Louisiana's Truck Wreck Law Firm

Why Experience & Advocacy Matter After a Truck Crash

Truck accident claims are notoriously complex. With countless big rigs traversing Louisiana's highways daily, fueling the economy but also raising the risk of devastating collisions, navigating the aftermath of an 18-wheeler requires more than just determination. It requires a deep understanding of trucking regulations, insurance company tactics, and the specific challenges associated with these cases.

We know how to:

• Uncover the causes of your crash by analyzing transportation safety data, investigating driver logs, and reviewing maintenance records.
• Stand up to major trucking companies and their insurers, who are trained to protect their own interests, not yours.
• Advocate fiercely for your rights and maximize your compensation, whether your case settles or goes to trial.

Our team has spent decades representing accident victims and their families, guiding them through every step of the legal process. From the very first call, you can expect us to be your solid support system answering your questions, dealing with adjusters, and building the strongest case possible for your recovery.

If you've been hurt in a big truck accident, don't go it alone. We're here to help you reclaim your future, every step of the way. No matter when you need answers or advocacy, we're ready to help you 24/7.

How Are Truck Accidents Different from Car Accidents?

Big rigs bring a whole new level of risk to our highways. Unlike regular car wrecks, trucking accidents are far more likely to cause catastrophic injuries, and the reasons extend far beyond their massive size.

First, commercial trucks can weigh up to 30 times more than the average passenger vehicle. That size and weight difference means collisions often result in devastating force, leading to more severe injuries and bigger property damage.

But the dangers don't stop there. Truck drivers face unique challenges on the road, including long hours, tight deadlines, and sometimes hazardous loads. This can make them vulnerable to exhaustion, delayed reactions, or difficulty seeing smaller vehicles in their blind spots. The demands of their profession, including driving overnight or through unpredictable weather conditions, can significantly impact alertness and performance.

Some key factors that set truck accidents apart include:

• Longer Stopping Distances: It takes significantly more time and space for a fully loaded 18-wheeler to come to a complete halt. Sudden stops or emergencies become high-stakes situations.
• Blind Spots: Tractor-trailers have wide "no-zones" where cars simply disappear from the driver's view. A quick lane change or merge can easily turn dangerous if a vehicle is lurking in these blind areas.
• Risk of Rollovers and Jackknifing: Improper cargo loading or sudden maneuvers can cause a large truck to lose control, resulting in severe crashes that are less likely to occur with ordinary passenger vehicles.
• Regulatory Complexity: Commercial vehicles are subject to stringent federal and state safety regulations. Violations like ignoring hours-of-service rules or skipping maintenance can put everyone on the road at risk.

Due to these differences, injuries from trucking accidents are often significantly more severe. Victims may face traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or complicated fractures that require extensive medical support.

How Does Negligence Cause 18-Wheeler Accidents?

Reckless choices, oversights, and performance errors on the road are just a few ways negligence can lead to truck crashes. This negligence can come from various parties, including drivers, trucking companies, automakers, and others.

Potentially Liable Parties in Truck Accidents

Negligence doesn't always start and stop with the truck driver or their employer. In fact, several other parties may bear responsibility when a big rig accident occurs, including:

• The truck's manufacturer or maintenance company
• Cargo loaders or shipping companies
• Other vehicle drivers who may have contributed to the chain of events

More than 8 in 10 big rig wrecks are caused by motorists' action or inaction. The drivers of passenger vehicles commit accident-causing errors more often than truckers. Nevertheless, when truckers' errors do contribute to wrecks, they tend to include speeding, prescription drug impairment, and performance errors on unfamiliar roads.

