Finally, contact The Thibeaux Firm as soon as possible after the accident. We will review and discuss your legal options and provide recommendations for the next steps in pursuing financial recovery.
How We Investigate Louisiana Truck Accident Cases
At The Thibeaux Firm, we understand the complexities of building a solid truck accident claim. Our skilled legal team conducts an in-depth investigation to uncover all the relevant facts and evidence. This process may involve:
- Visiting the accident scene to document skid marks, vehicle damage, and road conditions
- Interviewing eyewitnesses to get an objective account of how the crash occurred
- Examining the truck’s event data recorder (black box) for information on speed, braking, etc.
- Reviewing the truck driver’s logs to check for Hours of Service violations
- Obtaining the trucking company’s inspection and maintenance records
- Consulting with accident reconstruction experts to analyze the crash
- Collaborating with medical experts to establish the extent of your injuries and prognosis
Why Trucking Accidents Are More Complicated Than Other Motor Vehicle Crashes
Collisions with large commercial trucks are often far more complicated than crashes involving passenger vehicles alone. One of the most significant reasons for this difference is the size disparity between cars and 18-wheelers. A fully loaded big rig can weigh up to 20 times as much as the average passenger car. As such, the bodily harm a car occupant can sustain in a truck accident is far more likely to be catastrophic or even fatal.
In addition, truck accidents often involve multiple at-fault parties. This can make the claim more complicated. However, a skilled attorney will know how to pursue all avenues of compensation, increasing the likelihood of recovering the total amount you deserve.
Finally, commercial trucks are governed by federal regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets the rules for trucking companies and their employees. Breeches of these regulations can lead to accidents. A skilled Louisiana truck accident lawyer with a thorough knowledge of national regulations will know what evidence to look for to demonstrate the link between regulatory infractions and the accident that caused your losses.
Compensation You Could Recover in a Louisiana Truck Accident Claim
While many truck accident victims are eligible to recover significant compensation for their losses, the value of your claim will depend on the unique circumstances of your accident. The hardworking Louisiana truck accident team at The Thibeaux Firm may be able to help you recover truck accident compensation for losses such as:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, hospital stays, doctor’s appointments, surgeries, medications, assistive devices, and long-term care
- Lost income if your injuries have required you to miss time at work
- Reduced earning capacity if a disability has forced you to take a lower-paying job
- Physical and psychological pain and suffering, as well as the costs of counseling and therapy
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damages, such as vehicle repair/replacement
If you have lost a loved one in a fatal truck accident, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death truck accident claim. Attorney Thibeaux can help you recover compensation for funeral expenses, medical bills at the end of your loved one’s life, and lost income for dependents. Speak to a compassionate attorney at The Thibeaux Firm to discuss your options.
Parties Who Could Be Held Liable for a Truck Wreck in Louisiana
Determining liability is a crucial aspect of any truck accident claim. While the truck driver may bear primary responsibility, other parties often share fault as well, either directly or indirectly. Depending on the circumstances, the following parties could potentially be held liable:
- The truck driver, for negligent actions like speeding, distracted driving, or driving while fatigued
- The trucking company, for negligent hiring, training, or supervision of drivers
- The cargo loading company, for unsafely loaded or overloaded trailers that make the truck unstable
- The truck or parts manufacturer, for defective components that fail and cause a crash
- The truck maintenance company, for negligent inspection, maintenance, or repairs
Could You Recover Compensation if You’re Partly to Blame for a Trucking Accident?
Louisiana’s comparative fault law allows an injured individual to recover compensation even if they were partially at fault for a truck accident. However, the value of any award will be reduced by the percentage of fault the injured party is assessed for the crash.
For example, suppose a court determines that you bear 10 percent of the responsibility for a truck accident. In that case, you will only be eligible to receive 90 percent of the compensation you might otherwise receive. Attorney Thibeaux can fight to protect your award by demonstrating that the other party was wholly or overwhelmingly responsible for the crash.
How Long Do You Have to File a Trucking Accident Lawsuit in Louisiana?
Louisiana’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases sets out one of the shortest deadlines in the country. If you wish to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party, you must initiate legal action within one year of the accident date. Missing the deadline may lead to the forfeiture of your right to recover compensation. As such, it is essential to consult with a knowledgeable Louisiana truck accident attorney as soon as possible after a collision.
