Hurt in a truck accident in New Orleans? Dealing with the aftermath can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Attorney Omar Thibeaux and his team at The Thibeaux Firm are here to support you through this difficult time by helping you file a truck accident claim.
With us on your side, you can pursue the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Known as “The 25% Attorney,” Attorney Thibeaux charges a flat and fair 25 percent fee for every case he wins, which puts more money back into his clients’ pockets and helps them rebuild their lives faster.
Are you ready to get started? We’re here to help you get the compensation you need. Contact The Thibeaux Firm today for a free initial consultation with a New Orleans truck accident lawyer.
Benefits of Hiring a New Orleans Attorney for Your Truck Accident Claim
If you have been involved in a truck accident in New Orleans, an experienced lawyer can provide valuable assistance throughout the truck accident injury claims process by:
- Gathering evidence from the accident scene and other sources
- Interviewing witnesses to obtain detailed accounts of the incident
- Reviewing police reports and medical records for supporting information
- Consulting accident reconstruction experts to determine fault
- Calculating the full extent of your losses, including future expenses
- Identifying liable parties and possible sources of compensation
- Communicating with the trucking company and their legal team
- Negotiating with insurance providers for a reasonable settlement
- Filing necessary claim paperwork and managing legal documentation
- Representing you in court if a lawsuit becomes necessary
- Complying with all legal deadlines and procedural requirements
A strong reason why accident victims trust Attorney Thibeaux is because he provides more value in your pursuit of truck injury compensation. Not only is he dedicated, compassionate, and professional, but he is also known as “The 25% Attorney.” This is because Attorney Thibeaux believes that people who suffer devastating truck accident injuries deserve more money in their pocket. So, he charges a flat and reasonable 25 percent fee if he recovers compensation in your case. This is much lower than the industry standard of 33 to 40 percent that other lawyers charge.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
Taking the right steps after a truck accident can significantly impact your recovery and claim outcome. Here are some important actions to consider:
- Photograph your injuries and any damage to your vehicle. Gather contact information from any available witnesses. Request a copy of the police report from the accident.
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t feel hurt. Keep all medical appointments and follow your doctor’s advice. Gather and keep all medical bills and receipts, too.
- Contact a seasoned truck accident attorney from The Thibeaux Firm as soon as possible.
- Request copies of all your medical records and document any income losses resulting from the accident. Keep all crash-related documents and evidence organized.
- Notify your insurance company about the accident but watch what you say when you do. Stick to the facts and avoid giving recorded statements or accepting offers without consulting a lawyer.
How We Investigate New Orleans Truck Accident Cases
At The Thibeaux Firm, we take a comprehensive approach to truck accident case investigations. Our process starts with gathering all available evidence from the accident scene, including photographs, police reports, and witness statements. We interview witnesses to gain detailed insights into what happened. Our team also consults accident reconstruction experts to analyze crashes and determine fault.
Next, we review the truck’s maintenance records, driver logs, and company safety protocols to identify any violations or negligence. By meticulously examining every detail, our truck accident law firm aims to understand every aspect of the accident so we can advocate effectively on your behalf.
Why Trucking Accidents Are More Complicated Than Other Motor Vehicle Crashes
Truck accidents are more complex than other crashes for several reasons. First, the size and weight of trucks can cause more severe damage and injuries, leading to complex medical and legal issues. Second, multiple parties are often liable, including the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, and maintenance providers. This means thorough investigations are necessary for determining liability.
Third, numerous federal and state regulations govern the trucking industry, and understanding these regulations is essential for building a strong case. Finally, trucking companies and their insurers often have extensive resources and legal teams, so skilled legal representation is essential for victims.
Compensation You Could Recover in a New Orleans Truck Accident Claim
After a truck accident, you could be entitled to various types of compensation for your injuries and related losses. This could include truck accident compensation for:
- Medical expenses related to the accident
- Future medical costs for ongoing treatment and rehabilitation
- Income losses if you are unable to work due to your injuries
- Lost earning potential if your injuries affect your ability to work in the future
- Pain and suffering resulting from the accident
- Lost quality of life if your injuries impact your ability to enjoy daily activities
- Property damage and vehicle repair/replacement
Parties Who Could Be Held Liable for a Truck Wreck in New Orleans
Determining liability is essential for seeking compensation after a New Orleans 18-wheeler accident. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, several parties could be responsible, such as:
- Truck Drivers – If the driver was speeding, distracted, fatigued, or under the influence, they might be responsible for the accident.
