Semi-trailers, also known as “18-wheelers,” are among the most dangerous vehicles on the road. They are significantly larger and heavier than regular cars, making them harder to control in an emergency. As a result, truck accidents involving these vehicles typically result in significant injuries, property damage, and even fatalities. Attorneys who specialize in 18-wheeler accidents can assist you in obtaining compensation for your losses.
Victims of 18-wheeler truck collisions in Terrytown, LA should consider consulting with a Terrytown 18-wheeler accident lawyer before they take any legal action. The attorneys at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can help you understand your legal options and build a case to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Who Is Liable for Your Terrytown 18-Wheeler Accident?
Truckers can be liable for 18-wheeler collisions for many of the same reasons that regular motorists can. Perhaps the truck driver was texting while driving, distracting them from what was happening on the road. Or perhaps they were speeding, increasing their risk of losing control behind the wheel. Our attorneys can investigate if the driver violated any local or state traffic laws.
A Terrytown 18-wheeler accident lawyer can also investigate if the driver or the trucking company failed to comply with federal and state trucking safety laws. Violations like these can help prove their liability even further:
- The trucking company has lax drug and alcohol testing policies that led to the driver operating the 18-wheeler while intoxicated
- The trucking company did not secure the cargo properly or allowed the driver to drive the truck while overweight without special permits
- The driver violated their designated hours of service and did not take their mandatory rest period, risking exhaustion and lapses in judgment
Our 18-wheeler accident attorneys will consider all other angles that could have caused the incident, such as highways that weren’t properly maintained, another motorist on the road, and more.
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.
ClientTerrytown Trucking Companies Must Carry Insurance
Under the insurance requirements stipulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and Louisiana Revised Statutes Section 32:1503, truckers operating in Terrytown and throughout Louisiana must have liability coverage for their 18-wheeler trucks. After an accident, the insurance helps pays for the victim’s injury and property damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Vehicle repairs
- Funeral and burial costs (if the accident killed a loved one)
The victim can also recover non-economic damages to compensate for their pain and suffering, such as:
- Chronic pain
- Emotional trauma
- Disabilities
- Disfigurement
When Is an 18-Wheeler Driver Not Covered by Employer Insurance?
Semi-trailer drivers must rely on their personal auto insurance policy to pay for an injured victim’s damages if the accident happened outside their scope of duty. For instance, they might have kept driving the 18-wheeler far beyond their allowed working hours.
Regardless of who you must file the claim against, a Terrytown 18-wheeler accident attorney from our firm can help estimate your damages by compiling your expenses and losses. They can also negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, especially if initial settlement offers are too low.
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 | ClientAlternatives to Filing a Liability Claim
Take Your Case to Court
Some situations arise where a liability claim might not work. One example is if the truck driver intentionally crashed the 18-wheeler, which an insurance company would likely not cover. The driver may not have enough insurance coverage or no coverage at all. In cases like these, your Terrytown 18-wheeler accident lawyer may advise you to file a lawsuit instead.
Instead of a claims adjuster making a settlement offer, a civil court in Jefferson Parish would decide your recovery amount after reviewing the details of the case. The at-fault party’s insurance policy limits have no impact on how much a court can award you, so you could recover a higher amount with a lawsuit. However, it often takes longer to complete a lawsuit due to the many proceedings involved. Our 18-wheeler accident lawyers can still represent you for the entire duration.
Settle Your Dispute Privately
There’s a chance that the at-fault trucker might want to try to settle matters through arbitration, a process in which a neutral party mediates for both sides. This scenario can happen if the at-fault party doesn’t want to go through a lawsuit in court. Your Terrytown 18-wheeler accident attorney can guide you through a private settlement and help negotiate with the other party.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientPartial Fault Can Reduce Your Recoverable Settlement
The comparative fault rule in Louisiana Civil Code Section 5:2323 means that your damages could get deducted if you share some percentage of liability for the crash. For example, if you are found to be 40 percent liable for not yielding to the 18-wheeler, the trucking company would pay you 60 percent of the total settlement value.
Keeping this rule in mind, an 18-wheeler accident lawyer in Terrytown can review your accident to confirm that you have a valid case against the truck driver, owner, or other parties and then create the best possible argument for you.
They treated us like no other people would. Whenever we needed something they were there for us. I put my trust in them and I don’t regret it.
ClientComplying With the Statute of Limitations
Time is of the essence when building your 18-wheeler collision case. Per CC Art. 3492, Louisiana generally gives you only one year to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline would automatically disqualify your case, so it’s best to speak with an attorney sooner rather than later.
Working with a Terrytown 18-wheeler accident lawyer speeds up the process of building your case, ensuring that you’re on track and on time.
Consult With Our 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys First
If you suffered injuries and damages from an 18-wheeler collision in Terrytown, contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers for legal assistance anytime. Our Terrytown 18-wheeler accident lawyers can review the details of your case, explain your legal options, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
With over 350 years of combined experience in Louisiana personal injury law, our team is here to defend your right to compensation and guide you through the legal process. We offer free, no-obligation consultations to all truck accident victims, so you can learn more about our services at no cost to you. Reach out to us today.
