Lake Charles Truck Accident Lawyer

Lake Charles Truck Accident Attorney

Many unsuspecting people are severely injured in commercial truck accidents daily. The prevalence of these enormous, heavy vehicles on passenger roads can mean more severe collisions.

The immense weight of tractor-trailers can often result in catastrophic injuries including traumatic brain injuries (TBI), for people trying to get to work, return from a vacation, or run a quick errand. If you were in a truck accident, you need the services of a talented Lake Charles truck accident lawyer.

Our team can empathize with the difficulty of your situation and seek the compensation you deserve. When we advocate for members of our community, years of extensive experience never go to waste. We are here for you and can keep you informed throughout the legal process.

What Is a Truck Accident?

Truck accidents involve large commercial trucks and other vehicles, pedestrians, or objects. Large commercial trucks, also known as 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, or semi-trucks, can weigh significantly more than regular passenger vehicles. When these trucks move at high speeds and collide with people or cars, the result can be catastrophic.

Lake Charles, Louisiana, experienced 3,320 traffic crashes in 2022, as reported by the Lake Charles Police Department. This figure excludes incidents on I-10 and I-210, which are handled by the Louisiana State Police’s Troop D. For those injured in such accidents, a Lake Charles personal injury lawyer can provide the legal guidance needed to seek justice.

Truck Accidents vs. Car Accidents

The main difference between truck accidents and car accidents is that the former has the potential to be much worse. Matters that highlight the contrast between truck and car collisions include:

• Injury severity. The immense size and weight of trucks can cause more severe injuries, a higher likelihood of fatalities, and more serious property damage. The force exerted during a truck wreck is significantly greater than most cars can withstand, leading to spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, organ damage, and amputations. All of these injuries can require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, long-term care, and financial issues.
• Accident causes. Some 18-wheeler accidents happen due to factors not as commonly present in car accidents, such as driver fatigue, overloaded trailers, or brake malfunctions. Understanding the cause of your truck accident can take time, as the reason may not be simple.
• Parties involved. Truck accidents can involve parties not at the accident scene, which is rare for car accidents. Trucking companies, mechanics who serviced the truck, or cargo loaders can play a large part in causing collisions, but many people lack the ability to determine whom a truck driver has connections to. Many parties could take partial or total liability for the accident, requiring an attorney with immense knowledge of the trucking wreck industry.
• Truck drivers and companies are subject to stricter rules than passenger vehicle drivers. These regulations cover drivers’ qualifications, driving hours, vehicle maintenance, and loading procedures. Violations of these rules can become evidence of negligence in a 18-wheeler accident claim.

How Do 18-Wheeler Accident Claims Differ From Other Cases?

Many truck accident claims differ from other personal injury cases in matters such as the potential damages, the severity of the injuries, complicated investigations, and federal regulations. Our job is to understand how these elements coincide to grant victims maximum compensation.

Types of Truck Accident Cases We Handle In Lake Charles

Truck accidents can occur in many ways, and we have experience with all types. While some types of accidents are more common than others, each usually occurs based on driver error or improper weight distribution throughout the vehicle.

A skilled 18-wheeler accident lawyer in Lake Charles can help determine the cause of your accident and hold the responsible parties accountable. Common 18-wheeler accident types we handle are:

Rear-End Collisions

Trucks need a considerable stopping distance to prevent rear-end collisions safely. However, maintaining a safe stopping distance on busy highways or roads can be difficult. We can seek compensation when a rear-end collision is the truck driver’s fault due to following too closely or distracted driving.

Head-on Collisions

Sometimes, factors like driver fatigue, driving under the influence, or malfunctioning equipment can cause devastating head-on collisions. Trucks veering into oncoming traffic rarely result in minor injuries for victims.

Jackknife Accidents

Due to the structure of semi-trucks, when they make a sudden stop, the trailer can swing to a perpendicular angle. This results in a dangerous situation called a jackknife, leading to multi-vehicle collisions.

Underride Accidents

It can be challenging to pinpoint the causes of underride accidents, but the results can be severe when smaller vehicles are lodged under a truck’s trailer.

Rollover Accidents

Shifting cargo or a driver performing aggressive maneuvers can cause a truck to roll over. Many times, rollovers may not impact other vehicles right away, but once the truck’s contents spill out, the rollover creates an unexpected, and sometimes unavoidable, hazard for many vehicles.

Side-Impact Collisions

When trucks fail to yield the right of way, they can cause side-impact or broadside collisions, which can result in severe injuries for victims.

Recovery For Victims Of Truck Wreck In Lake Charles, LA

The bad news about a truck accident, as you may have discovered personally, is that injuries are often severe or catastrophic. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, amputations, and severe back, neck, and shoulder injuries are fairly common outcomes of collisions between cars and semis.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

The human brain is immensely delicate. Minor bumps can cause significant damage. In high-impact truck accidents, the risk of a TBI can be immense. TBIs can manifest in various ways, including:

• Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or remembering
• Dizziness and balance issues
• Seizures
• Comas
• Speech and language problems
• Personality and mood changes

Spinal Cord Injuries

The spinal cord is an essential part of the body. Its function is vital to transporting information from your brain to the rest of your body. Even the most minor injury to the spinal cord can be devastating. Often, injuries to this region can lead to partial or complete paralysis.

Spinal cord injuries can impact certain abilities, such as mobility, bladder and bowel control, and respiratory and sexual functions.

