A: Do not say certain words or phrases at the scene of a trucking accident, especially ones that admit fault. Don’t apologize for the accident because insurance companies could later claim that as an admission of fault for the incident. Avoid discussing how the accident went down at the scene so that it can be more accurately discovered later in the investigation. Focus on gathering evidence like photographs and the contact information of witnesses instead.
Gonzales Truck Accident Lawyer
Gonzales Truck Accident Attorney
If you have been involved in a scenario where a truck collides with another vehicle, you know that the aftermath of this event can be devastating. The size of a truck increases the danger it poses to victims and their families. A skilled Gonzales truck accident lawyer can hold negligent parties accountable and fight for your rights. They can identify everyone involved in the accident to make sure the right people face the consequences of their actions.
Empowering Clients for Decades
Murphy Law Firm has a strong foundation that’s built on almost three decades of experience in fighting for the rights of our clients. We are a trusted name across Louisiana and are known to travel anywhere in the state to offer personalized attention to the victims of accidents and other personal injuries. Our goal is to understand your case’s unique challenges to then build a strong argument for the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Insurance Policies in Truck Accidents
Most insurance policies for large trucks are quite different from standard policies because these vehicles are much more dangerous to operate. Trucking companies also carry commercial insurance that has higher compensation amounts available. This is because the accidents that large trucks and their drivers go through are typically more severe. Commercial insurance policies can also include certain provisions for damage to cargo and environmental hazards.
Since there are so many insurance policies involved in a truck accident case, it can be tricky to determine which one applies in which situation. Every adjuster for each insurance policy will try to claim that another policy should be used, which can make the claims process more complicated. It can be challenging as a victim to contact so many different adjusters and be told so many different things while trying to make sense of their case.
Truck Accidents With Multiple Vehicles
Many trucking accidents result in vehicle pileups, especially on busy roads, highways, and interstates. This can lead to multiple vehicles and drivers being affected. Each driver might bear some level of fault for the accident. In these situations, accident reconstruction can be quite important in learning who should pay what to whom, as accident reconstruction professionals can analyze how the crash occurred.
Victims might also have to deal with multiple insurance companies from each driver involved. Even if the truck driver caused the accident, it is still possible for the other drivers to have some amount of fault assigned to them for not braking in time or speeding. Each insurance company will try to reduce its client’s liability and increase other drivers’ liability. This can make claims take longer, as the resulting disputes often lead to delays.
Common Defenses From Trucking Companies
In most of the cases in Gonzales, trucking companies are experienced in defending themselves against accident claims, and they have developed strategies to reduce their liability. Many will try to separate themselves from their drivers by trying to prove that the driver did something wrong or violated employee policies. If the driver was not using the truck appropriately or not going in the assigned route, the company could attempt to make the driver themselves almost fully at fault.
It is also possible for them to argue that the accident was unavoidable due to external factors, like bad weather, poor road conditions, or the truck malfunctioning in a way that was not caused by negligence. To prove this, they need a substantial amount of evidence from driver logs, maintenance records, and weather and road data. An experienced attorney can defend against these claims by challenging these ideas so they can’t shift the blame. Understanding Louisiana, truck accident federal regulations can also play a critical role in these cases.
FAQs
Q: Will Insurance Pay If You Leave the Scene of a Truck Accident?
A: Insurance might not fully compensate you if you leave the scene of a truck accident. It could even result in criminal charges, depending on the circumstances. Most truck accident laws require you to stay at the scene, offer aid when necessary, and wait for law enforcement or emergency medical services. If you do not do this, it might be considered a hit-and-run, which could lead to you getting your license suspended, having to pay fines, or even serving time in jail.
Q: How Are Truck Accidents Different From Car Accidents?
A: Truck accidents are different from car accidents because trucks are significantly larger and heavier than other vehicles. This can lead to truck accidents causing worse injuries and greater amounts of property damage. Additionally, truck accidents are usually more complicated because they might involve the driver of the vehicle, the parent company, the manufacturer of the truck, and even the individuals who load cargo.
Q: Why Should I Hire an Attorney With Truck Accident Experience?
A: You should hire an attorney with truck accident experience because they know more about the complicated nature of these accidents. Trucking companies are quite powerful and have many ways to reduce or deny your compensation. An attorney who is well-versed in truck accident law knows about forms of evidence that another attorney might not, like data from the truck’s black box as well as logbooks or maintenance records from employees.
Develop an Effective Solution with Our Truck Accident Attorneys Team
With all the difficult details surrounding truck accident claims, it can be tough to understand how to prove negligence or what the most effective way to handle a claim might be. If you are wondering whether you have a legally valid truck accident claim, schedule a consultation with Murphy Law Firm today. We can provide the information and representation you need during the challenges you face after a truck accident.
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