Monroe Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck Accident Attorney in Monroe, LA

Being injured in a truck accident is a serious matter. These accidents tend to be more serious than normal car accidents and can result in large financial losses and physical injuries. Additionally, these accidents are typically more complex due to the potential liable parties involved. If you suffered losses during a truck accident, a Monroe truck accident lawyer at Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates can help you seek the compensation you deserve.

Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer

We build powerful case profiles for our clients using top technology and resources while providing tailored support throughout the process with compassion and attention. We have consistently won multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts, which show our capability to confront major defendants. For over 35 years, our team has put the needs of our clients first and built strategies that fit the unique circumstances of each case.

Our team is passionate about finding the justice our clients deserve. When we put our knowledge and experience to work for you, you can feel supported and confident during the legal challenges ahead.

The Uniqueness of Truck Accidents

In 2024, there were 4.091 large trucks and buses involved in accidents in Louisiana. Eighty-two crashes were fatal, and 4,009 were non-fatal. These crashes resulted in 2,165 injuries.

Truck accidents are different from ordinary car accidents. Loaded to their full capacity, commercial vehicles can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. When a collision occurs, the force is often catastrophic. Serious injuries can result in a person’s entire life, such as traumatic brain injuries, internal injuries, and broken bones, among others. Recovery can take years in some cases, while in others, full recovery may not be possible.

Truck accidents also cause significant financial and emotional hardships. Families struggle with lost income and medical debt while also having to face the trauma of a radically different future. Because of this, it is important to have a Monroe truck accident attorney to help you fight for the compensation you need to assist in your recovery.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Monroe, LA

Truck accidents can be caused by several reasons. Truck accidents can have causes that are not present in accidents between two cars. When you hire a truck accident lawyer, they can look at the facts to determine the cause and who is liable. Common causes of truck accidents include:

• Driver fatigue. Truck drivers often must travel long distances without breaks. While there are truck accident laws in place to protect drivers from experiencing extreme fatigue, sometimes these laws are ignored to meet tight deadlines.
• Driver distraction. Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of all road accidents. Driver distractions include any activity that takes the driver’s attention from the road, including texting, eating, and personal grooming.
• Improperly loaded cargo. Cargo should be loaded properly with correct weight distribution. When it is not, this increases the likelihood of a driver losing control of the truck and causing an accident.
• Maintenance issues. Maintenance issues can occur from either failure to perform regular maintenance, defective equipment, or poorly performed maintenance. Liability will depend on the nature of the issue.
• Reckless driving. If a driver is speeding or disobeying traffic laws, this increases the likelihood of an accident.
• Negligent hiring practices. Employers should conduct proper background checks and hire those who can fulfill their duties in a way that keeps themselves and others on the road safe. If it is revealed that an employer did not employ the proper protocols to ensure they hired safe drivers, they could be held liable for an accident.

In a truck accident claim, multiple parties may be named for liability, including the truck driver, the truck driver’s employer, cargo loaders, manufacturers, maintenance providers, and any other third party that contributed to the accident. An investigation into the accident can ensure that the driver and the company were following all safety regulations and protocols that are a part of the trucking industry.

A lawyer can help you identify the responsible parties so you can fight for the maximum compensation.

What To Do After a Truck Accident

The actions you take after a truck accident can have a significant impact on your ability to recover compensation for your damages. The most important thing to do is to call 911 and report the crash, then ask for medical assistance to be sent to the scene. You should also receive a medical evaluation as soon as possible, even if you feel that you do not have any serious injuries, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.

You should photograph the crash scene and all vehicles involved, and obtain details from the truck driver and witnesses if you have the capability. You should not speak with insurance adjusters before speaking with an attorney, as they may try to devalue your claim or shift blame onto you.

Contacting a Monroe truck accident lawyer immediately after an accident helps protect your rights and allows an advocate to start building your case.

Compensation for Truck Accidents

If you were in a truck accident, you may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages. Some of these include:

• Medical expenses. This includes surgeries, emergency room visits, hospital stays, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and prescriptions. This can also include any future medical care that is expected to be needed.
• Lost wages. If the accident caused you to miss work, you may be able to file a claim for lost wages. You may also be able to include future lost wages or loss of future earning potential if your injuries cause you to lose days of work, such as for surgery recovery, or if your injuries are severe enough that they prevent you from being able to work in the same capacity ever again.
• Pain and suffering. This refers to the physical pain and emotional suffering that you may experience as a result. The financial value of these is determined based on the severity of the accident and its impact on your life.
• Property damage. This can include money to replace or repair your vehicle if it was damaged or totaled in the wreck. This can also include any additional property that was damaged. An example of this would be if your cell phone was thrown out the window during the accident, you may be able to file a claim for its cost.
• Wrongful death. If your loved one passed away in the accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim.

Why Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accident cases are not your average car accident claims. There are federal rules and state trucking regulations to consider, as well as several insurance companies. Without an experienced truck accident lawyer, you could be easily confused and intimidated by the complex litigation and coerced into an unfair settlement.

When you hire a truck accident lawyer, they can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and fight for a fair settlement. They can also take on powerful trucking companies for you. Your legal team can handle your case so you can focus on getting better.

If litigation is necessary, your case would be heard at the Fourth Judicial District Court in Ouachita Parish in Monroe. Attorney Scott is very familiar with the courts in this area, providing clients with a distinct advantage.

FAQs

Q: What Damages Can I Recover After a Truck Accident?

A: In Louisiana, victims of truck accidents may be entitled to compensation for economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages include medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage, and rehabilitation costs. Recovery of compensation for pain and suffering, along with emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life, is available to victims. In wrongful death cases, surviving family members may be able to recover damages for funeral expenses and loss of financial support.

Q: Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident?

A: The driver is not always the only party liable in a truck accident. In some cases, the trucking company, the cargo loaders, the maintenance contractors, and even the vehicle manufacturer could all be held partially liable. Additional third parties may also be named. The responsible parties may have separate insurance policies, making these claims more complex.

Q: What Evidence Is Needed in a Truck Accident Case?

A: Evidence is what proves liability and damages. It can include the police report, pictures of the accident scene, witness statements, and medical records. In a truck case, additional evidence can include drivers’ logs, black box data, maintenance records, and cargo loading records. An attorney can make sure this evidence is preserved and used to build your claim.

Q: What Makes Truck Accident Cases Different From Car Accident Cases?

A: Truck accidents are different from most car accidents for many reasons. They involve the size and weight of commercial vehicles, greater injury severity, and several potentially liable parties. The trucking company, driver, manufacturer, or the loader of cargo could be to blame. Federal trucking regulations may also have been violated.

Monroe Truck Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in a truck accident, a lawyer at Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates can help you hold the responsible parties accountable. Contact us today in Monroe, LA to begin fighting for your rights and future.

Monroe, LA Truck Accident Resources