Many people feel understandably anxious when they are near a large truck on the road, as these huge vehicles can cause a whole lot of damage with even the most minor collisions. Being involved in a truck accident can be traumatizing for all individuals involved. It can feel intimidating to take on a truck driver and the company they are employed by after a truck accident, but it can help you get the money you need to recover.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, get in touch with a Bossier City truck accident attorney, like Morris Bart, right away. They can help you build your case, hold the guilty party accountable, and get you the compensation you deserve.
Common Injuries after Truck Accidents
Because trucks are so much larger and heavier than other cars on the road, they can cause severe injuries even if they are not going very fast. Some of the most common truck accident injuries include:
- Lacerations
- Broken or crushed bones
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Paralysis
Many of these injuries can quickly become catastrophic injuries or those that permanently alter your quality of life.
For a free legal consultation with a Truck Accident lawyer serving Bossier City, call (800) 537-8185
How Long do You Have to File a Claim for a Bossier City Truck Accident?
The state of Louisiana has one of the shortest time limits for filing claims in the country, only allowing victims one year from the date of the accident to file a claim. A year may seem like a long time at first, but there are plenty of factors that can slow it down. Getting in touch with a qualified truck accident attorney right away can help ensure that your paperwork is filled out properly and on time.
What Types of Damages Can You Receive from a Truck Accident?
Each truck accident presents a unique set of circumstances, though there are a few types of compensation that are common across the board, such as:
Medical Bills
Chances are high that you or your loved one will accrue at least some medical bills after being involved in a truck accident. Medical bill damages can reimburse you for the cost of the treatment you need related to your accident, whether that is hospital stays, surgery, X-rays, or anything else.
Lost Wages
If your injuries are severe enough that you have to take time away from work, you may be entitled to collect lost wage damages. The amount of lost wages compensation you can collect depends on your average hourly salary and the amount of hours you have missed from work.. If your injuries lead to permanent disabilities, and you are no longer able to work at all, you can collect disability compensation.
Wrongful Death
Unfortunately, deaths are common in truck accidents, whether upon impact or due to injuries after the accident. If your loved one passed away from a truck accident, you may be able to collect wrongful death compensation. This can help you cover funeral costs, unpaid medical bills accrued before death, and other living expenses.
No amount of money can make up for the loss of a family member, but receiving wrongful death compensation can at least allow you to worry less about your finances. However, before you can collect any damages you will need to prove that the truck driver was mostly at fault.
Click to contact our Bossier City Personal Injury Attorney today
Establishing Fault in a Truck Accident
Louisiana is considered a “comparative fault” state, meaning that all parties involved in an accident can be assigned a percentage of fault. If the driver that was hit by the truck was driving irresponsibly it may be more difficult to prove that the truck driver was mostly at fault.
If your lawyer presents your case, and it is ruled that you were 25% at fault for the accident, you will likely be compensated 25% less than you would have received if you were found to have no fault. Establishing fault is one reason why getting a lawyer on your case early on is so important. Your truck accident lawyer can help you gather evidence shortly after the accident occurs, which can help you prove the other party was mostly, or totally, at fault for the accident.
How Long does It Take to Receive Compensation After a Truck Accident?
It may take longer than you would think to receive compensation after an accident. This is especially true if your case goes all the way to court, though many cases can be settled out of court relatively quickly. Many families feel the financial burden weighing on them after an accident, and the opposing party may try to use this as leverage.
If the other party knows about financial hardships, they may try to draw the case out as long as possible in an attempt to convince the victim to accept a smaller settlement. When you have an experienced truck accident lawyer negotiating on your behalf, you will be supported every step of the way. Your lawyer can help you determine whether settlement offers are legitimate and fair, or if they are far too low to accept.
If You Were Injured in a Truck Accident, Get in Touch With Morris Bart Today!
The team at Morris Bart is ready to help you hold the negligent truck driver or trucking company accountable for the truck accident you were involved in. We will work hard to get you the most compensation possible. To receive a free consultation, please contact us today.
Questions?Call (800) 537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.