Livingston Parish Truck Accident Lawyer
Motor vehicle accidents that involve trucks and tractor trailers are frequently far worse than accidents between two passenger vehicles. Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, the property damage and the injuries sustained in an accident tend to be more extensive and debilitating.
Fortunately, Louisiana civil law makes it possible to retain a personal injury attorney and seek recovery after a truck accident that stems from negligence on the part of a truck driver or company. Although the injuries you suffer from a truck crash may be severe, an experienced Livingston Parish truck accident lawyer can help identify the cause of an accident and how best to pursue compensation for your losses.
Damages Available in Livingston Parish
The property damage and personal injuries that occur in a motor vehicle collision typically depend on the speed and weight of the vehicles involved. During a truck accident, both of those factors are greatly increased. Often, truckers that frequent interstate highways and other major thoroughfares may weigh 20 to 30 times more than a regular passenger vehicle.
Consequently, people in commuter cars tend to experience the majority of the damages in the crash. Many of these damages have long-term repercussions, including:
- High medical expenses
- Long recovery periods
- Lost wages and income
- Reducing earning capacity
- Property damage
If a truck driver’s negligence led to the crash, an injured victim can seek compensation for all the losses incurred during the accident. A Livingston Parish truck accident attorney can help injured parties recover by documenting losses and building a detailed legal claim.
Holding a Trucking Company Liable After an Accident
The majority of truck accidents involve a trucker who was working at the time of the crash. Since a trucker is typically the employee of a trucking company, a skilled attorney may be able to hold the company liable for the costs of the accident. This is sometimes possible through the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, which extends the liability for an accident through an employee and onto their employer.
It could be extremely beneficial to use this theory in the context of a truck accident. While a trucker alone may be unable to pay for the costs of the crash, implicating a trucking company can make recovering full compensation a much more viable possibility.
However, a detailed investigation is often needed to hold a trucking company liable. A dedicated Livingston Parish truck accident lawyer can help collect evidence, including time cards, employment paperwork, and work schedules, to demonstrate a trucking company’s potential liability.
The Statute of Limitations for Truck Accidents
Regardless of who potentially bears liability, there is a limited amount of time for injured people to file a lawsuit and seek compensation for their injuries. The state’s statute of limitations, found in Louisiana Civil Code §3492, sets this deadline at one year from the date of the crash. For this reason, people considering a lawsuit typically must act quickly.
Discuss Legal Options with a Livingston Parish Truck Accident Attorney
If you were hurt in a truck accident, you may be facing severe injuries and other losses that carry heavy physical and financial costs. Fortunately, a dedicated Livingston Parish truck accident lawyer can help you document harm, identify potentially negligent parties, and take proactive steps towards recovery. Contact an attorney today to discuss your case and begin your fight for a favorable outcome.