If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Gonzales, Louisiana, you deserve full compensation for your injuries, property damage, and emotional distress. Handling the complexity of truck accident cases, including legal and insurance aspects, requires expertise in both state and federal trucking regulations. This is why hiring an experienced Gonzales truck accident lawyer will provide a substantial advantage in securing compensation. Our attorneys are well-versed in the unique challenges of truck accident claims, helping to ensure you receive the comprehensive legal representation required to navigate your case effectively.
Were You Injured in a Truck Accident?
Contact our truck accident attorneys in Gonzales for a free case evaluation. We’re here to help secure the maximum compensation for your damages, while allowing you to focus on recovery. You don’t pay us anything unless we secure compensation for you. Schedule your free case review today!
We Make It Easy
After one call to us, you can sit back and focus on recovering while we handle your case and seek the money you need to move forward.
You Deserve To Be Paid
Truck accidents cause a lot of damage. You deserve to be paid for everything you lost. We will help you seek the maximum settlement amount you’re entitled to.
No Fees Unless We Win
If we don’t recover compensation for you, you won’t owe us a dime. We work on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront costs, ever.
Table of Contents
- How Our Gonzales Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help
- Compensation Available in Louisiana Truck Accident Injury Cases
- How To Determine Liability in Truck Accidents
- What To Do After a Truck Accident (To Help Your Case)
- Common Causes of Truck Accidents
- Common Injuries in Truck Accidents
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Speak To a Truck Accident Lawyer in Gonzales for Free
How Our Gonzales Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help
Our Gonzales truck accident attorneys are dedicated to assisting you through every step of your truck accident case. Here’s a general overview of how we can help:
- Thorough Investigation: We conduct in-depth investigations to gather all necessary evidence, including trucking company records, driver logs, and accident scene analysis. This ensures a strong foundation for your case.
- Expertise in Trucking Regulations: Our attorneys have specialized knowledge of state and federal trucking laws. Understanding these regulations is fundamental for identifying violations that can strengthen your case.
- Navigating Insurance Complexities: We handle negotiations with insurance companies all the time. We know their negotiation strategies and tricks, and we know what a fair settlement amount for your case should be. We’ll help make sure your case is not undervalued or denied, if valid.
- Determining Liability: We identify all parties potentially liable for your damages, which may include the truck driver, trucking company, or even parts manufacturers. This multi-faceted approach increases the chances of a favorable outcome.
- Calculating Damages: Our team closely assesses the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more to ensure you’re fully compensated.
- Litigation Support: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to represent you in court.
- Peace of Mind: By handling all legal aspects of your case, we allow you to focus on recovery. Knowing you have professional representation can alleviate stress during this challenging time.
See What Our Clients Have to Say!
“The staff at Gautier and Amedee could not have been more helpful and pleasant to work with during this difficult time. They are always professional and caring.”
“What a fantastic, easy, and stress free process the whole team made for me!! Jody Amedee represented me and TRULY what a blessing and pleasant experience he and the team made it. Would highly recommend for anything!! Lawyer for life!
–Hannah C.
“Landon and his team are truly the best! Landon helped so much through my family’s accident. Very caring and professional team, couldn’t be more pleased.”
–Kaylee M.
“Gauthier and Amedee are the best lawyers in Ascension Parish and the state of Louisiana. They treated us with the utmost respect and kept us informed through the whole process. If you want the best, this is the only place to go. My family thanks you very much for everything.”
–Brian H.
“Best experience I have ever had with lawyers. Landon and miss Courtney work hard for you and they keep you informed. I will be recommending them to all my family and friends. Thanks for a job well done, Landon"
–Capt. Chris C.
“Gauthier Amedee and associates were extremely professional and precise. A very special thanks to Thomas Klibert who walked me through every step throughout my process. He answered every question I had without hesitation. I never wondered what was going on with my case; the guidance was abundant. Thomas was very courteous, diligent and ambitious!!! I would highly recommend Gauthier Amedee!!! Thank you guys again!!!!
–Timeka B.
“They are the ultimate in legal representation. All of the staff members have your best interests in mind at all times. Jody Amedee helped me with my case. He just doesn't know the word quit! Everyone in the staff keeps you well informed every step of the way, showing true friendliness and professionalism. I would suggest Gauthier-Amedee to anyone. Just give them your case and relax!”
–Dan B.
“Never once did I doubt the quality of service or the work put in by the amazing people at Gauthier Amedee. They treat you better than family and always go the extra mile to make you feel comfortable. Gauthier and Amedee all the way!!!”
–Skyler M.Compensation Available in Louisiana Truck Accident Injury Cases
If you’re involved in a truck accident in Louisiana, you may be eligible for several types of compensation to help you recover from your injuries and losses. Here’s a breakdown:
Economic damages are the costs you can calculate using bills and receipts. The most common economic damages in personal injury cases include:
- Medical Expenses: Includes hospital stays, doctor visits, physical therapy, medication, and any future medical care related to your injuries.
