Metairie
18-Wheeler Accidents Lawyer
The injuries are usually more severe, because of the weight and size of the vehicle, and the damage is usually greater.
The good news is that you don’t have to deal with these consequences alone.
At Kiefer & Kiefer, we use every resource at our disposal to make sure our Metairie clients as well as other Louisiana area clients, get the compensation they deserve and the help they need to make a full recovery.
Metairie
18-Wheeler Accidents Lawyer
18-wheeler or semi-truck accidents are different from car accidents.
The injuries are usually more severe, because of the weight and size of the vehicle, and the damage is usually greater.
The good news is that you don’t have to deal with these consequences alone.
At Kiefer & Kiefer, we use every resource at our disposal to make sure our Metairie clients as well as other Louisiana area clients, get the compensation they deserve and the help they need to make a full recovery.
”“Megan and her team really helped relieved a lot of stress from my case. Given the chance, they put the client first. I appreciate Kiefer & Kiefer and would use them again.”
~ Daija M.
Ways that Semi-Truck Accidents are Different
Due to commercial trucks being bigger and more dangerous than other vehicles, the results of an accident are often much worse.
The Metairie attorneys at Kiefer & Kiefer have seen our clients struggle to deal with debilitating brain injuries, spinal damage, paralysis, and other catastrophic injuries as a result of their semi-truck wrecks. While this in no way will truly make up for the life-altering results of your accident, you may be able to make a claim against multiple parties for your personal injuries or property damages.
Some potentially liable parties include:
- The driver of the 18-wheeler or truck involved in the accident
- The company that hired the driver
- The insurance company that insured the driver
- The driver of the 18-wheeler or truck involved in the accident
- The company that hired the driver
- The insurance company that insured the driver
Why Are The Truck Companies Liable?
It is impossible to ignore the reality—truck drivers are human beings. While this does not excuse the responsibility they have in any truck accident, it does cause us to take another look at the companies that have hired them.
Drivers are often held to high expectations, working long hours and making tight deadlines. In semi-truck accidents, driver fatigue is a major culprit. The responsibility lies also in the hands of the company that ignored the rest their drivers needed to perform their dangerous jobs safely.
Here are a couple of the other causes behind semi-truck wrecks:
- DUIs
- Distracted driving
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Brake failure
- Maintenance issues
- Failure to yield or improper lane change
- Improper backing up or loading
- Improper load distribution/product securement
- Improper trailer attachment
- DUIs
- Distracted driving
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Brake failure
- Maintenance issues
- Failure to yield or improper lane change
- Improper backing up or loading
- Improper load distribution/product securement
- Improper trailer attachment
Hundreds of Millions Recovered
No up-front fees
Experienced. Trusted. Respected.
What Can I Recieve Compensation For In My Merairie Truck Accident Case?
A general list of damages you can claim include:
- Cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle
- Medical bills
- Past, present, and future lost wages
- Loss of earning ability
- Recovery costs
- Long-term disability costs
- Mental health recovery costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship, in the case of a loved one’s death
- Cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle
- Medical bills
- Past, present, and future lost wages
- Loss of earning ability
- Recovery costs
- Long-term disability costs
- Mental health recovery costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship, in the case of a loved one’s death
1.3 MILLION
2019: 18-WHEELER ACCIDENT CAUSING SERIOUS INJURIES WITH A SHOULDER SURGERY, KNEE SURGERY, AND CERVICAL AND LUMBAR DISC HERNIATIONS
Our client was rear-ended by an 18-wheeler on the Interstate in New Orleans, which caused her serious injuries. She underwent a shoulder and knee surgery and was recommended to undergo a total knee replacement. She also sustained lumbar and cervical disc herniations and was recommended to undergo a cervical fusion surgery. The company challenged that her injuries were the result of the accident at mediation, causing our client to reject their offer and leave mediation, but they ultimately paid $1.3 million in advance of trial.
Contact Kiefer & Kiefer today
Since we’ve been representing Metairie residents injured in truck accidents for three generations, our attorneys at Kiefer & Kiefer truly understand the immense financial, emotional, and everyday consequences that result from your accident. We’ve seen people’s lives completely devastated by the negligence of drivers and companies. If we can bring some light back into the lives of our clients, some peace of mind knowing their case is being handled and they can properly recover—we know we’ve done our jobs.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and talk about your case.
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How to Engage With Insurance After a Truck Accident
Engaging with a truck driver’s insurance company after an 18-wheeler accident can be a multi-faceted and potentially overwhelming experience, which is why you should seek the help of a Metairie, LA 18-wheeler accident lawyer. Knowing what to expect during this process can provide valuable guidance as you navigate the situation and safeguard your rights. When you need help following an accident and are not sure how to work with the insurance company involved, reach out to Kiefer & Kiefer.
What should you expect when they get in touch?
Upon initial contact from the insurance company, either through a phone call or written communication, they will likely request comprehensive information regarding the accident, your injuries, and any damage sustained. During this interaction, it’s imperative to provide accurate and concise details without assuming fault or making statements that could be used against you. At this point, you may want to get your Metairie 18-wheeler accident lawyer involved as soon as possible so that they can handle communicating with the insurance agents.
The Insurance Company’s Investigation
The subsequent phase involves the insurance company’s investigation into the accident. This encompasses reviewing the official accident report, collecting evidence from the scene, assessing vehicle damage, and potentially speaking to witnesses or the truck driver directly. Simultaneously, they will evaluate the extent of your injuries and the medical treatment you’ve undergone.
As part of their assessment, the insurance company will request access to your medical records and bills associated with the accident. This enables them to gauge the severity of your injuries and determine appropriate compensation. However, it’s recommended to consult with your lawyer before sharing sensitive medical information to protect your interests.
Should you accept the first settlement offer?
At this stage, the insurance company may present a settlement offer. Keep in mind that their initial offer typically serves as a starting point for negotiation. It’s crucial not to hastily accept an offer without thoroughly evaluating the full extent of your damages, encompassing medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and potential long-term repercussions of the accident.
The negotiation process with the insurance company can be intricate. Their objective often revolves around minimizing liability and reducing payout amounts. In this context, having a seasoned lawyer by your side becomes invaluable. A lawyer can advocate for your rights, navigate the complexities, and ensure you receive equitable compensation.
What happens if there is no reasonable offer?
In cases where cooperation is lacking or the offer falls short of addressing your needs, legal action may become necessary. A lawyer can guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit if required.
Given the intricate nature of dealing with an 18-wheeler accident, particularly concerning federal regulations and the potential involvement of multiple parties like the trucking company, conversations with the truck driver’s insurance company may be intricate and entail legal intricacies.
Get the Help You Need For Your Claim
Ultimately, seeking guidance from a lawyer specializing in trucking accidents is strongly advised. Their expertise ensures informed decisions, protects your rights, and guarantees you’re treated fairly throughout the negotiation process. To see how our hard-working and caring Metairie 18-wheeler accident lawyer can help you, reach out to Kiefer & Kiefer now.