Lafayette Truck Accident Lawyer

Lafayette Truck Accident Attorney

Lafayette roads see their share of careless truckers and negligent companies. No one plans a crash, but everyone deserves help after one. Legal support from a Lafayette truck accident lawyer can give victims a better chance to rebuild.

Serious Focus on High-Stakes Cases

Blake Jones Law Firm, LLC helps clients from Lafayette to the Gulf Coast who are hurt in truck accident cases. We have secured a $1 million settlement after a red-light trucking fatality, as well as several other large settlements for our clients. We prepare every case like it’s going to trial. That pressure gets results.

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Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck crashes in Lafayette often happen for the same reasons. Driver fatigue leads the list. Long shifts behind the wheel can make a driver lose focus. Federal law limits driving time, but some companies still push drivers past legal limits.

Mechanical failure is another common factor. Poor maintenance can turn a truck into a danger on the road. A crash might be traced back to skipped inspections. Improper loading is a risk, too. If the cargo shifts or exceeds weight limits, the truck can tip over. That puts nearby drivers at risk. Speed, distracted driving, or drug use can also play a part.

Some roads in and around Lafayette add to the danger. Poor lighting and heavy rain can all make a crash more likely. A lawyer can help trace the cause of the wreck. This can determine who was responsible.

What Makes Truck Accident Cases Different?

Truck accident claims bring added pressure and higher stakes than regular car crashes. They often include a longer recovery time. The most significant differences include:

• More severe injuries. Commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger cars. This often means that injuries from these crashes are more serious. It also results in more fatalities. In 2023, there were 5,472 fatalities related to truck accidents.
• Federal safety rules. Trucking is regulated by both federal and state laws. Drivers must follow the rules on rest breaks. They also have limits on how much cargo can be stored and are required to report in a logbook. A lawyer will need to check if any of these rules were broken.
• Multiple defendants. Truck crashes often involve more than one driver. The carrier, a maintenance company, or a manufacturer might share fault. That can make a case harder to handle without help.
• Insurance tactics. Large insurance carriers defend these claims quickly. They may offer low settlements. They also have more lawyers. That makes it harder for victims to protect their rights alone.
• Evidence is time-sensitive. Trucks often have electronic data recorders. These can be wiped clean if not preserved in time. Getting records early can help increase the odds of winning a claim.

Truck crash cases are complex from the start. Early legal help can keep the process on track.

Your Legal Options

If you’ve been hurt by a commercial truck, you have the right to file a claim for damages. That can include money for medical bills and pain caused by the crash. Families who lost a loved one can file for wrongful death.

Louisiana law gives victims a short time to file. This is called the statute of limitations. Waiting too long can cost you the right to recover anything. That’s why legal support early on can help.

Truck drivers and companies carry large insurance policies. But they rarely offer a fair amount right away. You don’t have to accept the first offer. A skilled attorney can build a strong claim. This can help them fight for the full amount owed.

Why Do I Need an Attorney?

An attorney knows how to investigate truck crash cases. That includes getting records like driver logs and maintenance files. These aren’t easy to get without legal pressure.

A lawyer can speak with doctors to understand your injuries. That helps explain how your life was affected. The lawyer can then use that proof to push for a better settlement. A skilled legal team can handle communication from insurers. That gives you space to heal without extra stress. If needed, they can file a claim and prepare for trial.

Hiring a lawyer can help level the playing field. Trucking companies have their own teams of lawyers. Victims should have someone just as prepared on their side.

FAQs

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Truck Accident Claim?

You need a lawyer for a truck accident claim in most cases. Trucking claims often involve more than just the driver. There could be multiple companies responsible. Each one may have legal teams and insurers working to protect their interests. Without a skilled attorney, you may miss out on full compensation.

What Makes Truck Accident Cases Different From Regular Car Accidents?

What makes truck accidents different from regular car accidents is their scale. Truck crashes usually involve more serious injuries and more defendants. The number of trucks involved in injury-related crashes since 2016 has increased by 12%. These claims need more data to prove the serious nature of the injuries involved.

What Evidence Should I Collect After a Crash With a Commercial Truck?

The evidence you should collect after a crash with a commercial truck starts with photos and videos. Get images of the vehicles and any marks or debris. Ask for names and contact info from witnesses. Get the truck’s license plate and any identifying numbers on the trailer or cab. Keep a copy of the crash report.

What If the Trucking Company’s Insurance Tries to Settle Quickly?

If the trucking company’s insurance tries to settle quickly, they probably know the case has value. A fast offer can be much lower than what your injuries are worth. Don’t sign anything without reviewing it with an attorney. Once you accept a settlement, you may lose the right to file for more damages.

You Deserve Support

In 2023, there were 114,552 large trucks involved in a crash that resulted in injuries. Every truck crash has a cause. Every injury deserves an answer. When trucking companies cut corners, they should pay. Fight back with Blake Jones Law Firm, LLC.