Truck Accident Lawyer Covington LA
Our Practice Areas
At 100,000 pounds and traveling at interstate speeds, big rigs and 18 wheelers can cause serious damage.
The type of insurance an 18 wheeler carries depends on whether the carrier is considered an intrastate trucking company, or any interstate trucking company. Intrastate companies are allowed to carry lower minimum insurance requirements such as a $300,000 policy.
Interstate trucking companies, on the other hand, are required by federal law to carry more insurance, such as $1 million in minimum coverage. If you have been insured by an 18 wheeler wreck attorney, call us immediately so that you can discuss your rights and legal options.
18 wheeler accident cases are different than your typical car accident cases. First, the injuries are usually much more severe. Second both the applicable law and insurance requirements are very different than in your average car wreck case.
David has years of experience in negligence cases and can help you if you have been injured by an 18 wheeler operator’s negligence.
Truck accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. These may include the driver being inattentive, failure to obey a traffic control device, driver is intoxicated or for some other reason.
It is important to perform a thorough investigation of the accident if you have been hurt. A proper investigation may reveal defects in the truck or other issues which may become important in your personal injury case.
Call David today if you have been hurt in a truck collision.
How many 18 wheeler accidents occur in louisiana annually?
The following is information on 18 wheeler accidents in Louisiana based on available data up until 2021:
According to the Louisiana State Police, there were a total of 1,970 commercial motor vehicle crashes in Louisiana in 2020, which includes accidents involving 18 wheelers. Of those crashes, 49 resulted in fatalities and 398 resulted in injuries.
It’s worth noting that these numbers represent all commercial motor vehicle crashes in Louisiana, and not just those involving 18 wheelers specifically. Additionally, these numbers are subject to change and may vary from year to year.
What is a commercial vehicle?
A commercial vehicle is any type of vehicle that is used for business purposes, such as transporting goods or passengers for hire, or for other commercial purposes. Examples of commercial vehicles include trucks, buses, taxis, delivery vans, and trailers.
In general, any vehicle that is used primarily for business purposes or to transport goods or passengers for a fee is considered a commercial vehicle. This can include vehicles that are owned by a business or are operated by an independent contractor, as long as the vehicle is used for commercial purposes.
Commercial vehicles are subject to specific regulations and licensing requirements, and may require additional insurance coverage to protect against accidents and liability.
What kind of insurance does an 18 wheeler have to maintain?
Commercial trucking companies that operate 18-wheelers are required to maintain several types of insurance coverage to protect against potential accidents and liability. Some of the most common types of insurance that 18-wheelers may need to carry include:
- Primary Liability Insurance
- Cargo Insurance
- Physical Damage Insurance
- Bobtail Insurance
- Non-Trucking Liability Insurance
The specific insurance requirements for 18-wheelers can vary depending on factors such as the size and weight of the vehicle, the cargo being transported, and the state or region where the vehicle is operated. It is important for trucking companies to work with an experienced insurance agent to ensure that they have the appropriate coverage to meet their needs and comply with relevant regulations.
What is primary liability insurance on an 18 wheeler?
Primary liability insurance is a type of insurance that is required by law for commercial trucking companies and their drivers to operate legally on public roads. It provides coverage for damages and injuries that may occur to other people or property as a result of an accident caused by the insured truck driver.
In general, primary liability insurance covers the following types of damages and liabilities
- Bodily Injury Liability
- Property Damage Liability
- Legal Defense Costs
The amount of coverage required for primary liability insurance can vary depending on the state or region where the vehicle is operated, but the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets minimum insurance requirements for commercial vehicles that travel between states. As of 2021, the minimum required amount of primary liability insurance for commercial vehicles weighing over 10,000 pounds is $750,000.
It’s important to note that primary liability insurance only covers damages and injuries caused by the insured truck driver. It does not cover damages or injuries sustained by the driver or the truck itself, which may require additional types of insurance coverage.
Why is it important to hire an 18 wheeler accident attorney near me?
It is important to hire an excellent accident attorney near you because it will be easier for you to travel to their law office and easier to communicate and share information with your lawyer.
Also, your lawyer may want to have regular meetings with you in order to better handle and prepare your case.