- Lost Wages: Money you didn’t earn because you had to miss work due to your injuries.
- Property Damage: The cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
- Future Earnings: If your injuries prevent you from making as much money as you did before the accident.
Non-economic damages are intended to compensate for intangible effects on your life, which are more difficult to calculate, but no less valid. These often include:
- Pain and Suffering: For physical and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries stop you from enjoying hobbies and activities you used to love.
- Emotional Distress: For significant psychological impacts, like anxiety or depression, stemming from the accident.
Punitive damages aren’t available in every case. This is because they’re meant to punish the person at fault for egregious negligence or intentional harm, in order to discourage them from repeating this behavior in the future. Punitive damages are, therefore, not meant to compensate the victim for any specific damages suffered. Your attorney will be able to determine if your unique case justifies pursuing punitive damages.
Understanding the types of compensation available to you in your truck accident case is fundamental to estimating and pursuing the maximum settlement amount. Our truck accident attorneys can guide you through this process.
How To Determine Liability in Truck Accidents
To establish legal liability in a Louisiana truck accident case, there are 4 key requirements:
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- Establish Duty of Care: You must establish that the defendant (e.g., truck driver, trucking company) had a legal duty to act with a certain level of care to avoid causing harm to others. In trucking cases, this includes following traffic laws, federal and state trucking regulations, etc.
- Demonstrate Breach of Duty: You must then demonstrate that the defendant breached this duty of care through their actions or omissions. Common breaches include reckless driving, violation of trucking regulations, failure to properly maintain the vehicle, improperly loading cargo, etc.
- Causation: You must show that there is a direct link between this breach of duty and the accident. This means proving that the accident would not have occurred if not for the defendant’s negligence.
- Damages: The final step is to prove that your injuries and other damages were a direct result of the accident.
Determining liability in a Louisiana truck accident requires strong evidence through each of these four steps to establish liability. Our trucking accident attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation into your accident in order to collect all necessary evidence to support your claim. Here are a few ways we prepare your case.
Collecting evidence from the accident scene is absolutely critical. This includes photos of the accident, witness statements, police reports, and any available video footage. This evidence helps to reconstruct the accident and identify contributing factors.
How to Accomplish: If you’re able, take pictures immediately after the accident, obtain contact information for witnesses, and secure a copy of the police report.
Investigating the trucking company’s records can reveal violations of federal and state regulations, such as overloading, inadequate maintenance, or hours-of-service violations, which can contribute to liability.
How to Accomplish: Our attorneys can request these records through legal means, including subpoenas, during the discovery process.
The truck driver’s actions are typically the strongest evidence. If it can be determined that the truck driver violated traffic laws, was driving distracted, or was under the influence at the time of the accident, this is usually enough evidence to find them liable for the accident.
How to Accomplish: Review the driver’s logbooks, electronic logging devices (ELD), and any available dashcam footage. Attorneys may also look into the driver’s history for past violations or incidents.
Mechanical failures or defects can contribute to accidents, so inspecting the truck for mechanical issues or failures is necessary. If it can be determined that the truck had a mechanical failure which contributed to your accident, the truck manufacturer, part manufacturer, or those responsible for the truck’s maintenance may be held liable. Further investigation would be required to determine exactly who is at fault.
How to Accomplish: Our firm can hire forensic experts to examine the vehicle and its components to identify any failures that could have led to the accident.
Louisiana follows a comparative fault rule, meaning that if the injured party is partly at fault, their compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault.
How to Accomplish: Our firm will analyze all aspects of the accident to accurately assign fault percentages to all parties involved.
Accident reconstruction experts and other specialists can provide professional insights into how and why the accident occurred. Expert testimonies can be used as evidence to support your claim, or in court if your case goes to trial.
How to Accomplish: Your attorney will know which experts to contact.
Meet Our Truck Accident Lawyers
What To Do After an Accident With a Big Truck (To Help Your Case)
To protect your legal rights and strengthen your case for compensation, follow these steps immediately after the accident.
- Check for Injuries and Call 911: Your health is the top priority. Check yourself and others for injuries. Regardless of the accident’s severity, call 911 to report the incident and request medical assistance if needed. The police report will be a vital piece of evidence for your case.
- Gather Evidence at the Scene: If it’s safe to do so, take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle positions, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible damages. Take photos of traffic signs and signals as well.
- Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the truck driver. Also, note the truck’s license plate, the company name on the vehicle, and the driver’s license number.
- Look for Witnesses: If there are any witnesses, get their contact information. Eyewitness accounts can significantly support your version of the events, which can be especially useful if there are any disputes about what happened.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Visit a doctor or an emergency room as soon as possible. Medical records serve as evidence to establish the extent of your injuries and expenses.
- Report the Accident to Your Insurance: Inform your insurance company about the accident, but be cautious about the details you provide before speaking with a lawyer. Avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be used against you.
