New Orleans Truck Accident Lawyer

A truck accident can change your life overnight. One minute you’re driving home from work, and the next minute you are trying to navigate injuries, medical bills, and insurance companies that seem far more dedicated to protecting their bottom line rather than getting you back on your feet.

If you or a loved one has been in a truck accident in New Orleans, you need a trusted, experienced truck accident lawyer.

No two truck accident claims are the same at the Law Office of Heather C. Ford, and we will stand up for you no matter what, whether we are contesting a powerful trucking firm and its insurance adjusters or proving liability and fighting for maximum compensation in your injury case.

Why You Need a New Orleans Truck Accident Attorney

Truck accident cases are not like any other car accidents. Their cases are much more complicated, intense, and far more devastating. Here’s why:

• Multiple parties involved– There may be multiple parties held responsible for accidents, like the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, and even truck manufacturers.
• Catastrophic Injuries and Higher Damages – Large trucks and commercial vehicles can cause catastrophic injuries. Victims often face expensive medical treatments, long-term rehabilitation, and lost wages.
• Aggressive Insurance Companies – Trucking companies and their insurers have squads of lawyers dedicated to reducing and denying your claim. You will need a highly experienced lawyer capable of fighting fire with fire.

Don’t let an insurance company decide what your claim is worth. Let an experienced truck accident lawyer stand up for you.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in New Orleans

Truck accidents may result from several causes; however, some common ones include the following:

1. Driver Negligence

• Distracted driving-texting, eating, adjustment of a GPS
• Fatigue from long hours on the road
• Speeding and aggressive driving
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

2. Trucking Company Negligence

• Overloading or improper securing of cargo
• Failing to provide ample time for proper training of drivers
• Pressure to deliver goods early at any cost

3. Mechanical Failures

• Brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering malfunctions can all cause fatal accidents. Sometimes, these failures are due to poor maintenance or defective parts.

4. Hazardous Road Conditions

• Potholes, bad weather, and unclear signage can all contribute to truck crashes.

Regardless of what caused your vehicle accident, our team will thoroughly investigate to determine who was at fault and make them accountable.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident Case?

It is not always easy to determine liability in a New Orleans truck accident. Under the right circumstances, one or more parties could be liable:

• Truck Driver – If the driver was distracted, fatigued, or under the influence, they may be liable.
• Trucking Company – In case the company forced the driver to break some safety rules or did not service the truck properly, they can be held responsible.
• Truck Manufacturer – In case of mechanical failure, which caused the accident, the truck manufacturer can be held liable.
• Cargo Loaders – Improper loading of cargo can cause rollovers or loss of control of the vehicle.

The Law Office of Heather C. Ford will undertake extensive investigations and pursue the entire extent of damages to liable parties on your behalf.

Compensation Available in a Louisiana Truck Accident Case

A truck accident can leave you with significant bills. We help you recover for:

• Medical Bills – Emergency room treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, physical therapy and long-term medical care.
• Lost Wages & Future Earning Capacity – We seek compensation when you are prevented from working to earn a paycheck or lose earning capacity in the future.
• Pain and Suffering – Physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.
• Property Damage – Repair or replacement of your vehicle.
• Wrongful Death – If a family member was killed in a trucking accident, we assist them in pursuing their rights through a wrongful death action.

How Compensation is Determined

Your potential settlement is calculated based on a variety of considerations, such as:

• The nature of your injuries and your medical costs
• The loss of wages and the impact on your earning capacity
• The pain and suffering, both emotional and physical
• The circumstances surrounding the accident and the degree of negligence
• Permanent disability or long-term rehabilitation needs

The trucking company’s insurance company will try to pay you as little as possible. You deserve better. Let us fight for the compensation you need to move forward.

Average Truck Accident Settlement in New Orleans

Some of the variables that may determine the settlement amount that one gets for a truck accident in Louisiana include the degree of injury, responsibility, and available insurance. No two cases are ever identical, but here are some general estimates:

• Minor Injuries – Cases with soft tissue injury or minor fractures usually settle between $20,000 and $50,000.
• Moderate Injuries – Concussions, fractures, surgeries, and other more serious injuries can settle between $50,000 and $200,000.
• Severe injuries or permanent disabilities – Settlements and verdicts of brain injury cases, spinal cord injuries, or any other cases involving lifetime disability range from hundreds of thousands to millions.
• Wrongful Death Cases – If someone dies in a truck accident, their family may file a wrongful death lawsuit. This type of lawsuit can lead to seven-figure settlements that include medical costs, lost wages, and emotional distress.