The Impact of Louisiana’s “No-Zone” Laws on Truck Accident Claims

Truck accidents are among the most catastrophic incidents that can occur on the roads. Due to their size and weight, commercial trucks can cause significant damage to other vehicles, property, and people.

In Louisiana, as in other states, the law requires truck drivers to exercise care and caution while operating their vehicles. But despite these legal obligations, truck accidents still occur in Louisiana, often resulting in devastating injuries and even fatalities. That is why Louisiana has implemented “no-zone” laws, which aim to increase truck driver awareness and prevent accidents.

In this blog post, the New Orleans truck accident lawyers at Dudley DeBosier explain the impact of Louisiana’s “no-zone” laws on truck accident claims in the state.

What are “No-Zone” Laws in Louisiana?

The term “no-zone” refers to the areas around a commercial truck where the driver’s visibility is limited or non-existent. These areas include the truck’s blind spots, which are located to the sides, rear, and front of the vehicle.

When a vehicle is in a truck’s blind spot, the truck driver may not be able to see it, which increases the risk of a collision. To reduce this risk, Louisiana has implemented “no-zone” laws, which require truck drivers to take certain precautions when operating their vehicles.

For example, ”no-zone” laws require truck drivers to:

1. Check their blind spots regularly, and always before changing lanes
2. Use their turn signals when changing lanes
3. Keep a safe distance from other vehicles
4. Use their mirrors to monitor the surrounding traffic; and
5. Slow down and be extra cautious in adverse weather conditions

How Do “No-Zone” Laws Impact Truck Accident Claims in Louisiana?

If you have been involved in a truck accident in Louisiana, you may be wondering how the state’s “no-zone” laws could impact your claim. Here are three ways in which these laws can have a significant impact on your New Orleans truck accident claim:

1. Evidence of Negligence: First and foremost, if the truck driver violated any “no-zone” laws, this could be used as evidence of negligence. For example, if the truck driver failed to check their blind spots before changing lanes and collided with your vehicle, this could be used to demonstrate that the driver breached their duty of care. Similarly, if the truck driver failed to use their turn signals or mirrors, this could be used to show that they were not exercising caution while operating their vehicle.

2. Establishing Fault: Another way in which Louisiana’s “no-zone” laws can impact truck accident claims is by helping to establish fault. In Louisiana, fault is assigned using a comparative fault system, which means that each party’s degree of fault is taken into account when determining liability. If the truck driver was found to be at fault for the accident because they violated “no-zone” laws, this could increase their degree of fault and reduce your own degree of fault.

3. Damages: Finally, it is worth noting that Louisiana’s “no-zone” laws can also impact the amount of damages you can recover in a truck accident claim. In a case where you also share some blame for the truck accident, the truck driver’s violation of “no-zone” laws may mean that they are more at fault for the accident. As a result, you may be able to recover a larger amount of compensation for your injuries and other losses.

Our Experienced New Orleans Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help

Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident can be a daunting and overwhelming experience. Dealing with insurance companies, medical bills, and the legal process can be complicated and stressful, especially if you are recovering from serious injuries. That is why it is essential to have an experienced New Orleans truck accident lawyer on your side.

Here are just a few ways that an experienced lawyer from our law firm can help you after a truck accident:

• Investigating the accident: Our skilled truck accident lawyers will thoroughly investigate the accident to determine what caused it and who is responsible. We will examine the evidence, review police reports, and consult with accident reconstruction experts to build a strong case on your behalf.

• Communicating with the liable insurance companies: Dealing with insurance companies can be a challenging and frustrating experience. Our truck accident lawyers can handle all communications with the liable insurance companies on your behalf and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

• Negotiating a settlement: If the other party’s insurance company is willing to negotiate a settlement, our skilled personal injury lawyers can help you determine the appropriate amount of compensation to seek and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.

• Representing you in court: If the case goes to trial, we can represent you in court and present a compelling case to the judge and jury. We can also cross-examine witnesses, present evidence, and argue on your behalf to obtain a favorable verdict.

• Advocating for your rights: Above all, we will advocate for your rights and fight tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Our lawyers will work to pursue justice on your behalf and hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.

Contact Our New Orleans Truck Accident Lawyers Today

If you have been involved in a truck accident in New Orleans, it is important to work with an experienced truck accident lawyer in New Orleans who understands the state’s “no-zone” laws and how they can impact your claim. At Dudley DeBosier, we have a team of skilled truck accident lawyers who can help you navigate the legal process and pursue the compensation you deserve. 

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with the truck accident lawyers New Orleans truck accident victims can always rely on. At our law firm, every potential client gets a free case evaluation. We simply love helping accident victims protect their rights and recover the compensation they deserve. 

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