Lafayette Truck Accident Lawyers

Name: Truck Accidents
Brand: Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers
Rating: 4.9 (975 reviews)

Crash Tested. Client Focused.

Under Louisiana law, individuals injured by another party’s negligence—including violations of state and federal trucking safety regulations—have the right to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and long-term harm. Truck accident claims are governed not only by Louisiana negligence law, but also by strict Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations that apply to trucking companies, drivers, and commercial carriers.

Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers represents drivers, passengers, and families injured in truck accidents throughout Lafayette and the greater Acadiana region. With over 350 years of combined legal experience and more than $1 billion recovered, our team of personal injury lawyers in Lafayette is built to take on trucking companies, corporate insurers, and national carriers when serious injuries occur.

David Laborde & Digger Earles

Founding Partners

$1 Billion+

Recovered for Louisianians

25+ Attorneys

Collaboration on every case

350+ Years

Combined years of experience

1,700+ Reviews

4.9 Google Rating

Truck Accident Case Results $1 Billion+ Recovered for Our Clients

Truck accident cases often involve catastrophic injuries and high-value claims. Our truck accident lawyers in Lafayette have secured significant verdicts and settlements against trucking companies, commercial insurers, and corporate defendants across Louisiana.

Truck Accident $7 Million

Judgment for injured 18-wheeler driver

Truck Accident $2.7 Million

Settlement for 18 wheeler accident victim

Truck Accident $1.8 Million

Settlement for 18 wheeler accident victim

Truck Accident $1.75 Million

Trial verdict for 18 wheeler accident victim

Truck Accident $1 Million

Settlement for truck accident victim

Truck Accident $1 Million

Settlement for 18 wheeler accident victims

Truck Accident $410,000

Client hit from rear by commercial truck

Truck Accident $375,000

Commercial truck accident with back injury

Thousands of clients have trusted us and won.

See Our Case Results

Why Choose Laborde Earles Trial-Ready Truck Accident Lawyers Serving Lafayette

Truck accident litigation requires a higher level of experience, resources, and strategy than standard motor vehicle claims. Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers brings decades of experience handling complex commercial trucking cases, including crashes involving big rigs, 18-wheelers, tanker trucks, and delivery vehicles, and has helped thousands of injured Louisianans recover compensation after serious collisions.

Our attorneys have recovered more than $1 billion in verdicts and settlements, including numerous seven-figure results in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases, and are recognized for trial advocacy and leadership within Louisiana’s legal community. We understand FMCSA regulations, corporate compliance failures, and the rapid-response tactics trucking companies use to limit liability, and we prepare every case with a trial-first mindset—backed by accident reconstruction, expert testimony, and aggressive evidence preservation—so insurers know we are ready to litigate when necessary.

About Us

Client Testimonials Hear from locals like you.

Elizabeth Lachney I absolutely hands down the best. She is very professional, knowledgeable and most importantly she is very respectful. She is one re...

Tiffany Bardwell

New Iberia

Over the past 3 years I have encountered one of the best Law Firms in Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers which have been handling my Lejeune Contaminated T...

Stephan C.

Toni is the absolute BEST!!!! Not only is she the best paralegal but she’s also the best person I know. She is so intelligent, knowledgeable, ca...

Sarah Jorden

Marksville

I was very pleased with the attention and detail that was given by Karely with Laborde Earle’s Injury lawyers. She answered all of my questions ...

Gail

Baton Rouge

Renee McCaslin is incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and always goes above and beyond to make the legal process smooth and stress-free. I truly a...

Courtnie Heltz

New Orleans

Stephanie Brooks was wonderful to work with! She was very professional during our interaction and extremely pleasant throughout the entire process. He...

Jenifer Leger Dendy

Lafayette

Trudy Dupuy is a wonderful asset to the team. She does an amazing job.

Annabelle D.

Bridgette is absolutely phenomenal! She's one of the most professional, knowledgeable, and dedicated paralegals I've ever had the pleasure of working ...

Brittany Johnson

Alexandria

I’m so grateful for the help I received from Renee McCaslin. From start to finish, they were kind, professional, and truly cared about my situat...

