Truck accidents can cause severe injuries and damages. Trying to recover from a truck accident while also filing for damages can become an overwhelming amount of work.
If you need some legal assistance, get in touch with Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers. An Abbeville cargo truck accident lawyer can assume your legal burden, pursue the money you need to recover from your damages and fight to hold the liable party accountable for their actions. Contact us at (337) 777-7777 for a free case review.
Truck Drivers Must Be Tested for Drugs and Alcohol After Truck Accidents
The investigation process after a large truck accident is meticulous. As outlined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the investigation involves drug and alcohol testing to make sure that no illicit substances contributed to the crash. In addition, the local authorities will play a role, examining the scene and taking statements.
According to the FMCSA, employers are required to test drivers for alcohol and illicit substances as soon as possible after the accident occurred, as dictated by 49 CFR § 382.303.
An Abbeville cargo truck accident lawyer from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can also conduct an investigation. Our focus will be on finding evidence that proves you are entitled to receive compensation and that the liable party was responsible for your injuries. Call our office at (337) 777-7777 to learn more about your options.
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Victims May Collect Damages After Truck Accidents
Whether you suffered serious injuries or lost a loved one, your life might not be the same after a severe truck accident. For this reason, you may file a lawsuit in hopes of potentially recovering your damages from the at-fault driver and any other liable party involved.
Types of Damages
In lawsuits like yours, you can sue for two types of damages. The first type is noneconomic damages. Any type of physical or mental injury will fall under this category, including:
- Disability: This may be considered as the loss or loss of use, either total or partial, of any body part.
- Scarring: Any marks left by your injuries or by necessary treatments (e.g., surgical scars) qualify for this damage.
- Pain and suffering: If you experienced physical and/or emotional distress because of your injuries or the accident, you may claim pain and suffering damages.
You may also qualify for economic damages or compensation for financial harm caused by your accident and related injuries. Both losses and expenses will fall under this category, including:
- Medical expenses: These expenses may include costs for doctor’s visits, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, prescriptions, and any other necessary treatment.
- Related expenses: This is a broad category that covers any additional expenses you had to make because your injuries prevented you from performing certain tasks. These costs may be for childcare, lawn care, and grocery delivery, among other expenses.
- Loss of wages: If your injuries prevented you from earning income or other job benefits, you may claim these damages.
Filing for and Calculating Damages
How much can you expect to collect in economic and non-economic damages? That depends on how serious your injuries are. As a general rule, the more severe your injuries, the more money you may collect.
Your lawyer can review your case and help you calculate how much your claim or lawsuit may be worth.
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Get Legal Representation from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers
The legal process can be lengthy and tricky to understand. At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we can help you better understand the ins and outs of filing a lawsuit and do the heavy lifting in your case. While you focus on putting your life back together, we can offer our legal services to pursue compensation on your behalf.
Here are the steps we can take to help you throughout the legal process:
Investigate Your Crash
Accidents happen very quickly and involve many moving parts. This can make it difficult to understand what truly happened without a thorough investigation. Your lawyer may conduct an investigation. Along the way, they may be able to gather evidence to demonstrate the liable party’s guilt and your own entitlement to compensation. Sources of evidence may include:
- Statements from witnesses
- Medical records
- Police reports
- Complaints against the driver or trucking company
Handle Paperwork
To file a lawsuit, you need to identify and contact all liable parties. Along the way, there may be forms you need to fill out and submit to the correct parties within a strict deadline. Also, if the liable party’s insurance company offers you a settlement, and you accept it, you will need to sign an agreement before getting your money. Your lawyer can handle all paperwork and review all agreements before you sign.
Meet with the Insurance Company
To receive compensation, you—or rather, your lawyer—will need to convince the insurance company that you deserve what you are demanding in your lawsuit. Your lawyer will do everything they can to get your money, including presenting evidence and negotiating hard for a fair settlement. At no point do you have to speak directly to the insurance company or the liable party.
Go to Trial
What happens if the insurance company does not want to negotiate or will not offer an adequate settlement? You can ask your lawyer to schedule a trial and represent you in the courtroom. Once again, you do not have to worry about taking on the insurance company alone. Your lawyer may argue your case before a jury, examine witnesses, and so on.
Defer Fees
We understand that money may be tight right now. That is why we work on a contingency fee basis. We charge you no attorney’s fees upfront. Our fees come out of your compensation if we win your case. This way, you do not have to worry about how you can afford legal representation.
After an accident, you might have a chance to hold the liable party accountable and recover damages to compensate you for your injuries. Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers want to help you achieve both of those goals. Call our office at (337) 777-7777 to learn more about what an Abbeville cargo truck accident lawyer can do for you.
Get The HelpYou Need(337) 777-7777To Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION
24 hours a day • 7 days a week