Back, Neck, and Shoulder Injuries

The force exerted during truck accidents can cause intense damage to your back, neck, and shoulders. Ailments can range from whiplash to muscle tears to severe nerve damage. People who sustain injuries in these regions can live with pain for the rest of their lives.

Amputations

Sometimes, a truck’s weight and force can result in the loss of limbs. These life-changing events can require expensive medical procedures, prosthetics, and rehabilitation. It can take years to adjust to a new reality after an amputation.

What Causes Truck Accidents In Lake Charles?

No matter the type of injury you sustain from a 18-wheeler accident, you may need serious medical help. While you recover, having a legal team look into your case can be wise. Our skilled team has experience identifying the intricate details of our clients’ cases and revealing the true cause of their accidents. If we represent you after a truck accident in Lake Charles area, we will begin by investigating the cause of the crash, such as:

• Overloading of cargo. Federal regulations dictate how much commercial vehicles can weigh. These rules exist to keep drivers and every other individual safe. Trucks that exceed weight limits or have improperly secured cargo can endanger everyone. When these large vehicles become unbalanced, they can roll over or jackknife, leading to devastating truck accidents.
• Driver negligence or recklessness. Many truck drivers may operate their vehicles safely, but like any other vehicle operators, some drivers use less caution than necessary. These drivers can cause accidents after making reckless decisions, such as texting while driving, speeding, driving under the influence, or maneuvering unsafely.
• Truck driver fatigue or other human factors. The federal government regulates the number of hours truck drivers can operate their vehicles before they need to rest or do something else. These regulations serve to protect truck drivers themselves and others on the road. When drivers ignore these regulations and operate their large vehicles, they can become fatigued and lose their alertness. This lack of control can cause a life-altering crash.
• Defective truck components such as brakes, transmission, tires or lights. Mechanical failures happen, but truck drivers and companies can prevent them by staying up-to-date on inspections or checkups. These malfunctions can play a large role in causing accidents. A truck accident can often occur because of a missed maintenance check, a potentially unheeded recall, or an unchecked defective part.

One hopeful element after a truck accident is often the ample insurance that most commercial vehicles carry. However, beware insurance companies that send representatives to your bedside right away and ask you to accept quick compensation in exchange for a signed waiver. Your injuries and losses may be much more serious and expensive than you imagine in a truck accident case. Know your rights and assert those rights. Get legal advice and representation promptly.

By investigating your truck accident, The Roach Law Firm gains a solid understanding of your case. Our team can hold all applicable parties accountable, whether they be the truck driver or trucking, maintenance, staffing, or cargo-loading companies. We want those responsible for your accident to pay for the full cost of your damages.

Investigating the Cause of the Accident: We thoroughly investigate how the commercial truck accident occurred, gathering critical evidence to support your claim.

Visiting the Accident Scene: Our team may visit the accident site to collect evidence that strengthens your case.

Identifying Liable Parties: Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, such as the truck driver, their employer, maintenance companies, or cargo loaders. We uncover all responsible parties to hold them accountable.

Calculating Your Damages: We assess your medical expenses, pain and suffering, property damage, and other losses to determine the true value of your case.

Collaborating with Expert Witnesses: To accurately value your claim, we may consult with medical, economic, or accident reconstruction experts.

Explaining Your Legal Options: We clearly outline your options, ensuring you understand the best path forward.

Communicating on Your Behalf: Our attorneys manage conversations with insurers, other lawyers, witnesses, and the responsible parties to protect your rights.

Fighting for Maximum Compensation: Severe injuries require substantial financial recovery. We ensure insurers offer fair settlements that reflect your total losses.

Providing Client-Focused Support: We offer a free initial consultation and work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

FAQs

Q. What Should I Do After a Truck Accident?

Ans. After a truck accident, prioritize safety by calling 911 and seeking medical attention. Document the accident scene, gather witness information, and consult a truck accident lawyer to protect your rights.

Q. How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Louisiana?

Ans. In Louisiana’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims was extended from one year to two years for injuries occurring on or after July 1, 2024, as per Act No. 423 (HB 315). This change is codified in Louisiana Civil Code Article 3493.11, which states:

“Delictual actions are subject to a liberative prescription of two years. This prescription commences to run from the day injury or damage is sustained.”

For authoritative information, you can refer to the Louisiana State Legislature’s website or consult the Louisiana Civil Code.

Q. What Does It Cost to Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?

Ans. Most truck accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if they win your case. This arrangement makes legal representation accessible to all accident victims.

Q. Can I Still File a Claim if I Was Partially At Fault?

Ans. Yes, Louisiana follows a comparative fault system. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault, you can recover 80% of your total damages.

Contact a Lake Charles Truck Accident Lawyer Without Delay

Our personal injury attorneys are available to evaluate your truck accident. To schedule a free consultation after a commercial vehicle accident, call or email us. We are here to be your advocates in recovery.

Injury lawyers at The Roach Law Firm represent people injured in car and truck accidents in Calcasieu Parish, Jefferson Davis Parish and surrounding areas. Our law firm’s reputation dates back to 1959 in the Lake Charles area. Our truck accident lawyers are available to evaluate your Louisiana accident without charge. Call 337-433-8504 or 3374338504 to reach our offices, or send us a message online.

Nearby Lake Charles, LA Court Locations for Legal Matters