Determining if motorist negligence caused a truck accident can involve examining various evidence, like:

• Accident photos and videos
• Debris from the crash
• Records for vehicles, drivers, and motor carriers

Motor Carrier Negligence

Failing to abide by state or federal trucking regulations is a common way trucking companies can be negligent and ultimately cause truck accidents. This negligence can include failing to:

• Properly screen drivers during the hiring process
• Train drivers, especially if there are special rules for the cargo they handle (like hazardous materials or animals)
• Maintain trucks to keep them in a safe condition
• Comply with cargo securement and loading rules
• Enforce or abide by hours-of-service rules

Hours-of-Service Violations and Driver Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the leading causes of truck accidents, which is why federal hours-of-service rules are in place to set strict limits on how long drivers can be behind the wheel, mandate minimum rest breaks, and require off-duty periods. Trucking companies that fail to enforce these rules or pressure drivers to ignore them put everyone on the road at risk.

How Many Hours Can a Truck Driver Legally Drive?

Federal law establishes clear guidelines on the maximum hours truck drivers can spend behind the wheel. Under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) hours-of-service regulations:

• Truck drivers can drive up to 11 hours after taking 10 consecutive hours off duty.
• They may not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, following 10 hours off duty.
• Drivers must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving.
• Over the course of 7 days, drivers are limited to driving no more than 60 hours. If the company operates trucks every day of the week, the limit is 70 hours over 8 days.

Manufacturer or Maintenance Company Negligence

Equipment failures and mechanical problems on 18-wheelers cause about 6% of all fatal 18-wheeler crashes. While the brakes and the tires experience the most failures, it's not uncommon for other essential systems to fail if manufacturers fail to:

• Design safe equipment
• Properly install equipment on trucks
• Test the safety of their equipment

A truck's mechanical failures may not solely be the result of manufacturer negligence. In some cases, motor carriers' failures to maintain their trucks or overloading 18-wheelers can also contribute to equipment failures and big rig crashes.

Various other forms of negligence can and do lead to serious semi crashes far too often. Failures to properly secure cargo cause approximately 10,000 truck accidents each year. Failures to pull over in adverse weather put everyone at risk. Dangerous road design, a lack of signs and traffic signals, and failures to keep streets in decent condition can all lead to tractor-trailer crashes.

The best way to figure out all forms of negligence that may have been at play in a truck accident is to talk to a lawyer at Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers. By identifying every party that may share responsibility, you can pursue the full range of compensation available, including:

• Medical bills and treatment costs
• Rehabilitation and therapy expenses
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Compensation for pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
• Damages for physical disfigurement or loss of quality of life
• Property damage and other out-of-pocket losses

Common Types of Truck Accidents in Louisiana

Big rig collisions in Louisiana aren't just random occurrences. They often share common causes rooted in the realities of highway travel and the unique challenges of operating these massive vehicles. Some of the most frequent types of truck accidents include:

• Crashes Caused by Driver Fatigue: Long hours and the demands of meeting tight deadlines can leave truck drivers dangerously drowsy behind the wheel. Diminished alertness and delayed reaction times all too often play a role in these wrecks.
• Impaired Driving Accidents: Whether it's alcohol, prescription medication, or illicit drugs, impairment behind the wheel dramatically increases the odds of a serious accident.
• Accidents Involving Improperly Loaded or Unsecured Cargo: When cargo shifts, top-heavy trucks may tip over or lose control, sometimes spilling goods onto the roadway and creating hazardous conditions for everyone else.
• Blind Spot and No-Zone Collisions: The sheer size of 18-wheelers means they have extensive blind spots on all sides. Smaller vehicles traveling in these areas risk being sideswiped or forced off the road.
• Collisions Due to Vehicle Size and Weight: With tractor-trailers weighing 20 to 30 times more than typical passenger vehicles, crashes tend to result in more severe injuries and property damage.

Truck Accident Statistics

Tractor-trailer crashes have been on the rise in the U.S., claiming thousands of victims every year. The numbers paint a jaw-dropping portrait of damage and lost lives.

