When an 18-wheeler hits an automobile, the car’s occupants are lucky if they survive the crash. Truck accident victims often face a long, hard road to recovery, and many will never return to work or be able to live independently. If this has happened to you, in Mandeville, you need someone to protect your interests.
A truck accident attorney at Bart Bernard Injury Lawyers will determine the parties responsible for the crash and will hold them accountable. While most cases are settled, we do not hesitate to litigate when that proves necessary.
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Truck accident liability
Each truck accident is unique. Defendants in a truck accident lawsuit often comprise several parties. Besides the truck driver, such entities may include the:
- Trucking company
- Repair or maintenance company
- Freight-loading company
- Manufacturer
Determining liability for the accident relies on a thorough investigation by legal experts. For example, defects in a truck’s design or parts become a matter of product liability.
Time is of the essence
Serious truck accident injuries take a long time to heal, and, understandably, you may want to focus on recovery rather than deal with legal issues. However, the statute of limitations in Louisiana for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a truck accident is just one year.
That is why time is of the essence when it comes to seeking professional advice. It is also critical when it comes to obtaining and preserving evidence. Since many truck accidents occur on major highways, the accident scene is cleared away quickly. Insurance companies immediately launch their investigations, and the accident victim will be at a disadvantage if they do not have their own investigator.
Truck accident damages
Louisiana recognizes two types of damages, economic and non-economic, in personal injury cases. Economic damages include:
- Medical expenses, present, and future
- Lost wages
- Property damage
Determining the amount of economic damages is relatively straightforward. Non-economic damages are less objective, and may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
Unfortunately, some truck accident victims succumb to their severe injuries. In these situations, a surviving spouse or children may file a wrongful death lawsuit within one year. If the deceased was not married or did not have children, surviving parents, siblings, and grandparents may file this type of lawsuit. Wrongful death compensation may include:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical expenses relating to the death
- Lost future earnings
Non-economic losses may include loss of companionship and emotional distress.
Contact Mandeville truck accident lawyers
A truck accident lawyer at Bart Bernard Injury Lawyers can help you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. There is never a fee unless we win.
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