Lafayette Truck Accident Lawyer

Lafayette Truck Accident Attorney

Being in a truck accident can be a life-changing experience. It can result in severe injuries, property damage, and emotional trauma. Dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming, especially if you have to negotiate with insurance companies. A Lafayette truck accident lawyer is dedicated to making sure that their clients receive compensation for the wrongs they’ve experienced.

Over 70 Years of Experience

The Cox Law Firm believes that normal people can challenge large companies and receive justice. Our firm has a history of fighting for the rights of the average person. We’re committed to helping our clients, which has helped us develop our reputation in the local community. If you need a dedicated legal advocate in Louisiana, contact the Cox Law Firm today.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Lafayette, LA

There are many reasons why a truck accident can occur. It’s usually due to some combination of human error, issues with the vehicle, and environmental or weather conditions. Learning about the cause of a trucking accident can help you build your case if you are involved in a collision in the future.

Impaired Driving

One of the most common causes of a trucking accident is that the truck driver is somehow impaired. There are federal laws that limit how long a truck driver can be on the road, but many accidents occur because a driver or trucking company is in violation of these laws. The longer a driver is on the road, the more likely they are to be fatigued, resulting in a poor reaction time and worse decision-making ability.

Unfortunately, many truck drivers are also found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of an accident. Not only is this against the law, but it is also in violation of most trucking companies’ policies. Impairing substances can include alcohol, but they are often prescription medications that make the driver drowsy. Drivers usually experience serious consequences if they are found to be under the influence, and their actions can affect their parent company as well.

Issues With the Truck

A truck must be properly maintained to prevent collisions on the road. Due to the sheer size and weight of a large truck, the brakes are one of the most important things to maintain due to their likelihood of failure. Other common issues include tires blowing out while in motion, which can affect the balance of the vehicle and make it more difficult for the driver to navigate it safely.

Overloading

There are strict guidelines for how a truck must be loaded with its cargo. If goods are not securely fitted in the vehicle, they can move around and alter the truck’s center of gravity. This can increase the risk of the truck rolling over and make it more dangerous for all the other cars on the road. Even if a truck is properly maintained, if it is loaded past its weight limit, then this can strain the individual parts of the vehicle and make it harder to control or more likely to fail.

Road Conditions

Truck drivers might have to complete deliveries under harsh weather conditions, including snow, rain, and fog. All these weather elements can make the road more dangerous, as it is more difficult for the vehicle to stop and for the driver to see the road. Potholes and road debris can be much more dangerous for a large truck than for a smaller car because of how difficult it is for larger vehicles to maintain balance while in motion.

Knowing these causes can help truck drivers and drivers of other vehicles keep the roads safe. It’s also important to identify what caused a truck accident if it has already occurred to make sure that the responsible party is held accountable.

Why Do I Need a Lafayette Trucking Accident Lawyer?

A truck accident claim in Lafayette, LA might seem simple on the surface, but these cases are usually more difficult than those involving traditional cars. Most large trucks are commercial vehicles, which means that there are usually many parties involved, even if it’s just one truck.

Knowledge of the Relevant Laws

The trucking industry is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which has a complex set of rules that drivers and companies must adhere to. A trucking accident attorney not only understands these rules, but they also know about state regulations that could affect your claim. They can investigate your accident to learn if there were any violations committed that caused it, meaning more in compensation.

Identifying Liable Parties

Attorneys are also critical for vehicle accidents that involve more than just two parties. Many cases involve multiple insurance companies, the truck driver, the parent company, and even the individuals responsible for maintaining the vehicle. Without an attorney, all the parties that are responsible for your claim might not be identified, therefore limiting the amount that you could receive in compensation.

Gathering Evidence

One of the most important elements of any vehicle accident claim is solid evidence. It’s essential to not only gather as much evidence as possible but also preserve it in case it’s needed later. An attorney can work with individuals who use forensic technology and driving logs to reconstruct the scene of the accident. This allows your attorney to gather important evidence about the incident, like the damage to both vehicles, road conditions, and other important details.

Attorneys often visit the scene of the accident to gather evidence firsthand. They usually take photos and evaluate skid marks, traffic signs, and road conditions. They can also gather statements from witnesses for future reference in case they are needed for a trial.

Evaluation of Damages

Another element of a truck accident claim that often gets overlooked is how much an individual might receive in damages. Most people don’t think about all the different aspects of a vehicle accident and how it impacts their lives. Attorneys consider all the potential damages associated with a trucking accident. They can then incorporate that into settlement negotiations with insurance companies to make sure you aren’t getting shortchanged.

