Company Vehicle Accidents Attorney in New Orleans, Louisiana

RUDIN LAW: Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer Fighting on Behalf of Victims Hit By Company Vehicles in New Orleans, Metairie, and Throughout Louisiana

So you were struck by a company vehicle, and now you’re not sure if the company — and its insurance company — are going to do the right thing? Don’t leave anything to chance following a company vehicle accident… GET RUDE®, instead.

An accident involving commercial or company vehicles isn’t just another car accident. Commercial or company vehicles are often operated by professional drivers and backed by substantial commercial insurance policies. Individuals driving company or commercial vehicles may be held to a higher standard, depending upon the type of vehicle they are driving and their purpose for driving. A New Orleans car accident lawyer at RUDIN LAW can fight for your interests as an injured person to hold the at-fault party accountable while pursuing the money you need for your recovery.

A wreck with a company or commercial vehicle presents its challenges when it comes to investigating a claim. You can expect that representatives from the other driver’s company and its insurance company will start their investigation immediately after a wreck and attempt to gather evidence to shift as much blame to you as possible.

Don’t get it twisted: These companies are responsible for protecting themselves even if they feign interest in taking care of the injuries and damage their driver caused. So if you’ve been injured at the hands of a company or commercial vehicle, you need to find a New Orleans car accident lawyer who will stand up to Corporate America and the insurance giants. At RUDIN LAW, we don’t just talk tough; we fight for the fair and appropriate monetary compensation that truly makes a difference in accident victims’ lives.

Whether you’re in New Orleans, Metairie, or anywhere else throughout Louisiana, RUDIN LAW is ready to take on those responsible for your injuries and pursue the justice and compensation you need. It’s time to stop being polite®… and GET RUDE® with RUDIN LAW.

Call (504) 500-5504(504) 500-5504 or fill out our contact form to request a free consultation. Whether you were hit by a large or small company truck or a regular passenger vehicle with a company logo, we will review the details of your case, break down your legal options, explain the steps you need to take, and build a strategy to pursue the maximum compensation under the law.

Key Takeaways

• Company vehicle accidents in Louisiana involve complex liability issues and require thorough investigation for fair compensation
• Immediately reporting the accident, gathering evidence at the scene, and seeking proper medical evaluation are powerful steps that can protect a victim’s eventual claim for monetary compensation after a company vehicle accident in Louisiana
• A skilled New Orleans car accident attorney at RUDIN LAW can handle communications and negotiations with insurance companies to protect a victim’s rights and seek the compensation they need for recovery following a collision with a company vehicle
• Liability in company vehicle accidents depends on various factors that that can involve employer and employee responsibilities and duties
• RUDIN LAW offers free consultations for victims of company vehicle auto accidents in Louisiana to evaluate the case and plan a proper legal strategy

Common Causes of Company Vehicle Accidents in Louisiana

Company vehicle accidents often occur in Louisiana for the following reasons, which we will address below:

• Distracted Driving
• Driver Fatigue and/or Extended Work Hours
• Poor Vehicle Maintenance
• Inadequate Driver Training or Supervision

Distracted Driving Among Commercial Drivers

Distracted driving among commercial drivers poses a significant risk in company vehicle accidents, often leading to severe property damage and injuries. Drivers who exceed the speed limit while engaging in distracting activities, such as using mobile devices or eating, increase the likelihood of collisions. These incidents frequently lead to substantial wage losses for victims and may warrant punitive damages in cases of extreme negligence.

Witness accounts play an important role in establishing liability for distracted driving accidents involving company vehicles. Eyewitnesses can provide valuable testimony regarding a driver’s behavior leading up to the collision, helping to determine if distractions contributed to the incident.

Driver Fatigue and Extended Work Hours

Driver fatigue and extended work hours significantly contribute to company vehicle accidents in Louisiana and Texas. Fatigued drivers operating motor vehicles, including motorcycles, often suffer decreased reaction times and impaired decision-making, increasing the risk of collisions. Employers have a duty of care to prevent their drivers from being overworked, as extended shifts can lead to exhaustion and potentially catastrophic accidents.

The brain’s ability to process information deteriorates with prolonged periods of wakefulness, making fatigued drivers a danger on the road. Companies must implement strict policies regarding work hours and rest periods to prevent accidents caused by driver fatigue. Failure to adhere to these regulations can lead to serious legal consequences for employers, especially if an accident occurs due to a driver’s exhaustion.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance Practices

Poor vehicle maintenance practices often lead to company vehicle accidents, costly trials, and significant settlements. Neglecting routine inspections and repairs can cause mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, which may lead to serious collisions. In court, evidence of inadequate maintenance can significantly impact the resolution of a case, potentially increasing the fee awarded to the injured party.

Companies that fail to implement proper maintenance schedules may face severe consequences under comparative negligence laws. Regular maintenance checks, including brake inspections, tire rotations, and fluid level assessments, are appropriate steps that can prevent accidents caused by vehicle malfunction if they are not neglected. When poor maintenance contributes to an accident, both the company and the driver may share liability, affecting the final settlement amount determined by the court.

