Louisiana Semi-Truck, 18-Wheeler & Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Attorney for Recovery After Serious Injury

After any auto accident, it can be hard to know how to take the first step. When the accident involves a semi-truck or other commercial vehicle, it can be even more overwhelming. Because of their size and weight, accidents with semi-trucks tend to be much more damaging to vehicles involved and typically involve very serious injury or death.

When you hire Rick Ely to handle your injury claim after an accident involving a truck or commercial vehicle you are putting experience to work for you. Rick spent 14 years representing insurance companies on the defense side, most of which was defending trucking companies which gives him a unique insight to handling claims for individuals.

Why Are Truck Accidents Different from Car Accidents?

When two cars are involved in an accident, the insurance companies work to determine fault based on the actions of each driver. When a commercial vehicle is involved, there are several parties that are potentially liable for the accident including:

  • The driver of the truck
  • The trucking company
  • Owner of the truck
  • Company leasing the truck
  • Company leasing the trailer

Aside from the size and weight difference, truck accidents add a layer of potential liability that is not present in a standard auto accident case. The trucking companies and their drivers are held to a different set of standards in an effort to keep our roads and highways safe. Some of the issues that may apply in determining negligence include:

  • The overloading of a truck
  • Driver operating the truck for too long without a break
  • Trucking company’s failure to monitor the driver’s hours
  • Operating an oversized truck on a narrow road
  • Hiring an unqualified driver
  • Not keeping the truck, trailer and related equipment in proper working condition

Serious Representation for Serious Truck Accidents

There are hundreds of lawyers in Louisiana who are happy to work with you on your auto claim, and the great majority of them would also take a truck accident claim. Hiring an “auto accident attorney” who has little experience handling a truck accident case can be a big mistake. The laws that apply to trucking are complex. If one of these rules was violated and that somehow contributed to or caused your accident, that can have a major impact on your case. Do not risk having your claim undervalued or lost because your attorney lacks experience with the rules and regulations that apply to truck drivers and trucking companies. Rick Ely spent years working as a defense lawyer for the trucking insurance companies, and now he can put that knowledge and first hand experience to work for you

Free Consultation, No Up-Front Costs

You can start the injury recovery process after a truck accident by taking advantage of a free initial consultation with Rick. He can meet you in his New Orleans office, at the hospital or anywhere you are available. In the consultation, he will help you understand how the law applies to your claim and the best options for moving forward. You only pay after Rick has successfully recovered on your claim.

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While this website provides general information, it does not constitute legal advice. The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship.