Legal Support for All Parties Involved in Commercial Truck Accidents in the Greater New Orleans Area and Statewide
Truck accidents present a number of unique situations in personal injury law. As just one example, the injuries sustained in these accidents are often catastrophic and sometimes permanent. These raised stakes require that both sides retain experienced, effective legal counsel.
The Truitt Law Firm is available to represent clients in truck accidents that occur throughout Lousiana. We have a strong track record of both litigating these cases on behalf of plaintiffs and defending trucking companies against personal injury lawsuits. As counsel for companies and insurers, we know that trucking companies can be a target for exaggerated claims or attorneys looking for a windfall at the company's expense. We defend these cases aggressively.
We also know how to represent legitimately injured clients who have suffered damages as a result of these accidents. Our experience allows us to add value to your case if you or a family member needs legal representation.
Insightful and Assertive Legal Strategies for Your Truck Accident Case
Federal laws require commercial trucking companies to maintain extensive records regarding the operation and maintenance of their vehicles. When a trucking accident causes serious injuries, The Truitt Law Firm can conduct a thorough investigation that includes a meticulous review of all pertinent records. We have the resources necessary to determine whether any number of factors that are frequently cited in tractor-trailer accidents played a role in the accident.
Countless truck accidents are caused by:
Driver fatigue or carelessness. Due to the size and weight of their vehicles, commercial truck drivers who exceed federal hours-of-service regulations or engage in reckless behaviors such as speeding, distracted driving, or aggressive maneuvers create significant dangers.
Improper driver training. Trucking companies that fail to provide adequate training on vehicle operation, safety protocols, or hazardous materials handling put inexperienced drivers on the road who may lack the skills necessary to safely operate large commercial vehicles.
Improper maintenance. Neglecting regular inspections, repairs, and maintenance of critical truck components such as brakes, tires, steering systems, and lighting can lead to catastrophic mechanical failures that cause serious accidents.
Overloading or improperly loading a truck. Exceeding weight limits or failing to properly secure cargo can cause trucks to become unstable, affect braking distances, and create hazards when loads shift or fall from vehicles during transport.
Our attorneys have tried hundreds of cases. We understand not only how to build strong cases but also how to present them in a comprehensive and convincing manner. We combine the investigative and litigation skills normally found at much larger firms with the personal attention and commitment to clients that are more characteristic of smaller firms. No truck accident case is too large or complex for The Truitt Law Firm.
Common Injuries and Losses in Covington Truck Accident Claims
Serious crashes involving tractor-trailers, big rigs, and other commercial vehicles often leave victims facing a long road to recovery, both physically and financially. Injuries can range from broken bones and herniated discs to traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage that may require surgery, rehabilitation, or lifelong medical care. Beyond the immediate treatment at hospitals and clinics serving Covington and St. Tammany Parish, many people also experience emotional trauma, chronic pain, and limitations that affect their ability to work or enjoy daily activities.
The financial impact of a truck collision is often greater than in a typical car accident because of the severity of the harm and the complexity of the claim. Medical bills, future treatment, prescription medications, and assistive devices can add up quickly, especially if you need to see multiple specialists or undergo long-term therapy. Lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and the cost of replacing or repairing your vehicle are only part of the picture, as Louisiana law may also allow recovery for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-economic damages. Understanding the full scope of your losses helps a truck accident lawyer Covington residents trust present a complete claim to the insurance carriers and, if necessary, to a jury.
In the most tragic cases, families may lose a loved one in a collision involving an 18-wheeler or semi-truck on roads such as I-12 or U.S. Highway 190, raising questions about wrongful death claims and the types of damages surviving family members may pursue. These situations often involve complex issues about who is legally responsible, including drivers, motor carriers, maintenance providers, and sometimes shippers or loading companies. When we evaluate a new case, we look carefully at how the injuries or loss have changed your life, what care you will likely need in the future, and how to document those consequences in a way that is clear and compelling for insurers and, if needed, for the courts in St. Tammany Parish.
Knowing Both Sides of the Case - It's Why We Win!
