Situated on I-10 near Lafayette, Rayne sees its fair share of 18-wheeler traffic. Unfortunately, high speeds and high commercial traffic increase the potential for severe semi-truck accidents. According to the Center for Analytics & Research in Transportation Safety at Louisiana State University, I-10 is the most dangerous interstate in Louisiana. In fact, nearly half of all fatal accidents in Louisiana occur along the I-10 corridor.
If you or someone you love were in an 18-wheeler accident because of someone’s negligence, Louisiana law lets you pursue financial recovery for your losses. A Rayne 18-wheeler accident lawyer at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can provide a free case evaluation to help you determine how to move forward.
Do I Need a Lawyer to File a Rayne 18-Wheeler Accident Claim or Lawsuit?
While you are not required to have an attorney represent your 18-wheeler claim, a lawyer can help you secure the compensation you deserve. Insurance companies benefit from paying as little as possible for settlements. They know that injury victims are distracted and in pain, so they may take advantage of your state to offer a lower settlement.
The skilled injury attorneys at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers are aware of these tactics and know how to negotiate for higher settlements and verdicts. Rather than expending your energy on stubborn insurance companies, allow our team to handle the negotiations, so you can focus on your health.
Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientHow Long Do I Have to File an 18-Wheeler Injury Lawsuit in Rayne, LA?
While many 18-wheeler accident claims settle out of court, sometimes it is necessary to take your case to trial. Louisiana law permits accident victims to file a lawsuit within one year of the date the accident occurred. When we take on an 18-wheeler accident injury case, we begin preparing for trial immediately. That way, we can file your case within the statute of limitations while still negotiating with insurance companies.
Sometimes, insurance representatives will attempt to run out the clock on the statute of limitations in the hope that it will force you to accept a lower settlement. You can protect your right to fair compensation by contacting an attorney at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers as soon as possible after your accident. Even if you are still in the hospital, we can begin the legal process for you, so you don’t miss critical legal deadlines.
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientWhat If I Can’t Afford a Rayne 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney?
Injuries from 18-wheeler accidents can be debilitating and affect your mental, physical, and financial health for years to come. We understand that hospital bills pile up after such an accident, and you may not be able to work as you recover.
To ease the financial stress, we take our 18-wheeler cases on a contingency basis. We can represent your case with no upfront costs. Once we secure a favorable settlement or verdict, we will retain an agreed percentage to cover our services.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientWhat Damages Can I Claim After a Rayne 18-Wheeler Accident?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 5,000 people are killed in large truck collisions each year. The superior size and weight of tractor trailers is enough to cause severe injury even in non-fatal accidents.
Severe injuries from 18-wheeler accidents can prevent you from working or engaging in activities you enjoy. In some cases, catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, or loss of limb can cause permanent irreversible damage. If your injuries were due to someone else’s negligent or wrongful actions, you should not have to face these challenges without help.
Our Rayne 18-wheeler accident lawyer will pursue the financial compensation you deserve after a severe semi-truck accident. Damages you could claim include:
- Lost current and future income
- Lost business or career
- Medical bills and expenses
- Prosthetic equipment, medical devices, and medication
- Physical and mental pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Physical, mental, and vocational therapy
- Loss of use and enjoyment
Wrongful Death Claims Following a Rayne 18-Wheeler Collision
If you lost a loved one in an 18-wheeler accident, we are truly sorry for your loss. Our compassionate wrongful death attorneys can help you seek justice and financial compensation. We know that money cannot bring back your loved one. It can, however, ease your financial burden so you can take the time you need to grieve. Damages we can seek in a wrongful death claim include hospital bills, funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship, loss of advice, and emotional anguish.
They treated us like no other people would. Whenever we needed something they were there for us. I put my trust in them and I don’t regret it.
ClientWhat If the Insurance Company Offers Me a Settlement?
As you recover from your injuries, the insurance company may reach out to offer you a settlement. It is wise to speak with an 18-wheeler attorney in Rayne, LA before you commit to a settlement agreement. Insurance carriers often try to limit settlements to only medical expenses. This can leave you with significant costs, even when the accident was not your fault.
Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers will work to ensure that you receive financial compensation consistent with your losses. If you are not sure whether to accept a settlement, contact our attorneys for a free consultation. We can help you understand your legal rights and pursue the settlement you deserve.
How Do I Establish Fault in a Rayne 18-Wheeler Accident?
Establishing fault for your 18-wheeler accident allows us to determine which insurance carrier or other entity to pursue for damages. To determine who is at fault, we:
Review the Evidence
Our team will examine videos, photos, and other evidence from the scene of your semi-truck accident to determine how the accident occurred. We will also obtain the police crash report and any statements from the other drivers involved in the accident.
Obtain Witness Statements
We will contact individuals who observed the accident to obtain statements. Witness statements can establish details about the accident that could otherwise be overlooked.
Reconstruct the Accident
Using all the evidence and statements available, we will create an accident reconstruction that details the progression of the accident from beginning to end. This allows us to establish a timeline and pinpoint the cause of your 18-wheeler accident injuries.
Apply Our Knowledge of Louisiana Negligence Laws
Once we have established how the accident occurred, we will review the accident through the lens of Louisiana personal injury and negligence laws to determine your legal options. Our team will use the evidence to build your injury case and seek a monetary settlement from the parties responsible for your injuries.
Contact Our Office Today to Speak With a Rayne 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer
To learn more about your legal rights after a Rayne 18-wheeler accident injury, contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today. We will provide a free case review and help you decide on your next steps.
