Lafayette Truck Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one suffered an injury due to the negligence of a truck driver or trucking company, you may be eligible to seek compensation. In this situation, you can rely on a Lafayette truck accident lawyer to guide you through the legal process.

For over 25+ years, our law firm, Galloway Jefcoat, has fought tirelessly on behalf of injury victims, successfully recovering millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. You can rely on a Lafayette personal injury lawyer from our team to put you first, providing the compassionate support that you deserve.

There are no upfront fees for our services, and we only get paid if you receive compensation. Your consultation is free, and you are under no obligation to take legal action.

Why Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer in Lafayette, LA?

Hiring an experienced lawyer helps give crash victims peace of mind. Getting fast help from a legal professional can also improve your chances of securing maximum compensation for all of your losses.

At Galloway Jefcoat, we want you to stay focused on the treatment of your injuries. We can manage the legal process on your behalf, always looking out for your best interests.

We know how to deal with big trucking companies and their insurance representatives, protecting your best interests as we level the playing field.

Compensation Available After a Truck Crash

You may secure fair financial compensation for any losses associated with your trucking accident. Our personal injury law firm can focus on bringing you funds to cover your:

Medical Bills

You could face financial losses resulting from your injuries, including the cost of treating your injuries. The liable party may have to cover the costs of:

• Ambulatory services
• Hospital stays
• Physical therapy
• Prescription medications
• Rehabilitation

Your truck accident attorney in Lafayette can track all your medical expenses to include them in your claim.

Lost Wages

The responsible party may have to cover any pay you miss out on while healing after a crash. In some cases, you may also receive funds to cover your lost earning capacity, especially if your crash results in a disability.

We can explain what your loss of earning capacity could be worth in a personal injury claim.

Property Damage

We believe that a fair settlement should provide you with compensation for any property repairs or replacement after a crash. Getting legal representation from a personal injury attorney can ensure you get the money you need.

Non-Economic Damages

Our team can include the emotional or psychological damage you suffer from your injuries in a truck accident claim. For example, you could receive payment for:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium
• Emotional distress
• Mental anguish

Have questions about the value of your claim? Give us a call today. Our attorneys are ready to assess the damages associated with your claim to help determine what your unique case may be worth.

Do You Have a Valid Case?

You may have a valid personal injury claim if someone else’s negligence caused the accident that resulted in your injuries.

Negligence means another party failed to act reasonably to prevent people from being harmed. For example, a truck driver who fails to maintain an appropriate following distance between their truck and your vehicle is engaging in negligence.

Proving Negligence

An attorney representing an injury victim must prove four things when pursuing a negligence case:

• The at-fault party owed a duty of care to the victim.
• That duty of care was breached by the action or inaction of the at-fault party.
• The injuries the victim suffered were a direct result of the at-fault party’s actions.
• You have damages that resulted from your injuries.

No two cases are the same, and we must consider several factors to determine if a truck crash claim is valid. The licensed Lafayette truck accident lawyers at Galloway Jefcoat have the legal knowledge and experience to determine if you may have a valid case.

If you do, we have the resources to take on large trucking companies looking to avoid liability. You can discuss the specifics of your situation with an experienced truck accident attorney, but we are prepared to take on cases involving many types of commercial trucks, including:

• Tractor-trailers
• Semi-trucks
• 18-wheelers
• Garbage/recycling trucks
• Delivery trucks
• Dump trucks
• Box Trucks

How Can Our Legal Team Help?

Proving that someone else is liable for your injuries, particularly if a crash with a commercial truck caused that harm, requires a thorough investigation. Our attorneys at Galloway Jefcoat know what to look for to determine if there may be a case.

We also have the resources to conduct an investigation and gather strong evidence in support of your claim. For instance, we can bring in experts if necessary. Experts may help us prove the cause of the crash, the severity of your injuries, and how those injuries resulted from the accident.

We can investigate the truck driver to determine if they were under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or had a record of dangerous driving. It may also be necessary to investigate the trucking company to see if it properly maintained the truck. We can also help you avoid common mistakes crash victims make that could devalue their claims.

Do You Have to Go to Court?

Most injury claims never make it to court. A settlement is usually negotiated between the two parties to avoid a trial. However, it is crucial to understand that while your case may never see the inside of the courtroom, you should still have someone prepared to go to court on your side.

Insurance companies know the attorneys who always settle. Hiring an attorney who regularly takes cases to court may motivate the insurance company to offer full compensation.

At Galloway Jefcoat, our attorneys can manage every step of the process, including courtroom trials. Our goal is to secure maximum compensation on your behalf.

