Need a lawyer for a truck accident? Russell Law Firm, LLC is here to help.
You pay nothing unless we win!
Our Baton Rouge truck accident lawyers at the Russell Law Firm, LLC have been protecting the rights of our Louisiana clients since 2016. We understand the extensive challenges truck accident and injury survivors and the families of those who are killed in these tragic collisions face going forward. That is why we establish customized legal strategies that produce real results for real people who need our help.
At the Russell Law Firm, LLC, we want to help as many people as possible. That is why we offer free, no-obligation consultations to all our prospective clients. You do not have to face your recovery or the insurance company alone.
Our East Baton Rouge Parish truck accident attorneys are here to ensure all Louisiana injury victims and their families are treated with dignity and respect, no matter where they live or work in Louisiana. Contact us today to put our winning team in your corner.
What Type of Louisiana Truck Accident Cases Does the Russell Law Firm, LLC Take?
Last year, the LSU Center for Analytics & Research in Transportation Safety reported 2,938 injuries, and 104 fatalities om crashes involving “large trucks” throughout the state.
This is important, because our Baton Rouge truck accident attorneys believe the numbers may be much higher, considering the number of delivery trucks and other commercial vehicle crashes, injuries, and fatalities that occur, but do not fit into this category. Large trucks are often associated with 18-wheelers and flatbed semi-trucks that haul goods across Louisiana and the rest of the country. However, we do not limit our legal expertise to just tractor-trailer accidents.
We know that when our clients are involved in a truck accident with any large commercial vehicle, their lives are changed going forward.
Therefore, the Russell Law Firm, LLC takes all types of large truck and commercial vehicle cases, including accident, injury, and fatality claims involving:
- Box Trucks
- Company-Owned Delivery Trucks and Vans
- Concrete Trucks
- Construction Vehicles
- Delivery Vehicles
- Dump Trucks
- Flatbed Trucks
- Gas, Oil, and Tanker Trucks
- Heavy Equipment Vehicles
- Moving Trucks and Vans
- Semi-Trucks, 18-Wheelers & Tractor Trailers
- Tow Trucks
- Trash Trucks
At the Russell Law Firm, LLC, our Baton Rouge truck accident lawyers will pursue private, public, or government entities who are liable for these life-changing collisions throughout Louisiana, so our clients can not only pursue the financial compensation they deserve, but justice for their entire families.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Commercial Truck Accidents in Baton Rouge, Louisiana?
One of the major differences between passenger vehicle collisions and truck accidents in Baton Rouge, Louisiana is that there may be multiple parties who are liable for the damages our clients suffer during these crashes.
Our Baton Rouge truck accident attorneys fully investigate each collision to learn how the crash occurred, and who is liable for each client’s unique financial recovery needs.
That may include one or more of the following negligent parties:
- The Truck Driver
- The Trucking Company
- The Truck’s Manufacturer or Maintenance Company
- Another Third Party, including Cargo Loaders or Another Vehicle Driver
Once we determine all potentially liable parties, we will pursue their full financial recovery, which may include:
- Complete Past Medical Expenses
- Future Rehabilitation and Therapy Costs
- Past Lost Wages
- Diminished Earning Capacity
- Emotional and Psychological Trauma
- Pain and Suffering
- Physical Disfigurement
- Loss of Quality of Life
- Property Damage
- Eligible Out-of-Pocket Expenses
We understand that no two Louisiana truck accident cases are alike, and neither are the ways they impact our client’s daily activities and overall quality of life. Your case is as unique as you are, and we will pursue the customized legal solutions necessary to help you get your life back — starting with a free consultation.
Providing Trusted Legal Representation When Knowledge and Experience Matter Most
Baton Rouge, Louisiana truck accidents require a skilled legal approach to producing results. At the Russell Law Firm, LLC, we know that our clients expect us to uncover each potential recovery resource available for their life-changing cases, because it can mean the difference between getting the complete help they need and suffering from life-long injuries that jeopardize their livelihoods going forward.
We understand what the value of your case means to your future and provide a fully transparent legal approach to getting you there faster, so you can trust the legal process and our law firm to deliver real results.
Our lead Baton Rouge truck accident attorney and law firm founder, Danny Russell, has experienced the complete disregard the insurance companies have for injury victims and their well-being firsthand, and understands that these corporate giants consistently place profits ahead of doing what is right.
