Truck Accident Attorney Near Hammond

Situated as it is at the intersections of I-55 and I-12, as well as US-190 and US-51, Hammond sees millions of cars and commercial trucks within its city limits every year. Unfortunately, with more highway traffic comes more traffic accidents.

Luckily, cars are much safer, with driver assistance features and advanced safety technology, so your average car-on-car collision results in less injury to those involved. 

However, if a wreck involves an 18-wheeler truck weighing tens of tons, no amount of tech may be enough to prevent property damage, personal injury, or even a wrongful death.

If you or someone you know was hit by a tractor-trailer near Hammond, you need a Hammond personal injury attorney with the knowledge and persistence to stand up against the trucking company’s insurance. 

Hammond Truck Accident Lawyer

These companies know that compensating you fairly hurts their bottom line, so they work very hard to keep you from the money you deserve.

If you need a lawyer who is committed to protecting your interests and not backing down, contact Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys today for a free consultation about your case. We’ll represent you throughout your case’s negotiation, even if it means going to court.

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Gordon McKernan’s Proven Results in Truck Accident Cases

1. Our dedicated team of Louisiana truck accident attorneys has successfully secured over $3 Billion for our clients, underlining our unwavering commitment to delivering justice.
   
   
2. We have obtained over 59+ Million+ verdicts and settlements, highlighting our deep understanding and successful track record in truck accident cases.
   
   
3. With more than 200+ Personal Injury Million+ verdicts and settlements, we showcase our extensive experience and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for our clients.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Hammond

Truck drivers often work long shifts, with early mornings and late nights, while driving their freight across the country. 

While there are state and federal regulations requiring truck drivers to take frequent breaks, the pressures of deadline deliveries and uneven enforcement lead many truckers to ignore those rules and partake in reckless and distracted driving from time to time.

Even when followed to the letter, truck drivers can still be at risk of the following conditions that can lead to a crash:

• Driving while fatigued is one of the most common causes of truck accidents. Drowsiness can impair driving as badly or worse than alcohol, causing a driver to make poor decisions and react to changing traffic more slowly.
  
  
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is another common cause of big rig collisions in Louisiana. If you can prove the driver willfully drove while impaired, you’re likely to receive maximum compensation.
  
  
• While unbalanced cargo might not seem important, in a truck carrying tons of freight at a time it can be a major contributor to a truck wreck. Improperly loaded or overweight cargo can inhibit the driver’s ability to maneuver and control the truck, increasing the chance of a jackknife or other deadly accident.
  
  
• Because of their size, 18-wheelers have much larger blind spots than passenger vehicles. As you drive around a truck, make sure you can see the driver in their rear-view mirrors—if you can’t see them, they can’t see you. Don’t linger in a trucker’s blind spot for long; move around them or shift lanes if you can.
  
  
• Improper maintenance of a semi-truck can lead to braking issues, powertrain issues, and other mechanical failures that can cause a devastating truck accident.

Types of Truck Injuries in Hammond

According to the National Safety Council, more than 155,000 people suffered injuries from a crash with a semi or tractor-trailer in 2021.

In over 71% of reported car accident injuries, occupants of the typically smaller vehicle involved in the collision bear the brunt of the trauma. 

Such a lop-sided collision can lead to a variety of injuries, from scrapes and bruises to much more catastrophic injuries, such as:

TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES (TBI) AND OTHER HEAD INJURIES

One of the most serious injuries you can suffer, a traumatic brain injury can be caused by the victim’s head hitting hard surfaces inside their car, such as the steering wheel, doors, or windows, during a collision. 

• According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), TBIs are a leading cause of disease and disability, including long-term memory loss, coma, and even death.

SPINAL CORD INJURIES

Damage to the spinal cord can result in a wide range of severe injuries, but chief among them is disability, up to and including total paralysis. 

• Commonly, spinal cord injury victims may require assistive devices like wheelchairs or may lose their ability to work for weeks, months, or even years.

BROKEN BONES

Some of the most common injuries seen in tractor-trailer accidents are skeletal dislocations and fractures. 

• Besides causing pain and hindering mobility, a broken bone could potentially lead to more severe complications such as internal bleeding, infection, or worse.

BACK AND NECK INJURIES

Even low-speed collisions with a semi-truck have great potential to leave truck accident victims with long-lasting injuries. 

