New Orleans 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney Information

If you have a New Orleans, LA truck accident claim, New Orleans truck accident lawyers are here to advocate for you. Call one of the New Orleans truck accident lawyers listed on this site for a free initial consultation.

New Orleans is a major port in the United States, and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana. The New Orleans metropolitan area, (New Orleans–Metairie–Kenner) has a population of 1,235,650 as of 2009, the 46th largest in the USA. The city/parish alone has a population of 343,829 as of 2010.

New Orleans is located in southeastern Louisiana, straddling the Mississippi River. The city and parish are bounded by the parishes of St. Tammany to the north, St. Bernard to the east, Plaquemines to the south and Jefferson to the south and west. Lake Pontchartrain, part of which is included in the city limits, lies to the north and Lake Borgne lies to the east.

The city is well known for its distinct French Creole architecture, as well as its cross cultural and multilingual heritage. New Orleans is also famous for its cuisine, music (particularly as the birthplace of jazz), and its annual celebrations and festivals, most notably Mardi Gras. New Orleans is often referred to as the "most unique” city in America. According to current travel guides, New Orleans is one of the top ten most visited cities in the United States.

New Orleans is home to one of the largest and busiest ports in the world, and metropolitan New Orleans is a center of maritime industry. The New Orleans region also accounts for a significant portion of the nation's oil refining and petrochemical production, and serves as a white collar corporate base for onshore and offshore petroleum and natural gas production. New Orleans is a center for higher learning, with over 50,000 students enrolled in the region's eleven two- and four-year degree granting institutions. A top 50 research university, Tulane University, is located in New Orleans' Uptown neighborhood. Metropolitan New Orleans is a major regional hub for the health care industry and boasts a small, globally competitive manufacturing sector. The center city possesses a rapidly growing, entrepreneurial creative industries sector, and is, of course, renowned for its cultural tourism.

Semi truck, tractor trailer and 18-wheeler accidents are common occurrences on New Orleans roads and highways. It is estimated that approximately 5,000 people die as a result of 18-wheeler accidents and big rig collisions in the United States each year with a substantial number of 18-wheeler truck accidents occurring in New Orleans, Louisiana every day. Due to the large population and highly congested traffic throughout New Orleans’s metropolitan area, the city of New Orleans unfortunately has its fair share of big rig truck accidents. In 2009, the U.S. Census estimated New Orleans’s population to be at 1.2 million people within an area of 180.6 square miles. With New Orleans being the 46th largest city in the United States and the largest city in the State of Louisiana, 18-wheeler accidents and semi truck crashes on New Orleans highways are inevitable.

If you have been involved in a truck accident, a New Orleans truck accident lawyer can help you and provide the expertise to advocate zealously on your behalf. If you have a New Orleans truck accident claim, call one of the New Orleans truck accident lawyers listed on this site for a free initial consultation.

New Orleans 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney

Due to the sheer weight difference of a car versus the weight of an 18-wheeler or tractor trailer, accidents that involve commercial vehicles often times result in severe injuries or even death. Compared to the average weight of an automobile, which is only 5,000 pounds, one can easily see how much more dangerous commercial vehicles like an 18 wheeler can be. That is why if you are injured by a semi truck or commercial vehicle in New Orleans, it is important that you choose an experienced New Orleans 18-wheeler accident attorney who knows the truck regulations and laws both nationally and for the State of Louisiana.

Commercial vehicles go by different names such as:

1. Flatbed
2. 18 Wheeler
3. Tractor Trailer
4. Semi-Truck
5. Semi-Trailer

New Orleans truck accidents caused by an 18-wheeler, big rig, semi truck, tractor trailer, bus or commercial vehicle are common on New Orleans streets, avenues and highways. Many of the semi truck crashes that occur in the city of New Orleans happen along the major New Orleans highways, which include the I-10, I-610, US 90 and SH 47.

Types of Trucks

The following trucks do specific things and carry certain types of cargo:

1. Bob-Tail Trucks
2. Tanker trucks
3. Refrigerated trucks
4. Flat bed trucks
5. Logging trucks

Buses are also considered commercial vehicles as well, but as a rule do not haul cargo. Instead a bus is a transportation vehicle that carries children or adults such as a school bus or commercial bus like Greyhound. School bus accidents or commercial bus accidents are common on New Orleans roads and freeways. The causes may vary, but often times the accident is a result of hazardous road conditions or driver negligence.

It is essential to hire a New Orleans bus accident lawyer if you have been involved in the following type of accident:

1. New Orleans city buses;
2. Transportation buses such as Greyhound;
3. Shuttle bus accidents when driving to and from the airport, such as Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.