We are here to put a stop to their selfishness and greed.
Our trusted commercial truck accident lawyers in Baton Rouge work only on a contingency basis, which means you will never pay any upfront fees or out-of-pocket costs for our legal services. What’s more, before you become a client, we will explain our fee process, and how we only get paid when we win your case. If we do not produce a win, you do not pay our fees. It is that simple.
We believe the more our clients know about the legal process, and their rights and options to pursue the best outcome, the more they trust us to provide expert legal advice that delivers the best outcome for their cases. We promise to dedicate the same quality legal experience and resources to your case, too. Call us now to learn more.
Legal Expertise for Truck Accidents in Baton Rouge
An important part of being an outstanding truck accident lawyer is understanding the intricacies and fine points of trucking companies and their insurers. These firms typically carry as much as $1 million in liability insurance for their drivers.
However, the insurance companies and their well-paid attorneys want to withhold as much compensation as they can under the law; it’s their job to save their employers’ as much money as possible. That’s why you need a Baton Rouge Truck accident lawyer who will stand up to the big companies and even the score on your behalf.
When should I call a lawyer after a truck accident in Baton Rouge?
It’s imperative that you reach out to a Baton Rouge truck accident lawyer as soon as you can in the wake of being injured in an accident. Legally speaking, you have only 1 year from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the truck driver, truck owner, the insurer of the truck, or anyone held who could be help liable for the harm done to you.
After a year goes by, you will be unable to pursue a claim. The legal team representing the party who caused the accident will try their best to delay your claim, making it extremely important that you call our firm after an accident so we can begin the legal process of working to recover compensation right away.
What do I do after a truck accident in Baton Rouge?
Although none of us want to be included in the next round of 18-wheeler accident statistics, if it does happen, it is important to be aware of the steps that should be immediately taken to protect your rights. Those steps include:
- Remaining at the Scene: You should remain at the scene until it is appropriate to do so. If you leave, you may face criminal charges for “hit-and-run” or other penalties, especially if someone sustained injuries or was killed.
- Checking Everyone Involved: Make sure everyone involved in the accident is okay. If you or someone else has been injured, call 911 or a local emergency medical service (EMS). If someone is unconscious or is in pain, do not move them unless an imminent emergency or hazard requires doing so.
- Speaking to Witnesses: Ask all witnesses what he/she saw, then get their names and contact information. Be cordial when speaking to them.
- Calling the Police: Call the local or state police if physical or property damage has been sustained. Upon arrival, obtain the name and badge number of the responding officer. Also, request an incident number and ask that a police report be filed.
- Obtaining Truck Driver’s Information: Get the name, address, phone number, AND if you gather nothing else, make absolutely sure you get the truck driver’s commercial driver’s license number.
- Obtaining Truck’s USDOT Number: It is very important to get the 18-wheeler’s USDOT Number, which is a number that Identifies that particular truck, which will allow you to track down the owner of the 18-wheeler; find out what insurance company provides insurance coverage for the 18-wheeler; and other critical information that may not be available to you at the scene of the accident. Commercial vehicles are required to display its USDOT Number, which is usually located at the rear or side of the truck.
- Gathering Other Truck Information: write down the truck’s license plate number; any company names displayed on the truck; any identifying information about the tractor and trailer of the entire big rig, such as the color, make, and model of both the tractor and trailer that is attached and being pulled by the tractor.
- Taking Photographs: take photographs of all skid marks on the road and grass; damage to your vehicle and the 18-wheeler; the entire sides of the 18-wheeler (e.g. front, back, & sides); any evidence lying on the ground/road, such as parts blown off of either vehicle during impact; the nearest speed limit sign; and if near a construction zone, take picture of the entire construction zone.
- Consult an Attorney: Once you have been allowed to leave the scene and/or have sought medical attention, it is best to consult with an experienced attorney. The attorney will inform you of your rights and will relieve you of dealing with the 18-wheeler company and their insurance companies. The attorney will also help you maximize your recovery if you have suffered damages.
Taking these steps is important to protecting your rights. After an 18-wheeler accident, critical evidence is quickly lost by highway workers clearing the scene and the 18-wheeler company.
