Truck Accident Attorneys in Metairie, Louisiana

Commercial truck activities are quite common in Louisiana. With many large trucks on the road, the truck driver's negligence and other contributing factors can result in traffic accidents.

Traffic crashes involving large trucks, 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and average-sized vehicles can be absolutely devastating. Severe injuries, property damages, hospitalization, incapacity, or even death can be the result. 

If you or a loved one was recently hurt in an accident caused by a negligent truck driver, you may be eligible to seek compensation by filing a claim. At the Law Office of Bruce C. Betzer, we are dedicated to offering compassionate representation and highly personalized legal counsel to clients in their truck accident cases.

Our Louisiana personal injury attorneys can review all of the facts of your case, seek to establish liability, and help you pursue the financial justice you deserve.  

The Law Office of Bruce C. Betzer proudly serves clients across Metairie, Louisiana, and the surrounding areas of Chalmette, New Orleans, St. Tammany Parish, and Jefferson Parish. Set up a consultation today. 

Louisiana Laws Affecting Truck Accidents

According to Louisiana law, a truck driver involved in an accident must file a report with the local police department if the crash results in an injury, death, or property damage in excess of $500. In addition, the driver should stop to render reasonable assistance to injured persons. The driver can inform emergency responders and assist with transporting victims to the hospital. 

Louisiana Trucking Rules and Regulations

Here are some further laws, rules, and regulations concerning trucking and truck drivers in Louisiana: 

• Truck drivers must obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) and meet certain requirements for employment. 

• The trucking company must ensure that the driver has the right qualifications, skills, and ability to handle the driving job. 

• Truck drivers must keep an accurate log of their status for every 24-hour period. 

• Truck drivers may only drive for up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off-duty. Also, the truck driver must take a 30-minute break after driving for 8 hours. 

• Truck drivers must visually inspect the vehicle before any trip to spot any sign of wear which could make the truck unsafe to drive. 

• Truck drivers are required to follow certain length, weight, and height restrictions. These include a maximum length of 65 feet, a maximum weight of 80,000 pounds, and a maximum height of 13 feet 6 inches. 

• The trucking company must conduct a thorough inspection, maintenance, and repairs of trucks before they're allowed to operate on the road. 

Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Louisiana, including truck accidents, is one year since the date of the accident or injury. This means that you must file your injury claim or lawsuit to pursue compensation within one year from the date the injury or accident occurred. It’s vital to reach out to a personal injury attorney to help you with this process.  

Assessing Liability in a Truck Accident

Different parties or entities may be held liable for a truck accident, depending on the circumstances and events leading to the incident. These might include: 

• The truck driver 

• Equipment and parts manufacturers 

• The trucking company 

• The truck manufacturers 

• Maintenance personnel or company 

• The cargo loaders – the persons responsible for loading or shipping the cargo 

• The loading company – the company that makes sure that containers and equipment are properly secured and balanced 

• Government agencies that failed to maintain or repair the damaged roadways 

An experienced Louisiana truck accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your unique situation, seek to identify the liable party or parties, and help file your personal injury claim. 

Filing a Personal Injury Claim

Louisiana is an "at-fault" auto insurance state. This means that the truck driver who caused the accident (the at-fault party) will be held liable for medical costs, property damages, and other accident-related expenses incurred by the injured persons. 

If You're the Victim 

If you're seeking damages as the victim of a negligent truck accident, you can: 

• File an injury claim with your own insurance carrier 

• File a third-party claim with the at-fault party's insurance provider 

• Filing a personal injury lawsuit in civil court against the at-fault driver 

If You're Representing an Incapacitated Loved One 

If you're representing a loved one who was incapacitated in a truck accident in Louisiana, you must first establish curatorship or conservatorship. Once the court appoints you as a curator or conservator of the incapacitated person (adult), you may file a personal injury claim on the victim's behalf to seek damages for their injuries. 

If You're Representing a Deceased Loved One 

If the victim died in a truck accident or due to the resulting injuries, their surviving loved ones may be entitled to seek wrongful death benefits. In Louisiana, the following parties may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim: 

• The decedent's surviving spouse and child or children 

• The decedent's surviving mother and father 

• The decedent's surviving brother and sisters 

• The decedent's surviving grandparents 

Generally, you must commence the wrongful death action within one year from the date of the victim's death. 

Work With a Highly-Skilled Personal Injury Attorney

Truck accidents are often devastating, leading to significant injuries, inability to work, mental or physical incapacitation, and sometimes the death of a loved one. Thankfully, Louisiana laws allow victims to pursue compensation for injuries and losses suffered from the truck accident. A personal injury attorney can advocate for your best interests and help you seek your rightful compensation. 

Here at the Law Office of Bruce C. Betzer, our attorneys have the diligence to support and represent clients in their truck accident claims. As your legal counsel, we can evaluate and investigate every detail of your case and explore your options to recover damages. In addition, we will fight compassionately to protect your legal rights, hold the negligent party liable, and help you seek fair financial compensation so you can move forward with your life.