Big Rig Accident Attorneys – Get the Help You Need After a Big Rig Accident in New Orleans

In New Orleans, large rigs are a common sight on the interstate. With so many 18-wheelers on the road, it’s not surprising that there are accidents.

If you or someone you love has been involved in a big rig accident, whether as a driver or passenger, you need an experienced New Orleans truck accident lawyer on your side.

Big Easy Injury Attorney understands the unique challenges that come with these cases. We know how to investigate and build a strong case. Call us today for more information!

Understanding Big Rigs and Its Limitations

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), big rigs account for 4 percent of all vehicles on the road but 9 percent of fatal vehicle crashes.

In 2016, there were 96 fatalities in 85 fatal big rig accidents in Louisiana, with 8 deaths in 6 deadly collisions in New Orleans alone.

Commercial big rig drivers learn proactive methods to avoid accidents, but it’s vital to understand their limitations.

There are several reasons why these accidents happen more frequently:

Big Rigs Take Much Longer to Stop

A full load can take a big rig up to an extra 20 percent distance to come to a complete stop.

Other drivers need to be aware of this and give commercial rigs plenty of space on the road.

Big Rigs Have Large Blind Spots

If you can’t see the truck driver in their mirrors, chances are they can’t see you either.

Be aware of these blind spots and avoid driving in them if possible.

Big Rigs are Considerably Larger and Much Heavier Than Passenger Cars

When they’re in an accident with a smaller vehicle, it’s often the smaller vehicle that suffers the most damage.

Fatigued Drivers

Truckers often have to meet tight deadlines, which can lead them to drive for long periods without rest.

This can lead to drowsy driving, which can be just as dangerous as drunk driving.

Common Types of Big Rig Accidents

While any type of vehicle accident has the potential to cause serious injuries, those involving big rigs are often particularly devastating.

Due to their size and weight, big rigs can cause extensive damage when they collide with smaller vehicles.

Some of the most common types of big rig accidents in New Orleans include:

• Rear-end collision. This happens when the truck hits the back of another vehicle, often because the truck couldn’t stop in time.
• Head-on collisions are also common and can be very dangerous, especially when high speeds are involved.
• Big rigs can also sideswipe smaller vehicles when making turns. This happens when the truck’s trailer swings out into another lane while the truck is making a turn. It can also happen when the truck changes lanes without properly checking its blind spots.

Avoiding Big Rig Accidents

As you share the roads with large trucks in New Orleans, it is important to be aware of their dangers. These massive vehicles can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making them much larger and heavier than the average passenger car.

Because of their size and weight, large trucks require a greater distance to stop, and they have large blind spots that make it difficult for the driver to see other vehicles.

There are several things that you can do to avoid being involved in a big rig accident:

• Always give trucks plenty of space on the road. Remember that they need extra distance to stop, so don’t tailgate.
• Be aware of a truck’s blind spots and avoid driving in them if possible.
• If you must pass a big rig, do so quickly and then get back in front of the truck.
• And finally, never cut off a big rig.

Get Responsive Legal Care After a Big Rig Accident with One of Our Attorneys at Big Easy Injury Attorney

A big rig accident can be a very serious matter. No one should have to suffer because of another person’s negligence, but unfortunately, accidents happen every day.

If you or someone you love has been involved in a truck accident, it is important to seek legal help as soon as possible. The last thing you need is to be dealing with the aftermath of an accident on your own. At Big Easy Injury Attorney, we can help.

Our attorneys have a wealth of experience dealing with big rig accidents.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our big rig accident attorneys in New Orleans.