The ways New Orleans truck accidents happen occur are too numerous to list. Blind spots, rear-ends, sideswipes, head-ons, load overturns, jack-knifes are all possible and can result in fatal wrongful death truck accidents.

If you live in New Orleans and have a claims for an accident that involved a big rig or an 18 wheeler, your case might be filed in this court:

Orleans Parish Civil District Court
421 Loyola Avenue Room 402
New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 592-9100

18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers Serve New Orleans and Surrounding Cities

Serving clients throughout Southeastern Louisiana, including Algiers, Alma, Bridge City, Chalmette, Destrehan, Elmwood, Gretna, Harahan, Harvey, Kenner, Luling, Meraux, Marrero, Metairie, Mt. Airy, New Orleans, River Ridge, South Kenner, Slidell, St. Benedict, St. James, St. Rose, Terrytown, Westwego, and other communities in Orleans Parish.

New Orleans 18-wheeler accident attorneys are experienced in handling serious injury truck collision cases and can help you fight the trucking company or its insurer in order to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact a New Orleans 18 wheeler accident lawyer today for a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION.

Types of Trucks

What is Board Certified in Civil Trial or Personal Injury Trial Law & What are the Requirements?

Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyers & Trial Attorneys

Board certified civil trial lawyers represent private parties who typically are suing or being sued for money damages. These lawyers are qualified to try cases before juries and judges in state and federal courts. They are also competent in resolving disputes before lawsuits are filed and handling mediations and arbitrations.

In Louisiana, there are currently over 20,000 lawyers in the State of Louisiana. Some of them are actively practicing and some are not. In Louisiana, the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization (LBLS) offers certain Board Certification programs. Currently, the certification programs that are offered by the LBLS are:

1. Business Bankruptcy Law;
2. Consumer Bankruptcy Law;
3. Estate Planning & Administration;
4. Tax Law; and
5. Family Law;

There is no certification currently offered by the LBLS in Civil Trial Law and/or Personal Injury Trial Law or Civil Appellate Practice.

Historically, lawyers have always self-regulated themselves through bar associations. These bar associations would prepare rules of conduct and then, typically, they would be adopted by the highest court in that state. additionally, the American Bar Association, in 1978, created a section called the Center for Professional Responsibility. Created in 1978, the Center has provided national leadership and vision in developing and interpreting standards and scholarly resources in legal and judicial ethics, professional regulation, professionalism and client protection.has also promulgated the Model Rules of Professional Conduct ( the "Model Code") which has served the basis of most states current ethical rules.

The issues involved in "Specialization" in a given practice area actually arose in the area of lawyer advertising. Since lawyers are highly trained in the laws. Advertising by lawyers has always been a source of problems for the bars of all states. On one side, you have the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution which guarantees the right to Freedom of Speech ("advertising" has been judicially held to fall within a type of speech) and, on the other side, you have the state's rights to regulate and govern the protection of the public from unscrupulous and deceptive advertising from one of its licensees, i.e., Lawyers. For an excellent article discussing the historical development of specialization in the United States, please see Know the Law: A History of Legal Specialization, 45 SCLR 1003 (1994).

The Model Code handles "specialization" like this:

Information About Legal Services
Rule 7.4 Communication of Fields of Practice and Specialization

(a) A lawyer may communicate the fact that the lawyer does or does not practice in particular fields of law.
(b) A lawyer admitted to engage in patent practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office may use the designation "Patent Attorney" or a substantially similar designation.
(c) A lawyer engaged in Admiralty practice may use the designation "Admiralty," "Proctor in Admiralty" or a substantially similar designation.
(d) A lawyer shall not state or imply that a lawyer is certified as a specialist in a particular field of law, unless:

(1) the lawyer has been certified as a specialist by an organization that has been approved by an appropriate state authority or that has been accredited by the American Bar Association; and
(2) the name of the certifying organization is clearly identified in the communication.

Louisiana has its version of Model Code Rule 2.4 in State Bar Articles of Incorporation, Art. 16, Rules of Prof.Conduct, Rule 7.2, LSA-R.S. foll. 37:222 which, in pertinent part, states:

(c) Prohibitions and General Rules Governing Content of Advertisements and Unsolicited Written Communications.

...

