Baton Rouge Truck Accident Lawyer

Helping Victims Recover Damages for Catastrophic Injuries

Were you injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Baton Rouge, LA? You might be entitled to compensation for your injuries. The best way to ensure that you receive the recovery you deserve is by consulting with a highly qualified injury lawyer.

At Walter R. Krousel Jr. & Associates, ALPC, we know what it takes to hold powerful trucking companies accountable. Our lawyers do everything they can to help you recover the maximum damages allowed by Louisiana law.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck crash, contact our office today at 225-263-6194 to schedule a professional case evaluation.

What to Know About Louisiana Truck Accidents

18-wheelers and other large trucks have a near unparalleled weight and size. Passenger vehicles, in particular, are a fraction of the size of these behemoths. Therefore, even minor truck crashes can be catastrophic. If you are involved in a collision with an 18-wheeler, it is important to know that there could be one or more liable parties and multiple insurance policies.

The best way to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve after a truck accident in Baton Rouge is to consult with an experienced attorney. An attorney can help you determine who can be held legally responsible for your damages and what caused the accident. Our legal team can also walk you through the legal process, answering your questions as they arise. We understand that not everyone has a legal background and that you may be dealing with physical and emotional injuries. We will stay by your side until the end of your case to ensure you get the outcome you deserve.

Truck accident cases can be complex, and many trucking companies have teams of lawyers on retainer to protect them from legal issues. If you’ve been in a truck collision, you need a Baton Rouge truck accident attorney on your side.

How Are Most Truck Accidents Caused?

Truck accidents are often caused by negligence. In some cases, it is the carelessness of the truck driver, while in others, it is the improper loading of cargo. Regardless of the cause of the accident, you should always speak with a truck crash lawyer as soon as possible after the accident.

Common causes of truck accidents:

Driving at an unsafe speed for traffic and road conditions. Truck drivers have to be extra careful when operating such large vehicles. When drivers don’t obey safety laws, innocent victims can be hurt
Driving while fatigued. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets limitations on the number of hours a driver can be on the road. Unfortunately, not all drivers and companies follow these regulations. Drowsy driving is almost as dangerous as drunk driving and can cause catastrophic collisionsOperating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Most truck drivers are subject to random drug and alcohol testing while on the job. However, some truck drivers still break the rules and drive under the influence. Drunk or drugged driving can lead to criminal charges and a civil lawsuit
Failing to properly maintain the truck or mechanical issues. Commercial trucks require periodic maintenance to stay in working condition. When a truck driver or truck company doesn’t maintain its vehicles, the truck can break down, causing accidents
Improperly loaded cargo or other shipping issues. Cargo must be loaded very carefully to avoid tips and rollover accidents. When cargo is improperly loaded, it can cause balance issues, leading to crashes
Driver recklessness, inattention, or other negligence. Truck drivers are humans, too, and they sometimes make mistakes. Reckless driving, negligent driving, and distracted driving can cause accidents while on the road

Accidents involving 18-wheelers, big rigs, and other tractor-trailers are rarely minor. In many cases, they result in serious, life-threatening injuries. If you are involved in a truck accident, you need to seek medical treatment immediately.

What Are the Most Common Types of Truck Accidents?

There are many reasons why truck accidents occur. Similarly, there are also many different types of truck accidents you could be involved in. The type of truck accident you are in can affect the severity of your injuries and the extent of your property damage.

Common types of truck accidents include:

Rollover Accidents

When a truck tips onto its side or roof, it’s called a rollover accident. Truck drivers who turn too quickly, speed, or have improperly loaded cargo are more susceptible to this type of accident.

Rear-End Accidents

When commercial trucks hit the back of a passenger vehicle, it’s called a rear-end collision. Because trucks are so much larger than other cars, even rear-end accidents can cause extensive damage.

Jackknife Accidents

When a truck’s trailer swings out to create a 90-degree angle with the cab, it’s called a jackknife accident. It can happen when a truck’s wheels lock up while braking, causing the trailer to swing out on its own.

