Commercial vehicles represent an oversized risk of injury on the roads across the country. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), these large trucks outweigh most passenger cars by order of 20 to 30. When these vehicles collide, the resulting injuries are often severe or even fatal.
If you lost a loved one in a collision with a commercial vehicle, a Ledoux fatal truck accident lawyer with Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can help you hold the liable party accountable. We work on a no-win, no-fee basis, so we only collect our payment if we recover a settlement or court award for you.
How Can Our Fatal Truck Accident Lawyers Assist You With Your Case?
For most people, the thought of managing the details of a complex wrongful death lawsuit may be daunting. Relying on the guidance of our fatal truck accident attorneys could ease the stress of pursuing a claim or lawsuit, which may allow you to focus on more important issues surrounding your family member’s passing.
An attorney at our firm could get to work immediately on pursuing your wrongful death action. While our efforts cannot undo the tragedy that has struck your family, our firm could help you recover financial compensation from the responsible party.
The services our lawyers can provide include the following:
Investigating the Cause of Death
One of the first steps your attorney can take is to get to the bottom of how a fatal truck crash occurred. According to the FMCSA, these accidents can result from a range of causes, including driver error or vehicle malfunction. This investigation could allow our firm to identify the party that is liable for your damages.
Developing Evidence of Negligence
There is a short window for collecting evidence in a fatal truck accident case. Our fatal truck accident attorney in Ledoux, LA, could move quickly to build the strongest case possible.
This process could include:
- Reviewing the police report and accident photos
- Speaking with witnesses
- Hiring an accident reconstruction expert to determine how the crash occurred
- Going over your medical records
- Requesting access to information from the trucking company, like truck maintenance and employee records, dashcam video, and black box data
Negotiating a Settlement
Wrongful death cases stemming from fatal truck accidents frequently conclude with a negotiated settlement. Your attorney could help you understand how much you’re entitled to collect and advise you on whether you should accept a settlement offer.
In the event we cannot agree on a settlement with the insurance company, we can present your case before a jury.
For a free legal consultation with a fatal truck accident lawyer serving Ledoux, call (337) 777-7777
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Action in Ledoux, LA?
Each jurisdiction has its own rules related to the filing of wrongful death actions, and Ledoux is no exception. Unlike many other jurisdictions that leave the right to file a wrongful death action with the representative of the estate, Louisiana allows certain family members to pursue legal action.
The law sets out tiers of family members that have the right to file these lawsuits. The priority goes to the surviving spouse or children of the deceased. If there are no surviving spouses or children, the right to file a wrongful death action passes on to any surviving parents.
Without parents, the right to file falls to surviving siblings, then to grandparents. Parents who abandoned the decedent during their childhood may not be entitled to recover the proceeds of a wrongful death case on their behalf.
Ledoux Fatal Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me (337) 777-7777
Meet the Deadline to File a Fatal Truck Accident Lawsuit
There are important deadlines you must be aware of when considering a wrongful death action. This deadline is linked to the date of the fatal truck accident. For your case to be successful, you must comply with the deadline known as the statute of limitations.
CC Art. 2315.2 governs the wrongful death statute of limitations. Generally speaking, the statute sets out a statutory period of one year from the date of your loved one’s passing to file suit. Once this period expires, you may no longer have the right to file your wrongful death case. Our fatal truck accident lawyer in Ledoux, LA, could help ensure you file your lawsuit on time.
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Compensation You May Seek in a Ledoux, LA, Fatal Truck Accident Case
A wrongful death action is a type of civil lawsuit. If your case is successful, you could recover monetary compensation from the responsible party. This action differs from a criminal homicide case, which involves penalties like incarceration or fines.
Your wrongful death action could result in the recovery of various damages. These damages can be related to the final expenses of your loved one prior to their passing. You may be able to recover compensation based on what you have lost due to the death of your family member. Some types of damages could include:
- Funeral costs
- Burial expenses
- Final medical expenses
- Lost income
- Lost value of household services performed by the decedent
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of companionship
- Pain and suffering
You may qualify to seek other damages that we haven’t listed here. Once your attorney reviews your case, they can give you a better idea on what you can pursue.
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A Fatal Truck Accident Attorney at Our Firm Can Protect Your Rights
There is no easy way to move forward after the unexpected death of a loved one. A wrongful death action cannot change what happened, but it could provide you with your best chance at justice for the loss of your loved one, as well as the financial support necessary to cover your loved one’s final expenses.
The team at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers is ready to advocate for you during this difficult point in your life. A Ledoux fatal truck accident lawyer at our firm could assist you with the pursuit of justice on behalf of your lost loved one. Call right away for a free consultation.
Call or text (337) 777-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
