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Injured In A Truck Accident?

Getting help has never been easier! We'll fight to get you the money you deserve from the insurance company.

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18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Lafayette, LA

When you are injured in a traffic accident involving a large truck, it’s imperative to have your claim managed by experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyers. Claims related to accidents with commercial trucks, such as 18-wheelers, are much more complex compared to claims involving passenger vehicles only. In these cases, you don’t only deal with the truck driver, but you must also go up against the trucking company and its massive insurance provider.

When it comes to truck accidents, insurance companies for trucking businesses have huge teams of professionals who are dispatched as soon as a truck accident is reported. These teams have one purpose — to mitigate the damages to the company and protect the company’s best interest. Therefore, you are competing with adjusters, investigators, accident scene specialists, and insurance attorneys who are not interested in paying full compensation for your injury claim. That’s why consulting an experienced 18 wheeler accident lawyer becomes essential to level the playing field.

The 18-wheeler accident lawyers at The Law Offices of Blaine J. Barrilleaux represent all victims of tractor trailer accidents, including drivers, passengers, truckers, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. You can trust that your truck accident claim will be handled by a legal professional with 25 years of experience representing accident victims.

Contact our office for a free consultation to discuss how we can help you seek justice and fair compensation for your injuries and losses. We will not stop fighting for your rights until every avenue of potential compensation is thoroughly exhausted.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

Large truck accidents are very dangerous for the occupants of other vehicles, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists. However, the risk of severe injury is also higher for these individuals. The massive size and weight of a commercial truck provide the truck driver with protection that a passenger vehicle cannot provide when it is struck by a large truck. Therefore, common injuries sustained by accident victims in crashes involving semi-trucks include:

  • Severe head trauma, including traumatic brain injury (TBI) and other severe brain injuries
  • Amputations and severe burns
  • Multiple fractures and broken bones, including crushed bones
  • Internal bleeding and damage to internal organs
  • Paralysis and spinal cord injuries
  • Neck and back injuries
  • Disfigurement and scarring

In many cases, a truck accident victim sustains permanent disabilities and impairments. When a person requires extensive medical treatment and ongoing personal care, the medical expenses and lost income can be substantial. Working with experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyers in Lafayette is crucial, as they routinely handle complex, high-dollar accident claims with expertise.

For more information and a free case review, call 337-989-1212.

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If you’ve been injured after a collision with a big truck, we want you to know that at The Law Offices of Blaine Barrilleaux, you always have an 18-wheeler accident attorney to call when you require legal assistance to get back up on your feet. We say “In Pain? Call Blaine!” because our office is open 24/7 – including holidays – so that we are always accessible to you. It’s crucial for us Lafayette locals to support each other if we want this community to thrive. We focus on helping those who have been injured – because they need it the most, and that’s where we can create the biggest impact. So please don’t be shy in reaching out. That’s what we’re here for!

Truck Accident FAQs

If you or a loved one has been injured due to a truck accident, you will most likely have numerous questions. From the moment the accident occurred, it can be scary and overwhelming about what to do next. 

Our team understands the stress and worry that you’re going through after a sudden 18-wheeler accident. For this reason, we’ve provided a list of the most commonly asked questions after a truck accident, with answers provided below. If you’re in search of an “18-wheeler accident attorney near me,” we’re here to help.

No two 18-wheeler accident cases are the same, which is why we highly recommend that you contact an experienced 18-wheeler accident attorney after the accident. Furthermore, 18-wheeler truck accident cases are often complex and involve multiple parties such as the trucking company and the insurance company. This can make it difficult to determine who is legally responsible for damages.

After an accident, don’t wait to seek legal guidance as this could potentially impact your claim. In some cases, some injured victims wait to seek legal guidance and end up with little to no compensation.

Immediately following an 18-wheeler truck accident, safety should be your number one priority. This means you should contact emergency responders to receive medical attention, and report the accident.

If possible, while you’re waiting for emergency responders to arrive, make sure to collect evidence. Evidence is crucial and can help support your claim against the responsible party. This can include taking photos of both your injuries and the accident scene, creating a video that shows the accident scene, collecting witness statements, and exchanging contact information.

Lastly, consider finding an attorney who can promptly provide you with legal guidance. Filing a potential lawsuit without legal assistance can be a challenging endeavor.

According to the Federal Register, a commercial motor vehicle is considered, “as one having a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more; designed to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver; or transporting hazardous materials in quantities requiring the vehicle to be placarded.”