Underride Accidents

Underrides happen when passenger vehicles become wedged underneath commercial trucks. Many victims suffer catastrophic or even fatal injuries.

Blind Spot Accidents

Commercial trucks have large blind spots that small cars can easily slip into. Trucks that merge or turn without checking their blind spots can cause accidents.

Wide-Turn Accidents

Large trucks take up more space when turning than passenger cars do. If a truck swings out too wide, it can hit or scrape other vehicles.

Brake Failure

Large trucks must be maintained properly to avoid malfunctions. If a truck is not cared for, the brakes can fail, leading to dangerous accidents.

Tire Blowouts

Poor maintenance, road hazards, and overloading of cargo can cause a truck’s tires to blow out. When this happens, drivers may lose control of the vehicle, causing an accident.

What Injuries Do Truck Accident Victims Suffer?

Commercial vehicles are 20 to 30 times heavier than passenger cars on the road. Because of this, a truck accident often causes significant injuries with long-term symptoms. In severe cases, victims may pass away because of their injuries.

The most common injuries suffered after a truck accident include:

Head Injuries

The violent impact of a truck accident often causes victims to hit their heads. Head injuries can lead to concussions and traumatic brain injuries, both of which are difficult to treat and can cause long-term symptoms.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Damage to the spinal cord can cause tingling, numbness, and pain. In severe accidents, victims may suffer from temporary or permanent paralysis.

Whiplash

Sudden back-and-forth head movement can cause damage to the neck ligaments. This common injury, typically called whiplash, can cause long-term pain and discomfort.

Broken Bones

It’s very common for victims to break arms, wrists, legs, and ankles during a truck accident. Some broken bones heal with just a cast, while others require physical therapy or even surgery.

Burn Injuries

Commercial vehicles have fuel lines that can break and ignite. Burn victims may require skin grafts and long-term hospitalization to heal properly.

Amputations

Some injuries are so severe they require a full amputation. Other severe injuries include back injuries and eye damage.

Who Can Be Held Liable After a Truck Crash?

It may not always be clear who or what caused the accident. You should not make guesses or assumptions about who was liable for the crash. One of the most common mistakes injury victims make is accepting some kind of fault for the accident before an investigation is complete. Before making any statements to an insurance adjuster, you need to speak with an attorney.

Parties that can be held liable in a truck crash include:

The truck operator
The trucking company (carrier)
The truck manufacturer or a part manufacturer
The shipping company
A mechanic
A person who loaded the cargo

Determining liability in a truck accident can be challenging without the help of a lawyer. Contacting an attorney as early in the process as possible can help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

What Kind of Compensation Can You Recover After a Truck Accident?

By pursuing a personal injury lawsuit, you can request compensation for all of the damages you suffered as a result of your injuries. Damages can include both economic damages and non-economic damages. Our experienced truck accident lawyer will help you calculate all of your damages so you can seek full and fair compensation.

Many truck accident victims request the following:

Economic Damages

Economic damages have a set price tag and can usually be calculated with bills and receipts. These damages may include:

Medical expenses, both past and future
Hospitalization
Medical equipment, like wheelchairs or crutches
Medications
Property damage repair or replacement
Lost wages
Loss of future income

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages do not have a set price tag. These damages have to do with your mental well-being after the accident. Non-economic damages can include:

Pain and suffering
Permanent disability
Loss of companionship (for wrongful death cases)
Loss of enjoyment of life
Mental anguish
Emotional distress
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are additional damages that victims can request as a punishment for the defendant. In most cases, these damages are awarded when the liable party has acted without regard for human life. In truck accident cases, victims are most likely to receive punitive damages if the truck driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash. Our Baton Rouge truck accident lawyer will examine your case to determine if you are eligible for these damages.

What is a Wrongful Death Claim?

Because truck accidents can cause such serious injuries, they sometimes lead to fatalities. If you’ve lost a loved one in a truck accident, you may be able to seek justice on their behalf by filing a wrongful death lawsuit. These lawsuits provide compensation to the immediate relatives of the deceased. The payment can be used toward expenses like medical bills, funeral expenses, or a loss of income.

