Some of the worst wrecks involve 18-wheelers. As the largest and heaviest vehicles on the roads, big rig accidents can have devastating, heartbreaking outcomes, and many of them could have been avoided if only one 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 over 20 years of experience representing survivors and families in the most complex truck wreck cases. Strategic, tireless, and compassionate, we possess the skills, resources, and knowledge to effectively stand up to any opponent, both inside and outside the courtroom, and we know how to achieve victory.
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.
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 crash requires more than just determination. It requires a deep understanding of trucking regulations, insurance company tactics, and the specific challenges associated with these cases.
That’s where our experience comes in. 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.
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.
Larger 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.
Knowing what sets truck accidents apart is the first step toward protecting yourself and ensuring you get the right help after a crash.
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
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
Let’s break down some of the most common forms of negligence that cause devastating tractor-trailer collisions.
More than 8 in 10 big rig wrecks are caused by motorists’ action or inaction. 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, such as driving while impaired, driving too fast for the conditions, or attempting maneuvers without sufficient space or time to complete them safely. 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
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 (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 a safe condition
Comply with cargo securement and loading rules
Enforce or abide by hours-of-service rules
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. Additionally, drivers must conduct thorough pre-trip inspections and comply with Louisiana’s size and weight restrictions to ensure safe operations.
It often requires digging into motor carriers’ records, vehicle maintenance records, and other sources to determine if truck company negligence has caused an accident.
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. Off-duty time does not extend this 14-hour period.
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.
These hours-of-service rules are designed to fight driver fatigue and keep the roads safer for everyone. Louisiana truckers must also comply with state-specific requirements for vehicle size and weight, as well as pre-trip inspection protocols.
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 their trucks or even 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. Some examples include:
Failures to properly secure cargo: Approximately 10,000 truck accidents occur each year due to 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 other adverse weather conditions minimize visibility and make the roads hazardous, truckers and motor carriers may still choose to proceed, 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 cars that end up stopped on the roadside can be in the path of traffic and potentially cause 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. An experienced attorney can dig into every angle, examining not just the actions of the trucker or the trucking company, but also looking into the roles of other potentially liable parties, such as:
The truck’s manufacturer, if equipment failure contributed to the crash,
Maintenance companies are responsible for repairs or inspections,
Cargo loaders, whose mistakes can lead to unstable loads,
Other drivers on the road may have been responsible for the collision.
By identifying every party that may share responsibility, you can pursue the full range of compensation available. This could include:
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
A thorough investigation and a legal team with a nose for detail can make all the difference when it comes to holding everyone accountable and helping you recover what you deserve.
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: Whether it’s alcohol, prescription medication, or illicit drugs, impairment behind the wheel dramatically increases the odds of a serious accident. Even a momentary lapse in judgment or coordination can have devastating consequences on Louisiana’s highways.
Accidents Involving Improperly Loaded or Unsecured Cargo: Louisiana’s roads see their fair share of mishaps caused by unstable loads. 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 (or “no-zones”) on all sides. Smaller vehicles traveling in these areas risk being sideswiped or forced off the road, often before the truck driver is even aware of their presence.
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. The physics alone means stopping distances are longer and maneuverability is limited—factors that contribute to pileups, jackknife accidents, and underride crashes.
Understanding these common types of semi-truck accidents can help Louisiana motorists be extra vigilant around these large vehicles and underscore the importance of thorough investigations when accidents occur.
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. To aid in the pursuit of justice, consider contacting a truck accident attorney at Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers. We offer experienced representation for all types of 18-wheeler accident cases.
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, significantly higher than our population would suggest.
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 for families in smaller vehicles.
58% of fatal truck crashes occur on rural Louisiana roads, where emergency response times are longer and medical facilities are farther away. Additionally, 73% of incidents occur on non-interstate roads, where trucks share lanes with regular traffic.
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. Behind every statistic is someone’s parent, child, or loved one who deserved to make it home safely. If you’ve been hurt in a commercial vehicle accident, you don’t have to face this challenge alone. We understand the physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial stress these crashes cause, and we’re here to fight for you.
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. Some of the most frequent—and devastating—injuries seen in truck accidents include:
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 such as the lungs, liver, or spleen.
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.
These injuries can upend lives in an instant, making it even more important to seek both immediate medical attention and knowledgeable legal guidance after a truck accident.
