A commercial truck can weigh 20 to 30 times more than a standard passenger car. Having one of these massive vehicles hit you from behind can bring devastating, life-changing consequences. If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a rear-end truck accident in Lafayette, you need an attorney who’s caring, hardworking, and determined to get you every dollar you deserve for your recovery. That’s where The Thibeaux Firm comes in. Contact us now to learn more in a free, no-obligation consultation with a Lafayette rear-end truck accident lawyer.
How The Thibeaux Firm Helps Victims After Rear-End Truck Accidents in Lafayette
At The Thibeaux Firm, we take a comprehensive, client-first approach to every case we handle. Attorney Omar Thibeaux has more than 20 years of experience going up against deep-pocketed insurance carriers and trucking companies that refuse to take accountability for their actions. Our firm has secured millions of dollars in fair compensation for Louisiana truck accident victims to date, and we’re ready to fight for your recovery, too.
What sets our firm apart? We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial from day one, which tells the insurers we mean business. Our law practice has access to top medical and economic experts who can document the full extent of your losses, and we stay in frequent contact so you always know where your case stands.
Moreover, as “The 25% Attorney,” Attorney Thibeaux charges a flat 25 percent fee if he recovers compensation for you. That’s much less than the 33 to 45 percent that most personal injury firms charge, which puts money in your pocket, not ours.
Our past clients speak to the difference we make. As one former client put it:
“Mr. Thibeaux and his staff were very professional and courteous. From the first phone call to the final signing, I was kept in the loop about every detail of the case. Informative, prompt, fair, and accurate is how I would describe my experience with the Thibeaux Firm. Thank you, Omar and staff, for making this difficult time in our lives a peaceful experience.”
– Kip R.
When you work with our firm, a Lafayette truck accident lawyer on our team can help you by doing the following:
- Investigating the accident and gathering evidence
- Identifying all liable parties and potential sources of compensation
- Consulting medical and economic experts to document your losses
- Handling all communication with insurance companies
- Negotiating for a full and fair settlement on your behalf
- Taking your case to trial if the other side won’t offer what you deserve
Why Rear-End Truck Accidents Are Different from Rear-End Car Accidents
A rear-end truck accident is far more serious than a typical car-on-car collision for several reasons.
First, the sheer size and weight of a commercial truck mean that the force of impact is dramatically greater. Even at relatively low speeds, an 18-wheeler rear-end collision can cause severe injuries.
Second, truck accident cases involve more potential defendants. In addition to the driver, the trucking company, a cargo loader, a vehicle maintenance contractor, or a truck manufacturer could share liability.
Third, trucking companies and their insurers have experienced teams whose goal is to minimize what they pay you. Without a skilled lawyer on your side, you risk settling for far less than your case is worth.
Finally, complex federal and state trucking regulations add another layer of complexity to these cases. Violations of weight limits, maintenance requirements, or other rules can all factor into your case.
How Truck Driver Negligence Can Cause Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end truck accidents happen for some reason. In most cases, driver negligence plays a direct role. Common causes of these preventable incidents include the following:
- Distracted driving
- Texting behind the wheel
- Driver fatigue
- Driving under the influence
- Speeding
- Following too closely
- Failure to monitor blind spots
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Defective truck parts
- Dangerous road conditions
Compensation Available After Being Rear-Ended by a Commercial Truck
If a negligent truck driver rear-ended you, you may have the right to pursue compensation for a wide range of crash-related losses. They include the following:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage costs, such as vehicle repair/replacement
Get a Free Consultation with a Lafayette Rear-End Truck Accident Lawyer
If you or someone close to you got hurt in a Lafayette rear-end truck accident, The Thibeaux Firm understands what you’re going through, and we’re ready to put our experience to work for you. Attorney Thibeaux will review your case for free and without obligation, explain your legal options, and, if we take your case, fight to recover every dollar you deserve.
Contact The Thibeaux Firm today to arrange your fully confidential consultation with a Lafayette truck accident lawyer.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’ve been rear-ended by a semi-truck, you probably have a lot on your mind. Below, Attorney Thibeaux addresses some of the questions he hears most often from truck accident victims in Louisiana.
Is the truck driver always at fault in a rear-end truck accident?
No. While the rear driver is often at fault in rear-end collisions, other parties may be liable depending on the specific facts of the case. For instance, in some situations, a sudden and unforeseeable stop by a front driver could be a factor. In other cases, a manufacturer or maintenance provider could be held responsible for faulty brakes that contributed to the collision.
What should I do after being rear-ended by an 18-wheeler in Lafayette?
First, get medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Some serious injuries, like internal trauma, may not present symptoms immediately, and timely medical records will be key to your injury claim. If possible, document everything you can at the scene by gathering photos, witness contact information, and the truck driver’s information and carrier details. Avoid giving any recorded statements to insurers before speaking with a lawyer. Finally, contact The Thibeaux Firm as soon as possible so we can get to work protecting your rights and building your case.
Can I recover compensation if the trucking company says I stopped suddenly?
Yes. Louisiana law allows you to pursue compensation from other parties even if you’re partially at fault for the accident. If the driver was following too closely, speeding, or otherwise negligent, the trucking company’s attempt to pin the blame on you may carry little weight. Attorney Thibeaux can investigate your case thoroughly so he can negotiate from a position of strength and factual accuracy.