The Legal Differences Between Car Accidents and Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are different from car accidents in a few key ways. First and foremost, the damage caused by truck accidents is often more significant than that of a typical car accident. Large vehicles such as trucks have more weight, and accidents involving these vehicles can produce severe injuries and property damage.
To add to this, if a truck accident involves a commercial vehicle, such as a cargo-carrying semi-truck or big rig, then the liable party may be the truck driver’s employer.
Commercial vehicle carriers and drivers are subject to complex standards of operation, and the insurance implications of this type of case can become complex. An experienced Lafayette truck accident lawyer will stand up to insurance companies to protect your interests.
Special Rules That Apply to Truck Accident Cases
There are unique laws and regulations that may come into play in a truck accident case:
Vicarious Liability
If the truck driver who caused your accident was employed and working at the time of the accident, their employer might be the liable party in your accident. The legal term for this is “vicarious liability.”
A truck accident lawyer from our firm can help you figure out who may be liable for your accident. We are prepared to build a case against any parties that may be liable for your damages, including shipping companies or large corporations.
Special Rules and Regulations for Truck Drivers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has put several laws into place that govern the safe operation of large commercial motor vehicles.
For example, hours-of-service regulations are one of the FMCSA’s key safety measures to prevent drowsy driving. Under these rules, property-carrying drivers “may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.” If a truck driver violates their hours-of-service regulations and causes an accident, they or their employer may be liable for the resultant damages.
Our Lafayette personal injury lawyers can examine your accident for any violations of FMCSA regulations or Louisiana traffic law that may help us establish negligence and liability.
How a Lawyer from Our Firm Can Help with Your Truck Accident Case
If you or a loved one suffered harm in a truck accident, then you may be entitled to collect financial compensation for your losses and damages. A lawyer from our firm can stand up and lead the fight for a just outcome on your behalf.
Our team will look at all aspects of an accident as we gather evidence, establish a liable party, and defend your rights. An attorney from our firm can handle all communications and paperwork in your case while you focus on your recovery.
As your case moves forward, we will be here to answer your questions and provide updates. We can negotiate with the other parties for a settlement or take your case to trial if necessary.
We Only Get Paid if You Win
Our firm handles truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that we can work for you with no up-front or hourly payments required. Instead, our attorney fees come from your settlement or court award. If you don’t win your case, you don’t have to pay us.
Damages You Can Claim in a Truck Accident Case
In a successful truck accident case, you may be able to collect compensation for your:
- Medical bills (current and future)
- Lost wages (current and future)
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Other non-economic damages, such as disability
The Deadline to File a Lawsuit in Louisiana
Under CC §3492, truck accident victims in Louisiana may have just two years to file their personal injury lawsuit. Failing to file by this deadline can leave a victim with no right to sue and no way to compel the liable party to pay them for their damages.
If you lost a loved one in a fatal truck accident, you generally have two years to file a lawsuit against the defendant. The sooner you contact our wrongful death lawyers in Lafayette, the more time we have to work on your claim.
At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, We Get Results
If you or a loved one suffered harm in a truck accident, then you do not have to suffer further damage in silence. A lawyer from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can defend your rights while building up a case to further your position.
Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers has helped our clients recover a combined $200 million in personal injury settlements and court awards. Some of our recent truck accident case results include:
- $410,000 for a client whose car was struck by a commercial truck
- $375,000 for a client whose back was injured in an accident with a commercial truck
Contact Our Attorneys Today for a Free Case Review
Contact someone in our office today at (337) 777-7777 to learn more about how we can help you after a truck accident. Your initial consultation with a member of our team is free.