Call 911 after any big rig crash that causes injuries or blocks traffic. You should also call 911 if any of the involved drivers 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.
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:
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 even dispatch their own investigators to the scene within hours. We need to act fast to preserve the evidence that proves your case.
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. You deserve to have someone equally dedicated to protecting your interests from the very beginning.
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. Early legal guidance ensures you don’t settle for less than your injuries truly cost you.
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. Once you sign, you can’t ask for more – even if your injuries turn out to be permanent.
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. We know exactly what to request and when to request it before it’s legally destroyed.
Your medical treatment needs documentation – Following your doctor’s orders isn’t just important for your health – it’s crucial for your case. We’ll help ensure your medical care is properly documented to support your claim.
The bottom line: 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. Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on healing.
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.
Every truck accident case is unique, and determining its value starts with understanding the full extent of your injuries and losses. When we evaluate your case, we look at both what you’ve already lost and what you’ll continue to face in the months and years ahead. 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.
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. Let’s break down what these economic damages typically include:
The medical costs associated with a truck accident can be overwhelming. These include emergency room treatment and hospitalization costs, which often run into tens of thousands of dollars from the moment paramedics arrive. You deserve compensation for all surgery and specialist care expenses, including consultations with orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, and other specialists your injuries require. Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs add up quickly, especially when you need months of treatment to regain function. We’ll also fight for coverage of your prescription medications and medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, crutches, or home medical devices. Most importantly, we look beyond today’s bills to calculate your future medical treatment and ongoing care needs, ensuring you’re protected for years to come.
Many of our clients also face ongoing costs, including:
Physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility
Prescription medications and medical equipment
Future medical treatment and ongoing care need
We ensure that we account for all these expenses, both current and future, because your recovery shouldn’t be limited by your ability to pay.
Missing work means missing paychecks, and we understand the financial stress this creates. 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 you would have received. When injuries permanently affect your ability to work, we’ll calculate future income losses to ensure you’re fairly compensated for the career you’ve lost.
Under Louisiana law, we help you recover compensation for:
Wages lost during your 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
If this accident has changed your career trajectory or forced you into early retirement, we’ll fight to ensure your compensation reflects those long-term losses.
Beyond your physical injuries, truck accidents often result in significant property damage. Vehicle repair costs can be substantial, and if your car is totaled, you deserve fair replacement value. We’ll also pursue compensation for any personal property damaged in the crash, from electronics to work equipment. While your vehicle is being repaired or replaced, those rental car expenses shouldn’t come out of your pocket.
After a collision with a commercial truck, you’re entitled to compensation for:
Vehicle repair or replacement costs
Personal property damaged in the crash
Rental car expenses while your vehicle is being repaired
The hidden costs of recovery add up fast. Travel expenses for medical appointments, especially those involving specialists located far from home, are deserving of compensation. If your injuries require home modifications, such as wheelchair ramps or bathroom safety equipment, those costs are recoverable. When you need help with daily activities you once did yourself – from housekeeping to lawn care – those assistance costs should be covered too.
These often-overlooked costs include:
Travel costs for medical appointments
Home modifications are needed due to your injuries
Assistance with daily activities you can no longer perform yourself
Every receipt matters, and we’ll help you document these expenses to ensure you’re fully compensated.
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 because it acknowledges the profound ways this accident has changed your life.
Your physical pain is real and deserves recognition. Beyond the immediate pain from your injuries, we understand you’re dealing with ongoing discomfort that affects every aspect of your life. The emotional distress and trauma from surviving a truck accident can be just as debilitating as physical injuries. Mental anguish during your recovery process, including anxiety about your future and depression from your limitations, all factor into your compensation.
It encompasses:
Physical pain from your injuries
Emotional distress and trauma from the accident
Mental anguish related to your recovery process
The sleepless nights, the anxiety about getting back on the road, and the frustration of relying on others – all of these factors contribute to determining fair compensation.
When injuries rob you of activities that bring you joy, that loss matters. Whether you can no longer play with your children, pursue your hobbies, or enjoy intimate moments with your spouse, these losses deserve compensation. Permanent disabilities that affect your quality of life have profound impacts on your happiness and fulfillment. The strain on your relationships and inability to participate in social activities you once enjoyed are real losses that we’ll fight to have recognized.
