Although the side of a passenger car is reinforced, the force that comes with being struck by a commercial vehicle is substantial. As a result, side-impact truck accidents in Prairieville can lead to devastating and even life-threatening injuries, such as paralysis, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), or even wrongful death.
If a negligent trucker hurt you in one of these incidents, you may be able to seek compensation through the legal system. A successful negligence claim could cover your losses, but that process is not always easy. It is wise to work with a dedicated semi-truck wreck attorney from Tomeny | Best who could help you to maximize your recovery after a crash.
Why Are These Accidents So Dangerous?
Passenger cars are primarily designed to absorb impact in the front or rear of the vehicle. While some protections are included for a side-impact crash, they are not nearly as sturdy. This is especially problematic when it comes to accidents with commercial trucks, given that these larger vehicles ride much higher, and impacts to the side and top of a car can severely injure the passengers within it.
The tremendous force generated by a side-impact truck accident can result in significant injuries for the occupants of a passenger car, including paralysis, lacerations, severe burns, neck injuries, and TBIs in Prairieville. Living with these conditions can be physically and financially painful. Moreover, many people are too hurt to return to their jobs in the days or weeks following a crash. This sudden loss of income can further complicate an injured person’s mounting medical debt. However, a civil suit could secure a monetary award that covers those costs.
What if Both Drivers Are at Fault?
While careless truck operators are usually to blame for these accidents, there are times when liability is shared between both parties. When a person is hurt in a Prairieville side-impact truck accident, they could still pursue a compensation case even if they were partially to blame.
Louisiana has adopted the pure comparative fault system, which means being partially to blame for an accident will not bar someone from recovering damages from the other driver. However, they are limited to recouping damages based on their degree of fault. For example, if a truck driver collides with the side of a passenger car in an intersection because the truck driver ran a red light but also traveled at unsafe speeds, a jury could determine that the car’s operator was 30 percent to blame. This finding could reduce the driver’s recovery by 30 percent after the total value of the claim was determined.
Talk to a Prairieville Attorney Following a Side-Impact Truck Crash Today
When you have been injured in a side-impact truck accident in Prairieville, a dedicated attorney from Tomeny | Best could advise you of your available legal options. Pursuing a lawsuit may provide you with the financial damages you deserve, and our dedicated legal team could help you with this process.
Reach out as soon as possible to discuss your case during a free, private consultation. We would be happy to schedule one at your convenience.