- Contact a Gonzales Truck Accident Attorney: As soon as you’re able, consult with a truck accident attorney. An attorney can guide you through the legal process, deal with insurance companies on your behalf, and help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Keep a Record: Start a journal detailing your injuries, medical visits, and how the accident affects your daily life and work. Keep all receipts and records related to the accident, including medical expenses, repair bills, and any other costs incurred because of the accident.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
While there’s a long list of potential causes in any given trucking accident, some are far more common than others. There’s a good chance one of these factors played a role in your accident with a big truck, which would help prove that the truck driver is liable. Here are some common causes:
- Careless Motor Vehicle Operation: Engaging in reckless or inattentive driving behaviors that compromise road safety.
- Following Too Closely: Tailgating or not maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, reducing reaction times in case of sudden stops. Semi-trucks are notoriously difficult to slow down due to their weight, and commercial motor vehicle drivers are required to maintain a safe following distance.
- Failure To Yield: Not giving right of way where required, leading to collisions at intersections and other road merges.
- Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers facing pressure to meet delivery deadlines may take fewer breaks, leading to reduced alertness and coordination.
- Distracted Driving: Engaging in activities that divert attention from driving, such as using mobile phones, eating, or adjusting the radio.
Common Injuries in Truck Accidents
Accidents involving semi-trucks often lead to serious injuries due to the significant weight and impact forces between a semi-truck and a passenger vehicle. Common injuries from trucking accidents include:
- Brain, Head, and Facial Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can have lasting effects on cognitive functions, along with facial injuries that may require reconstructive surgery.
- Neck and Back Injuries: These can range from whiplash to paralysis, often requiring extensive treatment and possibly leading to long-term discomfort or disability.
- Broken Bones: The severity of fractures can vary, with some requiring surgery and long-term rehabilitation.
- Burn Injuries: Accidents involving flammable cargoes can lead to severe burns, necessitating costly and painful medical treatments like skin grafts.
- Amputation: Loss of limbs can occur either during the accident or as a medical necessity afterwards, profoundly impacting the victim’s life.
- Internal Injuries: These can be particularly dangerous due to their potential to remain undetected immediately following the accident.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries can lead to varying degrees of paralysis and require lifelong care.
Put an Award-Winning Firm on Your Side!
If you’ve been hurt in an accident that wasn’t your fault, never forget that you have rights. You deserve justice, and you deserve to be compensated for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, lost future earnings potential, and the emotional damage you’ve suffered. That’s why our team at Gauthier Amedee is here for you.
If you’re looking for a law firm that truly understands what you’re going through while bringing years of experience to the table, we are ready to help. We’ve seen too many people come through our doors who are suffering because someone else was irresponsible, and we’ve dedicated our lives to fighting for the justice they deserve. We are your Go2Lawyers. All it takes is a simple phone call — you don’t even have to leave your house! Just reach out to us and we’ll start your case review right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
In Louisiana, which follows a comparative fault rule, you can still obtain compensation if an accident was partly your fault. However, any compensation you’re awarded will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you. For instance, if you were found to be 30% at fault for the accident, any damage award you receive will be reduced by 30%.
Truck accident cases are generally more complex than car accident cases due to the involvement of federal and state regulations governing the trucking industry, the potential for more severe injuries given the size and weight of commercial trucks, and often multiple parties being involved, including trucking companies, drivers, and insurance companies. These factors can make the litigation process more complex and the stakes higher.
In Louisiana, you generally have 1 year from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for personal injury or property damage (Louisiana Civil Code Article 3492). This 1-year prescriptive period, known as the statute of limitations, means it’s crucial to begin the legal process as soon as possible following a truck accident.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, a truck driver is allowed to drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. Also, the FMCSA mandates a 30-minute break when a driver has driven for a period of 8 cumulative hours without at least a 30-minute interruption.
The average settlement for a semi-truck accident can vary widely depending on the specifics of the case, including the severity of injuries, the extent of property damage, and the degree of fault. Truck accident settlements can range from thousands to millions of dollars. An attorney can give you a better estimate based on the particulars of your case.
Several federal and state regulations could affect your truck accident case, including hours of service regulations, maintenance and inspection requirements, load weight limits, and qualifications for drivers. Violations of these regulations by the truck driver or trucking company can be used as evidence of negligence in your case.
It’s advisable to hire a Louisiana truck accident attorney as soon as possible after the accident. An attorney can help navigate the complexities of your case, including dealing with insurance companies, investigating the accident, and ensuring compliance with all legal deadlines.
In Gonzales, LA, you can typically obtain a copy of your accident report from the local police department that responded to the accident scene. For accidents that occurred within city limits, this would likely be the Gonzales Police Department. You may need to provide details of the accident, such as the date, your last name, or the report number to request a copy of the report.
Speak to a Truck Accident Lawyer in Gonzales for Free
Gauthier Amedee understands the uncertainty a truck accident injury can cause. Let us help you seek justice. Our team can handle the intricacies of your case so that you don’t have to. Don’t try to navigate this complicated process alone. Speak to a qualified Gonzales truck accident attorney for free at Gauthier Amedee.