Louisiana's Troubling Commercial Vehicle Accident Statistics

• 97 large trucks and buses were involved in fatal crashes in Louisiana during recent years, representing approximately 14% of all deadly crashes in our state.
• Between 2,800 and 3,000 Louisianans are injured in commercial truck and bus crashes every year, accounting for 6% of all crash-related injuries statewide.
• Louisiana accounts for 2.2% of all fatal truck crashes nationwide, despite representing only 1.4% of the U.S. population. This means we experience truck accident deaths at nearly double the rate you'd expect.
• 72% of truck accident fatalities are occupants of other vehicles, not the truck drivers themselves. When an 18-wheeler collides with a passenger car, the size and weight difference often prove catastrophic.
• 58% of fatal truck crashes occur on rural Louisiana roads, where emergency response times are longer and medical facilities are farther away.
• Louisiana's overall traffic fatality rate is 21 deaths per 100,000 people nearly double the national average of 12.9. Commercial vehicles contribute significantly to this alarming statistic.

These numbers represent real Louisiana families whose lives have been forever changed. If you've been hurt in a commercial vehicle accident, you don't have to face this challenge alone.

Common Injuries in Truck Accidents

Severe injuries are an unfortunate reality for many involved in tractor-trailer crashes. The sheer size and weight of 18-wheelers amplify the risk of catastrophic harm:

• Head and Brain Injuries: Concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and other forms of head trauma often occur in high-impact collisions.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the back or neck can result in varying degrees of paralysis, ongoing pain, or loss of mobility.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: Limbs, ribs, or the pelvis can break under the force of a big rig crash, sometimes requiring surgery and a lengthy recovery.
• Internal Organ Damage: The violent force of a collision can cause hidden but life-threatening injuries to organs.
• Cuts, Lacerations, and Burns: Broken glass, flying debris, or even engine fires can inflict deep wounds or severe burns.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Whiplash, torn ligaments, and muscle injuries are also common and can cause lasting pain.

8 Steps to Take After a Tractor-Trailer Accident

Call 911 after any big rig crash that causes injuries or blocks traffic. Then, if possible, take these steps:

1. Ensure Your Safety and Call 911: If possible, move to a safe location and call emergency services immediately. Even if you feel fine, accept medical attention at the scene.
2. Get Medical Treatment: See a doctor within 24-48 hours, even if you declined treatment at the scene. Medical records are crucial evidence.
3. Call the Police and Get a Report: Always insist on a police report. Stick to facts when speaking with officers and avoid admitting fault.
4. Document Everything: Take photos of all vehicles, damage, the scene, and any visible injuries. Write down what happened while it's fresh in your memory.
5. Collect Information: Get contact information, insurance details, and license numbers from all drivers. Obtain the truck's DOT number and the trucking company information.
6. Contact Your Insurance: Report the accident to your insurer within 24 hours. Be factual but avoid detailed fault discussions.
7. Preserve All Evidence: Keep all medical records, police reports, photos, repair estimates, and any other accident-related documents.
8. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney: Truck accident cases involve complex regulations and multiple parties. An experienced attorney can preserve evidence and fight for the compensation you deserve.

When Should I Talk to a Truck Accident Lawyer?

The sooner, the better. If you think you need a lawyer, waiting to talk to one won't help you. The truth is that you have limited time to file a case, and the longer you wait, the more challenging it could be to successfully resolve your case.

Keep in mind that:

• Evidence disappears quickly Skid marks fade, surveillance footage gets deleted (often within 30 days), and witnesses' memories become less clear. Trucking companies are aware of this and may dispatch their own investigators to the scene within hours.
• Trucking companies have teams ready to protect them. Within hours of a crash, the trucking company's insurance adjusters and lawyers are already working to minimize their liability.
• Your injuries may be worse than you think. What feels like minor soreness today could reveal itself as a herniated disc or traumatic brain injury tomorrow.
• Insurance companies will push for quick settlements. They know you're hurting and facing mounting bills. They'll offer fast cash that seems helpful, but rarely covers your actual damages.
• Federal trucking regulations establish unique deadlines. Commercial drivers are required to maintain specific logs and records, but they're only required to retain certain documents for a limited time.
• Your medical treatment needs documentation. Following your doctor's orders isn't just important for your health, it's crucial for your case.