Inadequate Driver Training and Supervision

Inadequate driver training and supervision contribute significantly to company vehicle accidents in both Louisiana and Texas. Employers who fail to provide comprehensive training on traffic laws, safe driving practices, and proper vehicle operation increase the risk of incidents at traffic lights and other road situations. This negligence can lead to severe injuries and substantial expenses for both the company and the injured parties.

When their inadequately trained drivers cause accidents, companies may face liability for the actions of their employees during the course of their employment under the doctrine of respondeat superior (also known as vicarious liability). For example, a company may be responsible for an employee driver’s unsafe driving practices.

Proper supervision helps drivers adhere to safety protocols and avoid dangerous behaviors on the road. While implementing rigorous training programs and consistent supervision can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents and protect companies from potential legal repercussions, companies that neglect this need can cause dangerous and potentially deadly accidents that open them up to massive liability.

The Legal Responsibilities of Employers and Employees in Company Vehicle Accidents Affect Your Accident Claim

Both employers and employees can hold responsibility for accidents and injuries caused by company vehicles.

Employer Liability in Vehicle Accidents

Employers in Louisiana and Texas bear significant liability for accidents involving company vehicles. They must maintain proper vehicle insurance coverage and maintain personal injury protection for employees operating these vehicles.

In cases involving company trucks, employers may face additional liability due to federal regulations governing commercial vehicles. We can explore how vicarious liability may apply to the employer when their employee caused an accident during the course of their work responsibilities.

Employers should have comprehensive safety protocols and regular driver training in place to minimize accident risks. At RUDIN LAW, we investigate these situations to determine how employer negligence may have played a role.

Duties of Employees When Operating Company Vehicles

Employees operating company vehicles in Louisiana and Texas must prioritize safety and adhere to traffic laws to prevent accidents. They bear responsibility for avoiding distracted driving, which is a leading cause of collisions. Employees should maintain focus on the road, refraining from using mobile devices or engaging in other activities that could compromise their attention while driving.

If an employee operating the company vehicle that struck you failed to uphold any of these safety protocols, it may have played a significant role in your accident, and it could have powerful implications for your auto accident claim.

In addition to following traffic regulations, employees must report any vehicle maintenance issues promptly to their employers. This proactive approach helps mitigate the risk of accidents due to mechanical failures.

At RUDIN LAW, we will seize upon neglectful employee actions or inactions we discover to strengthen your accident claim. The concept of vicarious liability means employees’ behind the wheel can have legal implications for their employers in the event of an accident.

The Rights of Company Vehicle Accident Victims to Seek Compensation in New Orleans and Throughout Louisiana

Accident victims in Louisiana can seek compensation for the following:

• Medical Expenses and Rehabilitation
• Lost Wages and Future Earnings
• Pain and Suffering

Medical Expenses and Rehabilitation

Victims of company vehicle accidents in Louisiana may seek compensation for medical expenses and rehabilitation costs. These expenses often include immediate treatment, surgeries, and long-term care for catastrophic injuries. A jury may award substantial compensation to cover ongoing medical needs and stress-related treatments.

Rehabilitation costs form a significant part of many compensation claims, as victims can require extensive physical therapy to regain mobility or physical capability after a crash. RUDIN LAW can help victims document the full scope of medical bills and expenses, project future rehabilitation needs, and advocate for fair compensation.

In cases involving serious injury, this process to evaluate the damages in a company vehicle accident case may include:

• Assessing immediate and long-term medical needs
• Calculating costs for equipment and home modifications
• Estimating future rehabilitation expenses
• Evaluating potential for permanent disability or reduced earning capacity

At RUDIN LAW, we can assess these expenses during a free case evaluation.

Lost Wages and Future Earnings

Plaintiffs in company vehicle accident cases can claim compensation for lost wages and future earnings. Reckless driving incidents often lead to significant income loss for victims, impacting their financial stability.

Factors such as the victim’s age, occupation, and potential career advancement play a role in determining potential compensation. RUDIN LAW can begin helping plaintiffs determine these complex calculations during a free case evaluation, towards identifying appropriate or fair compensation accounting for both immediate wage loss and long-term financial impact.

Pain and Suffering Compensation

Pain and suffering in company vehicle accidents encompasses both physical and emotional distress suffered by the victim. In cases involving severe injuries like amputations, defendants may face substantial claims for long-term suffering.

Victims can also claim loss of consortium, which addresses the impact of injuries on personal relationships, such as the emotional toll on family members and spouses. RUDIN LAW can help quantify each of these subjective, non-economic damages, advocating for fair compensation for the profound effects of the accident on the victim’s quality of life.

How a Company Vehicle Accident Attorney Can Assist You

The scope of accidents involving vehicles owned or operated by businesses for work-related purposes extends beyond typical car crashes, often involving complex liability issues due to the employment relationship between the driver and the company. An experienced car accident attorney at RUDIN LAW can guide Louisiana drivers throughout a car accident case to hold the at-fault driver accountable, pursue access to appropriate medical treatment, and seek monetary compensation to support your recovery.

