Baton Rouge Truck Accident Lawyer

With high throughput of traffic and increasing number of commercial vehicles transporting materials and goods, truck accidents become a serious risk. Although commercial vehicles play a key role in supporting Baton Rouge’s economy, they can also cause accidents that lead to significant emotional, physical and financial damages. If you or your loved one has been hurt by a truck, a Baton Rouge truck accident lawyer from the Knightshead Law Firm can help.

At the Knightshead Law Firm, our experienced team of personal injury attorneys has more than 15 years of experience successfully representing visitors and residents in Baton Rouge who have been harmed in a truck accident. As truck accidents are highly complex and generally involve more significant injuries compared with car crashes, it’s important to work with attorneys who are skilled at handling these specific types of accidents. Fortunately, we have what it takes.

Why A Lawyer Is Necessary In 18-Wheeler Accidents

Big rigs are common in Louisiana, especially on the interstate. Unfortunately, this can lead to devastating accidents that change people’s lives forever. A collision with a semi truck is usually much more damaging than a car accident, often causing permanent damage or fatalities. This means your future could hinge on obtaining the maximum compensation possible.

When the stakes are so high, you need a skilled lawyer as your ally. Commercial vehicles must have commercial insurance policies but seeking coverage can still be complicated because of the parties involved. In a truck accident, the truck driver, the driver’s employer or contractor, the manufacturer and other third parties could all be involved in the case. An attorney is necessary to investigate your situation and effectively fight for the coverage you need.

Potentially Liable Parties in Your Truck Accident

Compared with car accidents – which tend to have fewer liable parties – a truck accident can include multiple liable individuals or entities. An experienced attorney from the Knightshead Law Firm can scrutinize the details of your case to understand whether one or more of the following could be held accountable for your crash:

• The truck driver. If the truck driver was exhibiting negligent behavior – such as going over the speed limit or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs – they could be held accountable for their actions.
• The trucking company. Trucking companies can be held liable for not adequately training their staff, hiring individuals that are incapable of doing the job, or putting drivers under excruciating pressure to make unrealistic delivery deadlines.
• The truck loader. In some cases, the individual who loaded the truck can be held accountable if they arrange the cargo in a way that imbalances the truck – increasing the chances of flipping or losing control of the vehicle. They can also be held accountable for overloading the truck.
• Design or manufacturing companies. If a faulty truck part contributed to your truck accident, the company who designed or manufactured this equipment could be held accountable for their negligence.

Understanding the Role of State and Federal Regulations

In Louisiana and across the country, commercial trucking activities are governed by stringent laws that are enforced by agencies like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. These regulations ensure that hours of service are minimized to prevent fatigue while driving, which can pose a significant risk to other individuals on the road.

Furthermore, such regulations govern the rules for securement of cargo and weight allowed, as well as standards for maintenance and inspection. A knowledgeable attorney from the Knightshead Law Firm can leverage their understanding of relevant state and federal regulations to identify any violations that could have contributed to your truck accident.

What Commonly Causes Truck Accidents in Baton Rouge?

By understanding the common causes of truck accidents in Baton Rouge and the surrounding areas, you can identify the cause of your accident and therefore determine liability for your case. A diligent attorney from the Knightshead Law Firm can help you understand whether one of the following common causes of truck accidents is applicable to your case:

• Distracted driving. If a truck driver is engaged in distractions – such as checking their cell phone or talking with other drivers on the radio – this can divert their attention from the road and increase the risk of an accident.
• Reckless driving. Racing with other trucks, weaving between lanes, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs not only increases the chances of a crash, but also the subsequent severity.
• Driver fatigue. As retailers increasingly become more online and staffing shortages are an issue, companies are commonly pressuring truck drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines, causing them to skip crucial pauses or rest breaks. This can lead to driver fatigue, which minimizes cognitive and motor functioning.
• Maintenance issues. If a truck is not adequately inspected or maintained, this can cause critical components like tires or brakes to fail, contributing to an accident.
• Part design issues. If a designer, manufacturer, or distributor is implicated in doing business that involves faulty parts that contribute to a truck accident, they could be held accountable for negligence.
• Weather and road conditions. If roads are inadequately designed or maintained, or if weather does not permit adequate visibility, this can severely threaten truck drivers – as increased stopping distances are required to bring the commercial vehicle to a halt.