If you’re unsure as to whether or not the truck involved in the accident is a commercial vehicle, contact an 18-wheeler accident attorney. Your lawyer can investigate the vehicle and determine the type of truck, and assist you with your claim, if applicable.

Even if you don’t appear to be injured, it’s in your best interest to have an evaluation by a medical professional. In some cases, you may not feel pain from an injury until days or even weeks later.

Once you have been evaluated by a doctor, our 18 wheeler attorney can assess whether you qualify for compensation due to damages. Truck accident cases are complicated and often involve multiple parties, which can make it difficult to file a lawsuit for damages.

In the aftermath of an accident, such as an 18-wheeler collision, finding an 18-wheeler accident attorney near me is crucial. Injuries can lead to significant medical expenses and lost wages, especially if you’re unable to work due to your injury. Our goal is to help injured victims receive the compensation they deserve to pay for their medical bills, lost wages, and other costs associated with the accident so they can move on with their lives.

If you’ve heard of ’18-wheeler accident Louisiana,’ you probably know that the time you have to file a truck accident lawsuit depends on your state’s statute of limitations laws. These laws determine how long an injured victim has to file a lawsuit against the responsible party for damages.

In the Pelican State, an injured victim has one-year following the accident to file a lawsuit. Failing to file during the one-year time limit may result in little or no compensation. That’s why it’s in your best interest to file before the deadline.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “In 2017 there were 4,761 people killed in crashes involving large trucks.” Truck accidents happen more often than most people realize. 

Due to their massive size and weight, truck accidents can cause significant damage to those involved in the accident. This can lead to serious and/or life-altering injuries, property damage, and even emotional damage, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Since trucking accidents can lead to serious damages, higher financial compensation may be available.

Determining liability after a truck accident is not always simple. There are multiple potential parties that may be liable for this type of accident. Those who may be held responsible for a trucking accident, based on the advice of our 18 wheeler truck accident lawyer, include:

  • The truck driver – A truck driver may be held accountable for breaking laws such as distracted driving, running a red light, or failing to yield the right-of-way. 
  • The manufacturing company – The manufacturing company that built the truck could be liable if a defective part resulted in the collision. 
  • Cargo loaders – Occasionally cargo loaders fail to securely fasten the materials on the cargo bed; if the materials come loose, they can result in a serious accident.
  • The trucking company –  A trucking company may be held responsible if they fail to follow safety procedures or inspections.

It depends. After a truck accident, determining who is liable for the property damage and your injuries can be a challenge. In some cases, trucking companies hire contractors that are not direct employees of the company. In this case, you would be unable to file a lawsuit against the company and would have to file a lawsuit against the driver.

Filing a lawsuit is time-consuming and navigating the legal system without proper representation can make seeking compensation much more difficult.  For this reason, it would be in your best interest to hire 18-wheeler accident lawyers, who specialize in handling such cases.

Many times, people are uncertain about hiring legal guidance due to costs. The cost of hiring an attorney often depends on a variety of factors such as research, time, and court fees. But you don’t need to worry, because at The Law Offices of Blaine Barrilleaux, we work on a contingency-fee only basis.

This means you will not be required to pay any upfront costs, and your payment for our representation will depend on the overall success of your case. Keep in mind that every case is unique, and the result of your case will depend on a variety of factors.

If you want to learn more about your legal options and whether you’re entitled to compensation for damages related to cases like an 18-wheeler accident in Louisiana, please contact our dedicated team. We’re committed to assisting truck accident victims who have suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us, and let us review your case today.

Large Truck Accidents Are Dangerous for Others on the Road

Regardless of whether you refer to the vehicle as a large truck, commercial truck, semi-truck, 18-wheeler, big rig, or tractor-trailer, the fact remains the same for victims of truck accidents. Most victims of commercial truck accidents are individuals who were not in the commercial truck at the time of the crash.

The NHTSA released the 2016 data from large truck accidents in February 2018. Truck accident fatalities increased by a little over five percent from 2015 to 2016. During 2016, 4,317 people were killed in large truck accidents. Eighty-three percent (83%) of the people who died in truck crashes were occupants of other vehicles or non-occupants (i.e. bicyclists, pedestrians, etc.). Eighty-nine (89) people died in our state in tractor-trailer accidents in 2016. In addition, over a hundred thousand people each year are injured in crashes involving large trucks.

What Our Clients Are Saying

5 Star Testimonials

Wanda C.

The service I received from Blaine & associates exceeded my expectations. They have gained my trust and worked to finalize all in my favor. Their hard work and diligence is proven!

Chad J.