(5) Communication of Fields of Practice. A lawyer may communicate the fact that the lawyer does or does not practice in particular fields of law. A lawyer shall not state or imply that the lawyer is “certified,” “board certified,” an “expert” or a “specialist” except as follows:

(A) Lawyers Certified by the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization. A lawyer who complies with the Plan of Legal Specialization, as determined by the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization, may inform the public and other lawyers of the lawyer's certified area(s) of legal practice. Such communications should identify the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization as the certifying organization and may state that the lawyer is “certified,” “board certified,” an “expert in (area of certification)” or a “specialist in (area of certification).”

(B) Lawyers Certified by Organizations Other Than the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization or Another State Bar. A lawyer certified by an organization other than the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization or another state bar may inform the public and other lawyers of the lawyer's certified area(s) of legal practice by stating that the lawyer is “certified,” “board certified,” an “expert in (area of certification)” or a “specialist in (area of certification)” if:

(i) the lawyer complies with Section 6.2 of the Plan of Legal Specialization for the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization; and,

(ii) the lawyer includes the full name of the organization in all communications pertaining to such certification.

A lawyer who has been certified by an organization that is accredited by the American Bar Association is not subject to Section 6.2 of the Plan of Legal Specialization.

(C) Certification by Other State Bars. A lawyer certified by another state bar may inform the public and other lawyers of the lawyer's certified area(s) of legal practice and may state in communications to the public that the lawyer is “certified,” “board certified,” an “expert in (area of certification)” or a “specialist in (area of certification)” if:

(i) the state bar program grants certification on the basis of standards reasonably comparable to the standards of the Plan of Legal Specialization, as determined by the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization; and,

(ii) the lawyer includes the name of the state bar in all communications pertaining to such certification.

Section 6 of the Plan of Legal Specialization reads as follows:

Section 6. Privileges Conferred

6.1 Any lawyer recognized as a specialist under this Plan shall be entitled to advertise that he or she is a "Board Certified Specialist" in his or her specialty to the extent permitted by the Rules of Professional Conduct of this State.

6.2 A lawyer who is certified as a specialist by a certifying agency approved by the Board may communicate the fact that he or she is certified as a specialist in the area of law involved. If the certifying agency has not been approved by the Board, the lawyer must so state in any advertising materials used by the specialist.

As you can see from 5(B)(i)&(ii) above, if someone has applied for and passed an ABA approved specialization program and provides the necessary disclaimer in 6.2, they can advertise their specialty.

One of the ABA approved Criminal Trial Law Specialty programs is the National Board of Legal Specialty Certification. Their requirements for certification are set forth below.

General Principles for Certification of Civil Trial Advocates

1. No standards shall in any way limit the right of a certified civil or criminal trial advocate to practice law in all fields.
2. No lawyer shall be required to obtain a certificate in civil or criminal trial advocacy before he or she can practice in either field.
3. Certification is individual and voluntary. Certification is open to all who qualify.
4. A lawyer may have more than one certification from other divisions of the National Board of Legal Specialty Certification.
5. Certification shall be for five years, after which time the certificate cannot be used unless the lawyer is recertified. Certification may be revoked at any time for violations of the General Principles or Standards of the National Board of Trial Advocacy.
6. Application will be made to the National Board of Trial Advocacy, on the forms supplied by the Board, and accompanied by the appropriate fee.
7. Applicant must complete all requirements, including the examination, within two years of application. If the certification process is not satisfactorily completed within the two year period, the applicant will need to reapply and re-submit all required fees. An application can be denied at any time within the two year application period for failure to successfully meet the requirements for certification.
8. A certificate will be issued upon a showing by the applicant, and by the Board's own investigation, that the applicant complies with the standards and regulations for certification.
9. All applications and other information submitted to the National Board of Trial Advocacy shall be privileged and confidential, except as compelled by law and, except that the Board may reveal the fact of an application for the purpose of verifying information submitted by the applicant, and for the purpose of making such inquiries with respect to the character and professional reputation of the applicant as may be authorized by its rules.
10. The National Board of Trial Advocacy does not discriminate against any lawyer seeking certification on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or age.
11. The National Board of Trial Advocacy is dedicated to the identification of lawyers who possess an enhanced level of skill and expertise in trial advocacy, and have demonstrated integrity and dedication to the interests of their clients, thereby improving the professional competence of lawyers.

Standards for Civil & Criminal Certification - rev.2/07

1. Good Standing and Period of Practice

1. The applicant shall furnish evidence of his or her good standing in the state of his or her admission, or if admitted in more than one state, in the state of his or her principal practice.
2. Immediately preceding application, the applicant must have spent five (5) years in the actual practice of Civil and/or Criminal law.

