Lafayette Truck Accident Attorney
Truckers spend much of their lives on the road, which often involves large loads, long hours, and unforeseen challenges. Increased time on the road, as well as longer hours, can lead to drowsiness, which means that truck drivers may face a higher risk of being involved in accidents than other drivers. Beyond that, trucking accidents are complex matters involving multiple parties that could be liable. Understanding the nuances of these situations is often crucial to unraveling a trucking accident case.
Lauren Pilié of Louisiana Law Lady has experience in both law and truck driving and may be able to relate to truck accidents with a unique perspective. A skilled truck accident attorney may be able to assist with evaluating and providing direction for a case.
Benefits of a Trucking Accident Attorney
Truck accident attorneys generally have specialized knowledge of personal injury law that relates to truck driving, which may help parse the difficult tangle of liability that often occurs in trucking accidents. Truck accident attorneys can also assist with a truck accident claim or legal case in several ways.
Trucking accident attorneys may help negotiate with insurance companies to advocate for a fair settlement. Insurance companies often have different policies, and for those injured in a trucking accident, it can be challenging to determine whether or not a settlement is reflective of the damages incurred. A truck accident attorney, who may have significant experience in understanding the monetary worth of damages and finding evidence to support a case, could help negotiate on their client’s behalf.
Trucking accident lawyers are often well acquainted with the quirks and nuances of the law in their field of practice. This experience may help them see a case in a different light, allowing them to evaluate the case and advise their client on how to proceed. A truck accident attorney may see angles on a case that others may not. Additionally, if necessary, a trucking accident lawyer may be able to provide representation in court if a settlement cannot be reached.
Why Truck Accidents Require Specialized Legal Expertise
Truck accidents, more so than regular car accidents, may require extra effort and a deeper understanding of the Louisiana legislature for one particular reason. In a regular car crash, it is most common to find two potentially liable parties–both drivers. However, in a trucking accident, one must consider whether the trucking company is liable for hiring the driver, or the loading company for incorrectly loading the truck’s cargo, the broker for negligently selecting an unsafer carrier, as well as the drivers involved in the crash.
This means that, with Louisiana’s pure comparative negligence policy as outlined by Louisiana C.C. 2323, to prove negligence in a trucking accident case, one must compile evidence and investigate multiple parties. Compiling this evidence can be time-consuming and difficult, and may require requesting records and contacting the trucking company. Even with the requisite documentation, grasping a clear picture of events and liability may be difficult.
Having an experienced truck accident attorney may help lend expertise and experience that can help victims of trucking accidents navigate their cases. Consider speaking with a skilled truck accident attorney from Louisiana Law Lady today.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Lafayette
Due to the nature of truck accidents, the direct cause of the truck accident may be difficult to determine. With multiple parties responsible for maintaining the vehicle, loading the cargo, selecting the carrier, and operating the vehicle, the cause of the accident may initially be unclear. However, there are some common factors present in many accidents that may contribute to accidents, including:
- Distracted driving: If a driver is not paying close attention to the road, especially with the large blindspots trucks have, this inattentiveness could lead to an accident.
- Fatigue: Long hours without proper rest breaks can reduce a driver’s reaction time and awareness, which could lead to a truck accident.
- Vehicle Maintenance: Semi-trucks often have intense strain on certain parts of the vehicle, such as brakes and tires. An equipment failure could lead to a crash if not addressed properly.
- Improper loading techniques: Improperly packed and loaded cargo could unbalance the truck and cause a crash.
- Road conditions: Poorly maintained roads could lead to a trucking accident.
- Weather: Intense weather such as storms, ice on the roads, or intense winds could cause a truck driver to lose control of their vehicle.
- Driving under the influence: Driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a common cause of trucking accidents.
- Untrained driver: If a driver is improperly trained, they may make mistakes on the job which can lead to accidents.
However, these factors may only contribute partially to the accident, or other factors may be at play. Understanding who is at fault and what specifically caused the accident may require some investigation.
Recoverable Damages in Truck Accidents
Trucking accidents can lead to various forms of damages, including economic and non-economic damages. However, with the guidance of a truck accident attorney, injured parties may be able to seek compensation. Some damages that may be recoverable from a truck accident are property damages, medical bills from injuries, emotional suffering, lost wages, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are several frequently asked questions to truck accident attorneys.
What Should I Do After a Truck Accident?
After a truck accident, the first priority is the safety and well-being of the people involved. Calling emergency services to address the medical needs of all involved. After this, taking pictures of the scene and gathering witness information can help support a later truck accident case.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
Victims of a trucking accident have two years after a truck accident to file a claim, according to the statute of limitations provided by Louisiana C.C. 3493.11. This was recently updated in 2024 to go from one year to two years.
Should I Speak with an Insurance Company Before Contacting a Truck Accident Attorney?
Speaking with insurance companies before contacting a truck accident attorney is not generally recommended. Admitting fault or misrepresenting evidence could hurt an individual’s chances at proper compensation. A Louisiana truck accident attorney may be able to advise the individual on what to say.
Contact a Lafayette Truck Accident Attorney Today
Truck accidents in Lafayette, Louisiana can lead to expensive property damage and potentially life-threatening injuries. Additionally, trucking accident injuries can lead to lost wages and lasting suffering for the victim. For those seeking compensation in these cases, intimate familiarity with Louisiana negligence laws and the nuances of the trucking field may help a truck accident attorney effectively pursue compensation for victims.
Consider scheduling a consultation with Louisiana Law Lady to speak with an experienced truck accident attorney. Contact Lauren now by calling or texting (504) 470-3511 for more information.