Truck Accident Lawyer Baton Rouge, LA
Maximizing Your Recovery After an Accident
Truck accidents can be some of the most devastating and dangerous accidents on the road, and our Baton Rouge truck accident lawyer is here to help you if you have been the victim of an accident. With their massive size and weight, big trucks and 18 Wheelers can cause serious injuries or even fatalities in the event of an accident. At Cashio Injury Attorneys, we understand the challenges of truck accident cases and have the experience and resources necessary to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Table Of Contents
- Maximizing Your Recovery After an Accident
- Louisiana Truck Accident Laws
- Common Causes of Baton Rouge Truck Accidents
- Baton Rouge Truck Accident Infographic
- Baton Rouge Truck Accident Statistics
- Baton Rouge Truck Accident FAQs
- Cashio Injury Attorneys, LLC, Baton Rouge Truck Accident Lawyer
- Contact Our Baton Rouge Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you have been injured in a truck accident in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, our truck accident lawyers are here to help. We have seen the devastating impact that these accidents can have on victims and their families, and we are dedicated to fighting for their legal rights. Our lawyers have a deep understanding of trucking industry regulations and can help you manage the complicated legal system to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Truck accidents can have a wide range of causes, from driver fatigue to improper maintenance. Our personal injury lawyers have seen it all and are prepared to help you investigate the circumstances surrounding your crash to determine who may be liable for your injuries and damages. We are committed to helping our clients recover the compensation they deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you protect your legal rights.
Understanding the Aftermath of a Truck Accident
One of the primary reasons why it is so important to connect with our experienced Baton Rogue, LA truck accident lawyer as soon as you can after an injurious crash is that the legal and financial aftermath of collisions involving large commercial trucks tends to be very complicated. This is not a situation where you’ll want to save a few pennies by embracing a “DIY” approach. Failing to seek legal guidance immediately can cost you a great deal of time, money, and energy down the road due simply to how complicated your case is likely to be.
Truck Machinery is Complicated
As our Baton Rogue truck accident legal team can attest, a thorough investigation of truck collisions involves not only dissecting the circumstances of the crash but the machinery involved as well. If defects in that machinery played a role in your crash, we’ll need to know. And that understanding can only be gained from thoroughly investigating the actual truck involved.
The Involvement of Multiple Parties
You likely won’t just be trying to hold the driver that hit you accountable. You’ll also likely need to seek compensation from the trucking company that employed them and potentially a host of other parties as well, from freight loaders to parts manufacturers.
Road Conditions
Truck operators are not able to respond to road hazards as quickly as passenger drivers, simply because their vehicles are so large. If ill-maintained roads contributed to the cause(s) of your crash, you may need to sue the government agency responsible for maintenance of the road in question.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Big truck accidents can be devastating and often result in serious injuries or even fatalities. Here are some of the common causes of big truck accidents:
- Driver fatigue: Truck drivers are often required to work long hours and may be fatigued or drowsy while driving. This can impair their ability to react to hazards on the road and increase the risk of an accident.
- Distracted driving: Truck drivers may be distracted by cell phones, GPS devices, or other electronic devices while driving. This can take their attention away from the road and increase the risk of an accident.
- Improper maintenance: Big trucks require regular maintenance to verify that they are in safe operating condition. If a trucking company fails to properly maintain their vehicles, this can increase the risk of mechanical failures and accidents.
- Overloaded or improperly loaded trucks: If a big truck is overloaded or improperly loaded, this can affect the truck’s handling and increase the risk of a crash. Most semi-trucks weigh around 20,000 when not loaded, and upwards of 80,000 pounds when fully stocked. By comparison, consider the average passenger vehicle and how it weighs only 4,000 pounds. This vast difference in weight and size causes more impact with more force behind it than most other vehicles. The trucking company may be responsible for a crash if they breached the weight, height, and length requirements as described within federal trucking regulations. A truck that has exceeded its maximum capacity is more likely to cause an accident, and more likely to inflict severe damage.
- Driving under the influence: If a truck driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol while driving, this can impair their ability to react to hazards on the road and increase the risk of an accident.
Layered Insurance Situations and Aggressive Legal Teams
Several insurance providers may be implicated in your personal injury case, including your insurance company, the trucker’s personal insurance company, and the insurance provider for the trucking company that employs the trucker. When you’re dealing with the aftermath of a crash, you need truly experienced and capable representation. The Baton Rogue truck accident lawyer team at Cashio Injury Attorneys, LLC understands how trucking companies will go to great lengths to limit their liability in a crash scenario. When their legal teams think that they can get away with tying up litigation and making it unnecessarily complicated to dissuade victims from seeking rightful compensation, we know how to respond to such tactics.
