Lafayette Truck Accident Lawyer

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Truck accidents can have devastating consequences, but victims need legal help to avoid being victimized twice.

When you’re up against the trucking industry and insurers, our truck accident lawyers are there to help you win the settlement you deserve.

The personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy in Lafayette, LA, have won millions for injured clients.

You Can Afford a Top Lawyer

Don’t assume you can’t afford one of the top personal injury lawyers in Louisiana. The truck accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy in Lafayette work on a contingency basis, which means you won’t owe a dime unless our legal team wins compensation. Request a free, no-obligation consultation to understand your options after an accident with a commercial vehicle.

Louisiana’s Trusted Trial Lawyersfor the Seriously Injured

Common Types of Truck Accidents

In 2022, 70% of all US freight was transported by truck. That same year, there were over 76,000 trucking accident injuries; in 2021, 65% of all traffic fatalities were caused by overloaded trucks.

Truck accidents can take many forms, each with its own set of unique risks and consequences. Some of the common types of truck accidents we handle include:

  • 18-wheeler collisions
  • Jackknife accidents
  • Underride accidents
  • Overloaded or improperly loaded trucks

At the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy, we carefully investigate the specific type of accident to determine its cause so we can then identify all the liable parties. By thoroughly analyzing the circumstances of each crash, we can make sure our clients have the strongest possible case and the most favorable chance to recover full compensation for their injuries and losses.

Injuries Unique to Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can cause severe and life-altering injuries because of the size and weight of commercial vehicles. Some of the most serious injuries include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Amputations
  • Severe burns
  • Wrongful death

At the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy, we work to document the full extent of your case to make sure you leave nothing on the table.

Liability in Truck Accident Cases

Figuring out who’s responsible for a truck accident can be complicated, as many different parties could share in the liability. Identifying all responsible parties is essential for maximizing compensation in a truck accident claim. Common sources of liability include:

  • Truck drivers
  • Trucking companies
  • Independent contractors
  • Vehicle and equipment manufacturers

At the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy, we carefully investigate all potential sources of liability. By analyzing driver records, maintenance logs, and federal and Louisiana trucking regulations, we ensure every responsible party is included in your claim and work to secure the compensation you deserve.

Establishing the Facts in a Truck Accident

Time is of the essence in a truck accident. Our personal injury lawyers will go to work immediately to establish the facts and prove liability. We will:

  • Investigate the accident
  • Collect physical evidence
  • Identify all the parties involved
  • Interview witnesses
  • Deal with insurance companies
  • File legal documents
  • Prepare for trial

A semi-truck driver may be determined liable for the accident if they were speeding, distracted, or failed to adequately inspect the truck. The trucking company may be liable if it cut corners on safety or pushed the driver to meet unreasonable deadlines. A parts manufacturer may be liable for a failed or defective component. Local or state governments may be liable if road conditions, such as broken pavement, contributed to an accident. In any case, our truck accident attorneys will uncover the facts so the responsible parties can be held accountable.

How Louisiana Laws Can Impact Your Case

Statute Of Limitations

The statute of limitations, the period of time when you can file a lawsuit, is short in Louisiana. In most cases, you have just two years to file a personal injury case following an accident. Unfortunately, some victims run out of time when insurance companies drag out negotiations after a truck accident and then negotiations fall through. Out truck accident lawyers prepare from the start for trial, so no time is lost.

Comparative Fault Law

In many cases, both parties are partly to blame in an accident, a fact that Louisiana’s comparative fault law recognizes. Under this law, your compensation is reduced based on how much blame you are assigned. For example, if you are found 25% at fault in an accident, your settlement is reduced by 25%. In a $100,000 case, this means you receive $75,000 instead of $100,000.

