Having trucks on the road is a sign of a thriving city. By delivering goods, constructing new buildings, and providing valuable services, trucks let us know that a town is operating like a well-oiled machine. However, because of their size and weight, trucks can be some of the most dangerous vehicles on the road. In fact, according to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), in 2018, over 4,100 people were killed in accidents involving large trucks.
If the negligence of another party resulted in your injuries or the passing of a loved one, you do not need to go through this legal maze alone. At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, our staff can help negotiate for the financial awards you need to put this difficult time behind you. Louisiana has a short statute of limitations regarding personal injury claims and wrongful death, so it is important to understand your options for recovery as soon as you can. You can receive a no-obligation, free consultation by calling (337) 777-7777.
Negligence and Truck Accidents
One of your lawyer’s primary goals will be to prove that the defendant in your case acted with negligence and caused your injuries. In a truck accident, multiple parties can be found liable. This can include the trucker, their employer, and even the company that built the truck itself. To first identify who can be held responsible, your legal team will need to determine what negligent action or factor caused your accident.
These elements can include:
- Failing to maintain a safe distance from another vehicle or pedestrian
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, of fatigue
- Distracted driving, including texting or addressing other workers
- Faulty brakes or a defective steering system
- Unsecured waste falling out of the back of the truck
- Inexperience or poor judgment
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 94% of accidents are the result of driver error. Bearing this statistic in mind, it is likely that the other driver caused the collision. However, under the doctrine “respondeat superior,” we may be able to hold the trucker’s employer responsible for their actions.
Some forms of negligence on the part of an employer can include:
- Failing to maintain a safe fleet of trucks
- Not implementing mandatory drug testing
- Improperly training employees
- Hiring inexperienced, unqualified, or otherwise unfit drivers
- Violating federal regulations or rules in any way
There may be other liable parties than the ones we have detailed here. Speaking with a member of our legal team can explain who else may be responsible for your accident. Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today at (337) 777-7777.
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.
ClientPossible Compensation Resulting From a Truck Accident
No two truck accidents are quite alike, and the compensation that you may collect will depend directly on the specifics of your case.
Some general forms of compensation that can be granted in a truck accident case may cover:
- Medical expenses, including emergency transportation, doctor’s visits, and treatment methods
- Lost wages during your recovery period
- Pain and suffering and inconvenience
- Any long-term disability that arose from the accident
- Reduced quality of life
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of consortium
- Wrongful death
You may be able to collect awards for other losses that we have not listed here. When you work with a legal professional, they can outline what expenses you may be able to collect and bring to light others that you may not have realized.
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 | ClientCall a Branch Truck Accident Lawyer if You Have Been in an Accident
A truck-involved accident can cause extensive damages. While you may be recovering from your injuries, it is important that you call a branch truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to start pursuing compensation.
In Louisiana, you generally have one year from the date of an accident (whether it resulted in serious injury or death) to bring a lawsuit against the responsible party. This statute of limitations makes it crucial that you not wait to seek legal representation. If you do not act within the state’s timeframe, you may forfeit your right to recover losses.
A branch truck accident lawyer can:
- Help you determine who to bring a case against, whether it is a truck driver, their employer, the truck manufacturer, or some other combination of defendants
- File the required paperwork to help the court recognize your case before the statute of limitations expires
- Organize available evidence in a way that supports your case for compensation
- Scour police reports and other available statements from the defendant(s) for admissions of wrongdoing that may qualify as negligence
- Speak with your doctor and obtain documentation of your injuries
- Guide your case from start to finish
A Truck Accident Lawyer May Be Able to Assist With Your Case
Whether you are recovering from your injuries or mourning the death of a loved one, there is no need to go through this process alone. We are eager to hear the details of your accident and learn how we can help you. When you work with us, you do not need to worry about upfront costs or hidden fees. We work on a contingency-fee-basis, meaning that we only get paid if you accept a settlement offer. We take our wages out of what we recover for you. If we are not successful in getting you compensation, we do not get paid.
You should not have to pay out-of-pocket for an accident you did not cause. Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today at (337) 777-7777.
