DeRidder Truck Accident Lawyer

DeRidder Truck Accident Attorney

Louisiana features many highways and interstates, which results in a lot of business moving through the state. This means there are a lot of commercial trucks on the road. Although most truck drivers operate their vehicles safely, there are always exceptions. A DeRidder truck accident lawyer can represent you when an accident leads to serious consequences.

Experienced Truck Accident Lawyers in DeRidder

The Cox Law Firm has been serving Southwest Louisiana for over five decades. Our attorneys believe that anyone should have a shot at justice, regardless of how big the company they’re fighting is. Working with a lawyer can bolster your position against a company that doesn’t want to pay.

Why Do Truck Accidents Happen?

In some cases, truck accidents are pure flukes. Most of the time, however, someone is acting negligently. It’s easy to feel like you’re the only one on the road in such a large vehicle.

The weather in Louisiana can make the roads more dangerous, especially for large vehicles. They need more time to brake, especially if the roads are wet. Combine this with speeding, and you get a vehicle that’s at risk of hydroplaning.

If the driver is in a rush, they might drive more aggressively. A big truck cutting through three lanes of traffic is frustrating to drivers, but it’s also very dangerous. A truck’s blind spots are larger than those in a traditional car, so they have a bigger risk of running into an unseen vehicle.

Louisiana has strict DUI laws. However, that doesn’t mean commercial drivers aren’t caught drinking and driving.

This could be a problem with the trucking company itself if they did not do a thorough enough background check on their potential employees. Drunk driving causes many preventable injuries and fatalities each year.

What Makes a Truck Accident More Dangerous?

Some people don’t get why truck accidents are such a big deal. They are often different from your standard car accident in a few important ways:

• Injury severity. Commercial trucks are much bigger than other vehicles. An impact with a truck can cause more serious injuries. While a car accident can lead to bruises and broken bones, a truck accident can result in paralysis or even death.
• Liable parties. There are normally many more parties in a truck accident claim. This is because most of these vehicles are being driven by people who work for or with large organizations. Their employer can be vicariously liable if their driver was doing something wrong.
• Insurance policies. In a regular car accident, injured people usually seek claims against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Truck accidents involve commercial insurance policies. The coverage amounts are higher, but most companies don’t pay out unless they have to.
• Legal complexity. Generally, the more parties and money involved, the more complicated a case gets. It becomes harder for an injured person to benefit from complex cases.
• Jurisdiction. Many car accidents happen within state lines, so everything can be done in Louisiana. Trucks conducting interstate commerce might be subject to the laws of other states. Federal law also regulates working conditions for truck drivers.

These differences mean that hiring a lawyer for a truck accident claim is necessary for a lot of people.

Why Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?

In 2024, there were 15 commercial vehicle crashes in Beauregard Parish that led to injuries. Most of these injuries require medical attention. Injured parties often can’t work for long stretches of time. Some people might even have to find a new job because their injuries prevent them from working in their current role.

An experienced truck accident attorney recognizes all these hardships that can come after a truck accident. They can use the DeRidder truck accident laws to file a personal injury claim, which can validate this suffering in the form of compensation. This can enable you to manage the challenges of a significant injury.

Why Choose Us?

The Cox Law Firm regularly wins truck accident cases. One of our largest awards for our clients was a case regarding a commercial truck. That victim received $10.8 million due to the scope of their injuries. We know how much harm these accidents cause, so we take each client’s case seriously.

FAQs

Do I Have to Call the Police for a Truck Accident in DeRidder?

You have to call the DeRidder Police Department for a truck accident in DeRidder most of the time. Any damage over $500 needs to be reported. The same goes for any injuries or deaths. Most truck accidents result in significantly more damage than $500 worth, so they usually need to be reported. The police report can also be used as evidence in a personal injury claim.

What Is Comparative Negligence?

Comparative negligence is a term that helps people recover damages after truck accidents. It’s common for the victim to be somewhat responsible for the accident. It’s possible, even if they were the ones who were hurt the most. Comparative negligence can still entitle injured people to some damages, even if they were somewhat at fault.

What Is the Time Limit for Filing a Truck Accident Claim in DeRidder?

The time limit for filing a truck accident claim in DeRidder is usually two years from the date of the accident. The limit is called a statute of limitations. There are some exceptions, but these are uncommon and should not be relied on. If you miss this deadline, it might not be possible to file a claim.

Can I File a Claim Against the Trucking Company After a Truck Accident?

You could file a claim against the trucking company after a car accident. They might have committed negligence by not training their drivers enough. It’s also possible that they pressured the driver to work while fatigued, increasing their risk of causing an accident. There could also be other parties involved in the claim.

Helping Accident Victims in Your Community

In 2024, there were three fatal commercial vehicle crashes in Beauregard Parish. Most people don’t think it’ll happen to them until it does. If you have been a victim of a truck accident, you need legal representation. Schedule a consultation with the Cox Law Firm today.