• Damage to the back is all too common in the event of an accident, and neck injuries such as whiplash can lead to further complications down the road.

What To Do After a Hammond Truck Accident

If you’ve been hit by a semi or tractor-trailer near Hammond, you may understandably not know what to do after your crash.

Your first priority should be to get somewhere safe, away from the vehicle and away from the flow of traffic. Once you have checked yourself and anyone else with you for injuries, do the following:

1. Call the police and emergency medical service, if necessary. The police will likely document the scene and take statements from everyone involved, while the EMS can attend to any injuries or medical needs on the scene.
   
   
2. Call Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys immediately at 985.888.8888 for a free consultation to see if your case qualifies.
   
   
3. Let our team do what we do best, gathering evidence and building the strongest case we can to hold the trucking company accountable, and to help you get financial compensation!

Types of Compensation in Truck Accident Cases

It’s hard to determine just how much to expect from a truck accident case. Previous settlements range from thousands of dollars to the low millions, but there are numerous factors considered when figuring that final number. 

It’s best to talk to a seasoned and experienced personal injury lawyer to calculate your total damages, including:

• The cost of repairs for your vehicle
• Your medical bills and rehabilitation costs
• Your lost wages, both present and future
• Lawyer fees

The team at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys understands the complexities of Louisiana law and works closely with the people involved. We know the best way to win your case, and how to get you the proper compensation.

Statute of Limitation Changes in Louisiana

In 2024, Louisiana law extended the statute of limitations for personal injury claims occurring on or after July 1, 2024, from one year to two years. Any injuries that occurred before July 1, 2024, will still have a 1-year statute of limitation. Learn more about Louisiana’s New Statute of Limitations here.

• 1 year for injuries sustained before July 1, 2024.
• 2 years for injuries suffered after July 1, 2024.

The statute of limitations is a legal deadline that sets a time frame for filing a lawsuit. In Louisiana, this is known as the “prescriptive period,” which determines how long you have to take legal action against the responsible party after an injury occurs.

How Can A Hammond Truck Accident Lawyer Help?

It’s important to act quickly after a truck accident in Hammond or anywhere in Louisiana. This ensures you have enough time to pursue legal action and protect your right to recover damages for your injuries. 

Consulting with a Louisiana personal injury attorney as soon as possible can help you navigate the legal process and understand your options.

Benefits of Hiring a Hammond Truck Accident Attorney

After a truck crash in Hammond, the physical and emotional toll can be immense. The legal process shouldn’t add to your burden. A skilled Hammond truck accident attorney brings significant advantages:

• Knowledgeable Legal Guidance: Truck accident laws are complex. Your attorney understands these laws and industry standards to identify the negligent party and build a strong case against the truck driver, commercial trucking company, or even parts manufacturers (if equipment failure caused the crash).
  
  
• Thorough Investigation: Uncovering who’s responsible is crucial. Your attorney will investigate aggressively, gathering evidence against all liable parties.
  
  
• Maximizing Your Compensation: Medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering can take a toll. Your attorney will fight for fair compensation to cover these damages. They’ll negotiate with insurance companies (known for undervaluing claims) and go to court if needed.
  
  
• Focus on Healing, Not Paperwork: Your attorney will handle the legal paperwork and communication with insurance companies, leaving you free to focus on healing.
  
  
• Your Voice in Court: A dedicated attorney is your advocate, fighting tirelessly to get you justice.

Why Choose Gordon McKernan Hammond Truck Accident Lawyers?

When you choose Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, you’re trusting experienced professionals who are experts in winning truck accident claims. 

Our team is fully committed to your recovery and fights for the justice and compensation you deserve. We’re skilled at determining liability, whether it’s the truck driver or the trucking company, for things like reckless driving, speeding, or driver fatigue. 

Using Louisiana law, especially La. Civ. Code Art. 2320, we hold the driver, their employer, and anyone else who’s responsible accountable, making your truck accident claim stronger.

Consult with a Truck Accident Attorney Near Hammond Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident near Hammond, give Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys a call today. 

Our legal team will dedicate themselves to helping you heal after such a traumatic experience and get a fair settlement. Call us at 985.888.8888 for a free consultation about your case.

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Hammond Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me

985.888.8888