Baton Rouge Truck Accident Attorneys

When you’ve been injured in a collision involving a commercial vehicle, you need a Baton Rouge truck accident attorney who understands the challenges you’re facing. At Dudley DeBosier, we are dedicated to securing the compensation you rightfully deserve.

Our nation’s roadways are shared by millions of large trucks and commercial vehicles, often traveling long distances for extended periods, increasing the potential for truck accidents. Despite safety regulations imposed on 18-wheeler companies, factors like vehicle wear and tear and stringent transport schedules can elevate the risk of severe accidents. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, trucks frequently weigh 20 to 30 times more than passenger vehicles.

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Serious accidents come with significant costs—medical bills, lost wages, and physical and emotional suffering. When you need assistance after an accident, our team of truck accident lawyers is committed to delivering exceptional client service and legal representation, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

You can rely on the experienced legal team at Dudley DeBosier to construct a robust case on your behalf.

What Causes Truck Accidents?

We conduct exhaustive investigations to determine if:

• Trucking industry regulations were violated. Trucking companies are mandated to maintain comprehensive driving logs and records. If the driver responsible for the accident failed to follow these procedures, they could be held liable for the collision.
• The truck was inadequately maintained. If the driver or trucking company neglected necessary maintenance, resulting in the accident, one or both parties may be deemed responsible.
• The truck driver disregarded traffic laws. A truck driver can be held accountable if they were speeding, disregarded posted signs, or were driving recklessly at the time of the accident.

A thorough understanding of your accident equips our truck accident lawyers with the knowledge and resources necessary to stand up to insurance companies and secure the compensation you deserve. We assist individuals injured in truck accidents in Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, Houma, Denham Springs, and New Orleans. Contact our team today for a free consultation.

The Importance of the Right Injury Attorney

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident or have lost a loved one due to another party’s negligence, having the right attorney by your side can help you recover your losses. However, in many cases, the responsible party may deny liability, leaving you in a frustrating deadlock. In such situations, an attorney experienced in 18-wheeler laws can be a valuable asset, working with you to establish the culpability of the at-fault party in the accident.

Building Your Personal Injury Case

As a trucking accident victim, proving the guilt of the responsible party will be a crucial task for your attorney. Even when the evidence is clear, the liable party—whether it’s the truck driver, truck owner, employer, or truck manufacturer—may still dispute your personal injury claims. In such cases, your Baton Rouge truck accident attorney will diligently gather supporting evidence that irrefutably demonstrates your position, including:

• Available camera footage
• Witness interviews
• Police and accident reports
• Medical records and expert medical testimonies
• Expert consultants

Armed with a combination of compelling evidence and legal expertise, your truck accident attorney will construct a compelling case in your favor, asserting that the accident was not your fault and seeking the best possible settlement.

Truck Accident Lawsuits

Being involved in a collision with a large truck can feel like your entire world has been turned upside down. Many victims suffer severe and life-threatening injuries, such as head trauma, spinal damage, broken bones, burns, and even paralysis. With a lawsuit prepared by our experienced truck accident attorneys, you can pursue compensation for your injuries, covering essential expenses like medical care and lost wages. Depending on your circumstances, there are three primary types of lawsuits your attorney will consider: negligence, product liability, and wrongful death.

• Negligence: If your accident resulted from the actions of a truck driver, your lawyer may file a negligence claim. To succeed in such a suit, your attorney will need to prove that the driver’s negligent actions on the road led to your injuries. Common examples of negligence include lack of experience, overloaded or oversized trucks, reckless driving, distracted driving, and violations of traffic laws.
• Product Liability: If the truck driver’s behavior aligns with industry standards, the fault may lie with the truck itself. If the truck or one of its components contributed to your accident, your attorney may opt for a product liability lawsuit. In these cases, your attorney will need to present evidence that includes a defective part deemed unreasonably dangerous, with no performance changes since the truck’s initial purchase, and the absence of operational deficiencies on the driver’s part.
• Wrongful Death: Due to the severity of truck accidents, many victims do not survive. In these tragic cases, surviving family members may seek compensation on their behalf. To pursue a wrongful death claim, the family must present appropriate evidence related to negligence or product failure, similar to a claim brought by a surviving victim. A Baton Rouge truck accident attorney at Dudley DeBosier can simplify this process, working closely with families to seek compensation and, in some instances, punitive damages.

Compensation for Accidents

In nearly all truck accident cases, compensation is the driving force behind lawsuits, encompassing both economic and non-economic damages.

• Economic damages are designed to reimburse victims and their families for monetary losses associated with the accident, including current and future medical expenses, lost wages, and diminished earning capacity.
• Non-economic damages are less tangible, aiming to secure additional funds for non-financial, intangible losses such as pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and mental anguish.

While less common, punitive damages may apply if the truck driver’s actions were found to be malicious or willful. This can involve fines imposed on the responsible party, probation, or even a jail sentence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accident Cases

1. When should you contact a lawyer after a truck accident? The sooner you contact a truck accident lawyer after a crash, the better they can help you maximize the value of your claim. An attorney can promptly collect evidence and communicate with the trucking company or their insurer. However, it’s never too late to seek legal assistance. Regardless of where you are in the process, reach out to the Baton Rouge, Louisiana truck accident lawyers at Dudley DeBosier to schedule your free consultation with our team.
2. Can I sue for being hit by a semi-truck? Yes, you can sue if you’ve been struck by a semi-truck. The success of your lawsuit will depend on various factors, including the severity and costs of your damages and the liability of the truck driver or other parties involved. Consult an experienced truck accident lawyer to discuss the potential for your claim.
3. Who is liable in a truck accident? Liability typically hinges on fault or negligence. The driver whose actions caused the crash is generally considered liable. However, in truck accident cases, determining liability can be complex. The trucking company that hired the driver may share liability for the crash, and other parties like truck manufacturers or manufacturers of truck components might also be at fault. This is why it’s crucial to consult an experienced truck accident lawyer who can help determine and establish liability.
4. What should you do if you’re hit by an 18-wheeler? First and foremost, call 911 and request police and medical assistance if needed. At the scene, collect the contact and insurance information of the other driver but avoid engaging in lengthy discussions about the accident. If possible, take photographs of the accident scene and gather contact information from witnesses. In the hours, days, and weeks following the accident, you may be contacted by the other driver’s or the trucking company’s insurance representative. It’s essential not to provide them with a recorded statement or speak at length with them. Instead, direct them to speak to your attorney. Keep a record of all expenses related to the accident. Consider consulting a Baton Rouge truck accident lawyer to ensure you’re taking all necessary steps to maximize the value of your claim.

At Dudley DeBosier, our team is dedicated to advocating for truck accident victims in Baton Rouge and throughout Louisiana. We are committed to helping you navigate the legal complexities and secure the compensation you deserve. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a free consultation to discuss your case and your path to recovery.