Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Attorney John S. Williams discusses how negligence plays a role
A truck accident can happen anywhere in New Orleans at any time and leave you with serious injuries. Recovery may take months or even longer. Your medical expenses can add up quickly and you may not know how you’re going to pay the bills. That’s why you need an experienced truck accident lawyer who will fight for the compensation you deserve.
At The Law Offices of John S. Williams, LLC, one of the first things we do is investigate your accident to get the facts about what happened. We determine who was to blame for the accident that left you hurt. Then, attorney John S. Williams builds a strong case to hold negligent parties accountable.
Negligence by a truck driver or trucking company can result in a serious accident
Some of the common causes of truck accidents include:
- Speeding – A tractor-trailer or other type of truck is more difficult to control at higher speeds. Truck drivers may speed because they are behind schedule and are trying to make up time. They may also have been given an unrealistic schedule by the trucking company.
- Distracted driving – Truck drivers may engage in activities that take their eyes off the road. These activities include texting and talking on the phone. Drivers may look at their GPS or adjust dashboard controls. Some eat or drink while they’re driving. Taking their eyes off the road even for just a few seconds can be dangerous.
- Drowsy driving – Being a truck driver means spending long hours on the road. When drivers are fatigued, their judgment and reaction time are affected. That’s why federal regulations limit the hours of service (HOS) for drivers, but some drivers may exceed those limits or get behind the wheel when they are too tired to drive.
- Inexperience – Tractor-trailers are not easy to operate. That’s why drivers require training and must qualify for a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Some trucking companies fail to check the qualifications and safety record of the drivers they hire.
- Improper maintenance – Trucks require regular maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotation, and the replacement of worn hoses and belts. Some trucking companies may fail to keep up with this maintenance or put off needed repairs. This creates a danger on the road.
Our law firm is determined to help you get the best possible outcome
Our investigators gather evidence that can help determine the cause of the accident. This evidence includes hours of service (HOS) logs, information from the truck’s event data recorder (the truck’s “black box”) and company records. John reviews accident reports and interviews witnesses. If needed, he consults accident reconstruction experts and other specialists.
John builds strong cases that insurance companies must take seriously. Then, he fights to recover the compensation you need and deserve. This includes compensation for all current and future medical expenses related to your injury, lost wages if you couldn’t work and other damages, such as pain and suffering.
If you’ve been injured in a New Orleans truck accident, John is ready to stand with you and fight. Learn more about how we can help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.