If a commercial truck struck you or your loved one on the highway, you may have suffered devastating injuries and property loss. These trucks dwarf the typical motor vehicle on the road, which means any mistake a truck driver makes on the road will be potentially catastrophic to the victim.
A truck accident lawyer in Shreveport is able to protect your ability to seek compensation for your medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. With legal representation, your rights against insurance companies can be defended.
A large truck driving in dangerous conditions. A Shreveport truck accident attorney can help victims recover from a truck accident.
The Role a Shreveport Truck Accident Lawyer Plays in Your Case
An accident involving a commercial truck can result in a complex case. Truckers need to meet specific qualifications relating to age requirements and licenses to legally operate large, hauling vehicles in Louisiana. The trucking company may be negligent if these conditions aren’t met.
Should investigators find that the truck driver who struck your car drove illegally, your case becomes easier to prove. Additionally, if his or her employer did not follow state rules to ensure the driver was operating legally, the employer could also be liable for your injuries.
Finding the Facts
Your Shreveport truck accident attorney will need to build a case on your behalf. A lawyer will study a variety of items related to your situation, including:
- Police reports
- Evidence collected at the scene, including photos and videos
- Any testing information for the driver regarding alcohol and drug use
- Information from the truck driver’s logs
- Records of the driver’s training
- Records of the licenses and certifications the driver holds
- Interviews with witnesses
If necessary, we can consult with experts who know how to study or recreate an accident scene involving a truck to determine exactly what happened. We will explore every possible avenue in your truck accident claim.
For a free legal consultation with a Truck Accident lawyer serving Shreveport, call 800-537-8185
Proving Negligence Via a Shreveport Truck Accident Lawyer
When you file a lawsuit against the individual who caused the truck accident, your legal team will attempt to prove negligence on their part. Negligence implies that someone could have prevented the crash. Regardless of who the negligent party is, we will attempt to show that the person’s action or inaction played a role in the crash which resulted in your injuries.
Identifying those Responsible for Your Injuries
If your Shreveport truck accident lawyer can prove that others acted negligently, playing a role in the crash, they can be added to the lawsuit to help pay for your losses. Beyond the driver, other individuals who may be responsible for your accident include:
- The company that employs the driver
- The owner of the truck
- The manufacturer of the truck
- Anyone who made parts for the truck
- Those who loaded the truck
- A mechanic who repaired the truck
Negligent Behaviors that Can Lead to an Accident
A driver, mechanic, or truck owner needs to follow state regulations for driving on the roads or for maintaining the truck. Without following the rules, the chances of a serious accident increase. Negligence can involve:
- A driver who does not obtain the proper certificates
- A driver who does not receive proper training
- Driving while fatigued
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Driving while distracted
- Not following traffic laws, such as speeding
- Traveling too fast for the weather or road conditions
- Improperly loading the trailer, causing a dangerous shift in the cargo
Another situation that could be considered negligence is when the driver’s employer gives him or her a schedule that is impossible to complete without speeding or driving recklessly.
Shreveport Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me 800-537-8185
Understanding Your Injuries
Accidents between commercial trucks and motor vehicles are often extremely serious, resulting in significant injury or death. A data report on large trucks and buses in fatal and injury crashes showed that in 2019, trucks and buses were involved in 15.5% of fatal traffic accidents in Louisiana.
If your loved one passed away due to a commercial truck accident, you have the right to seek compensation via a wrongful death case. If your injuries caused you to miss work or to lose the ability to work, you can receive compensation for these losses. Estimates for future medical costs should also be calculated in your compensation amount.
Common Truck Crash Injuries
The victim in a truck accident may end up in an ambulance because of their severe injuries. Other times, the effects of the injuries may not show up until adrenaline wears off several hours after the accident. Some injuries you may see in a truck accident include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Facial trauma
- Spinal cord injuries
- Damages to internal organs
- Broken bones
- Loss of limbs or digits
- Muscle damage
- Ligament damage
- Bruises and cuts
- Loss of one or more senses
- Disfigurement
- Skin burns
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Emotional trauma
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Truck Accident-Related Damages
You have the right to pursue compensation for the damages you suffered because of your truck accident. Some accident-related damages in truck accidents include:
- Past, present, and future medical bills
- Ongoing rehabilitation and medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
These damages have the potential to be extremely costly. Victims of truck accidents can end up in negative circumstances that cost them their financial security and future plans. A lawyer can help you navigate the aftermath of your accident and work to ensure you receive the financial compensation you deserve.
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How Much Time You Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit
According to Louisiana’s statute of limitations, Civil Code §3492, truck and car accident victims have one year from the date of their accident or when their injury occurred to file an insurance claim or lawsuit.
Oftentimes, insurance companies have more strict time limitations for accident claims. It is advised that you notify your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident so your personal injury lawyer can get started on an investigation.
We don’t Get Paid Unless You Do
At Morris Bart, LLC, we work on a contingency fee basis. This contingency means we do not accept any payment until your case reaches a satisfactory settlement. Reach out to us to begin the process of seeking financial compensation after a truck accident.
Count on a Shreveport truck accident attorney to determine which parties are responsible for your injuries. We will negotiate with the trucking carrier’s insurance company on your behalf and defend your right to receive fair compensation in court, if necessary.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
