Due to their massive size and weight, commercial trucks can cause catastrophic damage to people and property. Injuries resulting from truck accidents are often severe, leaving victims with lifelong disabilities, medical bills, and emotional trauma. This article explores why truck accidents are particularly injurious and deadly, discusses truck accident personal injury law in Louisiana, and provides guidance on selecting a good truck accident personal injury lawyer in Louisiana.

Why truck accidents are particularly deadly

The severity of injuries resulting from truck accidents is due to several factors. First, commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles. The average passenger vehicle weighs around 4,000 pounds, while a loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. The force of a collision involving a truck and a smaller vehicle can be catastrophic. The occupants of the smaller vehicle are much more likely to sustain severe injuries or be killed.

Second, trucks have longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles. A truck traveling at 60 miles per hour can take up to 525 feet to come to a complete stop, while a passenger vehicle traveling at the same speed can stop at about 300 feet. If a truck driver is not paying attention or is driving too fast for the conditions, they may not be able to stop in time to avoid a collision.

Third, trucks are more prone to rollover accidents. Due to their height and weight, trucks have a higher center of gravity than passenger vehicles. This makes them more susceptible to tipping over in a sharp turn or when driving at high speeds. Rollover accidents can result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities, particularly if the truck collides with other vehicles.

Finally, truck drivers often face intense pressure to meet delivery deadlines, leading to driver fatigue, distraction, and speeding. In some cases, trucking companies may also prioritize profits over safety, leading to inadequate training or maintenance. When truck drivers and companies prioritize profits over safety, they put everyone on the road at risk.

How truck accident law works in Louisiana

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Louisiana, you may be entitled to compensation. Louisiana is a fault-based state, meaning that the party at fault for the accident is responsible for paying damages to the injured party. These types of personal injury lawsuits can be highly complex, as they involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and the truck manufacturer.

Louisiana law allows for two types of damages in personal injury cases: economic and non-economic. Economic damages include quantifiable expenses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages include more subjective losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases where the truck driver's conduct was particularly egregious, punitive damages may also be awarded.

In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is one year from the date of the accident. This means that you must file your claim within one year of the accident, or you may lose your right to seek compensation.

How to select a good truck accident personal injury lawyer in Shreveport, Louisiana

Selecting the right lawyer is crucial to the success of your case. First, look for a lawyer with experience handling truck accident cases. Truck accident cases can be complex, and it is important to have a lawyer with the knowledge and experience necessary to navigate the legal system. You should look for reviews and testimonials from past clients who had similar lawsuits to get a sense of the lawyer's track record and level of client satisfaction.

Make sure your Louisiana truck accident lawyer is licensed to practice law in Louisiana and is in good standing with the state bar association. You can check a lawyer's credentials and disciplinary history on the Louisiana State Bar Association's website.

Schedule a consultation. Most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations. Take advantage of this opportunity to meet with the lawyer and discuss your case. Ask questions about the lawyer's experience, approach to handling cases, and fees. During this meeting, you should assess the lawyer’s communication skills, including if they are responsive to your questions and treat you with respect. 

Finally, understand how your lawyer will be paid and discuss this ahead of time. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means that they only get paid if you receive a settlement or judgment in your favor. Make sure you understand the lawyer's fee structure and what percentage of your settlement or judgment the lawyer will take as their fee.

Truck accidents can be incredibly deadly, and they could turn your whole world upside down; this is why you must have a great personal injury lawyer on your side as you seek to receive justice for your accident. By following these tips, you can find a lawyer who will fight for justice and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.