How to React if You’ve Be Injured in a Collision with a Commercial Truck in Louisiana

truck accident

Photo Credit: Olivier Le Queinec / Shutterstock.com

When you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with a commercial truck, it is undoubtedly a stressful time. You should not, however, lose sight of the fact that you and your family may have certain rights and that you’ll may encounter a business entity on the other side seeking to get you to sign away those rights. Commercial trucking and insurance companies have skilled lawyers looking out for their interests. Make sure you have a knowledgeable New Orleans truck accident attorney on your side to help you protect your rights and get the compensation you and your family deserve.

Central Louisiana was the site of a recent crash that illustrated just how serious these collisions can be. KALB-TV reported that a large box truck driven by a 30-year-old man was headed westbound on Highway 28 when the driver crossed the center line. The box truck driver was attempting to pass another westbound vehicle on the two-lane road.

The box truck slammed head-on into an eastbound pickup truck. The damage was extensive. The pickup truck’s 86-year-old driver died at the scene. The crash also impacted two other cars, with one of those drivers suffering minor injuries, according to KALB.

Certainly, the driver of this pickup never had the chance to take legal action after the box truck crashed into him, although his family may be able to file a wrongful death claim. If you are involved in an accident with a commercial truck, whether it’s a box truck or an 18-wheeler, there are certain things you should do if you sustain an injury. Likewise, there are actions to avoid. You should make a point of getting a copy of the accident report. This can be important for many purposes, including filing insurance claims and potentially pursuing civil litigation.

You should refrain from making any statements at the scene. That includes speculating about the accident to a police officer or posting about the accident on social media. These statements can be taken out of context and used against you later. Be especially sure to avoid apologizing, whether you think you erred or you’re just sorry that the accident happened generally. “I’m sorry” can be contorted later into evidence that you were at fault and that you admitted as much at the scene.

Additionally, you should retain skilled counsel promptly. There may be various deadlines for taking certain actions. In order to protect your rights and your eligibility for compensation to the fullest extent of the law, give yourself and your attorney the most time possible by acting without delay.

In any personal injury case where you are the person pursuing compensation for injuries sustained, there are various tactics the opposing side may employ. They may try to turn the facts around and place the focus and the blame on you. For example, in the recent fatal crash, the 86-year-old driver who died at the scene was not wearing his seatbelt. It is important to know how to handle these scenarios. Your ability to recover an award of damages in an auto accident case is generally not affected because you neglected to buckle up. Skilled counsel can help keep the focus of your case where it should be: on the at-fault driver and on the harm you suffered.

For all of your legal needs regarding commercial truck or other vehicle accident issues, rely upon the Cardone Law Firm, where our experienced Louisiana injury lawyers have spent many years providing our clients with the dedicated representation their cases deserve.

For your confidential consultation contact us online or phone Cardone at 504-522-3333.

More Blog Posts:

Involved in a Car Crash Where You Weren’t Wearing a Seat Belt? You’re Going to Want to Read This, Louisiana Injury Lawyers Blog, April 27, 2018

Be Sure to Avoid Doing These Six Things After a Truck Accident, Louisiana Injury Lawyers Blog, April 9, 2018

How to Get Your Accident Report in Louisiana Following Your Truck Accident, Louisiana Injury Lawyers Blog, April 1, 2018

Contact Information