In Louisiana, value of wrongful death truck accident settlements on average is higher than settlements in other vehicle accidents, because the damage is often much more severe and catastrophic, and can cause multiple deaths and disabling injuries to those who survive. However, every settlement is different, so your unique settlement should be calculated with the help of an experienced attorney to help you recover the most compensation possible.
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New Orleans Fatal Truck Accident Lawyer
Fatal Truck Accident Attorney in New Orleans, LA
Commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than other vehicles, and so individuals in passenger vehicles are at a much higher risk of catastrophic injury and death in accidents with commercial vehicles. If you have lost someone you love in a commercial truck accident, an experienced New Orleans fatal truck accident lawyer can help you hold careless drivers or companies accountable for causing the accident.
Murphy Law Firm: Experienced New Orleans Fatal Truck Accident Attorney
It isn’t easy to begin or navigate the process of a wrongful death claim. With the help of Murphy Law Firm, you can recover compensation that holds an at-fault party responsible, while also providing you and your family with much-needed financial support during this difficult time. For over 30 years, our firm has fought for the financial and personal interests of families like yours. We understand how overwhelming this situation is, and we want to help support you —often in coordination with a dedicated New Orleans wrongful death lawyer to protect your family’s rights.
Our firm has a record of success in cases like these, including securing a $3.8 million settlement in a truck accident and a $3.3 million settlement for a wrongful death vehicle accident. We know how to navigate these complex cases and help you fight for justice.
Understanding Wrongful Death Truck Accident Cases in New Orleans
A wrongful death case can be filed by certain surviving family members when their loved one is killed in an accident that was caused by the negligence of another party. In truck accidents, a negligent driver or a truck driver’s employer could be held liable for an accident. Those who are injured can recover damages in an insurance claim. If you lost a loved one in such an accident, you could recover certain damages in a claim, holding the negligent party responsible.
New Orleans has seen several fatal and serious commercial vehicle accidents. In Orleans Parish, there were 58 fatal crashes in 2024, and two of these were crashes involving commercial vehicles. In addition, 158 of the 4,848 suspected injury crashes involved commercial vehicles.
Generally, accidents involving commercial vehicles are much more likely to cause fatalities. Throughout all of Louisiana, all commercial vehicle crashes made up 2.62% of all vehicle crashes in 2023, while fatal commercial vehicle crashes made up 13.19% of all fatal crashes.
Damages Available in a Fatal Truck Accident Claim
Wrongful death claims recover different damages than are available in a personal injury claim. Instead of recovering the damages that were sustained by the deceased, a wrongful death claim recovers the financial and personal losses that you and your family have suffered because of the loss. These damages can include:
- Costs of end-of-life medical care
- Lost financial support and wages
- Lost benefits
- Funeral costs
- Burial or cremation costs
- Pain and suffering
- Lost companionship, care, and guidance
- Lost household services
When you hire a fatal truck accident lawyer, they can help you review and calculate these losses. Often, families underestimate these losses, accepting a lowball settlement from the truck company’s commercial insurer or another driver’s insurer. With an attorney, you can recover the damages you are owed. While this compensation will never make up for your loss, it can provide some stability and justice.
Gathering Evidence for a Fatal Truck Accident Claim
Navigating a wrongful death claim can be more difficult than a personal injury claim, as the individual in the accident cannot provide their own side of things. Significant evidence is needed to determine what caused the accident and who is liable.
One important piece of evidence is the police report from the scene. Depending on who responded to the accident and where it was, you may need to reach out to the New Orleans Police Department, the Louisiana State Police, or the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office. Other evidence includes:
- Dashcam footage and other CCTV
- Photo and video of the crash or accident scene
- Medical records
- Truck black box information
- Maintenance logs for the truck
- Truck driver driving logs
- Employment information
In commercial truck cases, federal safety regulations and record keeping rules can be pivotal for proving what went wrong and who bears responsibility. Understanding how these regulations can shape liability and evidence helps your legal team build a stronger claim.
Meet Our Attorney
Peyton Murphy
Peyton Murphy, a Louisiana lawyer with 30+ years of experience, specializes in personal injury cases. He founded Murphy Law Firm in Baton Rouge in 1993 and fights for his clients’ compensation.
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FAQs
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Fatal Truck Accident Lawyer in New Orleans?
A wrongful death truck accident lawyer tends to charge a contingency fee, which is a set portion of the final settlement reached or verdict awarded. The exact percentage an attorney charges will vary based on several factors, including how complicated your case is and the amount of resources it requires, the attorney’s experience, and whether the case goes to trial. The contingency fee arrangement helps you secure legal counsel without upfront attorney’s fees.
How Do You Choose the Right Truck Accident Lawyer in New Orleans?
To choose the right truck accident lawyer, you want to consider the qualifications, experience, and abilities of several potential attorneys. Check their current status with the state bar, assess past client reviews, and review their professional reputation.
You should also look at their past cases with truck accidents and the settlements or verdicts they have secured. It is also important to schedule a consultation to determine if the attorney is communicative and compassionate, and if you feel comfortable with them.
How Do You Get the Most Out of a Wrongful Death Accident Settlement in New Orleans?
You are more likely to get the most out of a wrongful death accident settlement with the help of an experienced wrongful death attorney. An attorney has the knowledge and resources to help you investigate the accident, determine the cause, and hold the negligent parties liable. They can also calculate the value of damages you and your family have suffered due to the loss of your loved one. An attorney also negotiates with the insurer for you.
Contact our Wrongful Death Lawyer Team Today
It can be hard to know what to do after a fatal truck accident. At Murphy Law Firm, we can provide the support and care you need to get through this impossible situation and find some amount of closure. Reach out to our firm today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you hold negligent drivers and trucking companies accountable.
Your Path to Legal Resolution Starts with Murphy Law Firm.
When you choose Murphy Law Firm, you gain access to a team of experienced attorneys with a proven track record of success. We understand the importance of trust, and we strive to build lasting relationships with our clients by delivering exceptional results.
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