Immediate family members usually include the deceased’s surviving spouse and children. If there is no spouse or children, family members like parents, grandparents, and other relatives may be able to step in and file a lawsuit.

While no amount of money will bring your loved one back, a wrongful death claim helps families hold liable parties accountable for their actions. Truck drivers, truck companies, and other liable parties must be held responsible for the negligence that led to your loved one’s accident. Contact our team today to learn more about wrongful death cases.

What is the Statute of Limitations on a Truck Accident?

Under Louisiana law, most injury claims, including truck injury claims, are no longer viable unless a lawsuit is filed within one to two years of the incident. However, it is never a good idea to delay consulting an attorney as evidence can go stale, and damage can be done to your case.

Steps to Take After a Baton Rouge Truck Crash

If you are involved in a truck accident in Baton Rouge, you need to take several steps to protect your right to recovery.

What to do after a truck accident:

Contact 9-1-1. Truck accidents often cause severe injuries and extensive property damage. Contact emergency services and ask for a copy of the police report if one is made
Promptly seek medical attention. Even if you don’t feel hurt now, it’s very likely that you’ve suffered underlying injuries that aren’t apparent. See a medical professional to ensure you get the treatment you need
Exchange information. Talk to the truck driver and ask them for their name, phone number, and license number. If they are employed by a trucking company, get that information as well
Take pictures and videos at the scene (if you are able). Photos and videos of the accident scene can help support your claim later. Take photos of your vehicle, your injuries, and the scene around you
Talk to witnesses. Witness statements help support your claim. If anyone saw the accident, get their contact information so you can call them later
Report the accident to your insurance company. Call your insurance company and tell them what happened. Stick to the facts, and don’t take the blame for the accident
Contact a Baton Rouge truck crash lawyer. Our team is prepared to start your case immediately. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can get you the compensation you deserve

In the event that you are injured in a trucking accident, you might be entitled to compensation for your losses. Damages in an 18-wheeler crash may include money for lost wages, medical bills, loss of future earning capacity, and pain and suffering.

What Does a Truck Accident Attorney Do?

When you work with our law firm, we’ll fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Throughout your entire case, we’ll answer your questions and address your concerns so you feel empowered and in control the whole time.

As your legal team, we’ll do the following:

Investigate Your Case

Every truck accident case is unique, and your circumstances could impact your legal process. After your consultation, our team will take the time to investigate every aspect of your case, from how the accident happened to the extent of your injuries.

Assign Liability

In personal injury cases, assigning liability is an essential part of recovering compensation. Using the facts from your case, we’ll identify all liable parties so you can seek justice.

Calculate Your Damages

When seeking compensation, it’s essential to ask for a settlement that covers all of your damages. Our team will help you add up all the financial losses you suffered so you can ask for an accurate amount.

Gather Evidence

The more evidence you have, the better chance you have of a positive outcome in your case. We understand that gathering evidence can be challenging when you’re recovering from severe injuries. We’ll gather your medical records, photos and videos of the accident scene, witness testimonies, and more.

Negotiate With an Insurance Company

The liable party’s insurance company is likely the one making you a settlement offer. Unfortunately, insurance companies very rarely offer you the compensation you deserve. Our experienced attorney will negotiate with the insurance company to get you the payment you need to cover all your damages.

Take Your Case to Court

In most cases, personal injury claims are settled without going to trial. However, if the insurance company won’t offer you what you deserve, our team can prepare your case for court. We will present all of your evidence to ensure you get the best possible outcome in your case.

Injured in a Truck Accident in Baton Rouge? Contact Our Office

Were you injured in a truck accident in Baton Rouge? Our lawyers can help. At Walter R. Krousel Jr. & Associates, ALPC, we will work for you to get the largest settlement or verdict in your case. We have helped countless families get the compensation they need to fully recover.

Call our office at 225-263-6194 to schedule a professional consultation. There are no fees unless we win. Do not give up, and do not wait until it is too late. Get started on your road to recovery today.