Lake Charles Big Rig Accident Lawyers

Lake Charles is one of the most significant industrial & commercial centers in the Southern region. Major travel avenues flow through the city, like Interstate 10 East, Louisiana Highway 14, and U.S. Highway 171. While this movement fuels progress, it also presents a sobering reality: the ever-present risk of serious accidents.

This nature of business within the Calcasieu Parish seat has led to a constant flow of large trucks coming to and from the area. The vast disparity in size and weight compared to traditional vehicles translates to devastating consequences, even in seemingly minor collisions. In 2023, the parish saw a staggering 135 commercial vehicle accidents, proving the constant dangers drivers face daily.

At Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, we’ve witnessed firsthand the wreckage left behind by big rig truck accidents. Our clients come to us bearing the scars of life-altering injuries: brain damage, spinal cord trauma, and even paralysis.

These accidents leave a profound impact, not just on a person’s health, but on their financial well-being. Medical bills and rehabilitation costs can quickly spiral, adding another layer of stress to an already burdened situation.

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Why Choose Gordon McKernan Big Rig Accident Lawyers Near Lake Charles?

Big Rig accidents aren’t your run-of-the-mill fender bender. Unlike regular car accidents, these wrecks involve massive vehicles, stricter regulations, and trucking companies with deep pockets and a team of lawyers at their beck and call. That’s why having an experienced Lake Charles truck accident attorney by your side is crucial.

We understand the unique challenges of these complex cases. Our Lake Charles team has spent years dissecting Louisiana’s trucking laws, and we know how to navigate your claim effectively.

Here’s why choosing Gordon McKernan for your big rig accident is the smart call:

1. Heal While We Fight: Let us shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on getting better. We’ll handle the complexities of your case, giving you peace of mind to heal.
   
2. Your Recovery, Our Mission: We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents take. Our priority is securing the compensation you need to recover, both physically and financially.
   
3. Your Champion in Court: We’re not afraid to go toe-to-toe with trucking companies and their aggressive tactics. We’ll be your unwavering advocate in court, fighting for your rights every step of the way.

Gordon McKernan’s Proven Results in Big Rig Truck Accident Cases

We have a proven track record of winning fair settlements for accident victims recovering $3 Billion. We’ve secured 59+ Million+ verdicts and settlements, for trucking accidents.

If you have suffered from injuries in a big rig crash, having a dedicated Lake Charles big truck accident lawyer by your side can make all the difference. We’ll help you manage medical bills, fight for justice, and help you get back on your feet.

Common Causes of Big Rig Truck Accidents

Accidents are a blur, leaving you with questions and a damaged car (or worse). Figuring out what caused it isn’t about blame – it’s about making our roads safer for everyone. That’s why our Lake Charles truck accident lawyers work hand-in-hand with investigators, accident reconstruction specialists, and other experts to sniff out every detail.

Here’s what can send a big rig off course:

• Distracted Driving: Texting, grabbing a bite, or fiddling with controls – anything that takes a driver’s eyes off the road is a recipe for disaster, especially for a big rig.
  
• Drowsy Drivers: Long hauls and tight deadlines can leave truck drivers fighting fatigue. When sleep wins, reaction times suffer, and accidents become more likely.
  
• Drunk Driving (Driving Under the Influence): Just like with anyone on the road, alcohol or drugs cloud judgment and slow reflexes.
  
• Speeding: Deadlines loom, but speeding to meet them only increases the damage in a crash.
  
• Reckless Driving: Swerving in and out of lanes, tailgating, or blowing through stop signs – these are all ways to turn a fender bender into a catastrophe.
  
• Inexperienced or Untrained Drivers: Big rigs demand a special skill set, and drivers lacking proper training are more prone to making mistakes that cause accidents.
  
• Traffic Violations: Running red lights, making illegal turns, or breaking any rules of the road often has serious consequences.

By meticulously combing through evidence, including information from the trucking company itself, we build a rock-solid case that exposes who’s responsible. This deep dive uncovers not just the cause of the crash, but also any underlying issues that contributed to it.

Determining Liable Parties In a Lake Charles Big Truck Accident

Lake Charles truck accidents can leave you wondering who to hold accountable. That’s where a crucial legal principle called “respondeat superior” comes in. In simpler terms, it means “the boss is answerable.”

Louisiana law (La. Civ. Code Art. 2320) allows us to hold trucking companies responsible for the mistakes of their drivers, not just the drivers themselves.

For a trucking company to share the blame, three things need to line up:

• The truck driver caused the accident. This seems obvious, but it’s the foundation.
  
• The driver was on the clock. The accident has to happen while they’re working, not on a personal errand.
  
• The driver was doing their job. If someone waylaid them for a joyride, it’s a different story.

