Truck Accident Lawyer Louisiana: Everything You Need to Know

Truck accidents are a serious problem in Louisiana. In 2021, there were over 10,000 truck accidents in the state, resulting in over 1,000 injuries and 100 fatalities. If you have been injured in a truck accident lawyer, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

This article will discuss the different types of truck accidents, the causes of truck accidents, the laws that govern truck accidents in Louisiana, the damages that you may be entitled to after a truck accident, how to find the right truck accident lawyer for you, and what to do next if you have been injured in a truck accident.

What is a truck accident?

A truck accident is any collision involving a commercial truck. Commercial trucks are defined as vehicles that are used for transporting goods or materials for commercial purposes. They can range in size from small delivery trucks to large semi-trailers.

The different types of truck accidents

There are many different types of truck accidents, but some of the most common include:

Head-on collisions: These occur when two trucks collide head-on. They are often caused by driver error, such as speeding or distracted driving.
Sideswipe collisions: These occur when two trucks collide side-by-side. They are often caused by driver error, such as changing lanes without signaling or failing to yield the right of way.
Rear-end collisions: These occur when one truck rear-ends another truck. They are often caused by driver error, such as following too closely or not paying attention to the road.
Rollovers: These occur when a truck tips over on its side or flips completely over. They are often caused by driver error, such as speeding or taking a curve too fast.
Jackknifes: These occur when a truck's trailer swings out and across the road. They are often caused by driver error, such as speeding or braking too hard.

The causes of truck accidents

There are many different causes of truck accidents, but some of the most common include:

Driver error: This is the most common cause of truck accidents. It can include speeding, distracted driving, fatigued driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Mechanical failure: Truck accidents can also be caused by mechanical failure. This can include brake failure, tire failure, and engine failure.
Weather conditions: Weather conditions can also contribute to truck accidents. For example, icy roads can cause trucks to skid and lose control.
Animals: Animals on the road can also cause truck accidents. For example, a truck may hit a deer or other animal, causing the truck to lose control.

The laws that govern truck accidents in Louisiana

The laws that govern truck accidents in Louisiana are complex. However, some of the most important laws include:

The Louisiana Motor Vehicle Traffic Code: This code sets forth the rules of the road for all vehicles, including commercial trucks.
The Louisiana Tort Claims Act: This act limits the amount of money that you can recover from a government entity if you are injured in a truck accident.
The Louisiana Comparative Fault Law: This law states that you can only recover damages for your injuries if you are less than 50% at fault for the accident.

The damages that you may be entitled to after a truck accident

If you have been injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Some of the specific damages that you may be entitled to include:

Medical expenses: This includes the cost of your hospital bills, doctor's visits, and prescription medications.
Lost wages: This includes the wages that you have lost due to your injuries.
Pain and suffering: This includes the physical and emotional pain and suffering that you have experienced as a result of your injuries.
Property damage: This includes the cost of repairing or replacing your damaged property.
Wrongful death: If your loved one was killed in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for their wrongful death.

How to find the right truck accident lawyer for you

If you have been injured in a truck accident, it is important to find a qualified truck accident lawyer to represent you. A good truck accident lawyer will have experience handling these types of cases and will be able to help you get the compensation that you deserve.

Here are some tips for finding the right truck accident lawyer for you:

Get recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues.
Ask your doctor or other healthcare provider for recommendations.
Contact your local bar association for a list of qualified truck accident lawyers.
Interview several lawyers before choosing one.

What to do next if you have been injured in a truck accident

If you have been injured in a truck accident, there are a few things you should do next:

Get medical attention immediately: Even if you don't think you are seriously injured, it is important to get checked out by a doctor.
Call the police and file a report: This will help to document the accident and the injuries you sustained.
Exchange information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident: This includes their name, address, insurance information, and driver's license number.
Take pictures of the accident scene: This will help to document the damage to the vehicles and the surrounding area.
Contact a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible: A lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options and can represent you in negotiations with the insurance company.

10 Best Truck Accident Lawyer Louisiana

Here are 10 best Louisiana truck accident lawyers:

1. Blaine Barrilleaux

Blaine Barrilleaux is a personal injury lawyer who has been practicing law for over 30 years. He is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, which is an invitation-only organization of lawyers who have won million-dollar verdicts or settlements.

2. Chris Leger

Chris Leger is a personal injury lawyer who has been practicing law for over 20 years. He is a member of the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers, and he has been recognized as a Super Lawyer Rising Star.

3. Jason Williams

Jason Williams is a personal injury lawyer who has been practicing law for over 10 years. He is a member of the American Association for Justice, and he has been recognized as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by The National Trial Lawyers.