If you gather the evidence listed above and immediately contact a Baton Rouge truck accident attorney, he/she will be able to use the evidence you gathered and immediately send a letter to the appropriate individuals demanding that they preserve and make available all evidence related to the accident. He can also use the evidence to evaluate certain aspects of your claim like fault and damages.
Why Truck Accidents Happen
The Federal Government regulates the trucking industry to limit the hazard commercial trucks present to other vehicles. Vehicle maintenance, the size, and weight of a truck, as well as the weight of cargo, are monitored. So is the time a driver spends behind the wheel.
However, these regulations are not always followed. When this happens, these companies may be held at fault for injuries or damages resulting from their negligence. An aggressive 18 wheeler accident lawyer will fight to use every available avenue to determine the full liability that should be placed on the company- not the victim(s).
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
- Driver fatigue – Drivers often spend hours upon hours on the road, and they may try to get around regulations on how long they can drive without breaks or times for sleep. When this happens, tired drivers, who are often facing strict deadlines, may lose focus, use poor judgment, or fall asleep behind the wheel.
- Driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol – Truck drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol are just as likely to cause an accident as regular motorists, but their vehicles pose far more of a threat.
- Overweight cargo or freight – Occasionally, trucks are loaded with too much weight in cargo. This can make the vehicle handle in an unsafe manner. Excess weight is especially dangerous during adverse road conditions.
- Brake failure – Because big rigs and other commercial trucks are so heavy, a lot of stress is placed on their brakes. Without proper maintenance, this can lead to a brake failure resulting in a potentially deadly collision.
- Tire failure or separation – Just as a truck’s brakes undergo plenty of stress, other parts of a big rig can be more prone to failure than in other vehicles. Tire failures or separations tend to be among the most common of these failures and pose a very significant threat.
- Speeding or reckless driving – Speeding or driving recklessly in a big rig can, very obviously, be especially dangerous because of the physical forces at work.
Contingency Fee
While most people realize the value of a good attorney, the Russell Law Firm, LLC is well aware that the cost of putting a lawyer on retainer is beyond the means of many – and that’s even truer following a severe accident. We work on a contingency fee basis.
Simply put, that means we earn no money from our work until our clients are paid; either through judgment from the court or through a successful settlement. There is no need to put up any money before we begin your case and all initial consultations with prospective clients are free.
Outstanding Legal Representation with a Personal Touch
Our roots as a law firm go back to the experience of Danny Russell who, as a college-aged accident victim, received an amount he would later learn was a small fraction of the amount of money he was actually entitled to. Our job is to make sure people who suffer as a result of negligence get the financial compensation they need to get their lives back on track after an injury or the loss of a loved one.
Contact Our Baton Rouge Truck Accident Lawyers Today For a Free Consultation
If you have been injured in an accident or lost a loved one to negligence anywhere in Louisiana, contact our dedicated Baton Rouge personal injury attorneys today at 225-307-0088 or online to get the legal support you need to produce real results for your unique case.
Our skilled Baton Rouge, Louisiana commercial truck accident lawyers and support staff are here to help you get your life back, and we will not stop fighting for your right to recover the maximum amount for your unique case until we produce the results you deserve. Call us now to learn more.
Related Links:
- A Truck Accident Lawyer Who Will Fight For You
- A Truck Accident Lawyer To Safeguard Your Wellbeing After A Collision
- Why You Need A Truck Accident Lawyer
- $1.4 MILLION Truck Accident Settlement – Russell Law Firm, LLC
- 5 Common Causes Of 18-Wheeler Accidents
- Fiery 18-Wheeler Crash Leaves One Dead
- What To Do After An 18-Wheeler Accident
- Evidence to Collect After an 18-Wheeler Accident
- 5 Ways To Avoid 18-Wheeler Blind Spot Accidents
- 18-Wheeler Accident: Lawsuit Deadline
Russell Law Firm, LLC
Address: 11616 Southfork Ave Suite101, Baton Rouge, LA 70816
Phone: (225) 307-0088
Frequently Asked Questions for Our Truck Accident Attorney in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is one year from the day the injury or damage is sustained, which is typically one year from the date of the truck accident. This means that you must file your lawsuit within one year of the date of the accident, or you may forever lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.
