Average Truck Accident Settlement in Louisiana

Collisions with commercial trucks can involve multiple vehicles and cause debilitating injuries, even death. When you have been injured because another party acted carelessly on the road, you can file a claim for your financial losses. Many injured individuals want to know the average truck accident settlement in Louisiana, but this cannot tell you the value of your claim. Every accident results in unique injuries and losses, therefore resulting in unique settlements.

Numerous factors can impact the value of a settlement, including how seriously you were injured, who was at fault for the accident, whether you were partially to blame, the available insurance coverage, and what evidence supports your case. You can also recover compensation through a trial verdict. Settlements are more common, but verdicts can recover compensation if the at-fault party refuses to negotiate a fair settlement. Hiring a skilled truck accident lawyer an help you understand the complexities of your case, gather strong evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and get the maximum compensation you deserve.

The Damages You Suffered in the Accident

Settlements or verdicts are intended to make up for the losses you suffered in an accident. Because of this, the maximum compensation you can recover is based on the losses, including:

• Medical bills, including existing and anticipated expenses for surgeries, medication, mobility aids, and other medical care
• The cost of expected complications associated with your injuries
• Lost income during the time you were recovering and unable to work
• Lost earning capacity if your ability to be fully employed was permanently affected
• Property damage to a vehicle and other personal property
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of quality of life

When your injuries are more serious, these damages are typically much more costly, so a settlement or verdict must be higher to make up for the losses.

Which Party Was at Fault for the Collision

The party (or parties) to blame for the accident may influence the compensation you recover because you may be restricted by different insurance companies and coverage limits.

Most motor vehicle accidents are caused by the negligence of a driver. If the at-fault party is not the truck driver, then they likely have personal car insurance coverage. Personal policies do not have coverage limits as high as the commercial insurance carried by trucking companies. If the truck driver is at fault, claims are usually filed with the commercial coverage, as the company or the driver’s employer is vicariously liable.

Commercial coverage also comes into play if parties in the truck company are liable, or if other third-party companies are liable. If a trucking company imposed unrealistic deadlines on their drivers, causing fatigue from lack of rest or unsafe driving, then the company could be held liable. Filing with a commercial carrier can result in higher coverage limits but may also be harder to negotiate. Federal regulations play a significant role in truck accident lawsuits, as trucking companies and drivers must adhere to strict safety standards and guidelines set forth by agencies such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations cover aspects like driver hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and cargo securement, which can influence the determination of fault and liability in your case.

There may also be multiple parties who are liable. Your claim can be filed with each of these parties. If you are not able to cover all your damages with one party’s insurance, then the remainder of the losses could be secured in a claim against another at-fault party. When your injuries are more serious, these damages are typically much more costly, so a settlement or verdict must be higher to make up for the losses. In Louisiana, an 18-wheeler lawsuit can take longer to resolve due to the complexity of these cases. Trucking companies and their insurers often employ aggressive tactics to reduce their liability, which can lead to prolonged negotiations or even litigation.

Exemplary Damages

You may also be able to recover more damages than you sustained if you qualify for punitive damages. These are called exemplary damages in Louisiana. If the at-fault driver was acting with reckless disregard for your life and safety because they were under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you could recover these damages in a trial verdict.

Why You Should Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer

Your settlement is based on the value of your losses, but you cannot always recover the highest amount. Insurance companies do not want to provide full settlements.

You are more likely to obtain fair compensation when you hire a truck accident lawyer who understands the state’s truck accident laws and how to manage your truck accident case. This is for numerous reasons, including:

• Attorneys have the resources to effectively investigate the cause of the truck accident
• Insurance companies are less likely to engage in underhanded tactics to minimize your claim when you are represented by an attorney
• Your attorney can accurately calculate your claim to determine a fair settlement
• Attorneys can take your claim to court if a fair settlement can’t be determined

Common Causes of Accidents

Truck collisions along Airline Highway, Veterans Memorial Boulevard, Westbank Expressway, and other busy thoroughfares can involve large trucks that cause considerable damage and catastrophic injuries.