Rosann Roberts

Lake Charles

Over 1,700 5-Star Reviews

See What Our Clients Are Saying

Client SuccessStories That Define Laborde Earles

“I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t been for them. I’ve never had that much expertise and professionalism in my life.”

Rick Smith Truck Accident Victim

Client SuccessStories That Define Laborde Earles

“If it wasn’t for that settlement, we wouldn’t have our home, my company or probably even the leg that I have now.”

Jude Herbert Motorcycle Accident Victim

Rick Jude

Types of Truck Accident Cases We Handle

Protecting Victims Across All Commercial Truck Crashes

We’ve handled nearly every type of commercial truck accident across Louisiana, including:

18-Wheeler / Big Rig Accidents

Severe collisions involving tractor-trailers on highways and interstates nationwide frequently

Cargo & Freight Truck Accidents

Crashes caused by improper loading or shifting freight during transit

Construction Truck Accidents

Dump trucks cement mixers and heavy equipment collisions causing injuries

Delivery Truck Accidents

Incidents involving commercial vans and last-mile delivery vehicles causing injuries

Fuel & Tanker Truck Accidents

Explosions fires and hazardous material spills following tanker truck crashes

Tow Truck Accidents

Crashes caused by unsafe roadside operations or unsecured vehicles incidents

Multi-Vehicle Truck Pileups

Chain-reaction crashes involving commercial trucks across busy highways and interstates

Jackknife Accidents

Tractor-trailers jackknifing and obstructing roadways, leading to severe and widespread injuries

Understanding Truck Accidents in Lafayette What Lafayette Drivers Should Know After a Truck Accident

Truck accidents frequently occur when safety rules are ignored or corners are cut. In Lafayette, heavy freight traffic and tight delivery timelines can increase the risk of driver error, equipment failure, and unsafe cargo practices.

Common Causes Common Injuries High-Risk Areas

Why Commercial Truck Crashes Happen in Lafayette

Louisiana’s highways support energy transport, agriculture, shipping, and interstate commerce. When safety standards are ignored, the consequences can be severe—especially on long rural stretches and heavily trafficked freight routes.

Driver Fatigue

Long shifts and drowsy driving reduce reaction time decision-making abilities
Hours-of-Service Violations

Skipped breaks and falsified logs put exhausted drivers behind wheels
Distracted Driving

Phone use devices and in-cab distractions pull attention from roadway
Speeding Under Load

Heavy loads require longer stopping distances making excessive speed dangerous
Mechanical Failures

Brake issues tire blowouts and worn components trace to maintenance
Improper Cargo Securement

Shifting or overloaded freight triggers rollovers jackknifes and loss control

Were You Injured in a Truck Accident?

The Injuries That Make Truck Accidents So High-Stakes?

Due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles, truck crashes often cause catastrophic harm. Many victims require surgery, long-term rehabilitation, and ongoing care that affects work and daily life.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Concussions and brain trauma affecting memory, behavior, cognition, and independence.
Spinal Cord Damage

Neck and back injuries causing paralysis or permanent mobility loss.
Internal Organ Injuries

Hidden internal injuries causing bleeding, organ failure, and life-threatening complications.
Amputations

Crushing injuries resulting in limb loss, prosthetics, and lifelong challenges.
Severe Burns

Fire-related crash injuries causing severe burns, scarring, and permanent disfigurement.
Fatal Injuries

Wrongful death cases leaving families with emotional and financial hardship.

Were You Injured in a Truck Accident?

Where Lafayette Truck Accidents Happen Most Often

Truck crashes are more likely in areas where large commercial vehicles interact with passenger traffic, construction zones, and frequent merging. Lafayette’s freight corridors and commercial routes create repeated conflict points for heavy trucks.

I-10 & I-49 Interchange Zones

High-speed merging and lane shifts increase big rig crash risk.
Industrial Corridors

Frequent truck entrances, exits, and turns create sudden collision hazards.
High-Traffic Commercial Routes

Congestion and frequent stops increase side-impact and turning collisions rates.
Delivery-Dense Streets

Congestion and frequent stops increase side-impact and turning collisions rates.
Rural Highways

Long distances driver fatigue and limited lighting increase severe accident

Were You Injured in a Truck Accident?

