Truck Accident Attorney Near Lafayette, LA

Located in the heart of Louisiana, Lafayette is a dynamic city boasting a thriving economy and a bustling transportation sector. Serving as a central hub for commerce and trade, Lafayette plays a pivotal role in the state’s trucking industry, facilitating the seamless movement of goods and cargo both within the region and beyond its borders. 

The trucking industry serves as a vital pillar of our economy; however, it also presents inherent risks, and tragically, truck accidents can happen, leading to life-altering consequences.

With a deep understanding of Lafayette’s trucking laws and a commitment to advocating for your rights, Gordon McKernan’s team of dedicated Louisiana truck accident attorneys is here to help accident victims navigate the complexities of the legal system and secure the justice and compensation they deserve.

If you or a loved one have experienced the unfortunate aftermath of a Lafayette truck crash, contact our Lafayette truck accident lawyers today for a free consultation.

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Common Causes of 18 Wheeler Accidents in Lafayette

Motor vehicle accidents can happen due to a nearly limitless amount of factors, and some of these unique causes are commonly associated with semi-truck crashes.

While more well-known causes like driving under the influence or texting while driving are commonly observed, many truck crashes can be attributed to the following:

• Driver fatigue from driving long hours
• Improperly loaded cargo
• An overweight trailer
• Tire blowouts
• Blind spots that prevent the truck driver from seeing other vehicles
• Maintenance issues, such as brake failure or poorly maintained tires
• Speeding
• And more

What To Do After a Lafayette Truck Wreck

While we hope it never happens, we have put together some tips for what to do after you’ve been involved in an 18-wheeler accident. First, get yourself and anyone with you somewhere safe, away from the vehicle and away from the flow of traffic. Once you’re relatively safe from further harm, take the following steps:

1. Call 911.  The police will not only provide assistance but should document the scene and take statements as well.  Emergency Medical Services will assist with any injuries.
   
   
2. Contact a Lafayette truck wreck lawyer at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys at 337.999.9999 for a free consultation, or fill out our easy-to-use online form to see if your case qualifies.

Let a Lafayette personal injury attorney get to work, finding the evidence and making the strongest case we can to help you win and get the compensation you deserve!

Lafayette Truck Accidents Statute of Limitations

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.

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.

Potential Compensation From Lafayette Truck Accidents

Final compensation from a tractor-trailer accident can vary widely, from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. Many factors need to be taken into consideration when deciding what’s fair, so it’s always best to talk to a knowledgeable and experienced Lafayette 18-wheeler accident lawyer to figure out your total damages, including, but not limited to, repair costs, medical bills, lost wages, and lawyer fees.

The experienced Lafayette tractor-trailer accident attorneys are well acquainted with Louisiana law and have worked closely with the courts and the people who work there. We know the best way to win your case and get you the compensation you deserve.

How a Lafayette Semi Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help

The consequences of a semi-truck accident can be devastating due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks. The unfortunate effects of these accidents are often life-altering and catastrophic injuries. If you or someone you know has been injured in a semi-truck accident, it is important to seek out the help of an experienced Lafayette truck accident lawyer.

A skilled Lafayette semi-truck accident lawyer will be able to help you:

• Navigate the complex legal process.
• Fight for the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
• Provide you with legal representation that is tailored to your specific needs.

Here’s what you can expect from a Lafayette truck wreck lawyer:

• Investigate the cause of the accident & determine responsibility
• Gather evidence to strengthen your case
• Negotiate with insurance companies
• Filing paperwork & handling legal proceedings

With help from a Lafayette semi-truck accident attorney, you can get the maximum compensation you deserve for your losses.

Lafayette Trucking Laws and Regulations: Navigating Complex Legal Terrain

Before any Lafayette truck drivers can take off on the open road, they must hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate commercial vehicles. Additionally, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) places a crucial responsibility on trucking companies to maintain constant proof of liability insurance. 

This documentation serves as a shield to have on hand whenever federal safety inspectors arrive for their inspections, ensuring compliance with regulations and upholding safety standards.

• A driver must have a continuous 10-hour “off duty” period before initiating a shift
  
• Following a 10-hour “off duty” interval, a driver can be “on duty” for a maximum of 14 consecutive hours
  
• A maximum of 11 consecutive hours can be spent driving at a stretch
  
• After 8 consecutive hours of driving, a mandatory 30-minute break is required
  
• A limit of 60 “on duty” hours over 7 days, or no more than 70 hours over 8 days, with an option to reset after a 34-hour “off duty” period

Important Note: These regulations pertain to trucks and truckers engaged in interstate commerce. If your cargo remains within Louisiana, the rules may differ slightly.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LaDOTD) imposes limitations on the dimensions and weights of commercial vehicles. These parameters include a maximum weight of 20,000 pounds for a single axle and 34,000 pounds for a tandem axle. Additionally, height, length, and width restrictions aim to prevent risks to other road users and vital infrastructure such as bridges and tunnels.

These state-level regulations complement federal guidelines established by the FMCSA, collectively striving to ensure the optimal condition of commercial vehicles and shield the public from potential perils linked to commercial vehicle accidents.

Investigating Trucking Companies and Drivers: Uncovering Liability in Accidents

When a trucking accident occurs, determining who is at fault can be complicated. Depending on the situation, multiple parties may share responsibility for any resulting damages and injuries. Investigating trucking companies and drivers can help to uncover liability when an accident happens.

The first step in investigating trucking companies and drivers following an accident is to look at the legal requirements for operating commercial vehicles and hiring qualified drivers. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Verifying that the driver has a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) and is properly trained and certified for the type of cargo being transported
  
  
• Ensuring that trucks are properly maintained and inspected before each trip, as well as throughout the year
  
  
• Verifying that drivers have adequate insurance coverage for the cargo being transported
  
  
• Ensuring that vehicles are not overloaded or carrying hazardous materials without proper safety measures in place.

In addition to these requirements, it is also important to look into the company’s safety record and any violations they have had in the past. This can help to determine if they are following all applicable laws and regulations.

Our Lafayette Truck Accident Attorney Proven Results

At Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, we take pride in securing over 200+ Personal Injury Million+ verdicts and settlements for Louisiana truck accident victims. Our Louisiana personal injury attorneys have the dedication and legal experience to ensure you receive the representation you deserve. 

Rest assured, your case is backed by our unwavering commitment to delivering results, as indicated by our impressive $3 Billion in recovered compensation. Even better, when you work with us, you benefit from the knowledge and insight gained from over 679+ years of combined legal experience.

Furthermore, our G Guarantee shows our confidence in our ability to advocate for your rights and achieve the best possible outcomes. Your success is our priority, and we are here to guide you every step of the way.

Contact Our Lafayette Truck Accident Lawyers Today

If you or someone you love has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident near Lafayette, contact our Lafayette truck accident lawyers at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys today.

We’re dedicated to helping you heal after such a life-changing accident, and that’s why we won’t charge you a dime until we either win or settle your case; that’s the G Guarantee.

Get Gordon. Get It Done!

Lafayette Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me

337.999.9999