Truck accidents cause serious injuries and fatalities to other drivers every year in Lafayette. If you were seriously injured or lost a loved one due to a truck driver’s negligence, we can help.
You may be entitled to damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The stress of filing a personal injury lawsuit can be alleviated under the guidance of a knowledgeable attorney.
If you experienced severe injuries due to the recklessness of a truck driver in Lafayette, call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers now for a free case evaluation at (337) 777-7777.
Determining Liability for Your Truck Accident Injuries
Liability for your truck accident injuries can rest on the shoulders of multiple parties.
These can include:
- The truck driver behind the wheel
- The trucking company they work for
- The manufacturer of the truck
Federal and state laws regarding hours of service and training are in place to keep drivers safe. When a trucker takes a risk behind the wheel or when a trucking company places profits over people, they put others in harm’s way.
Truck Driver Negligence
Truck drivers often work long hours away from home. Their dedication to their profession requires a sharp focus and attention to safety on the road.
Common types of truck driver negligence on the job include:
- Distracted driving (such as texting or using a dispatch device)
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or fatigue
- Error or lapse in judgment
- Failure to perform defensive driving
- Carrying excessive loads
- Improper maintenance of the truck
- Not exercising caution in adverse weather conditions
According to the Truckers Report, a fully loaded truck can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. Additionally, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration notes that a truck traveling at 65 miles per hour requires the length of two football fields to come to a complete stop.
Whether you were in stopped traffic and a truck rear-ended you, or if you were run off the road by an aggressive driver, we can help. Pursuing civil litigation is one way to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions.
Trucking Company Negligence
The trucking industry is a for-profit business that relies on goods and products reaching their destination on time. Trucking companies who fail to invest in their drivers or trucks push the limits on their duty of care.
Common ways trucking companies are negligent include:
- Improper maintenance of vehicles
- Failure to properly train workers
- Ignoring regulations that limit the loading of cargo
While you recover from your injuries, our legal team can examine the cause of your accident, which can help assign fault to the accountable party. Reviewing the police report made at the scene of the accident, interviewing eyewitnesses, and even checking the trucker’s logbook can provide solid evidence for why a collision occurred. If your life has been impacted due to the losses incurred by the carelessness of a truck driver, call a truck accident lawyer with Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers at (337) 777-7777.
For a free legal consultation with a truck accident lawyer serving Lafayette, call (337) 777-7777
Wrongful Death
Fatalities caused by collisions with trucks are on the rise. According to the Louisiana Highway Safety Administration, there were 680 deaths in 2011, steadily increasing over time to 760 fatalities in 2017. When getting behind the wheel of a car, no one expects to lose their life. If a loved one passed away due to the reckless actions of another party, we can help.
Depending upon the circumstances of your case, and your relationship with the decedent, you may be entitled to damages for:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of future income
- Loss of inheritance
- Medical debt
- Emotional trauma
These are just a few examples of the types of expenses we may be able to pursue on your behalf. Our staff can help determine if the details of your situation qualify as a wrongful death claim.
At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we understand that this is an especially difficult time for you and your family. Our legal team treats all clients with the respect they deserve as they grieve the loss of their loved one.
Lafayette Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me (337) 777-7777
Louisiana has a Limited Statute of Limitations
Time is not on your side due to Louisiana’s strict statute of limitations to file a claim. According to Louisiana State Legislature, you have one year to file a civil action. While 12 months from now may seem far off into the future, the demands of everyday life can quickly eat up time.
Promptly seeking help for your accident can ensure that you do not miss any important deadlines regarding your claim. Additionally, when you act quickly, this can ensure that evidence such as eyewitness accounts and memories of the event do not fade away.
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Iberia Parish Truck Accident Lawyer
Common Sources of Truck Accident Cases
With so many trucks on the road at any given time, the potential for accidents is always high. Since trucks are so large, there may be issues with maneuvering, turning, and visibility, any of which individually could cause an accident under the right—or wrong—circumstances.
When a truck driver’s actions are reckless or negligent, though, the possibility of a crash becomes even higher, along with the likelihood that they could bear civil liability for any ensuing wreck. A collision that occurs due to any of the following could be grounds for a civil suit:
- Speeding
- Fatigue
- Distraction
- Loss of control
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Equipment failure is another example of how a truck accident may occur that could lead to a truck accident civil case. If a truck tire has a blowout or an axle fails, the driver could lose control over the truck and strike another vehicle.
Importantly, though, this may also mean the company or mechanic responsible for the truck’s upkeep may be liable for that accident depending on the circumstances. If this occurs, an Iberia Parish truck crash attorney may be able to help the injured party recover damages.
Filing a Truck Collision Claim
A truck accident could result in severe consequences in a variety of contexts. Both past and present medical bills may pile up as a result of treatment for injuries suffered in a truck accident. The potential loss of future income for the injured party, while they are out of work recovering, may further contribute to financial hardship.
Beyond these physical and monetary burdens, a truck accident could result in psychological and emotional trauma as well. These more intangible damages may include loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, pain and suffering, mental anguish, reduced quality of life, and more. An Iberia Parish truck accident lawyer could help in recovering any potential damages the injured party has a right to claim.
It should be noted, however, that the state of Louisiana allows for a one-year prescriptive period for personal injury and property damage claims, according to Louisiana Civil Code §3492. It is essential that any personal injury claim is filed in a timely manner to ensure the filing party is able to seek compensation.
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Let Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Protect Your Best Interests
A truck accident can change your life in an instant. The uncertainty surrounding your future can leave you feeling anxious and confused.
Insurance companies can be aggressive when it comes to settling cases quickly. They are focused on resolving the issue so they can move on to the next claimant. An initial offer from an insurance company may seem like a large amount of money, but chances are, it is not enough to cover your future medical needs. Accepting and signing a settlement offer can prevent you from pursuing a civil action later should your condition worsen.
Our legal team has over 100 years of combined experience that we are ready to put to work for you. We are not afraid to take the necessary precautions to fight for your right to fair compensation. We pride ourselves on putting our clients first.
Many personal injury claims settle out of court. If we cannot come to an agreement with the other party, we are ready to take your case to trial.
No one should pay out of pocket for expenses due to the negligent actions of another person. If your life was interrupted by disaster, we can help.
Call a truck accident lawyer serving Lafayette with Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers now at (337) 777-7777.
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