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Big Truck Accidents can be devastating

Some of the worst wrecks involve 18-wheelers. As the biggest, heaviest vehicles on the roads, big rig accidents can have horrible, heartbreaking outcomes — and many of them could have been avoided if only some party had been more responsible or careful.

When you or someone you love is hurt in a tractor-trailer accident, you can get the superior representation you deserve from a 5-star truck accident lawyer at Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers.

We have more than 20 years of experience representing survivors and families in the toughest truck wreck cases. Strategic, tireless, and compassionate, we have the skills, resources, and knowledge to stand up to any opponent inside or outside the courtroom, and we know how to win.

Our truck accident attorneys are proud to be the fierce, reliable, and relentless advocates victims can trust when it’s time to recover from an 18-wheeler accident.

No matter when you need answers or advocacy, we’re ready to help you 24/7.

Schedule A Free No Obligation Consultation

Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers has recovered millions in all types of 18-wheeler accident cases.

Your claim and recovery could be our next victory.

Click on a link below to jump directly to a section and learn more about truck accident causes, lawyers, cases, and compensation.

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.

Motorist Negligence

Motor Carrier Negligence

Manufacturer Negligence

Other Negligence

Motorist Negligence

More than 8 in 10 big rig wrecks are caused by motorists’ actions or inactions. Most of the time:

Non-commercial drivers are making the mistakes that cause truck wrecks: 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.
The mistakes tend to include decision errors: These can include choosing to drive while impaired, driving too fast for the conditions, or attempting maneuvers without sufficient space or time to safely complete them. Keep in mind, however, that motorists’ perception errors and performance errors also routinely contribute to big rig wrecks.

Determining if motorist negligence caused a truck accident can involve examining various evidence, like (but not limited to):
Accident photos and videos
The police report
Witness statements
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 end up causing truck accidents. This negligence can include (and is not limited to) 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 safe condition
Comply with cargo securement and loading rules
Enforce or abide by hours-of-service rules

It often takes some digging into motor carrier’s records, vehicle maintenance records, and more to find out if truck company negligence has caused a wreck.

Manufacturer 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 — like the transmission, the engine, and the electrical systems — to fail if manufacturers fail to:

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

Here, it’s important to remember that a truck’s mechanical failures may not solely be the result of manufacturer negligence. In some cases, motor carriers’ failures to maintain trucks or even overloading 18-wheelers can also play a role in equipment failures and big rig crashes.

Other Negligence

Various other forms of negligence can and does lead to serious semi crashes far too often. Some examples include:

Failures to properly secure cargo: Each year, about 10,000 truck accidents result from unstable or unsecured cargo. These cargo failures can lead to top heavy 18-wheelers, jackknife truck accidents, and runaway trailer wrecks.
Failures to pull over in adverse weather: When heavy storms or any adverse weather minimizes visibility and makes the roads dangerous, truckers and motor carriers may still choose to forge ahead, even though it would be safer to pull over.
Unsafe roads: 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. For example, if roads lack shoulder areas for vehicles to safely pull off the road, any vehicles that do end up stopped on the roadside can be in the path of traffic and end up causing big rig accidents.

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.

Truck Accident Statistics

Tractor-trailer crashes have been on the rise in the U.S., claiming thousands of victims every year. In fact, the latest truck accident statistics shared below show how often big rig wrecks are hurting and killing people across the nation (source: FMCSA).

The numbers paint a jaw-dropping portrait of damage and lost lives, but these statistics don’t shed light on victims’ deep trauma — and they don’t help victims get justice. What can help in the pursuit of justice is contacting a truck accident attorney at Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers. We offer experienced representation for all types of 18-wheeler accident cases.

8 Steps to Take After a Tractor-Trailer Accident

Call 911 after any big rig crash that causes injuries or blocks traffic. You should also call 911 if any involved driver may be impaired or if anyone flees the scene of the crash. Next, if possible, take these steps:

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 – some injuries don’t show symptoms right away.
Get Medical Treatment: See a doctor within 24-48 hours, even if you declined treatment at the scene. Medical records are crucial evidence, and delaying care can exacerbate injuries and negatively impact your claim.
Call the Police and get a Report. Always insist on a police report. Stick to facts when speaking with officers and avoid admitting fault. Get the report number so you can obtain a copy later.
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, including weather and road conditions.

Gather Information: Collect contact information, insurance details, and license numbers from all drivers. Obtain the truck’s DOT number and the information of the trucking company. Note witness contact details.
Contact Your Insurance: Report the accident to your insurer within 24 hours. Be factual but avoid detailed fault discussions. You don’t have to give recorded statements to the trucking company’s insurance.
Preserve All Evidence: Keep all medical records, police reports, photos, repair estimates, and any other accident-related documents. Don’t repair your vehicle until it’s been properly inspected and documented.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney: Truck accident cases involve complex regulations and multiple parties. An experienced attorney can preserve evidence, handle insurance companies, 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.

By consulting with an attorney as soon as possible after a tractor-trailer crash, you can immediately start protecting your rights. You can also get the answers, advice, and advocacy needed to build a stronger, more persuasive case.

Also, keep in mind that:

At Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers, we are ready to talk to you about a potential 18-wheeler crash claim whenever you need answers. We can start investigating your case right away, and we’ll help you navigate each step going forward.

How Much Is My Truck Accident Case Worth?

The value of any tractor-trailer crash case depends on the injuries and damages involved. Those can include past and future losses resulting from truck accident injuries, as well as economic and non-economic damages.

Commonly, the damages included in truck accident compensation include (but may not be limited to):

Economic Damages

Medical Expenses

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

Wages lost during recovery time
Reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to your previous job
Loss of benefits, bonuses, and other employment perks
Future income losses if your injuries permanently affect your ability to work

Property Damage

Vehicle repair or replacement costs
Personal property damaged in the crash
Rental car expenses while your vehicle is being repaired

Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Travel costs for medical appointments
Home modifications needed due to your injuries
Assistance with daily activities you can no longer perform yourself

Non-Economic Damages

Pain and Suffering

Physical pain from your injuries
Emotional distress and trauma from the accident
Mental anguish related to your recovery process

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

Inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed
Loss of quality of life due to permanent disabilities
Impact on your relationships and social activities

Disfigurement and Scarring

Permanent scarring or disfigurement from your injuries
Impact on your self-esteem and social interactions

Louisiana-Specific Considerations

Loss of Consortium

In Louisiana, your spouse may be entitled to compensation for loss of companionship, affection, and support resulting from your injuries.

Survival Action vs. Wrongful Death

If a truck accident results in death, Louisiana law allows for both survival actions (damages the deceased suffered before death) and wrongful death claims (losses to surviving family members).

Comparative Fault

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.

Future Damages

Louisiana courts carefully consider future medical expenses and lost earning capacity, often requiring expert testimony to establish these amounts.

We understand that no amount of money can truly make up for what you’ve been through. However, fair compensation can help alleviate the financial burden of your recovery and ensure you have the necessary resources to move forward with your life. We’re here to fight for every dollar you deserve and hold the responsible parties accountable for the harm they’ve caused.

Get Answers & 5-Star Advocacy from Premier Truck Accident Lawyers

It costs nothing to learn more about your rights and legal options after an 18-wheeler accident. In fact, talking to a lawyer can uncover key information that can help you get a case started on the right foot.

To get the answers you need, simply contact a truck accident attorney at Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers. We provide unmatched counsel and superior advocacy to help truck accident victims win. To discover the difference our team can make in your case and recovery, just contact us today.