FAQ about tractor trailer accidents in Louisiana 

Tractor trailer FAQs

Below are some answers to common questions about Louisiana tractor trailer accidents.

• Who can sue in a truck accident injury or death case?
• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?
• Is investigation important in a truck accident case?
• Are witnesses necessary?
• What damages can I recover or the survivors of a loved one recover in a truck accident injury or death case?
• How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
• Why should I hire an attorney in a trucking case?
• How quickly should I contact a tractor trailer accident lawyer in Louisiana?

Who can sue in a truck accident injury or death case?

The injured victim, and in some cases their spouse. In a wrongful death action the legal representative for the family can bring a claim or suit against the truck driver and trucking company.

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Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

The driver, owner of the tractor, owner of the trailer, the company identified on the trailer even if other than the owner and driver. In some circumstances the loading facility that placed the contents in the trailer and possibly the owner of the contents of the trailer can also be sued.

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Is investigation important in a truck accident case?

A thorough and proper investigation is critical in truck cases. Drivers must keep a log and by law may only drive a certain number of hours per day. Therefore, it is important to establish whether the log was properly kept and whether the driver was within the allotted hours of driving time when an accident occurred. Violation of these standards may impose additional liability on the truck driver. They can be difficult to discover if not investigated immediately.

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Are witnesses necessary?

Most trucking cases should have experts to assist with an investigation and to analyze the information for potential testimony on liability. It is also important to employ experts in order to establish that safety inspections and driving logs were properly kept.

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What damages can I recover or the survivors of a loved one recover in a truck accident injury or death case?

In a death case, the family would be allowed to recover damages for their loss of care, comfort, guidance, and support provided to the family members by the deceased. In addition, they would be allowed to recover any medical bills and the established loss of earnings. In a personal injury case the injured victim can recover for pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, emotional distress, loss of earnings, loss of earning capacity, property damages, and any medical bills and expenses.

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How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

The statute of limitations in Louisiana for a personal injury claim could be as short as one year, therefore immediate consultation with an attorney is strongly recommended if you have been involved in a Louisiana tractor trailer accident.

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Why should I hire an attorney in a trucking case?

Truck accidents can be the most complicated and aggressively defended cases because of the parties involved. Therefore, having legal representation is extremely important to ensure the proper parties are involved and all claims are vigorously pursued. If you were involved in a tractor trailer accident in Louisiana it is important that you hire an attorney as soon as possible so that critical evidence is not lost or destroyed.

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How quickly should I contact a tractor trailer accident lawyer in Louisiana?

You should contact a tractor trailer accident attorney in Louisiana as soon as possible. The risk of not contacting an attorney is that critical evidence to establish negligence may be lost or destroyed. The longer you wait to retain an attorney, the more difficult it may be for an attorney and their investigators to gather evidence.

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Don't fight insurance companies alone. Phone Cardone.

For a free consultation to discuss your legal needs, contact The Cardone Law Firm today.  Their attorneys are seasoned trial lawyers in litigation related to tractor trailer accidents in Louisiana.