Upon accepting your company car accident case following a free consultation, a commercial vehicle accident lawyer at RUDIN LAW can handle each of the legal responsibilities of your case, which can consist of the following:

• Investigation and Gathering Evidence
• Evaluating and Proving the Scope of Injuries
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies and the Company Vehicle Driver’s Employer to Pursue a Settlement
• Seeking the Money You Need in Court (If Appropriate Settlement Terms Cannot Be Decided Upon During Negotiation)

Conducting a Thorough Investigation After a Company Car Accident in New Orleans

A skilled New Orleans car accident attorney will conduct thorough investigations into company vehicle accidents, leveraging resources such as accident reconstruction professionals and law enforcement reports. These investigations can uncover evidence, including eyewitness testimony and surveillance footage, which significantly impact car wreck cases.

When collaborating with reconstruction professionals to recreate the car accident scene and determine fault, we may examine skid marks, vehicle damage patterns, and digital data from onboard computers. Accident reports can also significantly aid in determining liability of other drivers when pursuing claims to cover medical bills as part of your car accident case.

At RUDIN LAW, we meticulously analyze contracts between employers and employees, as well as insurance policies, to accurately establish liability and identify potential breaches of duty. Employers must carry the appropriate liability insurance for their company cars, and complex uninsured motorist issues can arise when the employer has not taken the appropriate step to insure their company vehicle.

Our comprehensive investigation provides a solid foundation for negotiations with insurance companies or court proceedings. This step often prepares a sound foundation of evidence for us to build a case to help our clients in New Orleans, Metairie, and throughout Louisiana seek fair compensation for their injuries and losses from commercial vehicle accidents.

Accounting for the Scope of Your Injuries from a Company Vehicle Accident

At RUDIN LAW, we provide car accident victims legal guidance to quickly seek medical treatment following motor vehicle crashes. This is important even for even minor injuries, as it not only helps to diagnose and treat injuries, but also contributes powerful evidence to support your legal case. You will coordinate with your attorney to secure medical reports and other evidence that can strengthen car accident claims.

Common physical injuries from a motor vehicle accident include:

• Whiplash or other neck injuries
• Head Injuries
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)
• Internal Injuries and Internal Bleeding
• Broken Bones
• Other Bodily Injury

Additionally, you may experience pain and suffering and other subjective, non-economic harms and losses from an automobile accident that your personal injury lawyer at RUDIN LAW can account for in your commercial vehicle auto accident claim.

Negotiating With Insurers and Employers to Seek Monetary Compensation

At RUDIN LAW, we negotiate with insurance companies and employers of drivers in company car accident claims, leveraging our knowledge of state and federal laws to pursue fair compensation for motor vehicle accident victims. By presenting compelling evidence and expert testimonies, we can counter insurance companies’ attempts to minimize payouts in a car accident case in which the legally responsible driver was on the job.

We relentlessly pursue monetary compensation for injured Louisiana drivers in these negotiations, protecting the client’s interests as we seek an appropriate settlement to cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other harms, expenses, or losses due to the company car accident.

At our New Orleans law firm, we understand the nuances of employer liability. We draw upon crash information from accident reports and address factors such as workplace safety protocols and company policies on vehicle use.

Advocating for You in Court Proceedings

If the other side does not agree to a reasonable settlement during negotiations, we will take them to court to pursue the money you need for your recovery.

Our legal team at RUDIN LAW prepares and presents compelling evidence to establish the duty of care the employers and employees owed to you and violated, while demonstrating to the court the accident’s full impact on your life from injuries and medical expenses to lost wages and pain and suffering.

RUDIN LAW stands up for your rights throughout the court proceedings, cross-examining witnesses, highlighting powerful details from accident reports, challenging any opposing evidence, and utilizing expert testimonies to fight for fair and appropriate compensation.

Statute of Limitations: The Clock is Ticking on Your Deadline to File a Lawsuit in Louisiana

As of July 1, 2024, claimants in both Louisiana and Texas have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.

Do not wait until the last minute. Information and evidence gathering should begin immediately following the crash. And the sooner you contact RUDIN LAW, the sooner we can begin building your case. We’re ready to act fast, so you should call us at (504) 500-5504 as soon as disaster strikes.

Understanding the Type of Comparative Fault that Applies in Your Company Vehicle Accident Case

Comparative fault (also known as comparative negligence) is a legal principle used in personal injury claims to divide fault among parties involved in an accident. The systems for determining fault in Louisiana and Texas operate using distinct variations of the comparative fault concept, and this can heavily affect the amount of financial compensation you may be eligible to claim in your case.

Pure Comparative Fault in Louisiana

Louisiana’s a pure comparative negligence system, you can still be eligible for compensation for an accident even if you are partially at fault. The pure comparative fault rules allow a party to claim compensation for accident-related losses as long as they are not entirely to blame for the accident.

For example, if your claim is worth $15,000 but you’re found to be one-third responsible, you can still be eligible to collect $10,000.