Being struck by a negligent commercial truck driver is one of the most frightening and potentially life-threatening experiences anyone can have on a public Louisiana road. In the hours and days following a wreck like this, it is common for crash victims to find themselves struggling to cope with the immense physical, emotional, and psychological toll that the crash has taken on them.
With that said, it can be essential to act proactively during this period in enforcing your right to demand civil recovery, and the first step to doing that is understanding in a broad sense what that process will look like. Here is a brief overview of how to prepare for and what to expect from filing a Baton Rouge truck accident claim, as well as what a seasoned truck accident lawyer from Tomeny | Best could do to streamline your trip through the civil court system.
Gathering Important Evidence Before Filing Suit
The goal of a truck accident lawsuit is to prove two things: that a specific negligent act by the named defendant(s) was the main and direct cause of the accident in question, and that said accident was the main and direct cause of all the damages for which the lawsuit is seeking compensation. Since failing to prove either of those things could completely derail their entire case, it is vital for Baton Rouge truck crash victims to have as much evidence as possible before formally filing suit.
While every case is unique just like every injured plaintiff is, certain types of evidence are likely to play a central role in just about every claim of this nature, including but not limited to:
- Witness testimony, surveillance/dashboard camera footage, truck “black box” data, and anything else that can establish exactly how a crash played out moment to moment
- Comprehensive medical records detailing what injuries the plaintiff has suffered, what treatment they have received, and what their long-term recovery prospects are
- Copies of bills, receipts, invoices, pay stubs, and any other quantitative records of accident-related expenses and other financial losses
- Statements from friends and family members and/or contemporaneous notes to illustrate physical pain, mental anguish, and lost enjoyment of life
An experienced legal professional can provide irreplaceable help with collecting, preserving, and making effective use of all evidence that is relevant to a particular case.
Basic Steps in the Truck Accident Claims Process
It is worth noting that there will typically be several rounds of out-of-court negotiations with insurance companies in the weeks and months following a truck wreck in Baton Rouge. If private settlement talks break down, a qualified lawyer can help file a formal petition with the correct court.
A Baton Rouge Attorney Can Help With Filing a Truck Accident Claim
Guidance from a capable truck accident lawyer can make a world of difference in how efficiently you can proceed through the litigation process and how effectively you can demand the compensation you need. Call Tomeny | Best today to discuss your options.