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What to Do If You're Involved in an Accident with a Commercial Truck in Covington
Being involved in an accident with a commercial truck can be overwhelming and frightening, but taking the right steps immediately after the collision is crucial for protecting your health, safety, and legal rights. First and foremost, seek medical attention even if you don't feel seriously injured, as the adrenaline from the accident can mask pain and symptoms that may worsen over time. Call 911 to report the accident and request police and emergency medical services, then move to a safe location if possible while waiting for help to arrive. Document everything you can at the scene, including taking photographs of vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, and any visible injuries, while also gathering contact and insurance information from the truck driver and any witnesses. Avoid discussing fault or making statements about what happened beyond the basic facts, as anything you say could potentially be used against you later.
To protect yourself after a commercial truck accident in Covington, you should:
Prioritize medical care. Get evaluated by emergency responders or at a local hospital or clinic, even if your symptoms seem minor, so that any injuries are documented and treated promptly.
Cooperate with law enforcement. Provide accurate, factual information to the Covington Police Department, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, or other responding agencies, but avoid speculating about fault or causes.
Gather and preserve evidence. Take photos and videos, obtain contact information for witnesses, and keep copies of any reports or paperwork you receive at the scene or afterward.
Notify your insurance company. Report the collision to your insurer in a timely manner while being careful not to accept blame or minimize your injuries before you understand the full extent of the damage.
If your accident occurs on a major route such as I-12, U.S. Highway 190, or other busy corridors around Covington, law enforcement and first responders may arrive quickly, but crucial evidence can still disappear in a matter of hours. Making note of which agencies respond, where your vehicle and the truck come to rest, and whether traffic cameras or nearby businesses might have captured the collision can make a significant difference later in your claim. This type of detail is particularly important when a collision involves a large tractor-trailer or 18-wheeler because the impact forces and damage patterns are often disputed by insurers.
Commercial truck accidents involve significantly more complex legal and insurance issues than typical car accidents, making it essential to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible after the incident. Trucking companies and their insurers often dispatch teams to accident scenes within hours to begin building their defense, which is why you need skilled legal representation working to protect your interests from the very beginning.
Many injured people are unsure whether they need a truck accident attorney Covington residents can turn to after a serious crash, but early legal guidance can help you avoid mistakes such as giving recorded statements, signing broad medical authorizations, or accepting low settlement offers. An attorney familiar with commercial trucking claims can coordinate with your medical providers at facilities serving the Covington and greater St. Tammany Parish area, help you track lost wages and other damages, and explain how federal and Louisiana laws interact in your particular case. This allows you to focus on healing while your legal team handles communication with the trucking company and its insurer.
The Truitt Law Firm understands the unique challenges these cases present and can immediately begin preserving critical evidence such as the truck's electronic logging device data, maintenance records, and driver qualification files that trucking companies are required to maintain. Our dual-perspective experience representing accident victims and commercial defendants gives us the insight needed to anticipate opposing counsel's strategies and build the strongest possible case for your recovery. Don't face the trucking company's legal team alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a truck accident in Covington?
Prioritize safety and medical care, call law enforcement to document the crash, gather photos and witness details if you can, and seek medical evaluation even if you feel fine. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurers before you speak with an attorney who can protect your rights.
How is a truck accident case different from a car accident?
Truck crashes often involve commercial vehicles, federal and state safety regulations, electronic logging devices, and multiple defendants. Evidence can include driver qualification files, maintenance logs, and black box data that must be preserved quickly, which makes early legal action critical.
Who can be held liable in a tractor-trailer crash?
Potentially liable parties may include the truck driver, the motor carrier, the trailer owner, a shipper or loader, maintenance contractors, and parts manufacturers. Your attorney investigates each link in the chain to identify all responsible parties and insurance policies.
What compensation can I recover after an 18-wheeler crash?
Depending on your case, recoverable damages can include medical bills, future treatment, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, property damage, and in severe cases, wrongful death damages for the surviving family. An attorney evaluates the full scope of losses before negotiating.
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim?
Deadlines vary by state and can be affected by who is involved and the type of claim. Because evidence can be lost and time limits are strict, it is wise to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to preserve your claim and meet all filing requirements.
Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurer?
Not before speaking with your own attorney. Insurers may use your statements to minimize or deny your claim. An attorney can handle communications, prevent harmful disclosures, and position your case for the strongest possible settlement or litigation.
Get a Covington truck accident team that moves fast for you
Evidence fades, and insurers move quickly. If you were injured in a truck, tractor-trailer, or 18-wheeler crash in Covington, put experienced counsel on your side now to secure critical records and protect your claim from day one.
Call The Truitt Law Firm at (985) 308-9946today to request your free consultation.
