Houma Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer

Experienced Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney in Houma

A Houma commercial vehicle accident lawyer educates clients on their rights and options after serious accidents involving semi-trucks, company vehicles, delivery fleets, utility trucks, construction vehicles, and commercial transportation carriers. Compared to passenger car accidents, commercial vehicle accidents often involve larger insurance companies, federal transportation regulations, company investigations, and seriously injured victims.

About Blake Jones Law Firm, LLC

Blake Jones Law Firm advocates for injury victims throughout Louisiana and the Gulf Coast who find themselves facing high-value injury claims and wrongful death cases. Our firm’s personal injury practice focuses on maritime accidents, trucking accidents, offshore injuries, industrial accidents, and commercial vehicle accidents involving severe injuries and catastrophic injury situations.

Our attorneys and staff take the time to listen to clients and guide them through long recovery periods, major medical expenses, and complicated insurance claims arising from serious injury accidents.

Personal injury claims involving commercial vehicle accidents are often litigated in Houma through the Terrebonne Parish court system, including the Terrebonne Parish Courthouse. Determining how commercial vehicle accident laws may apply to your commercial vehicle accident case can be one of the first steps to recovery after a serious collision.

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Why Commercial Vehicle Accidents Are Different

Any vehicle collision can become complicated. However, there are unique considerations that come into play when semi-trucks and commercial vehicles cause serious injuries. In 2024 in Louisiana, there were 3,903 total commercial vehicle accidents. Out of these, 75 were fatal, 2,030 resulted in injury, and 1,795 resulted in only property damage.

Commercial vehicles typically involve multiple insurance companies. Commercial trucking firms, bus operators, and other businesses that transport goods or people often carry corporate insurance and error and omission policies that shift liability beyond just the drivers. These companies also have internal legal departments that investigate the circumstances of the accident.

Another major difference between passenger car accidents and commercial vehicle accidents is the size, weight, and operation of large trucks. Large trucks, buses, construction vehicles, and commercial transports have the potential to cause significantly more damage than passenger cars. All of these vehicles also require special training and federal certifications to operate.

Commercial vehicles are a focal point of the offshore oil industry in Houma. Shipping traffic to and from offshore rigs and frequently occurring road construction projects can further complicate traffic patterns. Commercial vehicles are often on tight schedules and travel long distances, which means that driver fatigue and dangerous vehicle maintenance can also play a factor in collision risks.

Common Types of Commercial Vehicles Involved in Accidents

Collisions with 18-wheelers and big rigs often come to mind when people think of commercial vehicle accidents. However, a variety of vehicles may cause serious injuries if they collide with cars or motorcyclists. Commercial vehicles commonly involved in injury claims include:

• Delivery trucks and fleet vans
• Oilfield support service trucks
• Flatbed trucks
• Utility vehicles
• Dump trucks
• Construction equipment carriers
• Tanker trucks
• Vehicles owned by employers

Businesses are responsible for maintaining their vehicles and ensuring safe driving conditions for employees. If businesses fail to properly train, inspect, and supervise their employees, they may face liability for any damages caused by their employees while on the job.

Injuries Often Seen in Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Commercial vehicle accidents have the potential to seriously injure anyone on the roadway. However, occupants of passenger vehicles are most at risk for severe injuries during these types of collisions. Common injuries seen in commercial vehicle accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Broken bones
• Crush injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Severe burns
• Whiplash or neck injuries
• Back injuries

Every injury can cause a drastic change in the life of an accident victim. Serious injuries often require overtime work from loved ones and can cause victims to lose time at work. Our Houma commercial vehicle accident attorneys work hard to obtain compensation for victims’ economic losses, including medical bills and lost wages. Injuries that cause permanent scarring, disability, or lifelong pain may allow injured victims to recover compensation for pain and suffering.

If you were injured in a collision caused by a commercial vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

FAQs

Can Weather Conditions Affect Liability in a Commercial Vehicle Accident?

Inclement weather is not an automatic defense to liability for a commercial driver or company. In fact, truck drivers are expected to modulate speed, following distance, and driving conduct according to road and weather conditions. Driving in heavy rain, fog, flooding, or low visibility may increase a company’s duty to operate vehicles safely and adhere to federal safety guidelines to avoid catastrophic collisions.

Can a Company Be Liable for an Employee Driving a Truck?

A company may be held liable for an employee driving a truck, depending on the circumstances of the accident. Potentially. One key question when determining liability is whether the worker was on the job when the accident happened. If so, traveling between places of work or driving a company vehicle on company business, the employer may still be liable. Insurance policies and company vehicle regulations may vary in responsibility.

What Happens if Cargo Falls Off a Commercial Vehicle?

Cargo accidents can cause roadway hazards and serious collisions. Unsecured cargo can shift during transportation, or materials can spill or fall from the vehicle. This can cause rollover accidents or collisions with multiple cars. The driver, trucking company, loading crew, or cargo contractor can be held liable if they failed to secure or check the cargo before transit.

Do Commercial Vehicle Accidents Settle Out of Court?

While most commercial vehicle accident claims settle out of court, some cases require litigation to resolve contested issues with liability and/or damages. Cases involving catastrophic injury, permanent disability, or wrongful death are often litigated more vigorously by insurance companies due to their high exposure. The clarity of the evidence and how many entities may be liable can also play into whether a case is litigated.

Hire a Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer Today

If you were injured in a commercial vehicle accident, it is important to hire a commercial vehicle accident lawyer. Blake Jones Law Firm, LLC can help you. Contact us today for a free consultation.