Hardly anyone enjoys driving through inclement weather, and professional truck drivers are certainly no exception to that trend. Like everyone else on the road, though, long-haul truckers have a duty of care requiring them to act responsibly behind the wheel regardless of the weather. If a trucker causes a wreck by failing to fulfill that duty, they may hold civil liability for any resulting injuries and losses.
As any experienced truck accident lawyer will tell you, bad weather truck accidents in Prairieville can be challenging to take effective legal action over since what qualifies as negligence can be more subjective in this type of claim than it is in many others. Fortunately, you have help available from the knowledgeable legal team at Tomeny | Best, who will treat you like family as they work tirelessly to get you paid what you deserve.
What Counts as Negligent Driving During Bad Weather?
Typically, proving someone at fault for causing a traffic collision of any kind in Louisiana means proving they committed a specific violation of traffic law just prior to the wreck happening. During bad weather, though, it is not uncommon for truck crashes to occur in Prairieville, seemingly without anyone involved breaking any laws, especially if the wreck happened on a major highway like Interstate 10 or US-61.
However, breaking the law is not the only way someone can violate their duty of care behind the wheel. As a seasoned attorney can further explain, it is also possible to commit a legally actionable breach of duty simply by acting in a way that another reasonable driver would not have under the circumstances—for example, by continuing to drive at the posted speed limit even though heavy rain has significantly reduced visibility and traction. Guidance from capable legal counsel can be key to establishing that this type of negligence was the main cause of a specific incident and taking effective legal action with that in mind.
Getting Paid Fairly Within Filing Deadlines
Someone found civilly at fault for a bad weather truck wreck in Prairieville can be made to pay financially for every short-term and long-term loss that wreck causes for the plaintiff filing suit over it, including things like:
- Medical bills
- Vehicle repair/replacement costs and other expenses related to personal property damage
- Lost work income and/or earning ability
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish and trauma
- Lost enjoyment/quality of life
Importantly, though, Louisiana Civil Code §3493.1 gives most truck crash victims just two years to file suit after initially sustaining injury. It is also worth noting that this statute of limitations for civil claims was changed fairly recently, so a different deadline may apply if several months have passed since the date of the initial accident.
Contact a Prairieville Attorney for Help With a Bad Weather Truck Accident Claim
Inclement weather can make even short car journeys difficult, and the larger and heavier your vehicle is, the more challenging that trip may become. Nevertheless, tractor-trailer drivers are still expected to be careful and responsible while driving, rain or shine, and they can be held legally liable for any harm they cause by failing to live up to that obligation.
A truck accident lawyer from Tomeny | Best could be an invaluable ally to have on your side from start to finish of your claim over a bad weather truck accident in Prairieville. Call today to schedule your free consultation.