However, there may be exceptions to this rule depending on the circumstances of your case, so it’s best to consult with an experienced Baton Rouge truck accident attorney as soon as possible to understand your legal options.
The trucking company can be held liable for a truck accident in Louisiana if the accident was caused by the negligence of its employees, such as the truck driver or maintenance crew. Additionally, the trucking company can be directly liable to the claimant for:
- Its negligent hiring, training, supervision, retention, and/or entrustment of its truck driver.
- Failing to maintain the truck in a safe condition.
- Encouraging or requiring its employee(s) to violate federal or state regulations, such as hours of service limits or weight restrictions.
- Other conduct that caused or contributed to the accident and victim’s damages.
A truck driver can be held liable for a truck accident in Louisiana if they were negligent or reckless in their driving, which led to the accident. This can include behaviors such as speeding, driving while distracted, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or violating traffic laws. If it can be shown that the truck driver’s actions directly caused the accident and resulting damages, they may be held responsible for any injuries or property damage that occurred.
Additionally, if the truck driver was operating a commercial vehicle at the time of the accident, they may also be subject to additional regulations and requirements under federal and state law.
If you have been injured in a truck accident, it is generally recommended to contact an attorney first before contacting your insurance company. An experienced Baton Rouge truck accident attorney can provide you with legal guidance, help you understand your rights, and advise you on how to best protect your interests. Additionally, an attorney can communicate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
It’s important to be cautious about what you say when communicating with insurance companies after an accident. Sometimes, even if you meant one thing, your words could be interpreted differently in a legal context. Insurance adjusters are skilled at asking questions that could elicit responses that could be used against you to deny your claims.
Hiring a lawyer before speaking with your insurance company can be helpful. Your lawyer can send a letter of representation to the insurance company, indicating that they are now representing you. After this, the insurance company can only communicate with you through your lawyer. This approach can help protect you from having your words twisted and used against you later on.
If you have lost a loved one in a truck accident in Baton Rouge or elsewhere in Louisiana, it is recommended that you contact a Louisiana wrongful death lawyer who has experience in handling both truck accidents and wrongful death cases. The Russell Law Firm, LLC in Baton Rouge has such experienced truck accident and wrongful death lawyers. Wrongful death and truck accident cases each have their own complex and unique laws that require specialized knowledge to navigate.
If you sustained minor injuries in a truck accident, it may still be worth filing a claim to recover compensation for any medical expenses, lost wages, or other damages you sustained as a result of the truck accident. Even minor injuries can have a significant impact on your life and finances, and you are entitled to be compensated for any and all losses you have suffered. It’s always best to consult with an experienced Baton Rouge truck accident attorney who can help evaluate your case and determine whether filing a claim is in your best interests.
Louisiana follows the comparative fault rule, which means that damages will be apportioned based on the percentage of fault attributed to each party. Louisiana’s comparative fault rule applies to all types of personal injury cases, including truck accident cases.
For example, the court determines that you were 30% at fault for the truck accident and the other party was 70% at fault, you would be able to recover 70% of your damages from the other party. However, if the court determines that you were more than 50% at fault for the truck accident, you may not be able to recover any damages.
In some cases, a truck accident may be caused by multiple factors, including driver error, vehicle malfunction, trucking company’s actions, road conditions, driver’s and trucking company’s violations of federal and state regulations, and other causes. Fault in a truck accident case in Louisiana is determined by considering the evidence related to the accident, including witness statements, police reports, truck data, truck inspections, truck driver’s employee file, and other types of evidence that are unique truck accidents.
It is important to work with an experienced truck accident lawyer who can thoroughly investigate the accident and gather evidence to determine who may be at fault and liable for your damages.
Insurance may cover some or all of your injuries from a truck accident in Louisiana, depending on the specifics of your case and the insurance policies involved. In Louisiana, drivers are required to carry liability insurance that covers bodily injury and property damage. If the truck driver is found to be at fault for the accident, their insurance may be responsible for compensating you for your injuries, up to the limits of their policy.
However, if your damages exceed the limits of the at-fault driver’s insurance policy, you may be able to pursue compensation from other sources, such as your own insurance policy if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or from the trucking company’s insurance policy if they are found to be at fault. It’s important to note that insurance companies will often try to pay out as little as possible, so it’s recommended to seek the advice of a truck accident attorney to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.