Louisiana Commercial Trucking Accident Lawyer
Trucking accidents can be both physically and emotionally devastating. Even non-fatal crashes can result in serious injuries that may require years of rehabilitation or a permanent disability. In addition to intense pain, victims may find that they have mounting debt, lost wages and a never-ending stream of medical bills.
No person should have to face these challenges alone. If you were involved in a commercial trucking accident, you may be entitled to compensation that an experienced Louisiana commercial trucking accident lawyer could help you pursue. With their experience in personal injury cases, a seasoned attorney can evaluate your case and work to shield you from the often-predatory practices of insurance companies that cover trucking companies.
Trucking Accidents Versus Car Accidents
There are several ways in which trucking accident cases are different than other car accident cases. First, trucking accidents are far more dangerous, typically resulting in more serious injuries. Second, trucking companies are usually represented by commercial insurance companies. When an accident occurs, they may already have a team of attorneys, investigators, and adjusters ready to dispatch to the scene of the crash to collect all the necessary evidence.
During any ensuing civil case, a plaintiff would not be up against a typical insurance company that covers private car owners. Instead, it would be a larger and more aggressive team of people that most laypeople would not be able to contest effectively without the assistance of a commercial trucking accident attorney with experience working in Louisiana.
In addition, there may be several layers of liability to an accident involving commercial trucks. The driver may have been negligent, but there could also be negligence on behalf of the trucking company or even the truck manufacturer. An experienced Louisiana commercial trucking accident attorney should be in the best position to determine who needs to be held accountable for a truck collision.
How Negligence Applies to Truck Accident Cases
When a person is involved in a truck accident, their case is controlled by Louisiana personal injury law. Under the statute of limitations applicable to such cases, a person has one year from the date of their accident to file a lawsuit. After the one-year deadline expires, they would generally no longer be permitted to sue.
Therefore, it may be essential that potential plaintiffs contact a Louisiana commercial trucking accident attorney soon after their accident to avoid waiving their rights.
What If the Plaintiff Is at Fault?
Louisiana is a comparative fault state. This means that even if a person was partially responsible for an accident, they still have a right to sue. The caveat, however, is that the final award would be reduced by the plaintiff’s percentage of fault.
For instance, if a person is found to be 20 percent at fault for an accident, their final award would be reduced by 20 percent. As an attorney can further explain, Louisiana does not have a cap on damages that can be sought for personal injuries caused in a commercial trucking accident.
Working with a Louisiana Commercial Trucking Accident Attorney
Trucking accident cases are very serious and there may be a lot of money on the line. While the facts are rarely in dispute in these types of cases, insurance companies often try to take advantage of unrepresented victims. A Louisiana commercial trucking accident lawyer can fight on your behalf to make sure that you get the compensation you deserve.
Many cases can be resolved outside of court, but a skilled attorney can also take your case to trial if necessary. To get started on your case, call today to schedule a free consultation.