Louisiana Truck Accident Laws
We know that the complicated network of highways in Louisiana makes it a primary hub for trucking. However, this high volume of truck traffic also increases the likelihood of accidents on our roads. In such unfortunate situations, it’s essential to be well-versed in the specific laws governing truck accidents in the state of Louisiana. We are here to provide valuable insights into these laws and make sure that you have the support you need when dealing with truck accidents.
Fault-Based System
Louisiana operates under a fault-based system, which means that the party responsible for causing the accident is financially responsible for the resulting damages. When involved in a truck accident, determining fault becomes crucial in pursuing compensation for injuries and property damage. Consulting our skilled lawyer can help you understand the process and adequately protect your rights.
Commercial Vehicle Regulations
Truck accidents typically concern large commercial vehicles, which are regulated by standards and laws set by state and federal government entities. Louisiana law mandates that commercial trucks must adhere to strict safety regulations, including vehicle maintenance, driver qualifications, and hours of service. If a trucking company or driver violates these regulations and it leads to an accident, they may be held liable for damages.
Comparative Fault
Lawyers review the principle of comparative fault when examining truck accident cases. This means that if you are partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced accordingly. It’s essential to have our skilled personal injury attorney by your side to build a strong case that minimizes your liability and maximizes your potential recovery.
Statute Of Limitations
Truck accidents are subject to strict statute of limitations, so accident victims must file a claim as soon as possible. You generally have one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Failing to meet this deadline can result in the loss of your right to seek compensation.
Common Causes Of Baton Rouge Truck Accidents
Collisions can cause a wide range of truck accident injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to life-threatening injuries or even fatalities. Our experienced personal injury lawyers have seen the devastating impact that these accidents can have on victims and their families. Here are some of the most common types of injuries that can result from a truck accident:
- Traumatic brain injuries
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when the head is struck or penetrated by an object. TBIs can cause a range of symptoms, from mild concussions to permanent brain damage. TBIs can be particularly dangerous in truck accidents, as the force of impact can be significant.
- Spinal cord injuries
A spinal cord injury (SCI) can result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the severity of the injury. SCIs can occur when the spinal cord is damaged by a blow to the back or neck.
- Broken bones
Truck accidents can cause a variety of broken bones, including fractures to the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. These injuries can be painful and may require surgery to heal.
- Soft tissue injuries
Soft tissue injuries can include bruises, sprains, strains, and other types of damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These injuries can be painful and may require physical therapy to heal.
- Internal injuries
Truck accidents can cause internal injuries, such as damage to organs, internal bleeding, and other types of trauma. These injuries can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Baton Rouge Truck Accident Infographic
Baton Rouge Truck Accident Statistics
There are thousands of truck accidents that occur nationwide, and a percentage of those likely involved a drowsy truck driver. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that not only does lacking sleep behind the wheel raise the chances of falling asleep, but it can also slow reaction times, cause tunnel vision, lead to poor driving choices, cause drifting into another lane, and intensify forgetfulness. A truck driver that chooses to drive despite being fatigued may find themselves liable for a devastating accident where people are seriously injured or lose their lives.
Statistically, truck drivers on average are getting less than 5 hours of sleep each night, when the CDC recommends 7-9 hours for adults. Around 2 out of every 3 truck drivers experience fatigue regularly while driving. Insomnia has been found in almost 1 out of every 3 truck drivers. About 18% of truckers have admitted to falling asleep while operating a commercial truck, with half of these accidents involving fatigue occurring between the hours of 12:00 am and 8:00 am. In addition to these numbers, consider the fact that driving while fatigued has the same effects as a person with a BAC level of 0.08%.
Drivers must only drive a truck when they are rested and of sound body and mind. Operating such a large vehicle without sufficient sleep should be avoided at all costs. As our Baton Rouge truck accident lawyer can review with clients, there are regulations in place that reduce the occurrence of truckers driving fatigued and there are serious penalties for causing an accident while tired. Truckers are strongly advised to get the recommended number of hours of sleep before their shift, to take long breaks when needed as signs of tiredness are felt, keep their body fueled with enough water and food, avoid having alcohol as it can increase fatigue, and drive at times when the body is normally alert.
Over the past decade, there have been several updates to the regulations that truck drivers must follow, including hours of service aimed at decreasing the incident rate of trucker fatigue. These revisions entail requiring a 30-minute rest period during the first 8 hours of driving, reducing the workweek maximum from 82 hours to 70, and allowing truckers to work more than 70 hours if they take 34 hours to rest beforehand, including two nights. But as our personal injury attorney knows, drivers may falsify log books and violate many regulations that they are supposed to strictly abide by. The truckers are often motivated by the pressures of the job and may drive more hours than they should without rest as a way to get to their destination faster. Our lawyer can investigate the accident more in-depth and examine the trucker’s logbooks to see if falsification was a factor.
Our personal injury team can imagine the anguish that victims and their families experience after a truck accident, so if this is what you are going through, we urge you to contact us now.