Federal and Louisiana Trucking Laws

Truck accidents are governed by a combination of federal and state regulations designed to ensure the safety of everyone on the road. Understanding these laws is important when it comes to evaluating liability. They include:

  • FMCSA rules. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets nationwide safety standards for commercial drivers and trucking companies. Violations of these rules could establish negligence.
  • Hours-of-service regulations. Federal limits restrict the number of hours a truck driver can operate without rest.
  • Louisiana trucking laws. State-specific rules regulate vehicle weight, speed limits for commercial trucks, and licensing requirements.
  • Maintenance and inspection requirements. Both federal and state laws require regular inspections, safety checks, and proper documentation to prevent accidents caused by mechanical failures or unsafe equipment.

At the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy, we carefully review all relevant federal and Louisiana trucking regulations to determine if violations contributed to an accident.

Why You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer

You Can’t Trust Insurance Companies

Victims of truck accidents deserve compensation, but they will likely need legal help to get the other side to offer a fair settlement. The job of insurance companies is to pay out as little as possible in a truck crash. It’s not their problem that you are facing a mountain of medical bills, property damage, or lost wages. Trucking and insurance companies have years of experience dealing with accident victims and dodging big insurance payouts. You need a lawyer in your corner who knows their tactics and can win a fair settlement.

Truck Accidents Involve Multiple Parties

Accidents involving commercial vehicles are more complex than car accidents simply due to all the parties involved beyond the truck driver. Was a trucking company negligent in maintaining the vehicle? Did their driver lack safety training? Is a parts manufacturer liable for faulty equipment on a large truck? Perhaps a cargo company loaded the truck wrong, which allowed the cargo to shift or roll off the truck. Our attorneys will pursue every avenue to determine who can be held liable in a truck accident case.

We’re Prepared for a Trial

The Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy prepare each case as if we are going to trial. This signals to insurance companies that we will do whatever it takes to see that you get the compensation you deserve. Our clients often need payments for their current and also future losses. When insurers know we are prepared to force a trial, we are often able to settle out of court with compensation that is fair.

Damages Available in Truck Accident Claims

Victims of truck accidents could be entitled to a wide range of damages. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you could be entitled to:

  • Lost wages
  • Diminished future earning capacity
  • Medical expenses
  • Pain and suffering
  • Punitive damages

At the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy, we thoroughly evaluate each case to make sure all potential damages are accounted for. We fight to secure the full compensation you deserve while holding negligent parties accountable.

Discuss Your Situation With An Attorney.

Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer: Why Local Representation Matters

When you choose to work with the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy, you gain a team with extensive experience handling both state and federal truck accident cases. As local Lafayette truck accident attorneys, we have an in-depth familiarity with the 15th Judicial District Courthouse and the Broussard City Court.

We Fight to Win Fair Compensation

Legal deadlines, medical bills, lost wages, and the pain that lingers after an accident can build up and feel overwhelming. The Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy in Lafayette, Louisiana, offer the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have diligent, committed truck accident attorneys on your side.

Our injury lawyers, Richard R. Kennedy and Richard R. Kennedy III  are personally committed to success in every case they take. They have won millions on behalf of injured clients.

If you’re interested in learning more about how our noted truck accident attorneys can help you, contact our law firm either by leaving a message online or calling: (337) 232-1934

We Fight to Win Fair Compensation

Legal deadlines, medical bills, lost wages, and the pain that lingers after an accident can build up and feel overwhelming. The Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy in Lafayette, Louisiana, offer the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have diligent, committed truck accident attorneys on your side. Our injury lawyers, Richard R. Kennedy and Richard R. Kennedy III are personally committed to success in every case they take. They have won millions on behalf of injured clients, such as a 1.7 million jury verdict for a collision between two 18-wheelers.

If you’re interested in learning more about how our noted truck accident attorneys can help you, contact our law firm either by leaving a message online or by giving us a call at the number below.

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National Association of Distinguished Counsel

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Super Lawyers®
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Martindale-Hubbell® (AV Preeminent® Rating)

Martindale-Hubbell® (AV Preeminent® Rating)

The American College of Trial Lawyers

The American College of Trial Lawyers

Office Location

309 Polk St
Lafayette, LA 70501

Contact Us337-232-1934

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