As you listen to your favorite tune from behind the wheel, you couldn’t feel better about the start to your day. But then, all of a sudden, your car is involved in a logging truck accident.

The sound of crunching metal and shattering glass immediately tune out your favorite song.

And that wonderful feeling you had? Yep, it’s gone. Now, all you have is searing pain.

Research shows that more than 3,900 people passed away in crashes involving large trucks in 2016. And many more suffer injuries in these types of accidents.

If you’re involved in a log truck accident, the aftermath can be messy. We’ve compiled a guide for navigating this type of accident situation in Louisiana.

Let’s get started.

The Dangers of Log Trucks

The drivers of log trucks in the South have a major responsibility, as their vehicles are among the largest ones you’ll find on the road.

Log trucks are long and heavy, and their drivers typically feel pressured to work lengthy hours to make their deliveries on time.

Unfortunately, improper loading and speeding can easily lead to a crash resulting in serious injuries and even death.

The Unique Challenges of Dealing with Log Truck Drivers

Log trucks do not have to adhere to the strict federal safety regulations that other types of commercial trucks must follow. For this reason, it’s not uncommon to see logging trucks that are worn out or improperly maintained.

In addition, drivers are often independent contractors or self-employed, so they aren’t required to follow the standards that general commercial carrier drivers must follow.

No limitations are placed on how many hours they work. There aren’t any investigations into these individuals’ driving histories. And they may not receive training on how to inspect or even operate their equipment.

All of these factors increase your chances of experiencing a serious log truck accident when you drive near these vehicles. Unfortunately, these factors also make it more complicated to pursue compensation for any injuries you suffer in a log truck crash.

That’s why consulting a qualified attorney is so critical following your accident. The attorney will hire top-notch experts to investigate your accident and will analyze the obtained evidence to pinpoint what caused the crash.

Potential Causes of Accidents

Log truck accidents can have a wide range of causes. For instance, perhaps the cargo of the log truck that struck your car came loose and littered the road, in addition to breaking your windshield.

Here are some other common causes of log truck wrecks:

  • Inadequate reflectors, rear lights or headlights, which keeps truck drivers from seeing passenger cars at night
  • Driver errors and reckless driving
  • Vehicle failures, including brake failures or the failures of tires that are worn out

Your truck accident may have also occurred due to overloading. Log truck drivers frequently overload their vehicles because they don’t fear enforcement much. After all, they often drive early in the morning.

Of course, this can be extremely dangerous — particularly if their trucks tip over.

What You Have to Prove

If you have suffered injuries in an accident involving a log truck, you have to prove your case before you can receive compensation.

First, you must demonstrate that the driver had the responsibility of exercising caution to prevent you from getting hurt. All drivers have a legal obligation to reasonable care for their fellow motorists.

Second, you must show that the truck driver did not exercise adequate care behind the wheel.

And finally, you must demonstrate that the truck driver’s lack of a reasonable amount of care ultimately caused you to suffer injuries. Truck accident lawyers will help you achieve this.

What to do Following a Logging Truck Accident

Once you’ve been involved in a truck crash, you’ll hear from the adjuster from the insurance company that represents the truck driver. This adjuster will likely toss out a low-ball offer to you in an effort to avoid giving you the total amount of money you deserve in light of your injuries.

Don’t sign anything. In fact, don’t talk to the adjuster on your own.

Instead, contact an attorney. Hiring a top-of-the-line attorney could mean receiving millions of dollars versus just a few thousand dollars in compensation.

To increase your chances of obtaining the maximum amount of compensation available, be sure to keep track of all of your medical records and bills associated with your truck accident injury. Also, take into consideration your possible future health care costs as well.

You may also want to keep a journal detailing how the accident has affected your life. For instance, are your injuries keeping you from being able to return to work for several weeks or even months? And is it taking a toll on you emotionally?

Your Rights

Following your accident, you have the right to seek the reimbursement of the financial damages you sustained in the collision.

Your attorney will push for the outcome that is best for you, which may mean settling or going to trial depending on your case’s circumstances.

If you are successful, you may receive a monetary award that will help you to cover your hospital bills and other medical costs. For example, the award may help you to pay for physical therapy treatments in the months following the collision.

You can also use the money to cover your lost wages. In addition, the compensation can come in handy for addressing pain and suffering as well as emotional stress stemming from the truck crash.

No matter how much money you receive, it cannot undo the unfortunate events that led to the log truck collision. However, it can help you to feel as though justice has been served. And with that, you might be able to move on from the accident more easily.

How We Can Help Following a Truck Accident

In the aftermath of a truck accident that the truck driver caused, we will vigorously pursue the compensation you need to address your injuries.

The best part is that you will pay no costs or fees unless we get you a court award or settlement.

Contact us to find out more about how we can help you to experience closure following such a potentially life-altering wreck.