This includes:
Inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed
Loss of quality of life due to permanent disabilities
Impact on your relationships and social activities
Whether you can no longer play sports, pursue hobbies, or simply play with your children or grandchildren, these losses deserve recognition.
Permanent scarring or disfigurement from truck accident injuries affects more than your appearance. The impact on your self-esteem and confidence in social situations can be devastating. When visible injuries change how others perceive you or limit your personal and professional opportunities, you deserve compensation for these lasting effects.
Permanent scarring or disfigurement from your injuries
Impact on your self-esteem and social interactions
For those living with visible reminders of their accident, the emotional impact can be as challenging as the physical changes.
Your truck accident case value reflects all of these factors combined – both economic and non-economic damages. 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.
We understand that behind every medical bill is a person struggling to heal, and behind every lost paycheck is a family worried about their future. That’s why we work tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of your suffering is recognized and compensated fairly.
You shouldn’t have to choose between your health and your financial security. You shouldn’t have to wonder how you’ll support your family while you recover. And you certainly shouldn’t have to bear these burdens alone, especially when someone else’s negligence caused your injuries. We’re here to help you understand the true value of your case and fight for every dollar you deserve under Louisiana law.
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 if you’ve dealt with legal matters in other states. Additionally, Louisiana’s approach to damages, fault allocation, and time limits for filing claims may differ from those in neighboring states. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for maximizing your recovery.
When serious truck accident injuries occur, several Louisiana-specific legal issues frequently arise that can impact your case:
Louisiana law acknowledges that your injuries also impact your loved ones. Your spouse may be entitled to compensation for the loss of companionship, affection, and support resulting from your injuries. This acknowledges that serious injuries impact entire families, not just the person physically hurt.
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.
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.
Yes. Even if you share some responsibility for the accident, you may still be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries and losses. 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 for damages. This system allows for a fairer outcome, ensuring that you aren’t completely barred from recovery simply because you played a role in the incident.
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.
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 resources necessary 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.
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 achieve the best possible outcomes. To discover the difference our team can make in your case and recovery, just contact us today.
Louisiana law sets a strict deadline for filing a truck accident claim—referred to as the statute of limitations. 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.
Letting this time limit expire could result in losing your right to pursue compensation altogether. Because truck accident cases often involve several parties and complex regulations, it’s crucial to begin the process as soon as possible. Acting quickly gives your attorney more time to investigate, collect evidence, and ensure every necessary document is filed properly and on time. By getting help early, you’ll have the strongest shot at recovering what you deserve.
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:
These hours-of-service rules are designed to fight driver fatigue and keep the roads safer for everyone. Louisiana truckers must also comply with state-specific requirements for vehicle size and weight, as well as pre-trip inspection protocols.
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 go way beyond just 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—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, can seriously impact alertness and performance.
Some key factors that set truck accidents apart include:
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.
Knowing what sets truck accidents apart is the first step toward protecting yourself—and ensuring you get the right help after a crash.
Worried about upfront costs? You’re not alone. Many people are hesitant to reach out to an attorney because they fear expensive hourly rates or surprise fees. Here’s the good news: most reputable truck accident attorneys—including our team—work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing out of pocket unless we recover money on your behalf.
How Does Contingency Work?
This arrangement enables you to focus on your recovery and case, rather than worrying about legal bills. No hidden fees, no financial risk. If you have questions about how contingency fees work, we’re always happy to walk you through the specifics during your consultation.
Let us handle the legal costs and heavy lifting, so you can focus on getting better.
Our team of intake specialists is ready to listen to you and gather all the information for a free, confidential case evaluation. We will hear you out, take what you say seriously, and then round up with our legal team.
Our lawyers will provide you with no-obligation feedback on your case, usually on the same day, but no later than 24 hours. We will give you the appropriate course of action for your situation.
If your case is a good fit for our firm and you graciously allow us to represent you, our team will begin working immediately. We will investigate, send the appropriate letters to stop insurance companies from harassing you, and start your medical recovery.
Our internal process is transparent with high levels of communication from the opening of your case to the final handshake. Our firm will promptly return your phone calls and keep you informed. You will know the exact status of your case. Our case managers and attorneys are committed to making a difficult situation as stress-free as possible.
