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“The fastest way to settle a case is to prepare for trial. Insurance companies know which firms will go to court and which will not. It is important to choose a firm that will go the distance.”
Some of the worst wrecks involve 18-wheelers. As the largest and heaviest vehicles on the roads, big rig accidents can have devastating, heartbreaking outcomes, and many of them could have been avoided if only one party had been more responsible or careful.
When you or someone you love is hurt in a tractor-trailer accident, you can get the superior representation you deserve from a 5-star truck accident lawyer at Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers.
We have over 20 years of experience representing survivors and families in the most complex truck wreck cases. Strategic, tireless, and compassionate, we possess the skills, resources, and knowledge to effectively stand up to any opponent, both inside and outside the courtroom, and we know how to achieve victory.
Our truck accident attorneys are proud to be the fierce, reliable, and relentless advocates victims can trust when it’s time to recover from an 18-wheeler accident.
No matter when you need answers or advocacy, we’re ready to help you 24/7.
Reckless choices, oversights, and performance errors on the road are just a few ways negligence can lead to truck crashes. This negligence can come from various parties, including drivers, trucking companies, automakers, and others.
More than 8 in 10 big rig wrecks are caused by motorists’ actions or inactions. Most of the time:
Determining if motorist negligence caused a truck accident can involve examining various evidence, like (but not limited to):
Failing to abide by state or federal trucking regulations is a common way trucking companies can be negligent and end up causing truck accidents. This negligence can include (and is not limited to) failing to:
It often takes some digging into motor carrier’s records, vehicle maintenance records, and more to find out if truck company negligence has caused a wreck.
Equipment failures and mechanical problems on 18-wheelers cause about 6% of all fatal 18-wheeler crashes. While the brakes and the tires experience the most failures, it’s not uncommon for other essential systems — like the transmission, the engine, and the electrical systems — to fail if manufacturers fail to:
Here, it’s important to remember that a truck’s mechanical failures may not solely be the result of manufacturer negligence. In some cases, motor carriers’ failures to maintain trucks or even overloading 18-wheelers can also play a role in equipment failures and big rig crashes.
Various other forms of negligence can and does lead to serious semi crashes far too often. Some examples include:
The best way to figure out all forms of negligence that may have been at play in a truck accident is to talk to a lawyer at Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers.
Tractor-trailer crashes have been on the rise in the U.S., claiming thousands of victims every year. In fact, the latest truck accident statistics shared below show how often big rig wrecks are hurting and killing people across the nation (source: FMCSA).
Tractor-trailer crashes have been on the rise in the U.S., claiming thousands of victims every year. In fact, the latest truck accident statistics shared below show how often big rig wrecks are hurting and killing people across Louisiana and the nation.
These numbers represent real Louisiana families whose lives have been forever changed. Behind every statistic is someone’s parent, child, or loved one who deserved to make it home safely. If you’ve been hurt in a commercial vehicle accident, you don’t have to face this challenge alone. We understand the physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial stress these crashes cause, and we’re here to fight for you.
The numbers paint a jaw-dropping portrait of damage and lost lives, but these statistics don’t shed light on victims’ deep trauma, and they don’t help victims get justice. What can help in the pursuit of justice is contacting a truck accident attorney at Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers. We offer experienced representation for all types of 18-wheeler accident cases.
Call 911 after any big rig crash that causes injuries or blocks traffic. You should also call 911 if any of the involved drivers may be impaired or if anyone flees the scene of the crash. Next, if possible, take these steps:
Ensure Your Safety and Call 911: If possible, move to a safe location and call emergency services immediately. Even if you feel fine, accept medical attention at the scene – some injuries don’t show symptoms right away.
Get Medical Treatment: See a doctor within 24-48 hours, even if you declined treatment at the scene. Medical records are crucial evidence, and delaying care can exacerbate injuries and negatively impact your claim.
Call the Police and get a Report. Always insist on a police report. Stick to facts when speaking with officers and avoid admitting fault. Get the report number so you can obtain a copy later.
Document Everything: Take photos of all vehicles, damage, the scene, and any visible injuries. Write down what happened while it’s fresh in your memory, including weather and road conditions.
Contact Your Insurance: Report the accident to your insurer within 24 hours. Be factual but avoid detailed fault discussions. You don’t have to give recorded statements to the trucking company’s insurance.
Preserve All Evidence: Keep all medical records, police reports, photos, repair estimates, and any other accident-related documents. Don’t repair your vehicle until it’s been properly inspected and documented.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney: Truck accident cases involve complex regulations and multiple parties. An experienced attorney can preserve evidence, handle insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
The sooner, the better. If you think you need a lawyer, waiting to talk to one won’t help you.
The truth is that you have limited time to file a case, and the longer you wait, the more challenging it could be to successfully resolve your case.
By consulting with an attorney as soon as possible after a tractor-trailer crash, you can immediately start protecting your rights. You can also get the answers, advice, and advocacy needed to build a stronger, more persuasive case.
Also, keep in mind that:
The bottom line: Every day you wait is a day the trucking company gains an advantage. You don’t pay us anything unless we win, so there’s no financial risk in calling us today. Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on healing.
At Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers, we are ready to talk to you about a potential 18-wheeler crash claim whenever you need answers. We can start investigating your case right away, and we’ll help you navigate each step going forward.
