Big Rig Accident Lawyers in Louisiana

Louisiana’s economy relies heavily on commercial vehicles traveling through the densely populated cities of Baton Rouge and New Orleans on major highways like I-10, US-190, US-90, and I-12. 

Unfortunately, the size and weight of these big rigs also present a significant danger to passenger car drivers. In 2023 alone, there were 2,130 commercial vehicle accidents reported in the state, showing the potential for severe injuries or even death in these collisions.

The aftermath of a big rig truck accident can be life-altering. These crashes often cause serious injuries or deaths, leaving victims and their families facing huge emotional and financial challenges.

Louisiana Big Rig Truck Accident Lawyer

If this happens to you, you need a Louisiana big truck accident lawyer to fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you need for your injuries.

Call Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys at 888.501.7888 today and see how our Louisiana big truck accident lawyers can help you.

Common Causes of Big Rig Truck Accidents

Large commercial trucks, semi-trucks, and big rigs can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—that’s 40 tons—when fully loaded with cargo. When these huge trucks are involved in an accident, catastrophe usually follows close behind.

There are many possible causes of big truck accidents. Researchers from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) analyzed nearly 1,000 truck crashes as part of the Large Truck Crash Causation Study.

They found the top causes of these devastating accidents include:

• Brake problems
• Cargo shift
• Distracted driving
• Driver fatigue
• Driver inattention
• Driver unfamiliarity or inexperience with the road
• Illegal drug use
• Road defects
• Speeding
• Tire problems

Who’s Liable for My Louisiana Big Rig Accident?

The question of who’s at fault and who’s liable for your big truck accident is a complicated one.

Several factors likely contributed to the accident, and there may be more than one party that’s liable for the costs.

The liable parties could include any of the following:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The truck’s owner (which might be neither the driver nor their employer)
• The party responsible for truck repair or maintenance
• The party that loaded freight onto the truck
• The truck manufacturer, if a part is found faulty
• The government agency responsible for safe highways

Identifying each of the liable parties and finding evidence of their negligence are crucial steps toward winning your case. Each of the parties listed above might have their own insurance company, further complicating the disbursement of your compensation.

This is why it’s crucial you hire an experienced truck accident attorney to help you navigate the complicated path toward healing after a big rig accident. Call the law firm of Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys today for a free consultation.

Types of Compensation in Big Rig Truck Accident Cases

Truck accidents often result in a considerable financial burden for victims. If you’ve been hit by a truck, you might be left with increasing medical bills, lost wages due to missing work, and other costs.

If you’ve lost a loved one due to a truck wreck, you might be struggling with how to make ends meet without their financial support.

Damages refer to all the costs incurred when suffering an injury or death. Damages in a personal injury claim can be economic or non-economic in nature, and there are several different types of damages you could be entitled to receive after a semi-truck accident.

Medical Expenses

Medical costs include:

• ambulance fees & hospital bills
• specialist care
• rehabilitation costs
• prescriptions and other medications
• various out-of-pocket expenses, and others

You could be entitled to be reimbursed for medical expenses you’ve already paid, as well as compensated for any future medical expenses you may incur.

If your loved one died due to injuries sustained during an accident involving a big rig, you could be compensated for the medical expenses incurred between the accident and when they passed on.

Lost Income

If your injuries have caused you to miss work while you’ve healed, you may be able to recover compensation for your lost income now and in the future. If your injuries lessened your ability to earn an income, you could also be compensated for your lost income-earning ability.

In addition, a wrongful death claim can include your loved one’s lost income and employment benefits in the damages sought.

Property Damage

Because trucks are so much bigger than passenger vehicles, they can result in major vehicle damage. You may be eligible to be compensated for repairing or replacing your vehicle.

Pain and Suffering

Some damages are sadly intangible when it comes to a personal injury or wrongful death claim. However, you can be compensated for the pain and suffering you or a loved one has experienced.

You can also be compensated for the mental anguish, grief, and loss of consortium from your loved one if they’ve passed away due to their injuries.

Statute of Limitation Changes in Louisiana

In 2024, Louisiana law extended the statute of limitations for personal injury claims occurring on or after July 1, 2024, from one year to two years. Any injuries that occurred before July 1, 2024, will still have a 1-year statute of limitation. Learn more about Louisiana’s New Statute of Limitations here.

• 1 year for injuries sustained before July 1, 2024.
• 2 years for injuries suffered after July 1, 2024.

The statute of limitations is a legal deadline that sets a time frame for filing a lawsuit. In Louisiana, this is known as the “prescriptive period,” which determines how long you have to take legal action against the responsible party after an injury occurs.

How Can A Louisiana Big Rig Truck Accident Lawyer Help?

An experienced Louisiana truck accident lawyer can strongly support you during this tough time. They can make sure your truck accident claim is complete and filed on time.

Waiting too long to get legal help can greatly reduce your chance of getting maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Benefits of Hiring a Louisiana Big Rig Truck Attorney

After a semi-truck or 18-wheeler accident, navigating the legal landscape requires specialized knowledge and strategic action.

Here’s how a dedicated big rig truck accident lawyer near Louisiana can benefit your case:

1. Game Plan for Your Case: Your lawyer will build a personalized strategy to win your case. They’ll make sure everything is filed on time and fight for the best outcome, handling any legal hurdles along the way.
   
   
2. Gathering Evidence to Win: While you focus on healing, your lawyer will collect strong evidence for your claim. This includes witness statements, police reports, and any other important documents.
   
   
3. Getting You What You Deserve: Your lawyer is an expert at dealing with insurance companies. They’ll fight to get you the full amount you deserve for your injuries, not a penny less.
   
   
4. Legal Help Every Step of the Way: Your lawyer will explain your rights and guide you through the legal process, making everything clear and easy to understand.
   
   
5. Meeting Deadlines: Louisiana has a one-year limit to file claims. Your lawyer will track these deadlines and make sure your case is filed on time.
   
   
6. Maximizing Your Compensation: Your lawyer will go against the truck company for the highest possible payout, considering your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Why Choose Gordon McKernan Louisiana Big Rig Truck Lawyers?

Our Louisiana truck accident law firm knows the big challenges you face after a crash with an 18-wheeler. Our experienced lawyers are well-versed in Louisiana’s trucking and traffic laws, and ready to tackle your case’s complex details.

We’re aware that insurance adjusters might ask tricky questions affecting your claim, so we provide free consultations. In these meetings, we’ll talk about your case details and advise you on protecting your rights.

Gordon McKernan’s Proven Results in Big Rig Truck Accident Cases

Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys have extensive legal experience in truck accident law and excel at getting justice for Louisiana’s truck accident victims. Our skilled lawyers have won over $3 Billion in verdicts and settlements, with 59+ Million+ verdicts and settlements in truck accident cases.

We’re dedicated to getting you what you need after a truck accident. Our G Guarantee means we offer a commitment to support and legal representation for your case.

Your Team Matters. Call Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys Today.

If you or someone you love has been the victim of a big rig wreck, call a Louisiana big rig accident lawyer from Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys.

Our team can help you figure out who’s liable for your injuries, negotiate with insurance, and fight on your behalf for the financial compensation you deserve. Contact the Louisiana personal injury lawyers at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys today at 888.501.7888.

We’re here to fight for you in court so you can focus on healing and moving on with your life. Your Team Matters.