Imagine you’re cruising down I-10 when a massive truck merges into your lane without a signal, causing a crash. Louisiana law lets you hold not just the driver, but potentially the trucking company and their insurance accountable through “respondeat superior.”

Having a Lake Charles personal injury attorney by your side can help navigate these legal complexities. They can explain your rights and make a big difference in your recovery after a serious accident with a big rig.

Types of Compensation in Big Rig Truck Accident Cases

After a big rig wreck, the last thing you need to worry about is money. Figuring out what compensation you might be eligible for is crucial for your recovery, but legal jargon can feel like another hurdle

Our Louisiana personal injury attorneys are here to break it down. We start with a deep dive into your case. We gather evidence that proves not just the financial losses (think medical bills, car repairs, and lost wages), but also the emotional and physical toll you’ve faced (that’s where pain and suffering come in).

Economic Damages

• Medical Bills: This covers everything from ambulance rides and doctor visits to surgery and ongoing treatment.
  
• Vehicle Repairs/Property Damage: If your car was totaled, we’ll fight to get you back on the road, or fairly compensated for other damaged belongings.
  
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, we’ll fight to get you the compensation you deserve for lost income.

Non-Economic Damages

Accidents can leave deep scars, both physical and emotional. We understand that pain and suffering are real, and you deserve fair compensation for what you’ve been through.

We’ll Use Evidence to Build a Strong Claim

Our experienced legal team knows how to navigate the complexities of these cases. We’ll gather the ammunition needed to strengthen your claim, like:

• Medical Records: Detailed reports from your doctor are crucial to prove the extent of your injuries and the treatment you need.
  
• Every Receipt Tells a Story: Hold onto those receipts from doctor visits, medications, and repairs. They add up to a powerful picture of your financial losses.
  
• Sometimes, You Need an Expert: Serious injuries can have long-term consequences. Consulting specialists can help us understand the full impact on your life, making your case even stronger.

We’ll work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve to focus on what matters most: getting better.

Statute of Limitations in Lake Charles Big Rig Truck Accidents

After the shock of a big rig accident in Lake Charles settles, one question might become apparent: “When can I take action?”

Statute of Limitation Changes in Louisiana

In 2024, Louisiana law extended the statute of limitations for personal injury claims occurring on or after July 1, 2024, from one year to two years. Any injuries that occurred before July 1, 2024, will still have a 1-year statute of limitation. Learn more about Louisiana’s New Statute of Limitations here.

• 1 year for injuries sustained before July 1, 2024.
• 2 years for injuries suffered after July 1, 2024.

The statute of limitations is a legal deadline that sets a time frame for filing a lawsuit. In Louisiana, this is known as the “prescriptive period,” which determines how long you have to take legal action against the responsible party after an injury occurs.

Missing this deadline could mean losing your right to compensation altogether. That’s why it’s crucial to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after your accident.

How Can A Lake Charles Big Rig Truck Accident Lawyer Help?

Other than losing time to take legal action, there’s another reason to seek legal help right away: evidence can disappear quickly. In the first days and weeks after a crash, the truck’s computer data and driver logs might become lost, losing key details. A Lake Charles big truck accident lawyer knows how to act fast and preserve this vital evidence for your case.

Benefits of Hiring Lake Charles Big Rig Accident Attorneys

In the aftermath of a big rig accident, navigating the legal system and Louisiana’s deadlines can feel daunting. Here’s how a Louisiana truck accident attorney can make a difference:

• Hitting Deadlines: We ensure all legal paperwork is filed on time, protecting your rights.
  
• Securing Evidence: We act fast to secure crucial evidence like truck data and driver logs.
  
• Building Your Case: We investigate thoroughly to gather evidence and build a strong claim for you.
  
• Maximizing Your Compensation: We fight for a fair settlement with the insurance company, so you get what you deserve.
  
• Going to Trial (if necessary): We represent you in court and fight aggressively for your rights if needed.

By handling the legal complexities, a Lake Charles big rig truck accident lawyer allows you to focus on your recovery. They’ll be your relentless advocate, working to get you the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.

Consult with a Big Rig Accident Attorney Near Lake Charles Today

At Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, we’re a team of seasoned Louisiana big rig accident attorneys who’ve seen it all. With over 679+ years of combined legal experience of experience navigating Louisiana’s legal landscape, we’re dedicated to getting you the justice you deserve.

We understand the physical pain, emotional rollercoaster, and financial strain that follow a big rig wreck. That’s why we offer a free consultation, so you can get a straight talk about your case without any pressure. Plus, with our G Guarantee, you won’t pay a cent unless we secure a settlement or win your case in court. We’re in this fight together, every step of the way.

Call our Lake Charles attorneys today at (337)888-8888 to get started. Get Gordon, Get It Done!

Get Gordon and Get It Done!

Lake Charles Big Rig Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me

337.888.8888