the systems. Regulations require regular maintenance, repairs, and inspections to maintain safer roads. If a trucking company or truck owner ignores these regulations, it can lead to breakdowns on the road and cause severe crashes.

  Equipment malfunctions can also happen despite proper care being taken. If this failure is caused by a manufacturer selling an unreasonably dangerous product, the manufacturer can be liable.

• Driver error. Both truck drivers and non-commercial drivers can act or fail to act in a way that is negligent, causing the accident. Drivers may be distracted by music, a navigational system, their phone, or food and drink. Drivers may operate their vehicles recklessly or aggressively, engaging in violations like speeding, brake checking, failing to yield, and unsafe lane changes.
• Driving under the influence. In many cases, a driver operating under the influence and causing an accident means that the driver is liable. However, there are situations where a trucking company could also be liable, such as if they failed to ensure appropriate background checks for their drivers or did not provide the required drug tests.

• Driving fatigued. Driving while tired is especially common for commercial truck drivers. These drivers work long and late hours. The law requires that drivers take set breaks for rest and meals, but these regulations are not always followed.

  Drivers may not follow regulations for many reasons, including extreme shipment deadlines set by the trucking company or shipping company, or incentives from a trucking company to ignore the break requirements.

• Improperly loaded cargo. When a commercial truck is overloaded, it can cause brake failures and other malfunctions. Improperly loaded truck trailers can lead to cargo spills, rollover accidents, and jackknife accidents because of poor cargo securement or improper weight distribution. When shipping or loading companies ignore the proper safety procedures, they can be held liable if the issue causes an accident.

When you work with a dedicated truck accident attorney, they can investigate the cause of the accident. Using their resources and knowledge of these cases, they can review what caused the crash and what party or parties are liable as a result.

What Should You Do After a Truck Accident?

It’s important to know what you can do after a truck accident to protect your health, safety, and future interests in a claim. Your first priority is to ensure your safety and the safety of those in the crash. If you can, here are the steps you should take:

1. Report the accident to 911 and any injuries you are aware of
2. Get medical treatment when emergency services arrive, regardless of whether you think you were injured or not
3. Provide a police report on request, telling the truth without speculating or admitting fault
4. Document the accident scene, your injuries, and vehicle damages
5. Exchange information with the other drivers, including contact and insurance information
6. Secure the contact information of any eyewitnesses
7. Avoid conversations with insurance companies, and avoid agreements, statements, or signatures if you do talk with them
8. Get medical treatment from your medical provider or a nearby hospital
9. Get in contact with an experienced truck accident attorney

The police report is an important initial piece of evidence for your claim. Accidents in St. James Parish are likely to be handled by the St. James Parish Sheriff’s Office or the Louisiana State Police. The sheriff’s office is located at 5800 LA-44 in Convent, and their non-emergency number is (225) 562-2200.

Contact Gauthier Amedee Quickly

You have a short amount of time to file a civil or insurance claim. Get in contact with Gauthier Amedee today to schedule a consultation and begin your case quickly.