Baton Rouge Truck Accident FAQs
Our truck accident attorney can help you investigate the accident, determine who may be liable, and pursue the compensation you deserve. We can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, gather evidence, and build a strong legal case to help you recover damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
You may be entitled to recover damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Our truck accident lawyers can help you understand the types of damages that may be available in your case.
If you are injured in a truck accident, seek medical attention immediately, document the scene if possible, report the accident to the police and your insurance company, and contact our experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible.
In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits, including truck accidents, is one year from the date of the injury. It’s important to contact our experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure that your legal rights are protected.
At Cashio Injury Attorneys, LLC, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means that we don’t get paid unless we recover compensation for you. This allows us to provide high-quality legal representation to our clients without upfront costs or fees. If we are able to settle out of court, our law firm only retains 25% of your total award, which is much lower than most legal feels.
While truck accidents can range from mild to severe, in many cases, they can seriously damage those involved. Large trucks are significantly larger than the average motor vehicle on the road today. Because of this, they can lack stability if improperly or are not operated with the utmost care. As our Baton Rouge, truck accident lawyer shares, the sheer size and force of these vehicles when faced with potential road hazards or when a mistake is made can cause devastating results when a truck collides with another vehicle.
Truck accidents can cause significant losses for the victim. Damages are the legal remedy to compensate victims for all they have lost. While nothing can change the events that transpired, damages are in place to help make a victim “whole” after an accident in which a truck driver or company was liable. Common types of damages victims may request from the insurance company include:
- Medical Expenses
- Future Medical Care
- Property Damage
- Lost Wages (Past, Present, & Future)
- Legal Costs
- Pain and Suffering
- Emotional Distress
- Loss of Consortium
- Permanent Disfigurement
- Burial Expenses
- +More
Victims should take several steps following an accident; while some may occur when the accident occurs, others are taken later on, especially when taking legal action. The following steps are imperative to get the best possible recovery and case outcome:
- Contact Law Enforcement at the Scene
- Gather Driver Information
- Immediately Seek Medical Treatment
- Follow Through with All Treatment Recommendations
- Gather Evidence and Develop a Personal Account of the Accident
- Contact Our Lawyer
While insurance claims and lawsuits are often used interchangeably, it’s essential to be aware that they are two different legal processes. Typically our lawyer will recommend first seeking compensation through the claims process, which involves submitting a demand letter to the insurance company. Our lawyer will work with the other party to negotiate a fair and favorable settlement. This process can be advantageous because victims can recover damages faster, legal costs remain lower, and victims have a higher chance of walking away with compensation. However, when parties cannot reach agreements, our lawyer may suggest pursuing a lawsuit which is the process where the court oversees the case, and a judge and/or jury will make decisions over the outcome. While lawsuits can result in higher compensation levels, the process can be costlier and take longer to resolve. It’s important to note that pursuing a lawsuit can be riskier because if the court does not rule in favor of the plaintiff, you will walk away empty-handed.
While the trucking industry is highly regulated, it’s also highly competitive, and because of this, truck drivers and trucking companies may cut corners to deliver their loads on time. However, operating in this manner can come at a cost because it puts other drivers on the road at significant risk. Should an accident occur, several parties may be held liable: the truck driver, truck manufacturers, truck companies, and truck loading companies. It can be overwhelming to face several liable parties, and how the insurance company evaluates your claim can be confusion. So it’s essential to schedule a consultation with our Baton Rouge truck accident lawyer from Cashio Injury Attorneys as soon as possible.
Steps To Take After A Truck Accident
A truck accident can be overwhelming, leaving you shaken and unsure of what to do next. These accidents often result in severe damage and injuries, making it important to act promptly and carefully. Knowing the right steps to take can protect your health, rights, and ability to recover compensation. At Cashio Injury Attorneys, LLC, a Baton Rouge law firm, we’ve helped countless truck accident victims get the justice they deserve.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your health should be your top priority. Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, adrenaline can mask symptoms of internal injuries or whiplash. Seeking medical attention verifies that your injuries are properly diagnosed and documented, which is critical for your claim. Baton Rouge has several hospitals and urgent care facilities ready to assist after an accident.
Report The Accident
Call the police to report the accident. A police report provides an official record, including details of the crash and statements from those involved. Officers will document factors like weather, road conditions, and potential traffic violations. This information can be instrumental in proving fault in a truck accident case.
Collect Evidence At The Scene
If you’re able, gather as much evidence as possible. Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, and any damage to the surrounding area. Truck accidents often involve unique elements, such as extensive debris or jackknifed trailers, which can tell a story about what happened. Get contact information from witnesses and the truck driver, including their employer’s details and insurance information.
