New Orleans
18-Wheeler Accidents Lawyer
At Kiefer & Kiefer, we’ve been representing New Orleans residents injured in truck accidents for three generations. We understand the financial, emotional, and everyday consequences that you and your family are suffering as a result of your accident.
The good news is that you don’t have to deal with these consequences alone. With the help of an experienced Louisiana truck accident lawyer, you can hold the at-fault party responsible and recover compensation for what you’ve lost.
New Orleans
18-Wheeler Accidents Lawyer
Vehicle accidents can be life-changing, and when an 18-wheeler is involved, the results can be even more catastrophic.
At Kiefer & Kiefer, we’ve been representing New Orleans residents injured in truck accidents for three generations. We understand the financial, emotional, and everyday consequences that you and your family are suffering as a result of your accident.
The good news is that you don’t have to deal with these consequences alone. With the help of an experienced Louisiana truck accident lawyer, you can hold the at-fault party responsible and recover compensation for what you’ve lost.
”“I have nothing but high regard for Megan and the entire team at Kiefer & Kiefer. Ms. Kiefer has advised me on legal matters in the past, and has always been nothing but informative and understanding of my needs. I would gladly recommend this team to anyone seeking legal consultation regarding personal injuries and accidents.”
~ Elizabeth L.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Louisiana
In the trucking industry, driver fatigue is a common problem that leads to accidents. Trucking companies often push their drivers to work long hours and make deadlines. As a result, the companies and their drivers can often be held liable for the damage that their trucks cause in an accident.
Here are some of the common causes of truck accidents that they can be held liable for:
- Driver fatigue
- Driving under the influence
- 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
- Driver fatigue
- Driving under the influence
- 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
Why Truck Accidents Are Different
Because commercial trucks are bigger and more dangerous than other cars, the results of an accident are often much worse.
Our Kiefer & Kiefer truck accident attorneys have seen our clients struggle to deal with debilitating brain injuries, spinal damage, paralysis, and other catastrophic injuries as a result of their 18-wheeler accidents. These kinds of injuries can have lifelong consequences, as well as uniquely high treatment and recovery costs.
However, even though the damages that you have suffered may be greater, trucking accident cases can sometimes be even more difficult to win than regular accidents.
The trucking company will likely hire high-priced defense lawyers to represent them or their driver in court. This means it is more crucial than ever that you work with an experienced and dedicated New Orleans truck accident lawyer to fight for your interests.
At Kiefer & Kiefer, our commitment to you doesn’t stop with legalease. We will use every resource at our disposal to make sure that you win the compensation you deserve, and that you receive the help you need to make a full recovery from your accident.
Hundreds of Millions Recovered
No up-front fees
Experienced. Trusted. Respected.
Recovering Damages in a Louisiana Truck Accident Case
Depending on the circumstances of your case, there are many kinds of damages you can recover in a truck accident lawsuit. We’ll work with you to sift through the details and determine which damages you deserve.
Here’s what these damages could 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
18 Wheeler Accident Attorney FAQs
How Does a Lawyer Determine Liability in a 18-Wheeler Accident?
Liability in a semi-truck wreck, as in most traffic collisions, is typically determined by assessing the actions (or inaction) of all involved parties. Considerations include whether any driver violated traffic laws, including FMCSA regulations for truckers, as well as general safe behavior, based on accounts from eyewitnesses. Other evidence that can contribute to proving liability includes electronic data, like that which would be found in either vehicle’s Event Data Recorder, phone records, and any video footage (like dash cams or traffic cams) of the accident. A qualified 19-wheeler accident lawyer from Kiefer & Kiefer can investigate your crash and properly assess liability to the defendant.
What Regulations Govern 18-Wheeler Trucks?
Each state has its own regulations for commercial vehicle operation. However, all state commercial drivers must follow federal driving regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These include regulations or driver qualifications, operations hours, and adequate vehicle maintenance. The regulations also include mandatory drug and alcohol testing for drivers, as well as mandatory rest times to prevent driver fatigue. Violating federal and/ or state regulations can easily mean that the driver is liable for any harm caused by violating these regulations. It’s important to have a semi-truck accident lawyer who understands all the regulations truckers must comply with to determine the extent to which they are liable in your wreck.
How Do I Deal with Insurance Companies After the Accident?
The easy answer? Try not to. Insurance carriers look for any reason to deny or minimize your claim and can twist what you say into an admission of liability in the crash. If you’ve already retained a 18-wheeler accident attorney from Keifer & Keifer, great! We’ll happily deal with the insurance company for you so you can focus on healing without worrying about jeopardizing your claim. If you don’t have an attorney, the only insurance company you’re required to talk to about the accident is your own (you could jeopardize your coverage by not reporting the accident, for example). If you’re being asked for a statement from the other party’s insurance company, you should document everything, in writing if possible, and give this to your lawyer once you get one.
Can I Seek Compensation for Emotional Distress After the Accident?
Yes, you’re entitled to demand compensation for non-economic losses, like pain and suffering and emotional trauma. Emotional distress refers to the psychological effects of an accident, like developing PTSD, a phobia of trucks to the highway, depression, or anxiety. You and your semi-truck accident lawyer must demonstrate that the emotional distress you’re experiencing is a direct result of the collision, however, which may involve an assessment by a psychological expert witness. Truck accidents can be terrifying, and you likely need therapy or other psychological care to help you recover mentally, just as you require medical care for your physical injuries.
What Medical Documentation Will I Need for My Claim?
You and your attorney from Kiefer & Kiefer need several pieces of documentation to support your claims for medical compensation. The most important piece of evidence is your post-accident medical records, which link your injuries to the wreck. You may need a detailed report from the physician, including the nature and cause of your injuries, diagnosis, and treatment plan. Keep any and all medical records from the wreck, including hospital statements, an invoice from the ambulance, and statements from any post-treatment rehabilitation, like physical or occupational therapy. Your truck accident lawyer may also employ the services of e medical expert to provide testimony in your case, especially if you plan on seeking compensation for future medical care.
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
At Kiefer & Kiefer, we’ve been helping injured clients in New Orleans put their lives back together for three generations. Our clients aren’t just case numbers. We believe that no one should suffer the consequences of a catastrophic truck accident without the help of their community and compensation from the people responsible.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and talk about your case.
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