2. Substantial Involvement

1. The applicant must make a satisfactory showing of substantial involvement relevant to the particular specialty certification the person is seeking, with at least thirty (30) percent of his or her time spent practicing civil trial litigation, and/or thirty (30) percent of his or her time spent practicing criminal trial litigation, during the three (3) years preceding the filing of the application.
2. Within the applicant's career, the applicant must make a satisfactory showing of substantial involvement relevant to the particular specialty certification by personal participation in at least forty-five days of trial ( a day of trial is not less than six hours) during which the applicant examined or cross-examined witnesses, delivered an opening statement or closing argument or conducted a voir dire jury examination. During the forty-five or more trial days the applicant must personally have:

1. Served as lead counsel in at least five jury cases;
2. Substantially participated in at least five jury cases which have proceeded to verdict;
3. Conducted direct examination of at least twenty-five lay witnesses;
4. Conducted cross-examination of at least twenty-five lay witnesses;
5. Conducted direct examination of at least fifteen expert witnesses;
6. Conducted cross-examination of at least fifteen expert witnesses;
7. Presented at least eight opening statements;
8. Presented at least four closing arguments;
9. Conducted at least five voir dire jury examinations or (in courts which do not permit counsel to conduct voir dire examination) submitted proposed jury questions for the court at least ten times or a combination of examinations and submissions acceptable to the Standards Committee.

The Standards Committee may allow a lesser number of performances in categories (c) through (i) if additional involvement in other categories clearly constitutes sufficient active trial participation to demonstrate an enhanced level of skill and experience.

3. Within the applicant's career, the applicant shall also have actively participated in one hundred (100) additional contested matters involving the taking of testimony (cases included in your substantial involvement may not be included as part of your contested matters). This may include trials (jury or non-jury); evidentiary hearings or depositions; and motions heard before or after trial. In criminal advocacy, it may include juvenile delinquency hearings. In civil advocacy, it may include arbitration hearings, welfare hearings, and workers compensation matters not tried to a court.

4. Within the applicant's substantial involvement and contested matters, one of the following four conditions must be met three years prior to application:

1. Substantial trial involvement in ten days of trial with personal participation in the categories listed in Section (B)(2)(a) through (i) or,
2. Active personal participation in 24 litigated matters, either directly handled to conclusion as lead counsel or in a supervisory capacity to lead counsel, or
3. Participation in 36 performances (evidentiary hearings or depositions which either oral argument was made or testimony was taken, or motions heard before or after trial), or
4. A combination of trial days, participation in litigated matters or performances which demonstrates substantial involvement in the specialty equivalent to one of the three subsections above as approved by the Standards Committee.

3. Educational Experience

1. The applicant must demonstrate substantial participation in continuing legal education and the development of the law with respect to the specialty, in the three year period immediately preceding application either:

1. By attendance and/or electronic participation in not less than forty-five hours in programs of continuing legal education in the specialty or ethics, approved by the Standards Committee, or
2. By equivalent participation through, but not limited to, the following means, approved by the Standards Committee:

1. Teaching courses or seminars in trial law or ethics;
2. Participation as panelist, speaker, or workshop leader, at educational or professional conferences;
3. Authorship of books, or of articles published in professional journals, on trial law;
4. By combination of the three subsections above.

4. Peer Review

1. The applicant shall submit with application the names of ten to twelve references, not present partners, associates, or relatives of the applicant. These references shall be substantially involved in the relevant field of trial law, and familiar with the applicant's practice in that field. References satisfactory to the NBTA must be received from at least three judges before whom the applicant has tried a matter in the relevant field, not more than three years before application; and at least three shall be lawyers with whom, or against whom, the applicant has tried a matter in that field within three years of application.
2. NBTA will solicit confidential statements from all persons listed as references and may solicit confidential statements of reference from other persons, familiar with the applicant's practice, not specifically named by the applicant. All reference statements received will be reviewed by the NBTA to assess whether the applicant has demonstrated an enhanced level of skill and expertise in the practice area, integrity and consideration for the interests of clients.

5. Examination

The applicant must pass a written examination to test his or her proficiency, knowledge, and experience in civil and/or criminal trial law, so that the applicant may justify his or her representation of specialization to the public.