Next Steps What to Do After a Truck Accident in Lafayette

Taking the right steps after a truck accident can protect both your health and your legal claim:

Seek Immediate Medical Care

Get medical attention immediately and follow all treatment recommendations. Prompt care protects your health and creates critical records linking injuries to the crash.

Report the Crash

Official reports create crucial documentation supporting fault determinations and claims.

Photograph the Scene

Photos preserve conditions, vehicle damage, and injuries before evidence disappears.

Collect Witness Information

Witness details corroborate events, strengthen liability arguments, and counter narratives.

Avoid Giving Insurance Statements

Insurer statements can be used to minimize or deny compensation.

Contact Laborde Earles

An experienced legal team can protect your rights, secure evidence, and manage insurer communications while you focus on recovery.

Early legal counsel protects rights, handles insurers, and preserves evidence.

Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers on the phone at (337) 777-7777 Call Us 24/7

Truck Accident Trends in Louisiana Statewide Data Backed by Decades of Legal Experience

Federal and state transportation data consistently show that large commercial trucks are involved in a disproportionate number of fatal and catastrophic injury collisions. Louisiana’s heavy freight traffic, energy-sector trucking, and interstate corridors serving Acadiana significantly increase crash risk for passenger vehicles.

130+ Fatal Truck Crashes Each Year

Large trucks are involved in over one hundred fatal crashes annually across Louisiana roadways.
Fatality Rate Exceeds National Average

Louisiana’s truck-related fatal crash rate remains more than twenty percent higher nationally.
Most Fatal Crashes Occur on Major Roadways

Seventy percent happen on interstates, U.S. highways, and key freight corridors.

Our Legal Team We fight for our own

Meet Our Team

Digger Earles

Founding Partner

Hunter, fisherman, and aggressive trial attorney, most recently securing a historic $5 million bad faith excess verdict.

Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyers
Acadiana Profile Top Lawyer
Top 100 National Trial Lawyers

David Laborde

Founding Partner

In addition to owning a ranch and hunting on the weekends, David is recognized as a top trial lawyer in Louisiana, most recently winning a $7.2 million settlement.

Top 100 Trial Lawyers
Acadiana Profile Top Lawyer
Multi–Million Dollar Advocates Forum

Alexis Davis

Attorney

Personal injury attorney at Laborde Earles, Alexis combines award-winning legal writing with diligent advocacy, focusing on protecting clients’ interests throughout Louisiana.

Best Case Note
Law Review award winner

Aaron Bergeron

Attorney

Personal injury attorney Aaron Bergeron brings a client-first approach shaped by courtroom and judicial experience.

Law Clerk, 27th Judicial District Court
Graduated cum laude, Southern University Law Center

Ben Alexander

Attorney

Litigation attorney Ben leverages years of experience defending catastrophic, maritime, and insurance cases, including those involving the Deepwater Horizon incident.

Deepwater Horizon MDL
Rising Star 2013–2018
Top 100 honoree

Cade Melancon

Attorney

Cade brings judicial and court experience, as well as catastrophic injury litigation skills developed from pre-suit preparation through trial support and appeals.

Federal court internship
District staff attorney

Carolina De La Pena Rogers

Attorney

Carolina represents motor-vehicle crash victims, applying nationwide immigration litigation experience with a proactive strategy, clear communication, and client-focused guidance.

Spanish speaker
Immigration courts admitted
Louisiana Association for Justice

Daniel Snellings

Attorney

With more than 30 years in complex litigation, Daniel represents injured victims in auto, maritime, product liability, toxic tort, and class matters.

Martindale-Hubbell rated
Best Maritime Attorneys 2022
NITA skills certificate

David Charles Laborde Jr.

Attorney

DC handles diverse injury matters, using prior insurance-defense and entertainment-law experience to anticipate tactics, strengthen claims, and guide clients through every step.

Former defense attorney
Louisiana Bar admitted
Tulane football letterman

Derek B. Hebert

Attorney

Personal injury attorney Derek Hebert takes a proactive, detail-driven approach, building cases early to apply pressure and pursue strong results.

