Semi Truck Accidents in Louisiana

Louisiana semi truck accidents affect thousands of people each year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 2,500 people suffer injuries and over 100 people are fatally injured in crashes with semi trucks each year. Those lucky enough to survive crashes with these massive vehicles, which can weigh up to 40 tons or more, often suffer life-changing injuries such as paralysis and brain and other organ injuries. Some may require care for the rest of their lives because of their injuries. 

Receiving just compensation for another’s negligent actions is key to ensuring injured parties are enjoying a good quality of life following their injuries. You have a right to receive such compensation for your medical bills, time away from work and intangible suffering such as mental anguish. 

If a family member died in a semi truck accident in Louisiana, then beneficiaries deserve compensation as well. However, trucking companies have their own attorneys and insurance companies who provide vigorous defense in accident cases, making a full recovery of losses difficult. For this reason, you need to seek the counsel of a semi truck accident attorney in Louisiana with proven experience and success in handling such cases.

Semi truck accident investigations

Hiring a regular personal injury attorney, even one with an extensive background in vehicular accident cases, is simply not enough. Only a semi truck accident lawyer in Louisiana is familiar with the hundreds of government regulations imposed on the trucking industry. Knowledge of these regulations is necessary to pursue fair compensation.

The key to building a successful case begins with the accident investigation in which important evidence is gathered. During this time a truck accident lawyer will: 

• Take steps to preserve evidence letters: Any potential defendants must be immediately notified to keep all records required by the body that governs trucking safety, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. These records are used to verify a driver’s log book which contains information about the driver’s activities. Legally, these records expire after six months, so obtaining them as soon as possible is a must.
• Investigate the accident scene: The police will make a record of the crash, but any omissions could hurt your case. A truck accident lawyer will often enlist the help of a truck accident expert who will thoroughly document the scene and take note of small, telling details that may not make it onto a police report and may even do things like acquire aerial photographs. A lawyer can also help to maximize the usefulness of witness testimony. They know just what questions to ask a witness.
• Inspect the truck: A full inspection of the truck in the accident is vital. This includes not only the load but also things inside the cab and even appropriate stickers and notices. It also means obtaining repair and maintenance records of the vehicle and onboard communications equipment. A good attorney will act ahead of the defense, who may attempt to remove or alter key evidence.

We represent victims of Louisiana semi truck accidents

If you were in an accident with an 18 wheeler, you need strong, competent legal counsel. The Cardone Law Firm specializes in semi truck accidents. Our attorneys are aware of the small details that separate a strong case from a weak case. Let us go to work for you.

Don’t fight insurance companies alone. Phone Cardone.

A semi truck accident can have long-lasting effects on the victims and their loved ones.  If you are thinking about a truck accident lawsuit in Louisiana, contact The Cardone Law Firm.