Commercial truckers tend to be far more experienced behind the wheel than the average motorist, but no driver is immune to accidents. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 4,119 people lost their lives in truck crashes in 2019. The vast majority of these fatalities were passenger vehicle occupants.
If a negligent truck driver injured you, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and non-economic damages. However, the claims process is riddled with legal hurdles, and recovering fair compensation is rarely straightforward. The at-fault driver or their insurance company might dispute your claim, and one small mistake could significantly reduce your payout.
The success of your claim will hinge on the strength of your evidence. You or your Lafayette commercial truck accident lawyer will need evidence to prove negligence, liability, and the value of your damages.
6 Steps to Take After a Commercial Truck Accident
It may seem impossible to remain calm after a serious collision, but your statements and actions at the crash scene can profoundly impact your claim’s success. Here are six steps you should take immediately after an accident with a tractor-trailer:
- Check yourself and other people for injuries.
- Call the police and, if necessary, request emergency medical assistance.
- Take photos that show the positions of vehicles, traffic signs, skid marks, injuries, and property damage.
- Record the insurance information and contact details of all drivers involved.
- Record the truck’s DOT number.
- Write down the contact information of any eyewitnesses.
For a free legal consultation with a commercial truck accident lawyer serving Lafayette, call (337) 223-9925
What Is “Black Box” Data?
Most commercial vehicles carry an Electronic Data Recorder (EDR), also known as a “black box.” This device records information about a truck driver’s performance, such as:
- Number of hours on the road
- Average speeding
- High speed
- Sudden braking
- Seat belt use
EDR data may help your attorney prove negligence and liability. For example, it may show that the trucker was speeding immediately before your accident or that they violated Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) hours of service regulations.
If you wait too long to take legal action, EDR data may be erased or otherwise become unavailable. As such, you should contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your collision.
Lafayette Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me (337) 223-9925
The Louisiana Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents
A statute of limitations sets a time limit on your right to file a lawsuit. If you miss the time limit and try to file your claim after the deadline has passed, the Louisiana court system will most likely dismiss your case.
You have a limited amount of time to file your car accident claim in the state of Louisiana before the personal injury statute of limitations expires. For most cases, CC Art. 3492 sets the deadline at one year from the date of your accident and subsequent injury.
If you are cannot your claim or file a lawsuit within this timeframe, you could lose the right to seek compensation for medical bills, property damage, lost wages, etc.
Don’t Delay Filing Your Claim
While this timeline may seem long, it is important not to delay. The longer you wait to hire an attorney and take legal action, the more complex it is to connect your damages to the car accident and the more likely it is that the insurance company will deny your claim.
The sooner we start your claim, the better we can gather and preserve evidence, interview witnesses, evaluate police reports, review security camera footage, and address other important factors and relevant information.
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Were You Injured in a Recent Commercial Truck Accident?
Seek the compensation you deserve and get back on the road. The attorneys at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can offer guidance to you or a family member who has been involved in an accident that a commercial truck driver’s gross negligence caused.
We understand and are knowledgeable in:
- The specificity of Louisiana’s auto/commercial truck accident case law
- The varied elements requiring due diligence during an investigation
- Car insurer claims processes
- Advocacy during the claims process for a car accident
- Recovery and restitution procedures for car accident claims
Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Can Help
Every automobile accident is different, and we are here to assist you in managing the legal process with peace of mind. Our lawyers prioritize answering your questions and diligently sorting through your car accident’s aftermath.
Our success with car accident claims of all types is attributed to our experience and exceptional dedication to the needs of each of our clients. You deserve medical reimbursement and compensation for pain and suffering and lost income.
We want you to have confidence in knowing that both your financial and personal interests are being protected and valued.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Get Help from a Truck Accident Lawyer Today
A truck accident attorney from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can help you navigate the claims process and avoid costly mistakes. Schedule a free consultation today. We serve Lafayette, LA and surrounding areas.
Call or text (337) 223-9925 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
