Accidents involving 18-wheelers are among the most devastating collisions on Louisiana roads. With weights up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, even a low-speed crash may be catastrophic. Victims often suffer severe or life-altering injuries. An experienced Lake Charles 18-wheeler accident lawyer can help you hold those responsible accountable. A dedicated legal team in Lake Charles, Louisiana, can make all the difference in your ability to recover full compensation for your losses.
Contact Hale Injury Lawyers at (337) 426-1071 for a free consultation today and learn about your legal options.
How Hale Injury Lawyers Can Help After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Lake Charles, LA
Our Lake Charles personal injury lawyers help those injured in accidents involving trucks and other vehicles recover compensation. Our team brings over 61 years of combined experience to every accident and has helped clients recover tens of millions of dollars in compensation. This success has led members of our personal injury team to be named to the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and recognized as Top Trial Lawyers in America.
If you or a loved one has been injured, our Lake Charles truck accident lawyers can assist with:
- Investigating the cause of your 18-wheeler accident
- Identifying potentially negligent parties and proving liability
- Gathering accident reports and other evidence
- Calculating your economic and non-economic damages
- Filing 18-wheeler accident insurance claims
- Negotiating settlements for maximum compensation
- Litigating 18-wheeler accident cases in Louisiana courts
Contact Hale Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Lake Charles personal injury lawyer if you or a loved one were injured in an 18-wheeler accident. Our Lake Charles truck accident attorneys are here for you.
How Common Are 18-Wheeler Accidents in Louisiana?
Louisiana sees many 18-wheeler accidents yearly, and Lake Charles is no exception. According to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, hundreds of large truck accidents occur annually, resulting in serious injuries and fatalities. Many of these incidents happen on I-10, one of the state’s most heavily trafficked freight corridors.
What Compensation Might I Recover After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Lake Charles?
You may be entitled to a wide range of damages under Louisiana law if you have been injured in an 18-wheeler accident.
The types of compensation available can include economic and non-economic damages for:
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage and vehicle repair costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
An experienced Lake Charles truck accident lawyer can assess your claim and help you fight for all the compensation you deserve.
Who May Be Liable for My 18-Wheeler Accident in Lake Charles?
Determining liability in an 18-wheeler accident is often more complicated than in a standard car crash.
Several parties may be responsible, including:
- Truck drivers, if speeding, fatigued, distracted, or impaired driving caused your accident.
- Trucking companies, if negligent hiring, poor maintenance practices, or failure to follow safety regulations caused your accident.
- Cargo loaders, if a truck’s load is improperly secured, causing it to tip or lose control, and cause an accident.
- Vehicle or parts manufacturer, if a mechanical failure or defective component caused your crash.
- Maintenance contractors, if improper maintenance contributed to your crash.
Your 18-wheeler accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to identify all liable parties and maximize the value of your claim.
What if I’m Partly Responsible for My 18-Wheeler Accident in Louisiana?
Louisiana follows a comparative fault rule in personal injury cases. This means that even if you were partially at fault for your 18-wheeler accident, you can still recover compensation. However, your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you were found to be 20 percent at fault for the accident and your damages totaled $100,000, your compensation would be reduced to $80,000. Insurance companies often try to shift blame to reduce payouts, so it is important to have a lawyer on your side who can push back against unfair accusations of fault.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit for Injuries Sustained in a Lake Charles 18-Wheeler Accident?
You generally have two years from your accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit under Louisiana’s statute of limitations if your accident occurred on or after July 1, 2024. Accidents occurring before that date may be subject to a one-year statute of limitations.
Missing this deadline will likely prevent you from recovering any compensation unless a limited exception may apply to your case. Contact a Lake Charles 18-wheeler accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your right to file a lawsuit and preserve evidence.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire an 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer in Louisiana?
Most personal injury lawyers in Louisiana work on a contingency fee basis.
This means:
- You pay nothing upfront
- You owe no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you
- The attorney’s fees come from a percentage of your final settlement or court award
This allows you or a loved one to obtain experienced representation without worrying about the cost of legal fees during an already stressful time. You can also take advantage of a free initial consultation.
Contact a Lake Charles 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Truck accidents can leave victims with catastrophic injuries, emotional trauma, and a mountain of medical bills. A Lake Charles 18-wheeler accident attorney can help you and your family put the pieces back together with the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Lake Charles, contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Our team is ready to fight for your rights and guide you through your personal injury claim.
