Do I Need a Lawyer if I Was Hit by an 18-Wheeler, Commercial Truck, or Rideshare Driver?

A collision involving a large commercial truck or a rideshare vehicle is nothing like a typical car crash. The massive size of an 18-wheeler means injuries are often severe, and the involvement of large corporations adds legal headaches you shouldn’t have to face alone. If you have been injured, you are likely facing physical pain, emotional distress, and growing financial pressures. The attorneys at Domengeaux Wright Roy & Edwards have a long history of representing people injured in these devastating collisions. When you are forced to go up against powerful corporate legal teams, having a dedicated Lafayette 18-wheeler crash attorney on your side is in your best interest. This article will explain why legal representation is so important and how we can help you navigate the difficult road ahead.

Why a Lafayette 18-Wheeler Crash Attorney Is Essential

Collisions involving commercial vehicles, from big rigs to delivery vans and rideshare cars, are legally complicated. Unlike a crash between two private drivers, these incidents often involve multiple potentially liable parties. The trucking or rideshare company, its insurance carrier, and their legal teams will immediately begin working to protect their financial interests, which often means minimizing or denying your claim.

Identifying all responsible parties is a first step. Liable parties could include:

• The Driver: If they were distracted, fatigued, or driving recklessly.
• The Trucking or Rideshare Company: They can be held responsible for their employee’s actions. They may also be directly negligent for poor hiring practices, inadequate training, or enforcing unrealistic schedules that lead to unsafe driving.
• The Cargo Loader: Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can cause a driver to lose control.
• Maintenance Companies: If faulty repairs or improper maintenance led to a mechanical failure.
• Parts Manufacturers: A defective part, like brakes or tires, can cause a catastrophic failure.

A trucking accident lawyer knows how to investigate these complicated cases to determine who shares fault. This information is essential for determining if you can seek full compensation for your injuries, whether you were in a car, on a motorcycle, or walking or bicycling.

Statute of Limitations for Truck and Rideshare Accidents in Louisiana

In Louisiana, you have a limited amount of time to file a claim after a truck or rideshare collision. This is referred to as the statute of limitations. If you don’t file your claim within the deadline set by the law, you could lose your right to get money for your injuries.

• For Injuries Before July 1, 2024: Under Louisiana law, you have 1 year from the date of the accident to file your claim. This includes claims for personal injury, property damage, or wrongful death caused by the crash.
• For Injuries On or After July 1, 2024: A recent change in law extends the window to 2 years from the date of the accident. This adjustment gives victims additional time to pursue legal action and gather evidence for their case.

After a truck or rideshare accident, it’s important to act quickly. Talking to an experienced attorney right away helps you meet deadlines and protect your right to fair compensation. Waiting too long can mean losing important evidence, having uncooperative witnesses, and facing financial risks.

Corporate Insurance and Liability Complexities

Dealing with commercial insurance policies is a significant challenge. Trucking and rideshare companies carry large insurance policies, often with $1 million or more in coverage. While this seems like a good thing for an injured person, it also means the insurance company has a lot to lose and will fight hard to avoid paying. They have adjusters and lawyers who specialize in handling these specific types of claims.

Their goal is to pay as little as possible. They may try to get you to provide a recorded statement, hoping you will say something that hurts your claim. They might offer a quick, low settlement before the full extent of your injuries and financial losses is known.

A Lafayette trucking crash attorney serves as your shield, handling all communications with the insurance company and protecting you from these tactics. We can level the playing field, giving you a powerful voice against these corporations. A rideshare accident lawyer can also determine which insurance policy applies, as coverage can vary depending on whether the driver was waiting for a ride, heading to a pickup, or transporting a passenger.

Can I Be Compensated for Pain and Suffering in My Injury Case?

Yes, you can. In a personal injury claim, compensation is divided into two main categories: economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages cover clear financial costs like medical bills, lost income, and property damage. Non-economic damages compensate for the personal and emotional impact of the collision, like pain and suffering. These damages acknowledge that your losses go far beyond what can be calculated on a spreadsheet. They are designed to provide financial compensation for:

• Physical Pain: The actual physical suffering you endure from your injuries, both now and in the future.
• Emotional Distress: This includes anxiety, fear, depression, and other psychological impacts resulting from the traumatic event.
• Mental Anguish: The severe emotional response to the crash and its aftermath.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the inability to participate in hobbies, activities, and daily life experiences that once brought you joy.
• Disfigurement and Scarring: Compensation for the physical reminders of your injuries.

Putting a dollar value on this suffering is difficult, but it is a critical part of your claim. A skilled Lafayette 18-wheeler crash attorney knows how to build a compelling case to demonstrate the true extent of your losses to an insurance company or a jury.

Secure the Representation You Deserve

After a collision with a commercial truck or rideshare vehicle, your focus should be on your recovery. Let a qualified legal team handle the fight for fair compensation. A big rig crash lawyer has the resources to conduct a thorough investigation, while a rideshare injury lawyer understands the specific laws governing those services. An experienced Lafayette 18-wheeler crash attorney from our firm will work tirelessly to hold all negligent parties accountable.

If you or a loved one has been injured, you do not have to face this challenge alone. The personal injury lawyers at Domengeaux Wright Roy & Edwards are here to help victims in Lafayette and across Louisiana. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case. Call us at 338-291-HURT (4878) or message us online to get the help you need.