Livingston Parish Truck Accident Lawyer
Do you need a Livingston Parish truck accident lawyer? After a serious commercial-truck crash in Livingston Parish, it is worth speaking with a local truck accident attorney. These claims involve federal trucking-safety regulations, more than one potentially responsible party (the driver, the trucking company, and sometimes others), and insurers that move quickly to limit what they pay. Kopfler & Hermann has represented injured Louisiana families since 1977, handles truck accident cases on a contingency fee (no fee unless we recover for you), and offers a free consultation. Louisiana sets firm deadlines to file a claim, so acting promptly helps protect your case.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
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 for a Truck Crash 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 § 3493.1, sets this deadline at two years 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do after a truck accident in Livingston Parish?
After a truck crash on I-12, US-190, or another Livingston Parish road, call 911 and get medical care first, even if you feel okay, because some injuries appear hours later. If you are able, photograph the vehicles, the scene, and the truck's company name and USDOT number, and get the names of any witnesses. Report the crash to law enforcement so there is an official record. Commercial trucking companies often begin investigating within hours, so it can help to speak with an attorney promptly to preserve evidence like the truck's electronic logs and maintenance records.
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Louisiana?
For truck accident injuries occurring on or after July 1, 2024, Louisiana law generally allows two years to file a personal injury lawsuit (La. Civ. Code art. 3493.1). Injuries before that date were subject to a two-year deadline. These deadlines can change based on the facts of your case, and waiting can make evidence harder to gather. It is best to talk with an attorney soon after the crash so your claim is filed on time.
Who can be held responsible for a Livingston Parish truck accident?
More than one party can be responsible in a truck accident. Depending on the facts, this may include the truck driver, the trucking company that employed them (La. Civ. Code art. 2320), a maintenance contractor, or a company that loaded the cargo. Trucking companies must also follow Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rules on driver hours, inspections, and maintenance. An attorney can review these records to help identify who may be accountable.
What if I was partly at fault for the crash?
You may still be able to recover compensation. Louisiana follows a pure comparative fault rule (La. Civ. Code art. 2323), which means your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault but is not automatically barred. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your award is reduced by that share. Because insurers often try to assign more fault to the injured person, it can help to have an attorney document what happened.
Reviewed by Kopfler & Hermann, Attorneys at Law, serving Houma since 1977.
Last updated: September 8, 2026
Related: Livingston Parish personal injury lawyer · Contact our Houma office