Helped me get the settlement I deserved from an insurance company that fought us every step of the way. Mr. Barrilleaux made it look easy and took care of everything.

Lafayette, Louisiana, USA

Nicole B.

Best services in the world. Could not ask for a better law firm.

Matthew C.

Blaine and his team were very helpful and I would recommend their services.

Lafayette, Louisiana, USA

Joseph H.

I’m from out of state and a professional truck driver. I had a multi car accident in Louisiana. I was not at fault but injured. Blaine and his staff helped deal with all the insurance companies and lawyers. He was with me for my deposition and met with me when I asked him to, if I was in the area. His staff are great and very patient with people that ask the same questions over and over. I can’t say enough good things about this man as a professional. I would use him again if I need to.

Lafayette, Louisiana, USA

Dawn W.

Blaine Barrilleaux was great. This was my first time ever filing a lawsuit and he and his office made it easy, painless, and informative. They always let me know what the next step in the case was as to not leave me lost and wondering what is going on. I would recommend him and his staff to anyone. Thanks for taking such great care of me.

Lafayette, Louisiana, USA

Charles S.

When I was in pain, I called Blaine and he got the action I wanted! I highly recommend him as a personal injury lawyer. He’s a no nonsense, straight to the point attorney and he doesn’t let the big insurance companies push him around. HE PUSHES BACK!!! THANKS BLAINE!!!

Lafayette, Louisiana, USA

Victor S.

Blaine and his staff are the greatest. They’ve taken very good care of my wife and I since our accident. I would definitely recommend the law office of Mr. Blaine Barrilleaux to anyone seeking a dedicated injury attorney.

Lafayette, Louisiana, USA

Joel P.

He made the other insurance company drive to my house to bring me my check from Texas. He was very understanding and listened to everything I said. He fought for me and got me the surgery I dearly needed. You won’t be able to find another lawyer who cares like him. He’s very patient with his clients.

Austin C.

Blaine is fair, smart and caring; his staff is great!

Lafayette, Louisiana, USA

Donna L.

Anytime I needed anything Blaine’s team was there to help me. They were friendly and on top of everything I asked for. I really appreciate how hard and quickly they worked to resolve my case. I would highly recommend Blaine Barrilleaux Law for anyone needing legal help.

Lafayette, Louisiana, USA

Dawn M.

Mr. Blaine Barrilleaux and his staff made this process as painless as possible. This was my first time going through a lawsuit and he and his staff made me very comfortable and went above and beyond to make sure I understood the process and what to expect. I would recommend this law firm to anyone seeking help.

Lafayette, Louisiana USA

Jeff and Michelle

Blaine Barrilleaux and his staff went beyond what was ever expected. Blaine was very easy to talk to and he listened to all my needs and concerns. They truly care. Thanks Blaine for all you did for us.

Lafayette, Louisiana, USA

Kimberly S.

Blaine and his staff treated my family with the most respect. Blaine cares for his clients and goes above and beyond for them. Thank you Blaine for all your hard work and time in my case.

Morgan City, LA, USA

What Should I Do After a Truck Accident?

In most cases, accident victims are transported directly to the emergency room with serious injuries. However, if you did not go directly to the emergency room, you need to see your physician as quickly as possible after the crash. The insurance company will attempt to use any delay in treatment or failure to follow your doctor’s treatment plan to deny or undervalue your claim.

Once your medical needs are met, contact The Law Offices of Blaine J. Barrilleaux to hire one of our 18-wheeler accident lawyers to handle your case. Our team of legal professionals will begin investigating the cause of the truck accident to identify liable parties and preserve key evidence that will be crucial to proving liability and recovering maximum compensation for damages.

Evidence in a truck accident case can be lost or destroyed, such as the evidence from the crash scene or the information on the truck’s black box. It is imperative that our lawyers take steps quickly to ensure this valuable evidence is not lost.

How Can an 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Attorney Help You?

When you hire our law firm, you receive the full benefit of our experience for the past two decades handling injury claims, including large truck accidents. Our attorneys have established a large network of industry experts, investigators, and accident reconstructionists we can utilize to build a persuasive case against the liable parties. We handle all aspects of your injury claim so that you do not have to deal with the stress of filing a claim and fighting for the compensation you deserve.

The Law Offices of Blaine Barrilleaux is a truck lawyer law firm in Lafayette, LA. Our law firm welcomes a wide range of personal injury cases including auto accidents, truck accidents, workers compensation and wrongful death. To schedule a consultation with one of our practicing attorneys, please give us a call at 337-989-1212 or complete our inquiry contact form.

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