How Medical Expenses Are Covered After A Truck Accident

Truck accidents can be life-changing events, not only because of the physical and emotional trauma sustained but also due to the substantial financial burden that follows. Unfortunately, medical expenses can be steep, and many people are left wondering how these bills are covered after a truck accident. 

At LA Law Lady, we believe that every victim of a truck crash deserves to receive full and fair compensation for their injuries. Our attorney is committed to helping clients achieve this goal. If you are navigating the aftermath of a life-altering accident, Louisiana Law Lady is here to provide you with the support and guidance that you need. To learn more, consider booking your free case review at (504) 470-3511 today.

Understanding Liability and Insurance Coverage

The question of liability is critical to understanding how medical expenses are covered after a truck accident. In many situations, the at-fault driver is responsible for covering medical expenses. Determining liability in a truck accident, however, can be quite complex. Tractor-trailer accidents often involve multiple parties (including the driver, trucking company, shipper, and/or maintenance provider), intricate federal regulations, and extensive investigations – which all play a role in liability.

Comparative Fault Laws in Louisiana

Louisiana uses a comparative fault system to determine fault in personal injury claims. Under this system, a percentage of fault is assigned to each party based on the role they played in the accident. Civil Code 2323 states that if a person suffers injury or loss as the result partly of his or her fault and partly of another person’s negligence, the amount of recoverable compensation will be reduced in proportion to the degree of their fault. 

For example, if you were involved in an accident due to a truck driver’s distracted driving, but you were going 20 miles per hour over the speed limit at the time of the crash, you may be partially at fault for the accident. If you sustained $20,000 in medical expenses, but you were 25% at fault for the crash, then you would be able to recover $15,000 (which is 75% of $20,000). 

Pursuing Compensation for Your Medical Expenses

In many truck accident cases, the driver’s negligence is a key factor in determining liability. If the driver is determined to be at fault, their insurance policy typically covers the medical expenses of the injured driver. Regular automobile drivers in Louisiana are legally required to have a minimum amount of insurance coverage: 

• $15,000 for bodily injury to one person
• $30,000 for bodily injury to two or more people in a single accident
• $25,000 for property damages to another person’s vehicle or other property

Commercial truck drivers are required to have much higher limits.  There are some large trucks that can get away with only having $300,000 in insurance, depending on where they travel and  what they are hauling. However, the majority of 18-wheelers are going to have at least $750,000 in coverage, and most of the time it is $1,000,000.   Bear in mind that these are state-regulated minimum limits, and a driver or trucking company’s insurance coverage can vary depending on a range of factors. For instance, if a truck of a certain size and weight is traveling across state lines, the insurance requirements are mandated by Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations known as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act. In some cases, trucking companies opt to purchase additional coverage, which may offer the opportunity to recover more compensation after an accident. At LA Law Lady, we carefully assess all avenues of potential liability insurance coverage to obtain the most compensation for our clients.

Speak with an Experienced Louisiana Truck Accident Attorney at LA Law Lady Today

In the moments after a truck accident, the burden of medical expenses can easily become a major concern. Seeking legal assistance to pursue compensation is a key step toward securing the financial resources you need to cover these expenses.

At LA Law Lady, Lauren Pilie is committed to advocating for your rights as you recover from a truck accident. Consider contacting Lauren at (504) 470-3511 to schedule a free consultation to discuss the next steps in obtaining the compensation you deserve.