desiree

Partner at Charbonnet Law Firm LLC

Practice Areas: Car Accident, Personal Injury

Getting into a crash with a commercial truck can leave you shaken—and not all injuries are apparent right away. Even if you feel okay, it’s essential to get checked by a doctor. Some injuries take time to show up, and delaying care can put both your health and your legal claim at risk. In the event that you want to seek compensation, the medical documents from your initial visit can also be crucial.

This post explains why medical treatment after a truck accident matters, what kinds of injuries to look out for, and how your doctor visit could affect an insurance claim or lawsuit in Louisiana.

How Commercial Truck Accidents Differ from Car Crashes

Because of the truck’s size and weight, truck accidents often cause more serious injuries than regular car crashes. When a large commercial vehicle hits a smaller car, the impact can be severe for those inside.

Drivers of these trucks must hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) issued under F CSA rules. These drivers are held to higher safety standards, which makes accidents involving them especially concerning.

Motor vehicle crashes are among the leading causes of traumatic brain injury in the United States.

Why Immediate Medical Treatment Matters After a Truck Accident

You might feel fine after a truck accident, but some injuries—like whiplash, brain trauma, or internal bleeding—can take hours or days to show up. Seeing a doctor early helps catch these issues before they worsen. It also creates a medical record that links your injuries to the crash, which is essential if you file a claim. Prompt treatment supports your recovery and protects your legal case.

Legal Benefits of Seeing a Doctor After a Truck Crash

In Louisiana, you have just one year to file a personal injury claim, so time matters. If you delay medical treatment after a truck accident, it becomes harder to prove the crash caused your injury. Louisiana’s comparative fault rule (Article 2323) can also reduce your compensation if you’re partly at fault. Quick medical care helps document your injury and makes it harder for insurers to argue it’s unrelated or minor.

Types of Injuries Common in Truck Accidents

Compared to typical auto accidents, the size and weight of a truck frequently result in more serious injuries. These injuries can be long-lasting and may affect one’s ability to work or live comfortably.

Some of the most common truck accident injuries include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

A sudden jolt to the head can lead to a concussion or more serious br in injury. TBIs can cause memory loss, confusion, dizziness, and long-term cognitive issues.

Whiplash

Whiplash occurs when your neck snaps back and forth quickly. Although it may seem minor, whiplash can lead to chronic neck pain, reduced motion, and headaches.

Spinal Injuries

The force of a crash can injure your spine or nerves, sometimes leading to partial or complete paralysis.

Broken Bones and Lacerations

Cuts, bruises, and fractures are common, especially if your vehicle crumples or glass shatters during the crash.

Internal Bleeding and Organ Damage

Not all injuries can be seen. Internal injuries can be deadly if not diagnosed quickly.

Amputations or Fatalities

In the worst cases, truck accidents result in lost limbs or even death.

What the Data Says: Truck Accidents by the Numbers

Truck crashes may not happen as often as other accidents, but they are usually more severe. Here’s what the data shows:

According to the FMCSA, there were over 4,900 fatal large truck crashes in 2019. In 21% of those, the driver lacked a valid commercial license.

Common Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents (FMCSA 2019)

Cause of Accident

Percentage of Crashes

Speeding 7.6%
Distracted Driving (e.g. phone, eating) 5.3%
Driver Impairment (fatigue, alcohol, illness) 4.7%
Failure to Yield Right of Way 4.6%
Careless or Reckless Driving 4.4%

Next Steps After a Truck Accident in Louisiana

After a truck accident, it’s essential to act fast. Here’s what you should do:

  • See a doctor as soon as possible—even if you feel fine. Keep all medical records and receipts. They will help prove the connection between your injury and the crash.
  • Avoid discussing the accident with the truck driver’s insurance company until you speak with a lawyer. Insurers may try to downplay your injuries or shift the blame.
  • Working with a truck law expert attorney accident cases can assist you in navigating the judicial system more effectively and safeguard your rights under Louisiana law.

FAQs

Do I need to see a doctor after a truck accident if I feel ill?

Yes. Many serious injuries don’t show symptoms immediately. A medical exam can detect hidden problems and help prevent complications later on.

How long do I have to see a doctor after a truck accident in Louisiana?

It’s best to go mediately. Waiting too long can raise questions about the cause of your injury and weaken your legal claim in court.

What injuries might not show up until later

Delayed injuries include internal bleeding, brain trauma, whiplash, and spine damage. These injuries may become painful or dangerous days after the crash.

Will insurance cover my medical bills if I wait to get treated?

Insurance companies can contend that the collision wasn’t the reason for your injuries or that they weren’t severe. A stronger argument for medical recompense is made with prompt care

Can I still file a claim if I didn’t go to the ER but saw a doctor later?

Yes, but early treatment is always better. The sooner you see a doctor, the easier it is to prove your injuries are crash-related

What if the truck driver didn’t have a valid CDL

This could increase their liability. A lawyer can investigate the driver’s credentials and use them as evidence in your injury claim.

Get Your Free Consultation

Conclusion

Getting medical care after a truck accident isn’t just about treating injuries—it’s also about protecting your future. Even minor crashes can lead to severe, hidden damage that worsens without care. A timely medical visit helps ensure a smoother recovery and supports your legal case.

If you’ve been in a truck accident in Louisiana, understanding your options quickly is key. Charbonnet Law Firm, LLC has years of experience helping people deal with the aftermath of commercial vehicle crashes. We’re here to help guide you through the process, starting with the proper medical steps.

With over 50 years of legal experience serving families in the New Orleans area and surrounding Louisiana communities, our firm takes pride in providing clients with personalized legal services tailored to individual needs.

  • “I walked in as a client and walked out as a friend. If you are good at what you do, you will never need expensive ads to prove it. Good outshines the rest and in volatile times such as now always go for the good and at Charbonnet Law Firm you will be treated as humans and not just a case file. It’s my word of mouth endorsement and I approve this message.”

    A. Bajaj

  • “It’s easy to get caught up in lies. These days it’s hard to weed out good from bad. The best endorsement is what comes from people, not the lawyers’ own endorsements, paid celebrity endorsements or actors telling you they made millions. Charbonnet law firm has no expensive ads because they have happy clients. I am one of them!”

    J. Kelly

  • “If I had to sum it up in short Charbonnet Law Firm has a team that treats everyone with respect and esteem. Kindness is apparent as soon as you walk into the office, don’t be just a case number! I am not just saying it I am a client too!”

    B. Smith

  • “Best Firm in New Orleans. Great service. These guys treated me like family whenever I got in a tight situation. Clean office and great location in the Metairie area.”

    Q. Lee

SCHEDULE A FREE
Consultation

Home contact Form