Every day you wait is a day the trucking company gains an advantage. You don't pay us anything unless we win, so there's no financial risk in calling us today.

How Much Is My Truck Accident Case Worth?

Every truck accident case is unique, and determining its value starts with understanding the full extent of your injuries and losses. Your compensation should reflect not just your immediate expenses, but the lasting impact this accident has had on your life. Remember, Louisiana law generally allows you one year from the date of your accident to file a claim, so it's essential to understand your damages promptly.

Understanding Your Economic Damages

The financial toll of a truck accident often extends far beyond your initial medical bills. In Louisiana, you're entitled to recover all quantifiable losses caused by the accident, including:

• Emergency room treatment and hospitalization costs
• Surgery and specialist care expenses
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs
• Prescription medications and medical equipment
• Future medical treatment and ongoing care needs

Lost Income and Earning Capacity

Missing work means missing paychecks. You're entitled to recover wages lost during your recovery time, whether that's weeks, months, or longer. If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job, we'll pursue compensation for your reduced earning capacity. This includes not just your base salary but also lost benefits, bonuses, and other employment perks.

Out-of-Pocket Expenses

The hidden costs of recovery add up fast. Travel expenses for medical appointments, home modifications needed due to injuries, and assistance with daily activities you can no longer perform yourself are all recoverable costs.

The Human Cost: Non-Economic Damages

While financial losses are easier to calculate, the personal suffering you've endured is just as real and deserves compensation. Louisiana law recognizes these non-economic damages:

• Physical pain from your injuries
• Emotional distress and trauma from the accident
• Mental anguish related to your recovery process
• Inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed
• Loss of quality of life due to permanent disabilities
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement from your injuries

What This Means for Your Case

Your truck accident case value reflects all of these factors combined. In Louisiana, we also consider whether comparative fault applies, which means if you're found partially responsible for the accident, it could affect your compensation. However, with commercial truck accidents, multiple parties are often liable, the driver, trucking company, maintenance providers, or cargo loaders, which can strengthen your case.

You shouldn't have to choose between your health and your financial security. We're here to help you understand the true value of your case and fight for every dollar you deserve under Louisiana law.

Louisiana-Specific Considerations for Trucking Cases

Louisiana's legal system has unique features that can significantly affect your truck accident case. Unlike most states that follow common law traditions, Louisiana operates under a civil law system based on the Napoleonic Code. This means our laws and legal procedures can differ substantially from what you might expect.

Survival Action vs. Wrongful Death

In the tragic event that a truck accident results in death, Louisiana law provides two distinct types of claims. Survival actions compensate for the damages the deceased suffered before death, including their pain and suffering and medical expenses. Wrongful death claims address the losses suffered by surviving family members, from funeral expenses to loss of financial support and companionship.

Comparative Fault and Louisiana Law

Louisiana follows a comparative fault system, meaning your compensation may be reduced if you're found partially at fault for the accident. However, you can still recover damages as long as you're not more than 50% at fault.

Can You Get Compensation If the Accident Was Your Fault?

Yes. Even if you share some responsibility for the accident, you may still be eligible to receive compensation. Under Louisiana's comparative fault rules, the amount you can recover will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 30% responsible for the accident, your total compensation will be reduced by 30%. As long as your share of fault does not exceed 50%, you may still pursue a claim.

Future Damages Are Considered in Truck Accidents

Louisiana courts take future losses seriously, understanding that truck accident injuries often have lifelong consequences. We collaborate with medical experts and economists to determine your future medical expenses and potential lost earning capacity. This expert testimony helps ensure you receive compensation not just for today's bills, but for the ongoing costs you'll face in the years ahead.

Why Choose Morris & Dewett

The fastest way to settle a case is to prepare for trial. Insurance companies know which firms will go to court and which will not. It is important to choose a firm that will go the distance.

There are plenty of good lawyers in Louisiana that can handle small cases but when your injuries are serious and your future is uncertain then hiring the right firm is paramount. We have a history of delivering results for others in similar circumstances. Compare our results, not just the highest valued ones, but the volume of significant results.

