As the third-most populous metro area in the state and a major stop on I-10, Lafayette, LA sees a lot of truck traffic. Unfortunately, more trucks mean more truck accidents.
A collision between a heavy truck and a passenger vehicle can cause severe or fatal injuries due to the weight difference. These injuries may necessitate expensive medical care and therapy. They may also prevent the victim from earning an income.
The Lafayette 18-wheeler accident lawyers at Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers guide crash victims through their claims to recover damages for the impact on their finances and quality of life. We have 50 years of combined experience and have recovered tens of millions of dollars for our clients.
Contact our law office to schedule a free consultation at (337) 473-2991.
How Mansfield Melancon Car Accident And Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After An 18-Wheeler Accident In Lafayette, LA
Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers opened its doors over six years ago to assist injured people in Lafayette, Louisiana, by standing up to those who harmed them. Our attorneys have been recognized by Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Our Lafayette personal injury lawyers can provide the following legal assistance after an accident injures you:
- Review your case and advise you of your legal rights
- Devise a legal strategy and gather documents, records, and testimony to support it
- File a claim with the other party’s insurer and work to resolve it quickly and fairly
- Pursue litigation if we can’t negotiate a fair resolution
A truck accident can cause life-changing injuries. Contact Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers to arrange a free consultation with a skilled Lafayette truck accident attorney and learn how we can help you make things right.
What Does An 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Do?
When a trucking accident injures or kills someone, a truck accident lawyer can provide valuable services, including the following:
Determining Liability
Generally, the liability for a truck accident falls on the company operating the truck. The trucking company that employed the driver is vicariously liable for negligent driving. If the driver is an independent owner-operator, the driver’s company is liable for any negligent acts. In either case, you should have access to resources to cover your losses.
However, you and your truck accident lawyer must prove negligence to access these resources. Negligence means the driver or trucking company failed to exercise reasonable care to ensure the safety of road users. The following examples illustrate theories for holding a trucking company liable for negligence:
- Driving negligently by committing traffic violations or other dangerous acts
- Hiring a driver with a history of truck accidents or drug or alcohol use
- Failing to conduct mandatory drug and alcohol tests
- Neglecting truck maintenance
- Scheduling drivers in a way that deprives them of rest
In some situations, a share of the blame may fall on the victim. For example, imagine that a drowsy truck driver runs a stop sign. If the other driver is speeding and can’t stop in time when they see the truck, they might be partially at fault. Under Louisiana’s pure comparative fault law, the court can reduce the victim’s compensation by their assigned percentage of fault.
Calculating Losses
You can seek compensation for both economic and non-economic losses arising from your injuries. These losses might include the cost of past and future medical treatment, therapy, and medication. The damages you obtain can also cover earnings losses in the past and future.
Moreover, you’re entitled to pursue compensation for non-financial losses, which reflect the diminishment in your quality of life resulting from pain, suffering, and disability. Since these losses are more subjective, they can be difficult to calculate and recover without an attorney’s help.
Filing Claims
Federal law requires trucking companies to carry hundreds of thousands of dollars in insurance and surety bonds to cover the injuries and property damage caused by truck accidents. The amount depends on whether the company carries hazardous materials.
A formal injury claim will contain proof of your losses and an explanation of why the trucking company is liable for them. Your lawyer will work with the claims adjuster for the insurer or surety to settle the claim. However, disagreements over your losses or the cause of the crash could prevent your claim from moving forward.
If your lawyer can’t settle your claim, you can file a lawsuit against the trucking company. Your attorney will gather extensive evidence and present your case to a jury. If the jury rules in your favor, you’ll be awarded compensation for your losses.
Contact Our Lafayette 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers For A Free Consultation
Truck accidents often involve complex legal issues. Contact Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers to discuss your crash and the legal strategy our Lafayette 18-wheeler accident lawyers can develop to obtain compensation from the responsible party. We offer a free consultation
