Louisiana 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys vs Car Accident Attorneys

Car Accident Attorneys v. 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys

People throughout Metairie, Louisiana and other areas of Louisiana might be interested to know if there is a difference between an attorney who handles car accidents and an attorney who handles 18-wheeler accidents. The answer is yes, primarily due to the differences in handling both types of cases and the different experience required for an attorney who handles 18-wheeler accidents.

Car Accidents

Car accident attorneys usually handle cases involving two vehicles with standard automobile policies. These cases are generally more straightforward and involve: (1) determining who is at fault; (2) assessing property damage, medical treatment, and medical expenses; (3) researching state traffic laws; and (4) negotiating with insurance companies. While these cases are serious, many of these cases can be resolved prior to filing a lawsuit and if a lawsuit is required, most of these cases can be filed in State Court. In addition, most of these cases usually do not involve the complexities of 18-wheeler accidents and therefore require less experts if the matter is litigated.

18-Wheeler Accidents

While there are similarities between car accidents and 18-wheeler accidents, 18-wheeler accident cases involve large commercial vehicles and are usually more complex due to: (1) federal and state law; (2) regulations regarding driving hours, maintenance, cargo, etc.; (3) potential multiple liable parties such as the truck driver, the truck driver’s employer, the owner of the truck, the owner of the trailer, maintenance crews/providers, cargo loaders, etc.; (4) commercial insurance policies; (5) injuries can be more severe; (6) medical expenses can be higher; and (7) the need for more experts. While these cases can be resolved prior to filing a lawsuit, most of these cases likely will require a lawsuit and the lawsuit will likely need to be filed in Federal Court.

Type of Attorney/Law Firm Needed for 18-Wheeler Accidents

1. Someone who regularly handles insurance disputes;

2. Someone who regularly handles 18-wheeler accidents;

3. Someone familiar with state and federal law;

4. Someone with Federal Court experience;

5. Someone who has taken corporate depositions in 18-wheeler cases;

6. Someone who has taken expert depositions in 18-wheeler cases;

7. Someone familiar with commercial insurance policies;

8. Someone who you feel comfortable working with; and

9. Someone who has the experience, reputation, and demeanor you believe will give you the best opportunity for your claim/case to be successful.

Questions to Ask the Attorney/Law Firm regarding 18-Wheeler Accidents

1. Have you handled 18-wheeler accidents and insurance disputes in Louisiana?

2. Have you handled 18-wheeler accidents and insurance disputes in Federal Court?

3. How familiar are you with state and federal law?

4. How familiar are you with commercial insurance policies?

5. What is your fee structure?

6. How do you handle these types of cases?

7. How do you communicate with your clients?

8. Have you taken corporate depositions in 18-wheeler cases?

9. Have you taken expert depositions in 18-wheeler cases?

10. Have you taken 18-wheeler cases to trial?

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident and/or an 18-wheeler accident, please contact Godbey Giardina Law Group today for your free consultation. Our team is here to guide you through the legal landscape in Metairie, New Orleans, and other areas of Louisiana and protect your interests under Louisiana and/or Federal law.