Understanding Truck Accidents
Truck accidents bring unique risks that differ from typical car crashes. These wrecks often involve large commercial rigs with special rules and hazards. Knowing what makes a truck accident distinct helps you see why you may need legal help.
What Qualifies as an Accident With a Truck
An accident with a truck or what is sometimes called a “big truck accident” is any wreck that involves large commercial vehicles on public roads, highways and interstate systems. This includes semi-truck accidents and collisions with delivery trucks. The impact when being hit by a truck differs from a typical car crash in scale and severity.
Semi-trucks weigh far more than regular cars. Their blind spots and long stopping distances make accidents more likely and more dangerous.
Why Semi-Truck Accidents Are More Severe
Semi-truck accidents often leave victims badly hurt or even killed. The weight and size of a big rig can crush a smaller vehicle in seconds. People injured in a truck accident can potentially face longer hospital stays and more therapy. Even a low-speed collision with a semi-truck can cause life-changing harm to truck accident victims.
Common Injuries After Being Hit by a Truck
Truck impacts can cause a wide range of injuries. Some wounds heal in weeks, while others last a lifetime. Understanding the possible harm helps you and your attorney plan for medical care and compensation.
Catastrophic Injuries From a Semi-Truck Accident
When a semi-truck strikes a person or car, injuries can be catastrophic. Victims may suffer head trauma, spinal cord damage, or severe fractures. In crush zones, objects can trap or amputate limbs. These injuries often mean surgery, rehab, and lifelong care.
Minor vs. Major Injuries When Injured in a Truck Accident
Not everyone injured in a truck accident case suffers catastrophic harm. Some people walk away with soft-tissue injuries like whiplash or bruising. Others break bones or sustain internal bleeding. Even “minor” injuries can cause pain, job loss, and extensive medical bills. That’s why seeking compensation and the compensation you deserve is important.
Key Steps to Take If You Were Hit by a Truck
Taking quick, smart steps after a hit by a truck can protect your health and legal rights. Simple actions at the scene build the proof you need for a claim. Follow these guidelines to preserve your case. If you or a loved one are injured in an accident with a big truck, act fast. Call 911 and get medical help on the scene. Don’t refuse an ambulance. Even if you feel okay, hidden injuries can be serious.
Preserving Evidence for Your Case
Gather proof right away. Take photos of the accident with the truck and other vehicles in the scene, vehicle damage, and road marks. Get witness names and contact details. Ask the police for a copy of their report. Keep all medical records of your injuries in a truck accident.
Can I Sue for Being Hit by a Semi-Truck?
You can sue when negligence causes your injuries. Trucking companies face strict rules, and breaking them can give you a strong claim. Learning your rights under Louisiana law helps you act in time. When a truck crash happens, contact an experienced truck accident attorney immediately.
Legal Grounds for a Semi-Truck Accident Claim
Yes, you can sue for being hit by a semi truck if someone else’s carelessness caused your injury.
Common grounds include:
- Negligence by the truck driver, such as speeding or driving while tired
- Faulty vehicle maintenance, like bad brakes or worn tires
- Overloaded or skewed cargo that makes the truck unsafe
The Role of an Injury Attorney
An injury attorney handles all the legal work so you can focus on recovery. They know how to build a strong claim, deal with insurers, and use experts to prove fault and damages.
What a Truck Accident Attorney Does
A truck accident attorney handles every legal step in your case. They investigate the accident and gather all the details. They also work with experts to reconstruct semi truck accidents and car crashes. They collect police reports, driver logs, medical records and more. Then they negotiate with insurers on your behalf.
Benefits of Hiring a Specialized Truck Accident Attorney
Working with an experienced attorney brings key advantages:
- Experience handling semi-truck accident claims and complex liability rules
- Access to accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals
- Stronger negotiating power with big insurance companies
How a Truck Accident Attorney Maximizes Your Compensation
A skilled lawyer calculates both your out-of-pocket costs and your pain and suffering. They tally medical bills, lost wages, therapy costs, and future care needs. They also add non-economic damages, like emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life. When a trucking company has acted recklessly, your attorney may be able to seek punitive damages, too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are quick answers to the top questions people ask after a crash with a truck. If you don’t see your question here, reach out for a free case review.
What Should I Do Immediately After an Accident With a Truck?
Get medical help, document the scene, and collect witness information. Then call a truck accident attorney before talking to any insurer. It is best to consult with a legal team and follow the proper legal process to ensure the right steps are being taken after an accident occurred.
How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Semi-Truck Accident Case?
Each case is resolved on its own timeline based on the strength of the evidence and the diligence of the legal team.
Can I Sue for Being Hit by a Semi-Truck If I’m Partially at Fault?
Yes. Louisiana follows a “pure comparative fault” rule. You can recover even if you share some blame. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Contact Our Louisiana Truck Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you were hit by a truck, an attorney can protect your rights. A truck accident attorney helps you build a strong case, gather evidence, and fight for full compensation. Don’t let insurance companies push you around. Contact our Louisiana team today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you recover.