Metairie Trucking Accident Injury Attorneys
Truck accidents require immediate investigation to uncover and preserve evidence that might be crucial in proving who was at fault. You will need an attorney who understands issues such as hidden defendants, DOT safety regulations that apply to trucks, and the legal distinctions between employee drivers and independent drivers.
At the Ates Law Firm, our lawyers are here to represent you if you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving an 18-wheeler or other commercial vehicle. With law offices in Destrehan and Gretna, our lawyers represent truck accident victims in Greater New Orleans, the River Parishes and throughout Louisiana. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case.
Insurance Issues Involving Commercial Trucks
Was the driver of the truck an employee of the trucking company or an independent contractor? Hiring a lawyer who knows the difference can make a huge difference in the amount of insurance available to pay for your damages.
Many trucks are operated by independent truck drivers who usually carry only $100,000 in liability insurance. Most trucking companies carry policies of a million dollars or more. To insulate themselves from large recoveries, the trucking companies may assert that the driver who injured you was independent. The law may hold otherwise.
In a wrongful death case, our lawyers were able to prove that a supposedly independent driver received preferential treatment from the company. We built that preferential treatment into an employee-employer relationship, resulting in a very substantial recovery for our client.
Uncovering Hidden Defendants
Owner-operators who drive their own tractors may not have enough insurance to pay your damages if you are injured. However, the trailer may be owned by someone else who has more insurance. When a wreck occurs, it's important for your lawyer to file a protection order to keep the tractor and trailer untouched until they can be inspected by an expert.
If the trailer has brakes that are worn out or out-of-adjustment, it can be a contributing cause of the accident. Then you will have two defendants — the owner-operator and the company that owns the trailer.
For More Information About Truck Accidents
We offer a free initial consultation to evaluate your case and answer your questions. To talk to our Gretna, Destrehan or New Orleans truck accident attorneys, call 504-264-9524 or fill out the contact form on this website.