Full-Tuition Merit Scholarship Recipient
Certificate in Civil Law Studies

Frances Gossen O'Neal

Attorney

Fran is an experienced litigator with strong research roots, clerkship experience, and broad court admissions, providing thoughtful, steady representation for injured clients.

23rd JDC clerkships
LSU Law J.D.

Jeanne Laborde

Attorney

Personal injury attorney Jeanne has spent decades guiding clients through treatment, billing, and insurance issues with diligence, clarity, and compassion.

Bilingual English/Spanish
20+ years serving clients

Jennifer Coussan

Attorney

Lafayette native Jennifer brings sharp judicial perspective from federal and appellate clerkships, strengthening litigation strategy, motion practice, and outcomes for clients.

Federal law clerk
Third Circuit attorney

Jonathan Chatwin

Attorney

Jonathan focuses on workers’ compensation and personal injury, combining accounting training and Army service with practical, disciplined advocacy for Louisiana clients daily.

U.S. Army veteran
Fifth Circuit admitted

Kade Stutes

Attorney

Storm claim attorney Kade serves Acadiana homeowners with local roots, judicial-clerkship experience, and a steady, responsive approach to complex insurance disputes.

27th JDC judicial clerk
Society VP
Louisiana Bar 2023

Kelby Rasmussen

Attorney

Kelby practices personal injury law, drawing on courtroom insight from district-judge clerkships, to provide clear answers and steady guidance to clients following serious accidents.

36th JDC law clerk
LAJ member

Kristen Broussard Guidry

Attorney

Kristen brings more than 25 years of experience and deep insurance-defense insight, now using industry knowledge to zealously advocate for injury clients.

Top 15% LSU
Outstanding Young Lawyer
Past YLA President

Mary Cryar

Attorney

Mary turns two decades of insurance and injury defense experience into advocacy for people facing serious injuries or denied insurance claims today.

NITA instructor
Taught LSU trial advocacy
Multi-state bar admissions

Nicholas R. Rockforte

Attorney

Nicholas represents clients in injury, complex litigation, and class actions, bringing a first-in-class mindset and underdog focus to every case for clients.

Top 40 Under 40
Levee counsel

Paul Laborde

Attorney

Personal injury attorney Paul Laborde brings a thorough, disciplined approach shaped by strong legal training and a deep respect for the profession.

LSU Law Graduate
Judicial & Legislative Experience

Robert (“Rob”) Marionneaux Jr

Attorney

Trial lawyer Rob focuses on catastrophic injury and wrongful death, delivering proven courtroom results while supporting families through life-changing tragedies today.

$20.6M verdict
Million Dollar Advocates
Hall of Fame inductee

Ryan Saunders

Attorney

Ryan brings first-responder experience and trial-driven precision to complex matters, dedicated to helping clients who need a prepared, strategic advocate always today.

First responder 10+ years
Felony defense
Patent bar passed

Scott Higgins

Attorney

Scott is a seasoned injury litigator handling wrongful death, maritime, and complex multi-party cases, valuing client relationships as much as results always.

AV Preeminent rated
Licensed in Louisiana/Texas

Shawn Bordelon

Attorney

Shawn is a personal injury litigator with defense-side insight, representing clients through trial and appeals, including matters that reach the Louisiana Supreme Court level.

Former defense counsel
Louisiana Supreme Court experience

Victor Rushing

Attorney

Victor is a pre-litigation attorney who guides injured clients through early case strategy, providing clear communication and responsive, detail-oriented representation.

Western District admitted
Knights of Columbus

Wesley Elmer

Attorney

Wesley evaluates claims from both sides, helping clients understand strengths and risks while pursuing fair outcomes in personal injury matters statewide fully.

Dual-perspective counsel
Fifth Circuit admitted
Former parish bar president

Will Casanova

Attorney

Will devotes his practice to Louisiana workers’ compensation, providing injured workers with steady, informed guidance to navigate benefits, treatment, and claims.

