Big Truck Accident Lawyers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Miller, Hampton, & Hilgendorf is a truck accident law firm in Baton Rouge, Louisiana that works with individuals who have been hurt in truck accidents. Our truck accident lawyers in Baton Rouge can assist you and your family with seeking damages to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and rehabilitation costs. The aftermath of a truck wreck can be stressful for victims and their families. You might be wondering what your rights might be and may be wondering what next steps you can take. The trucking industry makes billions of dollars every year. Truck drivers and truck companies have a responsibility to follow federal and local laws designed to keep drivers and road users safe. When truck companies cut corners, and fail to put safety first, however, innocent drivers on the road can get hurt. Miller, Hampton, & Hilgendorf is a semi truck accident law firm in Baton Rouge, Louisiana that can investigate the truck company, the causes of your accident, and negotiate with insurance companies and negligent parties to help you get the settlement you may deserve under the law.
With the growing need for shipping in the United States, car drivers often share the road with huge commercial trucks and tractor trailers. These can be more than 10 times the size and weight of your vehicle and can lead to devastating truck wrecks and accidents. We trust that big truck drivers and trucking companies see the possibility for danger and operate their vehicles with care and professionalism. Sadly, that is not always the case. Sometimes truck drivers may violate hours of service laws, leading drivers to get behind the wheel while fatigued. Other times truck companies may fail to perform regular maintenance on their vehicles, which can lead to mechanical failures that can result in accidents. Other times, vehicles are not properly loaded, increasing the risk that the driver can lose control of the truck or the truck can tip over. If you or someone you love was hurt in a truck accident, you may be wondering what your rights are and what steps you can take next. Because truck companies are required to abide by a range of federal and local laws, and because trucks are so much larger than passenger vehicles, truck accident claims can sometimes be more complicated than regular passenger vehicle accident claims. You need a truck accident lawyer who understands the law, who can negotiate with insurance companies, and help you fight for the settlement you may deserve under the law. Miller, Hampton, & Hilgendorf is a Baton Rouge, Louisiana truck accident law firm that may be able to help you and your family get the settlement you may deserve.
Wrecks can happen, whether from negligent drivers or from truck companies taking shortcuts – cutting corners on maintenance, hiring under-qualified drivers, or pushing those drivers beyond their physical limits. When serious accidents occur, the truck accident attorneys at Miller, Hampton & Hilgendorf in Baton Rouge, Louisiana hold negligent trucking companies liable and work so their clients have the compensation they need to maintain a high quality of life.
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What Makes Trucking Accidents Different in Baton Rouge, Louisiana?
Any big truck accident can be devastatingly violent, leading to serious injuries or death. A loaded commercial tractor-trailer may weigh up to 80,000 pounds (potentially even more with a special permit). These huge vehicles are often powered by engines that can produce more than 1,000 horsepower, powering these 40-ton vehicles up to highway speeds in excess of 70 miles per hour.Even under normal conditions a big truck can take hundreds of feet to come to a stop. When there is a mechanical failure, or a driver falls asleep behind the wheel, these vehicles can become rolling catastrophes on Louisiana’s crowded freeways.
Because of the sheer size of the vehicles involved, individuals in these accidents can potentially suffer more serious and life-altering injuries. Victims could suffer from spinal cord injury, brain injury, serious internal injuries, and post-traumatic stress disorder. If you or someone you love was hurt in a truck accident in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, you may have the right to collect a significant settlement from the truck company and their insurers. Truck companies are required to have high-limit insurance policies because of the size and risks that these larger vehicles pose. But, if you or a loved one were seriously injured, getting the settlement you may deserve can sometimes be challenging. This is where Miller, Hampton, & Hilgendorf, truck accident attorneys in Baton Rouge, Louisiana may be able to help. Our semi truck accident law firm can review the details of your case and provide you with a road map forward for your claim.
You may only have a limited amount of time under the law to seek damages for your accident. Miller, Hampton, & Hilgendorf is a truck accident law firm in Baton Rouge, Louisiana that works closely with clients to help them seek justice and the recovery they may deserve. The truck industry makes billions of dollars every year. Drivers and truck companies have a responsibility to make safety their number one concern. When they fail to do this, accidents can happen. Contact Miller, Hampton, & Hilgendorf for a free truck accident consultation today.
How soon after an accident should I talk to a lawyer?
There are a few people that you should contact immediately after a truck accident. First, you should contact the police for a medical attention if necessary and for assistance with the accident. Next, you should report your accident to your insurance provider, but refrain from answering any in-depth questions at this time. After you have reported your accident to the police and your insurance, the next person you should call is an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you with your claim.
Can I file a claim if a loved one died in an accident?
Only certain people can file a wrongful death claim, and there is a particular order of priority in these claims. The first person who can file a claim is the decedent’s spouse, followed by their children, their parents and finally siblings. While their loss may be great, friends and nonmarried partners will have a much harder time pursuing any kind of wrongful death claim in Louisiana.
Is compensation available for long-term or permanent disability after a truck accident?
The compensation you receive for your injuries should reflect the current and future consequences of your accident. This means your compensation should also cover your reduced or eliminated ability to earn income on your own, as well as the cost of limited physical abilities. It is likely that you can earn compensation for such injuries with the help of a skilled personal injury lawyer.
Should I accept a settlement offer from the insurance company?
It is not surprising for an insurance company to offer a quick settlement for your injuries. While this may seem like a blessing, it is more likely that they are trying to leave you with a lowball settlement to avoid paying you what you deserve for your injuries. Never accept any kind of offer for a settlement without first reviewing it with your personal injury attorney.
