Tractor-trailers are involved in severe crashes on I-20, Highway 167, and other busy Ruston roadways. Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers provides representation with 20 years of experience winning tough truck wreck cases. The firm handles all types of tractor-trailer accident cases and is available 24/7 for initial consultations.
Morris & Dewett has recovered millions for 18-wheeler accident survivors and families who lost loved ones to fatal tractor-trailer accidents.
What Causes Most Tractor-Trailer Accidents?
Preventable mistakes, carelessness, and negligence cause most big rig wrecks. Many involve multiple acts of negligence from various parties including motorists, trucking companies, and equipment manufacturers.
Motorist Negligence and 18-Wheeler Wrecks
Driver errors include performance errors such as mishandling vehicles, perception and recognition errors such as misunderstanding surroundings, and decision errors involving poor choices. Truck drivers' common errors include speeding, which is a factor in roughly one in three big rig wrecks, prescription drug use causing fatigue, and performance errors on unfamiliar roads, which affect approximately one in five crashes.
Motor Carrier Negligence and Tractor-Trailer Crashes
Trucking companies must follow regulations for safe trucks and drivers, maintaining safety-promoting policies. When companies fail these obligations, they can be liable for big rig wrecks. Discovering motor carrier negligence requires deeper investigations and experienced attorney help.
18-Wheeler Wrecks and Equipment Failures
About 6 percent of deadly semi-truck accidents involve mechanical problems or equipment failures. Mechanical issues affect 18-wheelers roughly twice as much as passenger vehicles. Failures typically involve brakes or tires, caused by design flaws, manufacturing failures, inspection failures, improper maintenance, overloading, or improper cargo balancing.
Cargo Problems and Truck Accidents
About 7 percent of semi accidents result from unstable or unsecured cargo, roughly 10,000 truck accidents yearly. When cargo is unstable, big rigs become top-heavy and difficult to control, resulting in rollovers, jackknife accidents, runaway trailers, and severe wrecks involving multiple vehicles and catastrophic injuries.
Weather, Road, and Traffic Conditions
About one in seven semi-truck wrecks occurs during poor weather including dense fog and heavy storms. Traffic conditions also present risks on slick or poorly maintained roads. Congestion or accident aftermath affects 28 percent of 18-wheeler wrecks, and highway work zones are involved in roughly one in three deadly work zone accidents.
Ruston and Louisiana Truck Accident Statistics
Statistics show the tragic frequency of big rig collisions in Louisiana, with sources citing LSU traffic reports.
What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Ruston
- Call 911 to get Ruston Police Department or other authorities on scene.
- Collect information from other drivers and witnesses.
- Get pictures and video of the crash site with maximum detail.
- Do not state fault; avoid admissions when speaking to anyone at the scene or to insurance companies.
- Visit a doctor as soon as possible and get all medical care needed for your injuries.
- Call your insurance company to report the accident within a day or two.
- Consult a Ruston truck accident attorney at Morris & Dewett for claim options.
When Should I Contact a Ruston Truck Accident Lawyer?
Contact an attorney as soon as possible. Limited time exists to file claims, and at-fault parties may already be working to shield themselves from liability. Contacting an attorney helps protect your rights, retain experienced counsel, and build a stronger case.
How Much Are Truck Accident Settlements?
Compensation varies case by case based on injury severity and losses. More serious accidents typically result in higher compensation due to expensive medical bills and permanent losses. Damages generally cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: When should I contact a Ruston truck accident lawyer?
-
Contact an attorney as soon as possible after a truck accident. Limited time exists to file claims under Louisiana law, and at-fault parties may already be taking steps to shield themselves from liability. Early legal contact helps protect your rights, preserve evidence, retain experienced counsel, and build a stronger case with strategic support at every phase.
These answers reflect Louisiana law as of . For case specific advice, consult with a Louisiana personal injury attorney who can evaluate your particular circumstances.