The value of any tractor-trailer crash case depends on the injuries and damages involved. Those can include past and future losses resulting from truck accident injuries, as well as economic and non-economic damages.
Commonly, the damages included in truck accident compensation include (but may not be limited to):
The medical costs associated with a truck accident can be overwhelming. These include emergency room treatment and hospitalization costs, which often run into tens of thousands of dollars from the moment paramedics arrive. You deserve compensation for all surgery and specialist care expenses, including consultations with orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, and other specialists your injuries require. Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs add up quickly, especially when you need months of treatment to regain function. We’ll also fight for coverage of your prescription medications and medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, crutches, or home medical devices. Most importantly, we look beyond today’s bills to calculate your future medical treatment and ongoing care needs, ensuring you’re protected for years to come.
Missing work means missing paychecks, and we understand the financial stress this creates. You’re entitled to recover wages lost during your recovery time, whether that’s weeks, months, or longer. If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job, we’ll pursue compensation for your reduced earning capacity. This includes not just your base salary but also lost benefits, bonuses, and other employment perks you would have received. When injuries permanently affect your ability to work, we’ll calculate future income losses to ensure you’re fairly compensated for the career you’ve lost.
Beyond your physical injuries, truck accidents often result in significant property damage. Vehicle repair costs can be substantial, and if your car is totaled, you deserve fair replacement value. We’ll also pursue compensation for any personal property damaged in the crash, from electronics to work equipment. While your vehicle is being repaired or replaced, those rental car expenses shouldn’t come out of your pocket.
The hidden costs of recovery add up fast. Travel expenses for medical appointments, especially those involving specialists located far from home, are deserving of compensation. If your injuries require home modifications, such as wheelchair ramps or bathroom safety equipment, those costs are recoverable. When you need help with daily activities you once did yourself – from housekeeping to lawn care – those assistance costs should be covered too.
Your physical pain is real and deserves recognition. Beyond the immediate pain from your injuries, we understand you’re dealing with ongoing discomfort that affects every aspect of your life. The emotional distress and trauma from surviving a truck accident can be just as debilitating as physical injuries. Mental anguish during your recovery process, including anxiety about your future and depression from your limitations, all factor into your compensation.
When injuries rob you of activities that brought you joy, that loss matters. Whether you can no longer play with your children, pursue your hobbies, or enjoy intimate moments with your spouse, these losses deserve compensation. Permanent disabilities that affect your quality of life have profound impacts on your happiness and fulfillment. The strain on your relationships and inability to participate in social activities you once enjoyed are real losses that we’ll fight to have recognized.
Permanent scarring or disfigurement from truck accident injuries affects more than your appearance. The impact on your self-esteem and confidence in social situations can be devastating. When visible injuries change how others perceive you or limit your personal and professional opportunities, you deserve compensation for these lasting effects.
Louisiana law acknowledges that your injuries also impact your loved ones. Your spouse may be entitled to compensation for the loss of companionship, affection, and support resulting from your injuries. This acknowledges that serious injuries impact entire families, not just the person physically hurt.
In the tragic event that a truck accident results in death, Louisiana law provides two distinct types of claims. Survival actions compensate for the damages the deceased suffered before death, including their pain and suffering and medical expenses. Wrongful death claims address the losses suffered by surviving family members, from funeral expenses to loss of financial support and companionship.
Louisiana follows a comparative fault system, which means the court will examine whether you had any role in causing the accident. If you’re found partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages. We’ll work hard to minimize any fault attributed to you and maximize your recovery.
Louisiana courts take future losses seriously, understanding that truck accident injuries often have lifelong consequences. We collaborate with medical experts and economists to determine your future medical expenses and potential lost earning capacity. This expert testimony helps ensure you receive compensation not just for today’s bills, but for the ongoing costs you’ll face in the years ahead.
We understand that no amount of money can truly make up for what you’ve been through. However, fair compensation can help alleviate the financial burden of your recovery and ensure you have the resources necessary to move forward with your life. We’re here to fight for every dollar you deserve and hold the responsible parties accountable for the harm they’ve caused.
It costs nothing to learn more about your rights and legal options after an 18-wheeler accident. In fact, talking to a lawyer can uncover key information that can help you get a case started on the right foot.
To get the answers you need, simply contact a truck accident attorney at Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers. We provide unmatched counsel and superior advocacy to help truck accident victims win. To discover the difference our team can make in your case and recovery, just contact us today.
Our team of intake specialists is ready to listen to you and gather all the information for a free, confidential case evaluation. We will hear you out, take what you say seriously, and then round up with our legal team.
Our lawyers will provide you with no-obligation feedback on your case, usually on the same day, but no later than 24 hours. We will give you the appropriate course of action for your situation.
If your case is a good fit for our firm and you graciously allow us to represent you, our team will begin working immediately. We will investigate, send the appropriate letters to stop insurance companies from harassing you, and start your medical recovery.
Our internal process will be transparent with high levels of communication from the opening of your case to the final handshake. Our firm is dedicated to promptly returning your phone calls and keeping you informed about every step in your case. You will know the exact status of your case. Our case managers and attorneys are committed to making a difficult situation as stress-free as possible.
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“We focus on being the best at 3 things: preparing hard for our cases, making sure we deliver what clients need, and making sure they are treated well throughout the process.”
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