4. Drew Simpson

Drew Simpson is a personal injury lawyer who has been practicing law for over 20 years. He is a member of the Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association, and he has been recognized as a Super Lawyer.

5. Ron Hebert

Ron Hebert is a personal injury lawyer who has been practicing law for over 30 years. He is a member of the American Association for Justice, and he has been recognized as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by The National Trial Lawyers.

6. Stephen Raspanti

Stephen Raspanti is a personal injury lawyer who has been practicing law for over 20 years. He is a member of the Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association, and he has been recognized as a Super Lawyer.

7. Matthew C. Naquin

Matthew C. Naquin is a personal injury lawyer who has been practicing law for over 10 years. He is a member of the Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association, and he has been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers.

8. J. Christopher “Chris” Stewart

J. Christopher “Chris” Stewart is a personal injury lawyer who has been practicing law for over 20 years. He is a member of the Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association, and he has been recognized as a Super Lawyer.

9. Charles “Chuck” Ward

Charles “Chuck” Ward is a personal injury lawyer who has been practicing law for over 30 years. He is a member of the Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association, and he has been recognized as a Super Lawyer.

10. Gordon McKernan

Gordon McKernan is a personal injury lawyer who has been practicing law for over 20 years. He is the founder and managing partner of Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, which is one of the largest personal injury law firms in Louisiana.

These are just a few of the many experienced and qualified truck accident lawyers in Louisiana. If you have been injured in a truck accident, it is important to speak with a lawyer to discuss your legal options.

How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Help

Truck accidents can be very serious, resulting in catastrophic injuries or even death. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, it is important to speak with a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. How can a truck accident lawyer can help you in a number of ways, including:

Identifying the liable party or parties: In many truck accidents, there may be more than one party at fault. For example, the truck driver, the trucking company, or the manufacturer of the truck may all be liable for your injuries. A truck accident lawyer can help you identify all of the liable parties and gather evidence to support your claim.
Collecting evidence: After a truck accident, it is important to gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim. This may include photos of the accident scene, police reports, medical records, and witness statements. A truck accident lawyer can help you collect this evidence and ensure that it is properly preserved.
Negotiating with the insurance company: The insurance company for the truck driver or trucking company will likely be responsible for paying for your damages. However, insurance companies are often reluctant to pay out large sums of money. A truck accident lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to get you the compensation you deserve.
Taking your case to court: If the insurance company is not willing to offer you a fair settlement, you may need to take your case to court. A truck accident lawyer can represent you in court and fight for your rights.

In addition to these specific services, a truck accident lawyer can also provide you with emotional support and guidance throughout the legal process. They can help you understand your legal rights and options, and they can advocate for you on your behalf.

How did the Louisiana Truck Accident Lawyer work to win your case?

The specific ways in which a Louisiana truck accident lawyer will work to win your case will vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case. However, some common strategies that may be used include:

Investigating the accident

The lawyer will investigate the accident to gather evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records. This evidence will be used to build a strong case and to prove that the other driver was at fault.

Negotiating with the insurance company

The lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company to try to reach a settlement. If the insurance company is not willing to offer a fair settlement, the lawyer may file a lawsuit.

Preparing for trial

If the case goes to trial, the lawyer will prepare for trial by gathering evidence, drafting legal documents, and preparing witnesses. The lawyer will also represent you in court and argue your case.

How much does it cost to hire a Louisiana Truck Accident Lawyer per hour or per day?

The cost of hiring a Louisiana truck accident lawyer will vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case. However, most lawyers charge by the hour or by the day. The hourly rate for a Louisiana truck accident lawyer can range from $200 to $500 per hour. The daily rate for a Louisiana truck accident lawyer can range from $1,000 to $2,000 per day.

It is important to note that you will not have to pay the lawyer's fees upfront. Most lawyers will work on a contingency fee basis, which means that they will only get paid if they win your case. The contingency fee will typically be a percentage of the settlement or verdict, such as 33% or 40%.

If you have been injured in a truck accident, it is important to speak with a lawyer to discuss your legal options. The lawyer will be able to assess your case and tell you how much it will cost to hire them. They will also be able to help you negotiate with the insurance company or file a lawsuit if necessary.

Conclusion

If you have been injured in a truck accident, it is important to know your legal rights and options. A qualified truck accident lawyer can help you get the compensation that you deserve.

If you have been injured in a truck accident, please contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We will review your case and discuss your legal options.

Tips for finding a truck accident lawyer in Louisiana

Here are some additional tips for finding a truck accident lawyer in Louisiana:

Look for a lawyer who is experienced in handling truck accident cases.
Make sure that the lawyer is licensed to practice law in Louisiana.
Ask the lawyer about their fees and how they will be paid.
Get everything in writing, including the lawyer's fee agreement.
I hope this article has been helpful. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.