| Auto & Truck Accident Lawyer |
Automobile and truck accidents caused by defective roadways, intoxicated or otherwise impaired drivers, poorly maintained vehicles and equipment, and other factors can results in life-changing injuries or fatality for those involved.Injured in an Automobile & Truck Accident?If you or a loved one have been seriously injured in an automobile or truck accident caused by the negligence of another person or company, you may be entitled to compensation. The automobile and truck accident lawyers of the Townsley Law Firm can help you claim the compensation you deserve. Contact an experienced lawyer at the Townsley Law Firm today for a free initial consultation by calling toll free (800) 433-3305 or by submitting the form on this page. Causes of Automobile and Truck AccidentsDespite tremendous advancements in highway and vehicle design and driver education, accidents on our nations roadways caused by the negligence of individuals and companies still harm countless innocent drivers and passengers each year. Intoxication or other impairment of a driver's ability to safely operate a truck or automobile is one of the leading causes of automobile and truck accidents. An impaired driver is a threat to all other drivers and passengers. Common types of driver impairment include:
Several conditions can work together to create a much worse situation, for example:
Thus there are situations when a person may be impaired, but still legally allowed to drive, and becomes a potential hazard to themselves and other road users. Pedestrians or cyclists are affected in the same way and can similarly jeopardize themselves or others when on the road. Driver Distraction or ErrorsResearch suggests that the driver's attention can be affected by distracting sounds such as conversations and operating a mobile phone while driving. Many jurisdictions now restrict or outlaw the use of some types of phone within the car. Eating food or drinking beverages can also distract drivers from the task of driving safely. The potential distractions that can affect a driver's ability to safely operate a truck or automobile are virtually unlimited, thus leading to the potential for driver error and countless potentially dangerous situations on the road. Roadway DefectsPoorly designed or maintained roadways, including the road surface, barriers, signage and roadway markings can be contributing factors in automobile and truck accidents. Federal, state, and parish governments have a legally mandated obligation to provide safe roadways. When those obligations aren't met, they can be liable for injuries that are caused as a result. Defective roadways as a cause of vehicular accidents is a complex subject and is covered more fully under the topic Defective Roadway Lawyers. Vehicle Design and MaintenanceA well-designed and well-maintained vehicle, with good brakes, tires and well-adjusted suspension will be more controllable in an emergency and thus be better equipped to avoid collisions. Mandatory vehicle inspection schemes include tests for some aspects of road worthiness, and have contributed to safer roadways. Unfortunately, they cannot prevent every eventuality and accidents from poorly designed or poorly maintained automobiles and trucks are still common. When an automobile or truck accident has been caused by poor design or the vehicle or its systems and components, the vehicle manufacturer may be legally responsible for damages. The design of vehicles has also evolved to improve protection after collision, both for vehicle occupants and for those outside of the vehicle. Much of this work was led by automotive industry competition and technological innovation, leading to improvements in the design of vehicle bodies, suspensions, passenger restraints, and braking systems. Unfortunately, even with improvements in many safety features, the evolution of vehicle designs can also bring new hazards and so the risk continues to exist. For example, rollovers have become more common in recent years, perhaps due to the increase in popularity of taller SUVs and minivans which are more top-heavy than standard passenger cars. Defective or Poorly Maintained VehiclesRegular maintenance and repairs are important to ensure the roadworthiness of a vehicle, and particularly large vehicles such as a commercial trucks. In fact, commercial trucking companies are responsible for ensuring that all 18-wheeler trucks are regularly and properly inspected and maintained. In truck accident cases involving inadequate vehicle maintenance, there often can be multiple liable parties. Our truck accident lawyers thoroughly review the facts to determine who is at fault. Then we work to build a strong case to obtain full compensation from all parties contributing to the accident and resulting injuries or death. Lake Charles HighwaysLake Charles lies along a vital commerce corridor that connects southern states along the Gulf Coast. The Lake Charles highway system includes Interstate 10 which passes through Lake Charles, connecting the city with Sulphur, Vinton, and the Louisiana-Texas state border to the west, and Iowa and Jennings to the east. Interstate 210 loops through the southern half of Lake Charles. U.S. Highway 90 runs roughly parallel with Interstate 10, and U.S. Highway 171 connects the city with De Ridder. These roadways are regularly traveled by commercial and non-commercial vehicles alike. Like many U.S. roadways, the streets and highways around Lake Charles are generally very safe. But when catastrophe strikes, the consequences can be devastating for anyone affected by them. |