6. Legal Writing Document

The applicant shall submit a copy of a legal writing document, no more than three (3) years before the date of application which he or she has prepared, but not necessarily published. This will be a substantial document in the area for which the applicant seeks certification, containing concise and accurate writing, stating facts (either actual or hypothetical), stating applicable law, analysis of how the law applies to the facts, written in an appropriately argumentative manner and well constructed (i.e. organized, grammatical, demonstrative of good syntax and usage) . Acceptable documents include, but are not limited to: briefs (trial or appellate), motions for summary judgment, bar journal, law review and legal magazine articles, motions in limine, etc.. The quality of the legal document will be evaluated on those criteria and will determine whether the applicant is qualified for certification.

7. Disclosure of Conduct

1. In order to assist the evaluation of whether the applicant possesses an enhanced level of skill and expertise in trial advocacy and has demonstrated integrity and dedication to the interest of clients, the applicant shall, to the extent known, disclose to the National Board of Trial Advocacy as soon as permitted by law:

1. The filing of any criminal charges against the applicant together with all details called for by the Disclosure of Conduct Form;
2. The filing or submission of any allegation of unethical or inappropriate professional conduct with any court, grievance committee or disciplinary board or body together with all details called for by the Disclosure of Conduct Form.
3. The assertion of any claim of professional negligence or professional liability, whether or not suit has been filed, which is based in any part on alleged acts or omissions of the applicant or member or on the acts or omissions of any other attorney over whom the applicant or member had any responsibility together with all details called for by the Disclosure of Conduct Form.

2. The National Board of Trial Advocacy shall determine, in accordance with its standards and procedures whether the conduct is such that certification should be granted, denied, suspended or revoked, or whether action should be deferred pending receipt of additional information. The NBTA will take into consideration any findings made by other bodies concerning such conduct, but is not bound by any such findings and will make its own independent assessment concerning how such conduct bears on whether an attorney is qualified to obtain or maintain certification.

3. The failure of an applicant to disclose such conduct is a material misrepresentation and may be cause for rejecting an application or refusing to grant certification, or for suspending or revoking a certificate. The applicant shall have a continuing duty to disclose such matters to the board.

Recertification Standards

1. Good Standing - The applicant shall furnish satisfactory evidence of good standing in the state of his or her admission or, if admitted in more than one state, in the state of his or her principal practice.

2. Substantial Involvement:

1. The applicant must make a satisfactory showing of substantial involvement in the specialty with at least thirty (30) percent of his or her time spent practicing civil/criminal trial litigation during the five years preceding recertification.
2. The applicant must further demonstrate substantial involvement in specialized practice during the five (5) years preceding recertification by showing that he or she has actively participated as counsel for a party or parties:

1. In criminal trial advocacy, not less than fifteen (15) trial days of criminal matters
2. In civil trial advocacy, not less than fifteen (15) trial days of civil matters
3. As an alternative, in civil and/or criminal trial advocacy, one of the following:

1. Participation in forty (40) litigated matters, either directly handled to conclusion as lead counsel or in a supervisory capacity to lead counsel or,
2. Participation in sixty (60) performances which would include depositions or hearings as which either oral argument was made or testimony was taken or,
3. A combination of trial days, participation in litigated matters or performances which demonstrates substantial involvement in the specialty equivalent to one of the two subsections above as approved by the Standards Committee of the Board of Directors.

3. Educational Experience - The applicant must show that he or she participated in and completed at least forty-five (45) hours of educational activity, as set forth in Part C of the Certification Standards, during the five years preceding recertification.

4. Peer Review

1. The applicant shall submit, for each specialty area, the names of six (6) references, not present partners, associates, or relatives of the applicant. Such references shall be substantially involved in the relevant field of trial law, and should be familiar with the applicant's practice in that field. At least two (2) shall be judges before whom the applicant has appeared as an advocate in the relevant field not more than three (3) years before application; and at least three (3) shall be lawyers with whom, or against whom, the applicant has appeared as an advocate in that field within three (3) years of application.

2. NBTA will solicit confidential statements from the references named by the applicant and may solicit confidential statements of reference from other persons, familiar with the applicant's practice, not specifically named by the applicant. References satisfactory to the NBTA must be received from at least one (1) judge and from at least two (2) attorneys. All reference statements received will be reviewed by the NBTA to assess whether the applicant has maintained the enhanced level of skill and expertise in the practice area and the integrity and consideration for the interests of clients necessary to merit recertification.

5. Disclosure of Conduct

The applicant shall comply with Part G of the Certification Standards in the same manner as an applicant for certification.

Annual Reporting

Annually, members will be required to submit a Disclosure of Conduct form and annual dues. The member's annual dues and Disclosure of Conduct (Part G of the Certification Standards) must be current before an application for recertification will be granted. Disclosures of Conduct/Liability shall be submitted to the Standards Committee to determine if certification should be continued.