Injuries Suffered by Truck Accident Victims in Baton Rouge and Surrounding Areas

As commercial trucks have significant size and weight, collisions can lead to severe injuries that can change a victim’s life forever. A compassionate truck accident lawyer from our firm can help you recover compensation to diagnose, treat, and manage the following common truck accident injuries:

• Broken bones and fractures. Truck collision impacts can lead to fractures that involve one or multiple surgeries, in addition to long recovery times. They may also require implantation of hardware to fuse the bone back together.
• Cuts and burns. Hazards specific to truck accidents – such as flying objects and fires or explosions – can lead to severe burns or lacerations that can result in permanent scarring and disfigurement. This not only impacts physical well-being, but also an individual’s sense of identity and confidence.
• Internal injuries. Truck collision forces can significantly damage the internal cavity and associated organs, which can cause damages of a life-threatening nature. As symptoms may not be immediately apparent, it’s crucial for all truck accident victims to see a medical professional to ensure they have not suffered from these types of injuries.
• Spinal cord injuries. When the spinal column suffers from impact and subsequent damage, this can lead to partial or permanent paralysis, which can involve lifelong disability that involves support, like at-home care and in-home modifications.
• Traumatic brain injuries. Unfortunately, traumatic brain injuries are not uncommon when it comes to truck accidents. Head injuries can involve either minor concussions or more significant permanent brain damage, which can impact the functioning of the parts of the brain that control motor and cognitive activity.
• Wrongful death. Truck accidents can tragically lead to death. Family members of the deceased may be able to pursue compensation for the significant loss that ensues.

What to Do if You Have Been in a Baton Rouge Truck Accident

To protect your rights and build up a strong case, it’s crucial to ensure you take adequate steps after your Baton Rouge truck accident. A compassionate truck accident attorney from the Knightshead Law Firm can help you walk through the following steps:

• Prioritizing health and safety. After your truck accident happens, it’s crucial to ensure your health and safety are put first. Even if you believe you have not suffered from significant injuries, it’s crucial to seek help from a medical professional who can assist you with documenting your injuries. This can help you link your medical conditions with the accident.
• Calling the police. It’s important to notify law enforcement of your truck accident – even if it was minor. A police report can serve as crucial evidence for your case, as it can involve significant details regarding liability.
• Gathering evidence. If possible, at the scene of the crash, take photos and videos of skid marks, hazardous conditions, all vehicles involved, and any apparent injuries. Accident reconstruction experts can leverage such crucial data to prove liability. If any witnesses were present, collect their information and ask them if they would be willing to give a statement.
• Avoiding insurance companies. Insurance representatives of large commercial trucking companies may reach out to you trying to downplay the extent of your injuries or even blame you for the accident. All communications should be forwarded to your lawyer.
• Contacting a skilled truck accident lawyer. A detail-oriented Baton Rouge truck accident attorney can manage all the bureaucratic and legal details of your case, freeing up the time and space needed to focus on healing and connecting with your loved ones during this difficult time.

We Sort Out The Complexities Of Truck Accidents

At the Knightshead Law Firm , we realize how heartbreaking and difficult these situations are. That is why we want to walk with you every step of the way. You deserve compensation for the wrong done to you and we can help you obtain it. With over 15 years of experience and thorough legal knowledge, we will ensure that you never feel lost or in the dark about your case.

We aim to be a supportive and excellent resource for all of our clients. In the complexity of an 18-wheeler accident, we will bring clarity while listening to your concerns and input to guide our actions. Specifically, we can support you with the following services:

• Investigating your case. We can collect crucial evidence on your behalf, conduct interviews with witnesses, and leverage our competent network of Louisiana experts to build up a robust personal injury case on your behalf.
• Handling insurance companies. We understand the tactics that large insurance companies leverage to avoid paying truck accident victims the compensation they’re entitled to, and can use their own tricks against them to help you win a just and fair settlement.
• Pursuing litigation. If insurance companies are not willing to negotiate in a fair manner, we may recommend going to court. We are prepared to present strategic legal arguments on your behalf in front of the judge, backing our claims with clear evidence and statements from subject matter professionals.
• Developing tailored solutions. Through our 15 years of experience, we have learned that no two truck accident cases are the same. Our team works closely with our clients to understand their concerns, challenges, and goals, using disinformation to design and implement a legal strategy that reflects their unique circumstances.

Begin Your Recovery

A truck accident does not have to ruin your life. We will work as hard as we can to help you. Contact us online or call 225-388-5265 for a free consultation. We are in Baton Rouge and serve clients throughout Louisiana.