If you have been injured in a semi-truck accident, there are many things that need to be done, but attempting to do them on your own will only make this painful situation much harder than it already is. We highly urge you to contact an attorney with your questions and concerns. This is a time in your life when legal representation is in your best interest.
Who was responsible for my truck accident?
Responsibility, or fault, for your accident depends on the reason(s) that it happened in the first place. The reasons for truck accidents vary including:
- Speeding and/or reckless driving
- Inexperienced drivers
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Defective parts
- Improper truck maintenance
- Drinking or drug abuse
- Drowsy and/or distracted driving
- Faulty repairs
- Road conditions
- Weather conditions
While some truck accidents are caused by factors outside of the driver’s control, driver error is one of the most common reasons for commercial truck accidents. However, there are some instances where there may be more than one party responsible for the truck accident. By identifying all of the parties responsible for your injuries, we increase the chance of maximizing the compensation you are entitled to receive under Louisiana truck accident laws.
For example, the truck driver may be responsible if he has been driving more than the number of hours allowed by law for a given period. However, if the trucking company pushed the driver to work more hours than allowed by law, both the truck driver and the trucking company may be sued for your damages.
What damages are available in a Louisiana truck accident lawsuit?
Damages in a commercial truck accident depend on the facts and circumstances of the accident. Under Louisiana personal injury law, most accident victims are entitled to receive reimbursement for their economic damages (i.e. out-of-pocket expenses). Examples of economic damages that you may be entitled to receive compensation for in a truck accident claim include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Funeral, burial, or cremation expenses
- Travel expenses
- Payment for tasks you are unable to perform due to your injuries (i.e. cutting the grass, cleaning the house, etc.)
- Medical equipment and medications
In addition to the actual out-of-pocket expenses, you may also be entitled to receive compensation for future losses such as future medical expenses for ongoing treatments, future lost wages, and loss of earning capacity.
Non-economic damages are also compensable in most semi-truck accidents. Louisiana’s personal injury laws provide for compensation of these losses in addition to economic damages. Non-economic damages typically include compensation for:
- Physical pain
- Emotional suffering
- Mental anguish
- Permanent disfigurement and/or scarring
- Permanent disability
- Loss of companionship, support, and guidance
Valuing a truck accident claim can be complicated. Damages such as future lost wages and future medical bills must be estimated. We can establish the actual value for these losses. Non-economic damages losses such as pain and suffering are also difficult to value.
Louisiana personal injury laws do not provide a “formula” for calculating pain and suffering. Therefore, we must present a strong case to the jury that shows how your injuries have negatively affected your life in a substantial way. In most cases, personal testimony and witness testimony is used to establish the severity of pain, suffering, and other non-economic damages. We then use the severity to arrive at a monetary figure for these damages. As experienced truck accident attorneys, we understand how to value a truck accident case to maximize the amount of compensation paid by the at-fault party.
Why do I need a Louisiana truck accident attorney?
Trucking companies often employ early response teams at a moment’s notice that go to the scene of an accident to preserve and develop evidence to assist the company in defending itself—even if their drivers made a terrible mistake. Many times, the trucking company lawyer will go to the scene of the accident before law enforcement officials complete their investigation. These companies and their insurers are taking every step that they can think of to reduce the ability of innocent victims to obtain the compensation to which they may be entitled.
As commercial truck accident attorneys, we are experienced in taking quick action to level the playing field for our clients who are injured at the hands of a negligent 18-wheeler driver. Licensed tractor-trailer drivers are considered professional drivers under Louisiana law and are held to a higher standard of care. Federal motor carrier regulations govern many areas of trucking operation, such as the number of hours a truck driver can log in one day. When drivers, trucking companies, or other parties violate these laws and regulations, they must be held accountable when those violations result in injury or death.
Contact an Experienced Louisiana Truck Accident Attorney Immediately
As with accidents involving automobiles, trucking accidents require fast decisions about accident reconstruction and the early engagement of experts. The sooner you take action by contacting our truck accident law firm, the quicker we can begin investigating the accident and preserving key evidence to prove the negligent parties are liable for your damages. We have represented injured victims against some of the largest trucking companies and operators in the United States, including Coach USA, EL Expresso, Dupre Trucking Transport, Cresent Crown Distributing, Averitt Express, Olindes, Ashley Furniture, Guichard Operating Co., and more.
You only have a limited time to file a truck accident lawsuit in Louisiana; therefore, do not wait to contact Law Offices of Matt & Allen to discuss how we can help you obtain justice from the at-fault driver and/or other parties. Call our office at 337-237-1000 or use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation. If we do not recover compensation for you, you do not pay our fee.