Denial or Revocation of Certification

1. An application for certification may be denied for failure to comply with any of the requirements relating to good standing, substantial involvement, educational experience, peer review, examination, legal writing document, disclosure of conduct, financial responsibility, or any other failure to demonstrate possession of an enhanced level of skill and expertise in trial advocacy and demonstrated integrity and dedication to the interests of clients.

2. An application for recertification may be denied for failure to comply with any of the requirements relating to good standing, substantial involvement, educational experience, peer review, disclosure of conduct or any other failure to demonstrate possession of an enhanced level of skill and expertise in trial advocacy and integrity and dedication to the interests of clients.

3. An existing certification may be revoked for failure to demonstrate maintenance of an enhanced level of skill and experience in trial advocacy and integrity and dedication to the interests of clients as required for certification or for failure to maintain compliance with the financial responsibility requirements.

4. Decisions of the Examination Committee and the Legal Writing Review Committee are final and not subject to further review or appeal. An attorney who is refused certification for any other reason, or who is refused recertification or whose certification is revoked may pursue review under the Appeal Procedures of the NBTA. Exhaustion of this right shall be a condition precedent to judicial review.

5. A lawyer who is refused certification or recertification, or whose certification is revoked, may not apply for certification until one year after the date of such refusal, denial or revocation.

6. Suspension of the license to practice law shall operate as an automatic revocation of certification.

7. A lawyer who publicizes a certification or application for certification prior to its being granted, or continues to publish a certification after it has been revoked or suspended, may be barred from certification.
 

If you wish to retain an attorney it is not essential that they be Board Certified in Criminal Law to do an excellent job defending your criminal charges. However, if you wish to choose a Board Certified Criminal Defense attorney, all you have to do is ask if they are Board Certified.

Serving clients throughout Southeastern Louisiana, including Algiers, Alma, Bridge City, Chalmette, Destrehan, Elmwood, Gretna, Harahan, Harvey, Kenner, Luling, Meraux, Marrero, Metairie, Mt. Airy, New Orleans, River Ridge, South Kenner, Slidell, St. Benedict, St. James, St. Rose, Terrytown, Westwego, and other communities in Orleans Parish.

Hiring a New Orleans 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer

If you have been involved in an 18 wheeler truck accident in New Orleans, Louisiana, it is recommended that you hire a qualified New Orleans 18-wheeler accident lawyer who is knowledgeable in federal laws and Louisiana state laws regarding trucking regulations. New Orleans, located in Orleans Parish, is the largest city in Louisiana with extensive roadways and congested freeways due to its high population. Therefore, it is not uncommon for truck collisions, wrecks, crashes and injuries to occur due to the high amount of traffic. If you or a loved one have been injured in a Southeastern Louisiana truck accident, contact a qualified New Orleans semi truck accident attorney today for a free initial consultation.

New Orleans & Louisiana Professional Associations

In addition to selecting a qualified New Orleans accident & injury lawyer that regularly handles New Orleans big rig truck accident cases, you should also check out the attorney’s credentials. For example, is the attorney a member of the  New Orleans Bar Association? All lawyers that practice New Orleans truck accident litigation must be active members of the State Bar of Louisiana. They may also join other professional organizations, such as:

• New Orleans Bar Association
• Louisiana State Bar Association
• American Association of Justice

The mission of the Louisiana State Bar Association is to assist and serve its members in the practice of law, assure access to and aid in the administration of justice, assist the Supreme Court in the regulation of the practice of law, uphold the honor of the courts and the profession, promote the professional competence of attorneys, increase public understanding of and respect for the law, and encourage collegiality among its members.

Big Rig Accidents Can Be Devastating

When a negligent truck driver makes the decision to get behind the wheel of their semi tractor-trailer, any driver traveling near them is at risk for serious injury or death. The consequences of an 18-wheeler truck a crash along a New Orleans intersection, avenue, or freeway can be devastating, often resulting in very serious injuries that can even lead to death. The sheer force of a speeding 18-wheeler truck is a dangerous weapon that can forever change your life. Under the law if you are involved in such a wreck or an accident, you are entitled to compensation for your medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering. If you or a loved one have been injured in a commercial truck accident in New Orleans, LA or Orleans Parish, it is in your best interest to contact a New Orleans big rig truck accident lawyer immediately.

