The Townsley Law Firm
3102 Enterprise Boulevard
Lake Charles, LA 70601
If you were injured in a truck accident due to the truck driver’s, trucking company’s, or another party’s negligence, call The Townsley Law Firm today to learn about your legal options. We could represent you in your case and help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Truck accidents are much different than accidents involving passenger cars. Commercial trucks are massive in size. They can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds with a full cargo load and cause significant destruction during a crash. Truck drivers also face challenges maneuvering large vehicles around small cars and hazards they encounter on the road.
The financial burden truck accident victims face can be overwhelming. Ongoing treatment is often necessary to recover from severe and debilitating injuries. Medical bills are expensive and can place a person at risk of debt if they can’t afford to pay. The at-fault truck driver or trucking company should be held liable for their actions and become financially responsible for your incurred costs.
At The Townsley Law Firm, our Lake Charles truck accident lawyers will advocate for your rights and fight by your side until the end. We will be with you during every step of the process from start to finish. You can depend on our legal team to be there for you when you need us most and provide the guidance and support necessary to get you through this challenging time in your life.
For a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help you after a truck accident, call The Townsley Law Firm at (337) 377-0584 today.
Federal regulations are in place to prevent accidents involving commercial trucks. Unfortunately, driver error, distractions, and a range of other careless behavior can lead to a collision between a large truck and a passenger vehicle.
The most common causes of truck accidents include:
Operating any vehicle under the influence of alcohol is dangerous. It is illegal for a non-commercial driver to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of at least 0.08%. However, federal laws hold truck drivers to a higher standard. A BAC of at least 0.04% is considered driving under the influence.
Following someone’s vehicle without enough space to slow down or stop when necessary put the occupants in the car ahead at serious risk of harm. If the front driver slams on their brakes, it’s unlikely the tailgating truck driver will have enough time to react and brake in time to avoid a collision.
Driver fatigue is a common problem among truck drivers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration enforces hours of service rules to prevent fatigue. Unfortunately, many truckers exceed the maximum driving limit to stay on schedule or make more money. This increases the driver's risk of falling asleep at the wheel and running into other vehicles.
Any crash involving a commercial truck can have devastating consequences. A truck accident can cause significant damage and injuries even at low speeds. Large trucks require a greater stopping distance than compact cars. The faster a truck driver travels, the more distance they need to bring the truck to a complete stop.
Small cars have only two blind spots. Large trucks have four blind spots, extending far beyond the cab and trailer. Truckers must always check their blind spots thoroughly before changing lanes or merging. If they don’t, they could sideswipe a vehicle traveling directly next to them.
Whether a trucker approaches an intersection, encounters a crosswalk, or merges onto a highway, they must yield to other drivers if necessary. If truck drivers choose to run a red light, they could crash into a vehicle or pedestrian already in the intersection.
Truck drivers must start preparing for a right or left turn in advance. They must use their turn signal, slow down, and check for nearby vehicles. Failing to check blind spots or turning too quickly can result in a devastating accident.
Distractions are everywhere. Anything that takes a driver’s focus, hands, or eyes off the task of driving is a distraction. Truck drivers are responsible for maneuvering a large truck along the road. If they text on their phone, eat food, or reach for something behind them, they might not notice debris in the road or stopped traffic ahead.
Truckers should understand the distance and time needed to bring their trucks to a complete stop. It’s critical to start applying the brakes well ahead of a turn or stoplight. Slamming on the brakes can lead to a rollover or jackknife accident.
Exceeding the posted speed limit, running a red light, and ignoring other signs and signals increases the risk of an accident. Truck drivers must obey all federal and state traffic laws to keep others safe and avoid causing a crash.
If any of these scenarios were a factor in the accident you were involved in, reach out to The Townsley Law Firm to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable truck accident lawyer in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
The compensation you’re entitled to will depend on multiple factors, such as the serious nature of your injury and the total expenses you incurred because of the crash. The Townsley Law Firm knows that every case is unique and will review all contributing factors to determine the amount of money you’re owed for your injuries.
Federal law requires all motor carriers to purchase liability coverage for their drivers. If a trucker caused an accident, the injured victim could file a claim with the motor carrier’s liability insurance company.
The compensation you receive in the claim could compensate you for the losses you suffered in the collision, such as:
You could also pursue compensation for your losses by filing a lawsuit against the negligent truck driver or trucking company. However, to do so you must observe a strict timeframe called a statute of limitations.
Louisiana enforces a one-year statute of limitations for truck accident cases. That means you only have one year from the date of the crash to initiate your lawsuit. If the statute expires and you file a lawsuit anyway, the court will likely dismiss your case. That means you’ll lose the opportunity to pursue compensation through the court system.
The steps you take after an accident involving a commercial truck could determine the outcome of your case. If you make the wrong decisions, you could end up with much less compensation than you deserve or a denied insurance claim.
After leaving the accident scene, the first thing you should do is seek medical treatment. Whether you go to your doctor or the hospital doesn’t matter. It’s critical for a physician to evaluate your condition and diagnose your injury. Follow up with all recommended healthcare professionals. You should attend your appointments regularly until you heal.
Maintain any records you receive while treating your injuries. If your physical therapist writes notes regarding your recovery progress or your doctor prescribes medication for you to take, keep copies of those documents. Evidence is necessary in a truck accident case to prove you suffered injuries requiring medical treatment.
You should hire a truck accident lawyer in Lake Charles, LA, from The Townsley Law Firm as well. Your only job should be to focus on getting better, so you can move forward with your life. We will handle each step of your case on your behalf, so you don’t face the overwhelming responsibility of negotiating a settlement or communicating with the insurance company.
Since 1995, the Lake Charles truck accident lawyers of The Townsley Law Firm have fought on behalf of accident victims who need legal representation and support. We believe in holding people and companies liable for the harm they cause. When you hire us, we will be the advocate you need to fight the truck driver or trucking company and secure the money you’re owed.
We won’t waste any time before beginning an investigation into the crash. We have the resources to obtain all available evidence to prove that someone else’s actions caused the accident and your injuries. We will create the appropriate legal strategy to meet your needs and try to reach a favorable outcome in your case.
We have over 25 years of experience representing clients in Lake Charles. You can feel confident knowing you’re in excellent hands. We have a reputation in the community for the dependable services we provide and the results we have achieved for accident victims. You will receive the personalized attention and ongoing communication you deserve from start to finish of the process.
If a negligent truck driver or trucking company caused your injuries in an accident, do not hesitate to contact The Townsley Law Firm. One of our Lake Charles truck accident attorneys can discuss the circumstances of the crash with you during a free consultation and advise you about what we can do for you. Call us at (337) 377-0584 right now and let us help you get on the road to recovery.