Types of Truck Accident Injuries

Truck accidents often lead to severe injuries and even death. Some of the most common injuries associated with truck accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
• Broken bones
• Concussions
• Lacerations
• Paralysis
• Amputations

When these injuries occur, the physical, financial, and emotional damage can be substantial. In many cases, the type of injury you sustain and the severity of your symptoms will directly influence the value of your claim.

For example, accident victims with more serious injuries often receive more compensation. Our Lafayette truck accident lawyers know how devastating a severe injury can be, and we are committed to seeking maximum compensation if you hire our firm to represent you.

Liability in a Truck Accident

Many factors play a role in determining who may be liable for a truck accident. We may need to consider:

Driver Classifications

Commercial vehicle drivers fall into one of three general classifications:

• Owner–operator: The commercial vehicle driver is the owner but may lease it out to a trucking company. They may also be an independent driver who works as a contractor for a trucking company.
• Company driver: The commercial vehicle driver works for a company and drives one or more of the company’s trucks.
• Independent owner–operator: The commercial vehicle driver is the owner and uses it to transport goods for companies, and sometimes owns a fleet.

While a commercial vehicle driver may be at fault for an accident, liability for damages typically falls to the vehicle’s owner and the company that insures it. You can talk to us to determine when a truck driver could be held liable for a Louisiana collision.

Vehicle Maintenance Records

Responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of a commercial vehicle typically falls to the owner. If an accident occurs due to poor vehicle maintenance, the owner may be held liable for the resulting damages.

However, if the accident occurs due to a mechanical failure unrelated to poor upkeep, the vehicle or parts manufacturer may be held liable for damages. We understand why poor maintenance of a semi-truck increases the risk of a catastrophic crash in Louisiana and can provide more information.

Cargo Loading Practices

When workers load cargo onto a commercial transport vehicle, there are specific methods to ensure it remains secure during transit, preventing it from shifting or falling off while on the interstate or other roadways.

If the party responsible for loading the cargo fails to follow the protocol for securing the load, that party may be held liable for damages in the event of an accident.

Commercial Vehicle Regulations in Louisiana

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets trucking regulations at the federal level. State rules are governed by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LDOTD).

Safety Regulations

There are numerous regulations in place to ensure that trucks are safe to operate and that drivers can maintain control on the road. For example, there are regulations governing the maximum weight a truck can carry, the method of loading cargo, the dimensions of the truck, and the frequency of inspections.

The trucking industry also has safety protocols regarding the number of consecutive hours and days a person may drive to prevent fatigue.

When assessing negligence and liability in a truck accident, it is essential to determine whether any federal or state regulations were violated, either by the driver or the company that employs them.

Insurance Requirements

Commercial vehicles are required to have a general liability insurance policy with a minimum of $750,000 in coverage. The minimum limit goes up to five million if the vehicle is transporting hazardous materials, such as toxic chemicals.

There are also insurance add-ons that a company or driver may purchase, such as extended liability or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Deadlines for Your Truck Crash Claim

Is there a time limit to file a personal injury claim in Louisiana? Yes, Louisiana has a statute of limitations that controls how long you can wait to seek compensation after a trucking accident.

Typically, this statute gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a truck accident lawsuit. If you do not file before the deadline passes, your case is likely to be dismissed.

That is why you should contact a lawyer right away. They need time to investigate and build a case. Even if you are unsure if you have a case, give our firm a call to schedule a free initial consultation. We can explain whether you have a case and what to do next.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents occur for many reasons. For example, commercial truck companies operate on tight deadlines, which often puts pressure on the drivers to work longer than they should, resulting in fatigued or drowsy driving and a higher chance of a collision. Other causes of crashes include:

• Lack of proper training
• Poor truck or trailer maintenance
• Reckless driving
• Following too closely
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Improperly loaded/unsecured cargo
• Distracted driving
• Speeding

We’re ready to review the facts around your situation so we can determine the precise causes of your crash.

Reach Out to Us After a Truck Crash in Lafayette

Since 1996, the law firm of Galloway Jefcoat has fought for the rights of injury victims in Lafayette and throughout the state of Louisiana. Our attorneys take a hands-on approach to provide personalized service and take an aggressive stance when dealing with insurance companies to maximize your recovery.

We have a proven record of success in recovering compensation for injury victims and their loved ones by both negotiating settlements and reaching favorable jury verdicts.

There are no upfront costs for our services, so you incur no risk. We take truck crash cases on contingency, which means we do not get paid unless you receive compensation. Find out more by reaching out to our Lafayette truck accident attorneys today.