Past Acadia Bar President
Southern graduate

Amit Gulati

Attorney

Attorney Amit Gulati brings courtroom-tested advocacy and a trial-first mindset to personal injury and criminal defense cases.

Former Orleans Public Defenders Attorney
Extensive Felony Trial Experience

Injury Lawyers Louisiana Trusts When things go wrong, we're Louisiana Strong

Laborde Earles

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Filing A Truck Accident Claim What to Expect After Filing a Lafayette Truck Accident Claim

After a serious truck accident, many victims expect quick answers or fast settlements. In reality, commercial truck claims are complex and move through several important stages. Understanding what happens after your claim is filed helps reduce uncertainty and ensures you are prepared for each step of the process.

Investigation & Evidence Preservation

We immediately secure critical evidence, including black box data, driver logbooks, maintenance records, and surveillance footage before it can be lost or altered.

Medical Documentation

Our team tracks your treatment progress and documents how your injuries affect your health, ability to work, and long-term quality of life.

Settlement Negotiations

Once damages are fully understood, we negotiate aggressively with trucking companies and insurers to pursue compensation that reflects the true impact of the crash.

Litigation Preparation

If fair compensation is denied, we prepare the case for litigation and trial, positioning you for the strongest possible outcome.

Taking action early protects evidence and prevents trucking companies from controlling the narrative

Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers on the phone at (337) 777-7777 Call Us 24/7

Determining Compensation Types of Compensation Available After a Truck Accident

Truck accidents often cause catastrophic harm, leaving victims with overwhelming physical, emotional, and financial losses. When negligence is involved, Louisiana law allows injured individuals and families to pursue full compensation for the damages they suffer.

Compensation can include:

Medical expenses and future care
Lost income and reduced earning capacity
Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
Long-term disability or impairment
Property damage
Wrongful death losses for surviving families

Find Out What Your Case May Be Worth

Case Value Factors How a Truck Accident Case Value Is Evaluated

Truck accident case value depends on factors such as injury severity, medical costs, lost income, future earning capacity, permanent impairment, property damage, and whether federal safety violations or reckless conduct were involved.

Evaluation Factor

What It Represents

Injury Severity

Whether injuries are temporary, long-term, or permanent

Medical Expenses

Current care costs and projected future treatment

Lost Income

Wages lost during recovery and missed work time

Reduced Earning Capacity

Impact on your ability to earn in the future

Permanent Impairment

Lasting disability or physical limitations

Property Damage

Repair or replacement of your vehicle

Safety Violations

FMCSA or regulatory breaches

Talk to a Louisiana Local Attorney Today

Get a Free Case Evaluation

(337) 777-7777 Call Us 24/7

Timeline Expectations How Long Does It Take to Receive Compensation After a Truck Accident?

Truck accident claims often require more time due to complexity.

Shorter Timelines

Claims with clear liability, cooperative insurers, and less severe injuries may resolve more quickly through negotiation rather than litigation.

Longer Timelines

Cases involving catastrophic injuries, multiple liable parties, disputed fault, or commercial insurance layers often require extended investigation and litigation.

Our Approach

We advance cases strategically and efficiently while refusing rushed settlements that fail to address future medical care, lost income, and long-term financial security.

Early legal involvement often leads to stronger outcomes

Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers on the phone at (337) 777-7777 Call Us 24/7

Determining Responsibility Who is Liable for a Truck Accident?

Truck accident liability is often more complex than standard car crashes, frequently involving multiple parties whose negligence contributed to the collision. Liability in truck accident cases may extend to:

Liability may include:

The truck driver
The trucking company or motor carrier
Freight brokers or shippers
Cargo loading companies
Maintenance providers
Vehicle or parts manufacturers
Other negligent drivers

Find Out What Your Case Might Be Worth

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Guidance you can trust, from people who actually know.

View All FAQs View All Articles

Truck Accident FAQs Clear Answers to Important Questions

What should I do after a truck accident in Lafayette?

Seek medical care immediately, report the crash to authorities, document the scene if possible, and contact a truck accident lawyer before speaking with insurance companies.

Who can be held liable for a truck accident in Lafayette?

Liability may include the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance providers, or other negligent parties depending on the circumstances.