- Other Drivers – If another driver cut off a truck or made a sudden stop that led to a collision, they could be liable for the resulting truck accident.
- Trucking Companies – A trucking company could be liable if it fails to hire qualified drivers, provide proper training, or conduct proper maintenance on its vehicles.
- Cargo Loaders – Companies or individuals responsible for loading a truck could be liable if improper cargo loading contributes to an accident.
- Truck Manufacturers – The manufacturer of the truck or its parts could be liable if a mechanical defect contributed to the semi-truck accident.
- Maintenance Providers – If a mechanic fails to properly inspect or repair a truck, leading to a mechanical failure and subsequent accident, they could be liable.
- Government Entities – Local or state government entities could be liable if poor road conditions like potholes or inadequate signage contributed to the truck wreck.
Could You Recover Compensation if You’re Partly to Blame for a Trucking Accident?
Yes. Louisiana has a pure comparative fault system, in which you can still recover compensation from other parties even if you are 99 percent responsible for the truck accident. However, the compensation available to you will decrease based on your percentage of fault.
For example, suppose you are 20 percent at fault for the accident. In that case, the maximum amount you can recover will decrease by 20 percent. If a court determines your case amounts to $100,000 in accident compensation, you will only receive $80,000, which is 20 percent less.
Because every fault percentage point is less money you can recover, it is essential to work with a New Orleans truck accident attorney who can fight back against allegations of fault and demand fair compensation for your losses.
How Long Do You Have to File a Trucking Accident Lawsuit in Louisiana?
You have one year from the date of the truck accident to file a truck accident lawsuit in Louisiana. If you wait too long to file, you could lose your right to pursue compensation, leaving you responsible for all medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs related to the accident.
This is why contacting a lawyer right away is essential. An experienced truck accident attorney can handle your truck accident claim promptly and file all necessary paperwork on time. By acting quickly, you can better protect your rights and increase your chances of receiving fair compensation.
Common Types and Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents in New Orleans
Understanding the different types of truck accidents is essential when determining cause and liability after a collision with a commercial truck. Here are some examples of common types of truck accidents:
- Rear-end collisions
- Jackknife accidents
- Rollover accidents
- Underride accidents
- T-bone collisions
- Head-on collisions
- Sideswipe accidents
- Wide-turn accidents
- Blind spot accidents
- Hazardous material spills
- Bridge strike collisions
- Intersection accidents
- Cargo spill accidents
- Fatal truck accidents
Most truck accidents involve multiple contributing factors, many of which are preventable. Common causes of truck crashes in New Orleans include:
- Driver Fatigue – Truck drivers often work long hours, which can lead to exhaustion. Tired drivers have slower reaction times and reduced attention, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Distracted Driving – Using a phone, eating, or adjusting the radio can take a driver’s focus off the road. Even a few seconds of distraction can cause a serious collision.
- Speeding – Truck drivers who exceed speed limits might find it hard to stop or control their vehicles, especially in dense traffic or bad weather conditions.
- Improperly Loaded Cargo – Incorrectly balanced or secured loads can shift during transit. This can cause the truck to become unstable and possibly tip over or spill its cargo.
- Mechanical Failures – Trucks need regular maintenance to stay safe. Without it, trucks can have brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues that lead to accidents.
- Driving Under the Influence – Alcohol and drugs can impair a driver’s ability to operate a big rig safely. Intoxicated drivers have poor judgment and slower reaction times, increasing crash risk.
- Road Hazards – Potholes, debris, and construction zones can pose significant risks to truck drivers. Sudden swerves or stops to avoid these hazards can result in crashes.
Typical Injuries Resulting from a Truck Collision
Many truck collisions are devastating incidents that can result in life-changing trauma. Typical injuries resulting from New Orleans truck wrecks include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Whiplash
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Burns
- Concussions
- Soft tissue injuries
- Amputations
- Facial injuries
- Herniated discs
- Crush injuries
- Paralysis
- Dislocations
- Eye injuries
- Dental injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer in New Orleans Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, don’t wait to seek the help you need. Contact The Thibeaux Firm today for a free initial consultation with a truck accident lawyer in New Orleans. Our dedicated team is here to offer support and fight for the recovery you deserve.