Contact Our Experienced Lawyer
Truck accident cases can be complicated, involving multiple parties and high stakes. Contact our Baton Rouge, LA truck accident lawyer to review your case and determine the best path forward. Attorney Jamie P. Cashio has over 20 years of experience helping victims in Louisiana, recovering millions of dollars for injured clients. Having our skilled attorneys on your side means your claim will be handled with the care it deserves.
How Louisiana Trucking Laws Affect Your Case
Truck accidents often involve more than just driver error. Federal and state trucking regulations are designed to promote safety and prevent collisions, but when these laws are violated, accidents can happen. These regulations can play a significant role in determining fault and securing compensation in your truck accident case. We have the experience to uncover violations and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Hours Of Service Regulations
Truck drivers are required to follow strict Hours of Service (HOS) rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations limit the number of hours a driver can be on the road without rest. For example, drivers are typically restricted to 11 hours of driving within a 14-hour workday, followed by at least 10 consecutive hours off duty.
Fatigued driving is a leading cause of truck accidents. If a driver exceeds these limits and causes a crash, it can establish negligence. Reviewing electronic logging devices (ELDs) and driver logs is crucial to proving an HOS violation.
Truck Maintenance And Inspection Requirements
Trucking companies must maintain their vehicles to meet federal safety standards. This includes regular inspections and timely repairs to ensure brakes, tires, and other critical systems are functioning properly. A failure to keep up with maintenance can lead to equipment failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, causing devastating accidents.
If a trucking company neglects these obligations, they can be held liable. For instance, a poorly maintained truck with faulty brakes that rear-ends another vehicle highlights how maintenance failures can lead directly to collisions.
Proving Negligence Through Violations
Violations of trucking laws can establish negligence, whether it’s a driver exceeding HOS limits, a trucking company cutting corners on maintenance, or improper loading of cargo. Investigating these factors requires gathering evidence like black box data, maintenance records, and company safety logs. This evidence helps build a strong case showing how the negligence of one or more parties contributed to the accident.
Let Us Help You Seek Justice
When you’ve been injured in a truck accident, understanding how violations of trucking laws impact your case is essential to seeking justice. As a Baton Rouge, LA personal accident lawyer, Jamie P. Cashio has spent over two decades fighting for victims and recovering millions in compensation. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, contact Cashio Injury Attorneys, LLC today for a free consultation. Let attorney Jamie Cashio and his team fight for the compensation you deserve.
Top Truck Accident Hotspots In Baton Rouge, LA
Baton Rouge is known for its bustling highways and intersections, making it a vital hub for commercial transportation. Unfortunately, this also makes it a hotspot for truck accidents. Certain roads and intersections see more crashes than others due to heavy traffic, poor infrastructure, or driver behavior. At Cashio Injury Attorneys, LLC, we’ve helped countless clients injured in accidents at these high-risk locations.
I-10 And I-12 Corridors
The I-10 and I-12 corridors are some of the busiest highways in Baton Rouge. These routes handle both local and cross-country truck traffic, leading to congestion and increased risks of accidents. The I-10 Mississippi River Bridge is particularly dangerous, with steep inclines and merging lanes creating a recipe for collisions. Heavy trucks often have difficulty maintaining safe speeds here, putting smaller vehicles at risk.
Further down I-12, the interchange near Airline Highway is another high-risk area. Frequent stop-and-go traffic, combined with merging vehicles, makes it a prime spot for rear-end collisions involving large trucks.
Perkins Road And Bluebonnet Boulevard
Perkins Road and Bluebonnet Boulevard are high-traffic areas filled with shopping centers, businesses, and residential neighborhoods. The combination of large trucks making deliveries and regular vehicular traffic often results in fender-benders and more serious accidents. Tight intersections and limited visibility increase the likelihood of collisions involving commercial vehicles.
Florida Boulevard
Florida Boulevard sees significant truck traffic due to its role as a main east-west thoroughfare. The road’s mix of local drivers, commercial trucks, and pedestrians creates a chaotic environment. Many accidents here are caused by trucks failing to yield or drivers misjudging the stopping distances of large vehicles.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in any of these Baton Rouge hotspots, you need legal support from someone who understands the challenges of truck accident cases. Jamie P. Cashio has over two decades of experience helping victims recover millions in compensation. Contact our Louisiana personal injury law firm today for a free consultation. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Baton Rouge Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Truck accidents can be some of the most devastating and life-changing events a person can experience. Our experienced truck accident lawyers understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that these accidents can take on victims and their families. That’s why we are committed to helping our clients deal with the complicated legal system and pursue the compensation they deserve.
If you have been injured in a truck accident in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, our team of dedicated lawyers is here to help. We have the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident, determine who may be liable, and build a strong legal case on your behalf. Contact Cashio Injury Attorneys, LLC today for a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you protect your legal rights and recover the compensation you deserve. Speak with our Baton Rouge today.