New Orleans 18 Wheeler Accident Attorneys File in Orleans Parish, LA

When a truck accident occurs and a lawsuit is subsequently filed, the decision of where to file it is called “choice of venue.” The venue chosen can have legal consequences that affect the outcome of your case. Generally, venue in a truck accident case is proper in any of the following locations:

1. the Parish wherein the accident occurred;
2. the Parish wherein the defendant company’s principal place of business is located; or,
3. the Parish wherein the defendant truck driver resides.

Even though your accident may have occurred in New Orleans, the truck company and truck driver will often be from a different state. This is because trucking companies frequently operate in states other than where they are registered. In these cases, the venue where the lawsuit may be filed could be the state where the truck accident occurred, the state where the trucking company is located, or even the state where the trucking company regularly does business, if different. For example, the accident may have occurred in New Orleans, Louisiana, therefore making venue proper in Orleans Parish, but the claim may be filed against a trucking company from another state. You need a qualified and experienced New Orleans tractor trailer lawyer to decide what the best venue would be in a case like this that crosses state lines.

Some of the courts in the New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana, areas include:

Orleans Civil District Court
421 Loyola Avenue Room 402
New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 592-9100

18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys Serve New Orleans and Surrounding Cities

Serving clients throughout Southeastern Louisiana, including Algiers, Alma, Bridge City, Chalmette, Destrehan, Elmwood, Gretna, Harahan, Harvey, Kenner, Luling, Meraux, Marrero, Metairie, Mt. Airy, New Orleans, River Ridge, South Kenner, Slidell, St. Benedict, St. James, St. Rose, Terrytown, Westwego, and other communities in Orleans Parish.

Don’t be the victim of a semi driver’s negligence. Hiring a qualified New Orleans 18-wheeler accident lawyer is essential if you or a loved one have been injured in a truck collision. Contact a big rig accident lawyer today to ensure you receive expert representation from an attorney who knows how to handle your case.

Types of Trucks on New Orleans Highways

There are many types of commercial trucks found in and around New Orleans, Louisiana. Trucking companies in New Orleans offer a wide variety of vehicle choices. Some New Orleans trucking companies deal with courier and small package delivery as well. Some companies offer bicycle couriers for downtown Metro areas and will also use an assortment of vehicles ranging from cars, vans and pick-up trucks to large tractor-trailers and bobtail trucks.

Types of Trucks Used By New Orleans Trucking Companies:

• 18 Wheeler
• Semi Truck
• Tractor Trailer
• Big Rig
• Semi Trailer
• Box Truck
• Straight Truck
• Flatbed Truck
• Stake Truck
• Bobtail Truck

Be sure to insist on the highest levels of safety by selecting a reputable New Orleans trucking company that uses late model vehicles which are inspected on a regular basis.

When to Hire a New Orleans Lowboy Accident Attorney

In many cases, New Orleans 18-wheeler accident attorneys must retain the services of scientific and medical experts to prove both the cause of the accident and the cause of your injuries. Additionally, a qualified semi truck accident lawyer will obtain all kinds of evidence concerning the scene of the crash, truck logs, and other important information to be used against the trucker, trucking company, or the company’s insurer. Arranging expert witness testimony and preparing important physical and documentary evidence is just one of many ways a New Orleans tractor trailer injury lawyer can help you after you’ve suffered a truck accident injury from a major 18-wheeler truck wreck.

If you or a loved one have been involved in a serious box truck wreck, semi crash or big rig accident, hiring a lawyer is the farthest thing from your mind when tragedy such as this strikes you, a family member, or a friend. However, this is when you need a New Orleans truck accident lawyer most. Do yourself a favor by calling one of the qualified New Orleans truck accident lawyers listed on this page. Hire a qualified New Orleans tractor trailer accident lawyer to help protect your rights.

New Orleans Trucking Companies

Following is a list of trucking companies based in New Orleans, Louisiana. Services offered include container drayage, loose freight drayage, overweight loads, bonded moves, same day delivery.

Truck Accident Attorneys Serve New Orleans and Surrounding Cities

Serving clients throughout Southeastern Louisiana, including Algiers, Alma, Bridge City, Chalmette, Destrehan, Elmwood, Gretna, Harahan, Harvey, Kenner, Luling, Meraux, Marrero, Metairie, Mt. Airy, New Orleans, River Ridge, South Kenner, Slidell, St. Benedict, St. James, St. Rose, Terrytown, Westwego, and other communities in Orleans Parish.

New Orleans truck accident attorneys are experienced in handling serious injury truck collision cases and can help you fight the trucking company or its insurer in order to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact a New Orleans truck accident lawyer today for a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION.

