Drivers throughout Louisiana understand the various dangers that exist on the roadway, whether it is a negligent driver, poor condition of streets and highways, or malfunctioning vehicles. When there is big disparity between the size of the vehicles involved in a collision, such as in truck accidents, the injury or property damage can be so much worse than when similarly-sized vehicles crash.
A recent collision between a tractor-trailer and an SUV in Louisiana left the driver of the SUV dead. The driver was 60-years-old and crashed into the semi while the semi was turning left. After the initial crash, the SUV was pinned beneath the tractor-trailer, which caused the SUV to be dragged off the road. A police investigation of the crash is still ongoing, with the possibility of charges.
Filing a personal injury lawsuit or seeking compensation after a truck accident can be more difficult than in crashes not involving a tractor-trailer. The specific details of the crash and various factors that can be involved are very important in building a strong case. Because semi-trucks are such large vehicles, drivers need to exercise extra care while operating them. Many different factors, including poorly trained drivers, a distracted or negligent driver, tire blowouts, or driver fatigue can be the cause of truck accidents. In many cases, the truck company itself may also be liable, but its insurance companies and attorneys will work to avoid liability.
Although it may seem overwhelming to contemplate initiating a personal injury lawsuit soon after a devastating truck accident, an experienced attorney can make the process easier and more efficient. Obtaining compensation from an at-fault driver or trucking company can be critical for a person’s financial and personal well-being, due to the costs of medical bills and lost work or pay while recovering.
Source: 9WAFB, “Driver dies after SUV gets pinned under 18-wheeler,” Michael Oliver and Joshua Auzenne, Jan. 30, 2013