Given that the maximum weight of a commercial truck in the state is 80,000 pounds, these large vehicles are often at the center of high-stakes settlement negotiations. These are the most common causes of truck collisions in Louisiana:

• Distracted driving. When truck drivers fail to pay attention to the road, they can cause disastrous, preventable collisions. Smartphones, navigation systems, and eating while driving are all top causes of preventable crashes in the state, and 315,167 people were injured across the country in 2024 due to distracted driving.
• Speeding. Commercial trucks require considerable distance and time to come to a stop. When a truck driver exceeds the posted speed limit or fails to account for the weather, they can cause rear-end crashes and other catastrophic types of collisions.
• Improperly loaded cargo. When cargo is improperly loaded, it can cause imbalances in the truck that make the vehicle unstable. Improperly loaded cargo could also fall off a truck and cause serious collisions.
• Unsafe lane changes. Trucks have large blind spots that are also known as “no zones.” When a driver fails to check these areas, they can cause side-swipe collisions or force other drivers to make aggressive turns to avoid a crash.
• Driver fatigue. Truck drivers put in long hours and are required to take regular breaks for rest. When a driver has not had sufficient sleep, they can make poor decisions while driving that cause a preventable collision.
• Intoxication. The crime rate in Louisiana is 39.54 per 1,000 residents in a typical year, and drunk driving contributes to those figures. Intoxicated drivers can face both criminal charges and civil liabilities after a crash.

These and other causes of truck collisions in Louisiana can lead to medical treatments at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, Ochsner Medical Center – Baton Rouge, or another hospital in Louisiana.

In 2024, traffic collisions involving trucks, motorcycles, and cars led to roughly 59,000 injuries and 753 fatalities. When a negligent driver causes a collision, injured drivers and passengers may be eligible to pursue compensation through an injury claim.

Steps to Take Following a Truck Collision

The steps you take after a truck collision can play a significant role in shaping your recovery and how much compensation you receive through an injury claim. Any serious collision should be reported to the police by calling 911. Wait in a safe area away from moving traffic if possible.

Even if you do not believe you are seriously hurt, allow paramedics to examine you for injuries. Take photos of the crash site once it is secured, and gather contact information from anyone involved in the collision or potential eyewitnesses. Contact an injury lawyer as soon as possible so you do not miss filing deadlines and can gather critical evidence to support your claim.

FAQs

How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements in Louisiana?

Truck accident settlements in Louisiana are typically higher in value than other motor vehicle accident settlements. Settlements are reliant on the damages the injured individual suffered, the insurance coverage limits of the at-fault party, and other factors. Because of this, there is no way to determine how much a fair settlement is without examining your claim. The number of at-fault parties, your own percentage liability, and whether the case goes to trial will also affect the value of your claim.

How Is Pain and Suffering Calculated in Louisiana?

Pain and suffering in Louisiana can be calculated in different ways, but these non-economic damages are generally proportional to the value of your economic damages. Injuries with higher medical costs and more lost income are generally more serious injuries that affect your daily life significantly. Injuries with longer recovery periods tend to leave longer-lasting emotional and physiological effects and can disable someone, impacting them forever.

How Long Do Most Accident Settlements Take?

Negotiating an accident settlement takes time; however, a negotiation that takes a lot of time may secure more benefits for you. Truck accidents tend to take longer than other vehicle accident claims. This is because settlements must be higher to account for more serious damages.

Commercial insurers are also more aggressive and harder to secure fair compensation from. Attorneys are familiar with insurers’ tactics to undermine your requests and can be invaluable during negotiations.

What Is a Good Settlement Figure?

A good settlement figure is one that covers all your economic and non-economic losses from a truck accident. A skilled personal injury attorney can help you calculate the full amount of your losses, which include medical bills, physical pain, emotional trauma, and lost income. A settlement may be lower if you were found partially liable. It is rare that insurers will initially offer you a fair settlement for your injuries. An attorney can help you avoid accepting lowball settlements.

Contact Our Lawyers Team to Get Help with Truck Accident Cases

At Murphy Law Firm, we have decades of experience in complex personal injury claims and trucking accident claims. We can help you understand what you are owed in a truck accident settlement and protect your interests during the entire case.

Trust our dedicated Louisiana truck accident attorney to provide you with focused support. Our lawyers bring more than 150 years of combined legal experience and a proven record of helping clients secure fair compensation following a truck collision. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation.

About The Author

Peyton Murphy

Peyton Murphy, is the founder of Murphy Law Firm, LLC, based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, specializing in personal injury law. Peyton obtained his law degree from the prestigious Tulane School of Law in 1991 and has been licensed to practice law in Louisiana since 1993. With over 28 years of experience, Peyton is dedicated to representing injured victims and actively contributing to his community. Education: Obtained his law degree from Tulane School of Law in 1991. Professional Associations: Member of the Louisiana State Bar and active in the Baton Rouge Bar Association and the Louisiana Association for Justice. Experience: Founder of Murphy Law Firm, LLC, with extensive experience in personal injury law and licensed in multiple federal courts and the U.S. Supreme Court.

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