Westlake Truck Accident Lawyer

Westlake Truck Accident Attorney

Truck accidents include devastating losses and catastrophic injuries. These massive vehicles often cause harm when companies and drivers fail to place safety at the forefront of their business. You have the right to keep them honest by working with a Westlake, LA truck accident lawyer.

We Put Our Clients First

At The Roach Law Firm, we focus on complicated personal injuries like truck accident and car accident cases. We offer over six decades of experience to help our clients through challenging times. Our dedication to communication and preparation helps our clients feel heard, respected, and supported at every step.

The First Moments Post-Accident

The first moments after a truck accident can significantly affect both your physical recovery and legal rights. During this small window, every action you do or don’t take can have lasting consequences for your health and potential compensation. Take advantage of this timeframe to make your case stronger.

Immediate medical attention serves multiple essential purposes, even if your injuries appear minor at first glance. Many serious conditions, like internal bleeding, traumatic brain injuries, or spinal cord damage, might not show obvious symptoms immediately but can dramatically worsen without prompt treatment. Some other injuries can even become chronic conditions if they are not properly diagnosed and treated early.

Quick medical care creates a strong link between the accident and your injuries to create documentation for your claims. Delays in treatment can give insurance companies a reason to argue that your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident.

Preserving Evidence

The importance of preserving evidence at the accident scene cannot be overstated. Modern truck accident cases in Westlake, LA often depend on detailed evidence that disappears or degrades over time. High-quality photos that show vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, and the overall scene of the accident provide important visual documentation.

Witness statements captured while memories are fresh tend to be more detailed and reliable than those collected days or weeks later. Police reports also offer an official account of the accident and include details about things like weather conditions, traffic patterns, and preliminary assessments of fault.

What to Do at the Scene

After a truck accident, place safety and medical attention at the top of your priority list. Some important actions include:

• Move to safety. Move to a safe location if you can. You don’t want to add to the injuries by staying in the way of moving vehicles. The large size of commercial trucks can create hazardous conditions that can extend beyond the initial crash site. Look for high ground and turn on your hazard lights.
• Check for injuries. Assess yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 as soon as possible so that medical help arrives promptly, even if the injuries do not seem that severe. Start with a self-assessment to check for pain, bleeding, or numbness. When checking others, avoid moving anyone who cannot move themselves because you might make the injuries worse.
• Wait for emergency responders. Stay at the scene until police or paramedics arrive. Leaving too soon can lead to legal penalties or losing out on important information. Use this time to start documenting the scene if you are able to do so. Exchange information with all parties involved in the accident for future use.
• Follow medical advice. Let paramedics examine you and follow their recommendations. Refusing medical attention could weaken future claims for damages. Even if you feel fine, some injuries might not show themselves right away. If advised to do so, go to the hospital and keep all medical records related to the accident.

Document any potential hazards or safety concerns that were present during the accident, like bad weather, low visibility, road conditions, and other details. This documentation can help rebuild the accident scene later to determine who contributed to the crash.

FAQs

Q: How Does Hiring a Truck Accident Attorney Benefit My Case?

A: A truck accident attorney provides the experience needed to handle the unique nature of a truck accident case. Attorneys know what the most important evidence is for your case and how to gather it. They can also attempt to get insurance companies to provide more compensation for your injuries. Working with an attorney can help you meet deadlines and protect your rights during the legal process.

Q: What Is the Process of Filing a Claim Against a Trucking Company After an Accident?

A: The process of filing a claim against a trucking company after an accident starts with an investigation. It’s important to review who is at fault before filing a complaint with the court. The formal complaint details the facts of the case and what forms of damages are requested. After this, both sides send each other evidence and find witnesses for a potential trial. Many cases settle during this stage, but if not, the case proceeds to trial.

Q: Can I Still Recover Damages If I Was Partially at Fault for a Trucking Accident?

A: You can still recover damages if you were partially at fault for a trucking accident. Louisiana uses comparative fault rules that allow you to recover damages, even if you were partially at fault. However, your compensation may be reduced based on how much you are deemed to be at fault. The fault percentage can be argued with the help of an attorney by presenting evidence that shifts more liability to the other parties.

Q: How Are Settlement Amounts Determined in Truck Accident Cases?

A: Settlement amounts are determined in truck accident cases based on multiple factors like medical expenses, lost wages, and how severe your injuries are. Future costs, including ongoing treatment or reduced earning capacity, are also assessed. Non-economic damages like pain and suffering add to the total value. Insurers and attorneys review the strength of the evidence, who is liable, and how likely a trial would work in their favor to determine a concrete amount.

Start Building Your Case Today

Don’t let trucking companies or their insurers bully you into accepting a lower settlement amount. With the right attorney, you can fight for the amount of compensation you are owed. Schedule a consultation with The Roach Law Firm to make sure justice is served.