18-wheelers • Commercial vehicles • Louisiana
Louisiana truck accidents require a different investigation.
A crash involving a tractor-trailer, delivery vehicle, work truck, or commercial fleet may involve multiple companies, specialized records, and layers of insurance. Tonry & Giraud investigates those issues from its Chalmette office for clients throughout Louisiana.
Commercial evidence can disappear quickly
Electronic logging information, onboard data, dash-camera video, dispatch records, inspection reports, maintenance history, driver qualification files, cargo documents, and phone records may be important. Prompt preservation requests can help prevent relevant evidence from being overwritten or lost.
More than one company may be responsible
The driver may not be the only party requiring investigation. Depending on the facts, the motor carrier, employer, vehicle owner, trailer owner, maintenance provider, broker, shipper, or another contractor may have relevant duties, records, or insurance.
Truck insurance is not one-size-fits-all
Commercial coverage depends on the carrier, vehicle, cargo, route, policy language, regulatory filings, and any excess or umbrella coverage. Greater available coverage does not make an injury more severe, but it can affect the amount that can practically be recovered for a serious claim.
Serious injuries require complete proof
Truck crashes can cause fractures, head trauma, spinal injuries, nerve symptoms, surgery, lost earning capacity, permanent limitations, and future medical needs. A claim should account for the full medical and economic picture, not merely the bills available during the first few weeks.
What to do after a commercial crash
Get appropriate medical care, photograph the vehicles and scene if safely possible, keep copies of insurance and crash information, identify witnesses, avoid guessing in recorded statements, and preserve damaged property and communications. An early legal review can help identify evidence unique to a commercial case.
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers to common questions.
What happens after a truck crash investigation begins?
The early work may include scene and vehicle documentation, preservation demands, carrier and insurance identification, witness contact, collection of medical proof, and analysis of the driver's and companies' roles.
Which truck records may matter?
Electronic logs, onboard data, dash video, dispatch records, driver qualification materials, inspection and maintenance history, cargo documents, phone data, and company safety policies may be relevant.
Can several companies be responsible?
Potentially. The motor carrier, employer, owner, maintenance provider, broker, shipper, or another contractor may have relevant duties depending on the facts.
Does Louisiana comparative fault apply?
Yes, potentially. For claims governed by current law, recovery may be reduced by fault and barred if the claimant is 51% or more negligent. Earlier accidents may be governed by prior law.