While truck drivers in Arnaudville, LA should always exercise caution behind the wheel, accidents involving 18-wheelers are possible at any time. Severe accidents can cause injuries, deaths, and millions of dollars in property damage.
The Arnaudville big rig accident attorneys at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can help you fight for compensation from the driver, trucking company, or other at-fault parties. Let us review the details of your case and explain your legal options, so you can move forward with seeking justice. We’ll handle all your legal matters, so you can focus on healing.
Our Lawyers Help Prove Liability in Big Rig Accidents
Much like conventional auto accidents, big rig collisions are often caused by driver negligence. For instance, the truck driver could have been driving too fast, distracted by their phone, or fatigued after driving for too long without breaks.
While rarer than accidents caused by negligence, big rig drivers can also harm others intentionally—for example, if they get frustrated by another motorist and start driving recklessly due to road rage.
A big rig accident attorney in Arnaudville, LA can compile evidence of the driver’s fault, including accident reports, highway surveillance videos, eyewitness statements, and more.
Big Rig Drivers and Owners Must Also Follow Motor Carrier Safety Laws
The big rig accident attorneys at our firm know and understand the laws relevant to your case. They can determine if any motor carrier regulations were violated and provide additional proof of the driver or trucking company’s fault in the accident. Current federal and state regulations include:
- Hours of service: Drivers should not continue driving beyond their designated hours of service and must take mandatory break periods.
- Routine maintenance: Big rigs must undergo regular inspections, servicing, and repairs to minimize the risk of accidents and breakdowns on the road.
- Cargo securement: The trailer’s cargo must be properly loaded and secured to prevent it from falling off the truck or causing the truck to lose control and tip over.
- Drug and alcohol restrictions: Drivers must not drink or use drugs while on duty. Employers should also conduct random tests throughout the year and whenever they suspect the driver is drunk or high.
- Weight limits: Trucking companies must also ensure that their trucks comply with the state’s weight limits. Otherwise, they must carry special permits to travel legally.
Other Parties Could Be Liable, Too
Our Arnaudville big rig accident lawyers can also investigate other parties that could have contributed to the incident. For example, perhaps another motorist collided with the semi-trailer first because they decided to text while driving. If the trucker was driving responsibly at the time, the other driver might be more liable for your injuries.
Other businesses can also be at fault for the accident. For instance, if the construction firm in charge of a road construction project did not place enough safety barriers and warning signs around the work zone, the big rig driver might not have seen any danger until it was too late to avoid it.
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All Arnaudville Big Rigs Must Be Insured
In most cases, you can file a liability claim with the trucking company’s insurance provider to get compensation for your injuries and property damage-related losses. According to Louisiana Revised Statutes Section 32:1503 and the insurance requirements set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, big rig owners must have their trucks insured so they can repay victims after any accidents they cause.
Our Arnaudville big rig accident lawyers can help compile proof of your damages for your liability claim, such as:
- Medical records
- Hospital bills
- Photographs of damage to your car
- Other accident-related expenses
The at-fault party’s insurer will likely begin with a lowball settlement offer or may try to deny your claim altogether. The attorneys at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers are well-versed in the tactics that insurance companies use to avoid paying accident victims. Our team can negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf—however, keep in mind that policy limits can restrict your recovery amount.
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Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit After a Big Rig Accident
If you cannot get fairly compensated in a liability claim, our Arnaudville big rig accident lawyers can help you file a personal injury lawsuit instead. The amount you can recover in a lawsuit does not have the limits of an insurance claim. A civil court decides the verdict—not an insurance company—so the at-fault party may end up paying you with their personal assets.
While settling a lawsuit usually takes more time, sometimes it’s the best way to secure the compensation you deserve. Our big rig accident attorneys will fight for you every step of the way.
We Must Follow All Filing Deadlines
Our Arnaudville big rig accident lawyers can also help ensure that you comply with all filing requirements for your case, including the statute of limitations. Per CC Art. 3492, Louisiana generally gives you only one year to file a personal injury lawsuit. Late submissions automatically get dismissed, so you want to start working on your case as soon as possible.
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Potential Damages in a Big Rig Accident Settlement
If your Arnaudville big rig collision case settles successfully, you can recover a wide range of damages, such as:
- Medical expenses (including hospitalizations, surgeries, medications, doctor appointments, and more)
- Ongoing medical care costs
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Lost income while you recovered from your injuries
- Lost earning potential if you cannot return to your former job
- Pain and suffering
- Psychological trauma
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Compiling all expenses as soon as you start getting billed can help your Arnaudville big rig accident lawyer estimate your damages more accurately.
Shared Fault May Reduce Your Percentage of Damages
Unfortunately, winning your case does not guarantee a full recovery. The insurance company or the court could reduce your total damages if you are partially liable for your big rig accident in Arnaudville. For example, let’s assume that you are 40 percent at fault for not yielding—therefore, you can only recover 60 percent of your damages.
The Arnaudville big rig accident lawyers at our firm can review your case and determine if you need more evidence to back your claims and fight for 100 percent compensation.
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Need Legal Help? Contact Our Team Now
Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers has over 250 years of collective experience in Louisiana injury cases, including truck collisions in Arnaudville. We are always ready to defend your right to seek compensation from the parties that caused your injuries.
To get started and find out how our Arnaudville big rig accident lawyers can help, contact us today for a free consultation.
Get The HelpYou Need(337) 777-7777To Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION
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