After a Louisiana Crash With a Large Truck, Investigation is Imperative

A serious, devastating crash with an 18-wheeler can be a life-changing experience. The surviving victims and their loved ones are often so overwhelmed by grief, pain and suffering that they do not have the emotional and mental capacity to think clearly about the future.

Unfortunately, if you know that the crash was caused by the truck driver, speed is critical to protect your rights to compensation. You will probably need compensation, and a large amount at that, to cover the huge medical bills, loss of income, loss of consortium, material damage, home care and rehabilitation services and more.

What is the best course of action?

The best course of action is to appoint someone in the family to contact an experienced Louisiana large truck accident law office like the Young Firm in New Orleans. Why?

The first thing to do after a serious 18-wheeler crash is to dispatch an investigator to the scene. Every hour counts, just like on a crime scene that is cordoned off to prevent evidence to be tampered with, wiped out or contaminated. Motor carriers handle crashes all the time, and do not want to be dragged into costly settlements or lawsuits. They often know that their records are not squeaky clean, that the driver may have dozed off, or that the brakes are worn out and should have been replaced a long time ago.

What can be found on the scene?

The investigation involves:

• Visual inspection of the vehicles involved in the crash: impact damage, tires, brakes, cargo, mileage, etc.;
• Inspection of the scene: skid marks, leaks, signage, location, position of vehicles, damage to the infrastructure, etc.;
• Photographing and filming;
• Collecting witness statements;
• Driver interrogation;
• Review of Police reports;
• Collection of other evidence: driver qualification file, cell phone record, violations record, log book, hours of service, load weight, motor carrier license, driver employment contract, etc.;
• Truck accident cause analysis.

Like for the Feds, speed and thoroughness are essential to achieve results. If you have been involved in a crash with a semi-truck, contact us without delay for a free evaluation of your case.