How Does a Louisiana Truck Accident Claim Work?

In many ways, a truck accident claim follows the same path as an ordinary car accident claim. However, collisions involving tractor-trailers, commercial vehicles, and 18-wheelers often involve additional evidence, more parties, and more complicated insurance issues.

Because of those differences, early investigation can be especially important.

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Gathering and Preserving Evidence

Immediately following a truck accident, preserving evidence becomes a priority.

If you are physically able to do so, photographs and videos taken at the scene can become extremely valuable later in the case. Pictures of vehicle damage, skid marks, debris fields, roadway conditions, weather conditions, and injuries may all help accident reconstruction experts determine how the collision occurred.

When we are hired to handle a truck accident claim, one of the first steps we often take is sending notice to the trucking company requesting that important evidence be preserved.

That evidence may include driver logs, electronic logging device data, maintenance records, inspection reports, dispatch records, cargo manifests, onboard camera footage, and electronic control module data—often referred to as the truck's "black box."

In some cases, experts may be retained to download and analyze that data to determine vehicle speed, braking activity, steering inputs, and other important information from the moments leading up to the collision.

Identifying the Trucking Company and Insurance Coverage

The police report often provides the first clues regarding ownership of the truck and the insurance company involved.

Unfortunately, truck ownership structures can sometimes be complicated. The driver, trucking company, trailer owner, cargo company, and maintenance provider may all be separate entities with separate insurance policies.

Occasionally, additional investigation is necessary to determine exactly who owned the equipment, employed the driver, or controlled the operation at the time of the accident.

Once the responsible parties and insurance carriers are identified, claims can be opened and the investigation process begins.

As part of that process, we generally recommend that our clients avoid speaking directly with insurance adjusters for the trucking company and allow us to handle those communications on their behalf.

Property Damage Issues

Truck accidents frequently result in severe vehicle damage or total losses.

When possible, we assist clients with the repair process, obtaining total loss valuations, reviewing settlement offers, and securing rental transportation while the claim is pending.

For many families, transportation issues become one of the first major problems after a serious truck accident, so resolving those issues quickly can make a significant difference.

Medical Treatment and Documentation

At the beginning of every case, it is important to understand the full extent of our client's injuries and ensure they are receiving appropriate medical care.

As treatment progresses, medical records and billing records are gathered and reviewed so that we fully understand the nature of the injuries, treatment recommendations, future medical needs, and the overall impact the injuries have had on our client's life.

Keeping the insurance company updated throughout treatment often helps ensure that the claim is evaluated based upon complete and accurate information.

Determining the Value of the Claim

Once treatment is complete—or once the future course of treatment is reasonably understood—it becomes possible to evaluate settlement.

At that point, we gather all supporting documentation and prepare a demand package outlining the facts of the accident, the medical treatment received, and the ways the injuries have affected our client's life.

Depending on the case, damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, disability, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and future medical care.

Before any demand is submitted, we review the claim carefully with our client to ensure that the information presented is complete and accurate.

Settlement or Litigation

Many Louisiana truck accident claims settle without the need to file a lawsuit.

Sometimes, however, the trucking company disputes liability, important evidence remains contested, or the parties simply disagree about the value of the claim.

When that happens, litigation may become necessary.

Although Louisiana now generally allows two years to file most negligence claims arising on or after July 1, 2024, preserving evidence and protecting legal rights almost always requires action long before that deadline arrives.

Throughout the process, our goal remains the same: pursue a fair resolution whenever possible while being fully prepared to move forward with litigation when necessary.

Have You Been Injured in a Truck Accident?

If you have been injured in a commercial truck accident, tractor-trailer collision, or 18-wheeler wreck, we would be happy to answer your questions and discuss your options during a free consultation.

Call our office at 985-590-6182 to learn more.

We represent clients throughout St. Tammany Parish, Tangipahoa Parish, Washington Parish, and communities across the Northshore including Covington, Mandeville, Slidell, Hammond, and Madisonville.

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