Managing Legal Paperwork

It can be difficult to stay on top of insurance claims and other legal paperwork after becoming a victim of a car accident. Medical reports, police reports, and other documents can be handled by an attorney to make sure they are not lost. Many claims have strict time limits, so attorneys can make sure that any claims or necessary paperwork is filed on time and correctly.

Advocacy in Court

In the rare event that a fair settlement cannot be reached, an attorney is prepared to take insurance companies to court. They can present evidence, question witnesses, and advocate for their clients. This is usually done by developing a targeted strategy based on the available evidence to present in court. Trust a professional with years of experience to create an argument that protects your legal rights.

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Lafayette, LA

Truck accidents can be devastating, often resulting in severe injuries and property damage. Knowing the right steps to take when an accident occurs can help ensure your safety and potentially strengthen your future case if you decide to start one.

1. Make sure everyone is safe. If anyone is injured, call 911 for emergency medical assistance. If it is safe to do so, move the affected vehicles out of the flow of traffic to prevent further accidents. Then, turn on your hazard lights.
2. Even if no one is injured, you probably still need to call the police to inform them that the accident occurred. This will also create a police report, which can come in handy later. If you called 911 already, the police should be on their way. If you do not need to go to the hospital, stay at the scene to tell the police about what happened, but do not speculate or admit fault.
3. If you are able to do so, take as many photos and videos of the scene as possible. Focus on the affected vehicles, road conditions, skid marks from tires, and any injuries to yourself or others in the vehicle. If anyone saw the accident firsthand, gather their contact information. A witness statement might prove useful in a future claim.
4. In addition to witnesses, gather contact information from the truck driver and any other drivers involved in the accident. Write down any information on the truck itself, and get the name of the trucking company that the driver is working under.
5. If you did not go with emergency medical services at the scene of the accident, seek medical attention as soon as possible after the incident. Some injuries do not present themselves until several hours or days after the accident occurred. Record all the appointments related to the accident as well as how much you paid for each appointment.
6. Speak with your insurance company to let them know that the accident happened. Make sure to have as much evidence as possible on hand to submit as well. If an insurance adjuster reaches out via phone or tries to offer you a premature settlement, refer them to an attorney for comment.
7. Once you have received medical attention and contacted your insurance company, consult a truck accident attorney to determine what to do next. They can inform you about what your rights are and what actions to take to receive appropriate compensation.
8. Make sure to keep as much evidence as you can regarding your truck accident. Keep as many documents associated with the accident as possible, and track your expenses so that you might be able to receive compensation for them later. Document any time you had to take off work and any potential wages you might have missed out on.

Following these steps can help keep you safe and protect your rights after a truck accident. It’s important to take these actions as soon as possible because they can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

FAQs

What Is Included in a Truck Accident Settlement?

A truck accident settlement can include many different types of compensation for damages. The most common form of damages is medical expenses if you had to get treated by a doctor or go to the hospital after the accident. If your injuries were severe enough that you had to miss work, you could also receive compensation to cover those wages. Other compensation could be given out due to emotional trauma and pain and suffering.

Whose Fault Is It in a Truck Accident?

Determining fault in a truck accident can be difficult and depends a lot on individual circumstances. The fault could be placed on the driver if they were distracted or driving under the influence. It might be the fault of the trucking company if they pressured the driver to operate the truck under unsafe conditions or did not properly maintain the truck. The loading company could also be at fault if they did not pack the truck properly.

What Happens If You Leave the Scene of a Truck Accident in Louisiana?

If you leave the scene of a truck accident in Louisiana, it could be considered a hit-and-run, which is a punishable offense. Drivers are expected to stay at the scene to give out their information and offer assistance if necessary. They also have to alert authorities about the accident and move their vehicles away from traffic if possible. Leaving the scene of an accident can result in the suspension of your license, fines, and even jail time.

What Is a Trucking Settlement?

A trucking settlement is an amount of compensation given to the individual who was deemed the victim of the accident. The money is usually paid out by the at-fault driver’s insurance company. A trucking settlement can include compensation for various issues that arise due to the accident occurring, like injuries as well as pain and suffering. Instead of agreeing to the first settlement offer provided by an insurance company, speak with an accident attorney first.

Contact Our Lafayette Truck Accident Lawyers Today

Working with a truck accident attorney after being in a collision can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case. These professionals are experienced in the details of truck accident claims and can help you receive the compensation you deserve. Schedule a consultation with the Cox Law Firm today to protect your rights.