Negotiate From Strength

Our practice is exclusively injury law. This means we have probably represented a case like yours. Companies know we will go to trial, they know we will be prepared, they know we will fight hard, and they know the results we achieved for others. Companies are more likely to get to a fair offer sooner.

Trusted by Other Attorneys

A significant number of other attorneys refer their cases to Morris & Dewett. They trust us to maximize value for their clients and achieve the justice they seek. It is not uncommon for defense attorneys on the other side to send their loved ones to us, because they have seen the quality of our work firsthand.

We have relationships with the best doctors in the state to help your recovery and act as expert witnesses on your behalf. Real doctors with expertise ready to give you the best care. We only take Real Cases with Real Injuries which is why we work with the best professionals.

It is not enough for us to deliver results. Our significant number of Five-Star reviews demonstrate that we focus on treating our clients well through the process. We have a people first, high touch, and transparent process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Louisiana?

Louisiana law sets a strict deadline for filing a truck accident claim. Generally, you only have one year from the date of your crash to file a lawsuit for injuries, damages, or losses related to the accident. For accidents on or after July 1, 2024, you have two years. Letting this time limit expire could result in losing your right to pursue compensation altogether.

How many hours can a truck driver legally drive?

Under FMCSA hours-of-service regulations, truck drivers can drive up to 11 hours after taking 10 consecutive hours off duty. They may not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty. Drivers must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving. Over 7 days, drivers are limited to 60 hours, or 70 hours over 8 days if the company operates every day.

How are truck accidents different from car accidents?

Commercial trucks can weigh up to 30 times more than a passenger vehicle, creating devastating force in collisions. Truck accidents also involve longer stopping distances, extensive blind spots, risks of rollovers and jackknifing, and complex federal safety regulations. Injuries tend to be significantly more severe, and multiple parties may be liable.

How much will a truck accident lawsuit cost me?

Morris & Dewett works on a contingency fee basis. You don't pay retainer fees or hourly charges. We cover the costs of investigating your case, gathering evidence, and negotiating with insurance companies. Our fee is a percentage of the compensation we secure for you. If we don't win, you owe us nothing.

What if I am partially at fault for the truck accident?

Yes, you may still recover compensation. Under Louisiana's comparative fault rules, the amount you can recover will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 30% responsible, your compensation is reduced by 30%. As long as your share of fault does not exceed 50%, you may still pursue a claim for damages.

Who can be held liable in a truck accident?

Multiple parties may bear responsibility, including the truck driver, the trucking company, the truck's manufacturer or maintenance company, cargo loaders or shipping companies, and other drivers who contributed to the accident. Identifying every liable party strengthens your case and can increase your total compensation.

What damages can I recover in a Louisiana truck accident case?

Recoverable damages include medical bills and future treatment costs, lost wages and diminished earning capacity, rehabilitation expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, property damage, and out-of-pocket expenses. In wrongful death cases, surviving family members can also pursue compensation for their losses.

When should I contact a truck accident lawyer?

As soon as possible after the accident. Evidence disappears quickly, trucking companies dispatch their own investigators within hours, and insurance companies push for quick settlements that rarely cover actual damages. Early legal involvement preserves evidence and protects your rights from the start.

What is a survival action vs. wrongful death claim?

Louisiana law provides two distinct claims when a truck accident results in death. Survival actions compensate for the damages the deceased suffered before death, including pain and suffering and medical expenses. Wrongful death claims address losses suffered by surviving family members, including funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and companionship.

What should I do immediately after a truck accident?

Call 911 immediately. Move to safety if possible. Get medical attention even if you feel fine. Insist on a police report. Document the scene with photos. Collect the truck's DOT number and trucking company information. Report to your insurer within 24 hours. Preserve all evidence and contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

These answers reflect Louisiana law as of January 2026. For case specific advice, consult with a Louisiana personal injury attorney who can evaluate your particular circumstances.