New Orleans Truck Accident Lawyers Represent Injured Truck Drivers

Truck drivers who operate an 18-wheeler truck or big rig on the busy roads and highways of New Orleans such as I-10, I-610, US 90 and SH 47, can become injured when a major commercial vehicle collision occurs. Truckers often say, “Ride with me for just one day and you will see what it is like ‘out there’…it’s not always the trucker’s fault…”

It is not uncommon to see a big rig wreck, semi crash or major accident involving semi truck drivers in New Orleans, LA. The danger of an 18-wheeler truck accident is not just confined to injured people in automobiles, but can end up injuring the truck driver affecting their livelihood and family’s livelihood as well as the automobile driver. So, when a New Orleans 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer is contacted, be it by an automobile driver who has been injured or a truck driver that has been injured at the dangerous hands of another, you will need an expert New Orleans truck injury lawyer to fight for your rights.

The Semi Truck Driver is Not Always at Fault

When an 18-wheeler is moving down a New Orleans road or highway, such as I-10, I-610, US 90 and SH 47, at high speeds, it is nearly unstoppable and can easily turn a motorist’s everyday commute into a lethal situation. Although a passenger car is lightweight, in comparison, and can easily maneuver in and out of lanes on New Orleans highways, it is no match for a big rig truck. If the two vehicles are unable to avoid a collision, wreck or crash, the driver of the passenger car will be lucky to escape with their life.

A driver of a passenger vehicle could easily be killed as a result of  veering out of his lane and then smashing into a tractor trailer truck let’s say on the U.S. 90.  If the trucker tried to avoid hitting the passenger car but was unable to avoid the wreck or crash, then this would be a case where the accident was caused by the driver of the passenger vehicle and therefore the trucker would not be at fault.

Truck Driver Facts

• Two of your fellow truck drivers die each day in accidents
• 33,000 people driving large trucks are injured each year
• 6.3% of U.S. truck drivers are injured each year.

Injured Truckers Need Legal Representation

A qualified New Orleans 18-wheeler accident attorney should offer a free case review. If they decide to take on your legal matter, they should not require an up-front fee. Truckers with a trucking injury claim are generally taken on a contingency fee basis. In other words, your New Orleans truck accident attorney is only paid if you receive compensation for your injuries.

Injured Truckers Need to Know Their Rights

As a trucker, you have rights you need to be aware of. It is not uncommon for aggressive insurance companies to contact you shortly after the accident in an effort to try to get you to settle quickly and convince you that you want the matter to go away. In many cases, injuries are not so quick to heal. Many times the injuries can be permanent, long-lasting, and career-threatening. That is why you need a competent New Orleans truck accident lawyer that is not only prepared to mediate a resolution, but also prepared to take your case to court.

When Negligence Changes a Trucker’s Life

Qualified New Orleans truck accident lawyers know exactly how to provide nationwide representation for truckers injured in trucking accidents caused by a variety of negligent acts and mechanical malfunctions, including:

• Rear-end, Head-On Crashes and Jackknives
• Poor Maintenance, including Tires and Brakes
• Driver Fatigue
• Unsecured Loads
• Aggressive Driving
• DWI/Drug Use
• Lack of Reflectors and Poor Visibility

Since trucking laws are governed by hundreds of regulations, litigation can be very complex. Hiring a semi truck accident attorney who specializes in the numerous trucking laws throughout the United States is essential for a successful verdict outcome. For more information about trucking laws or to schedule an appointment with an experienced commercial truck injury lawyer, contact a truck injury attorney today.

When an 18 Wheeler accident occurs, your New Orleans truck accident lawyer will check the truck driver’s credentials to see if he/she attended an accredited Commercial Drivers’ License (CDL) school. In New Orleans, Louisiana, one truck driving school is Coastal Truck Driving School, 4016 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA, (504) 486-3639, although there are many others throughout the country. See the Nationwide List of Accredited CDL Schools for a more comprehensive list.

Truck Accident Attorneys for Injured Truckers Serve New Orleans and Surrounding Cities

Serving clients throughout Southeastern Louisiana, including Algiers, Alma, Bridge City, Chalmette, Destrehan, Elmwood, Gretna, Harahan, Harvey, Kenner, Luling, Meraux, Marrero, Metairie, Mt. Airy, New Orleans, River Ridge, South Kenner, Slidell, St. Benedict, St. James, St. Rose, Terrytown, Westwego, and other communities in Orleans Parish.

New Orleans truck accident attorneys for injured truckers are experienced in handling serious injury truck collision cases and can help you fight the trucking company or its insurer in order to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact a New Orleans 18 wheeler accident lawyer today for a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION.