Shreveport Big Rig Accident Lawyers

Shreveport thrives on the constant hum of commerce, depending on a network of busy roads like Interstates 20 and 49. While this vital flow keeps the city moving, it also presents a significant challenge – safety.

Imagine sharing the road with massive eighteen-wheelers, also known as big rigs. The sheer size and weight disparity between these behemoths and passenger vehicles means even a seemingly minor fender bender can have catastrophic consequences.

At Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, we’ve witnessed firsthand the devastating aftermath of big rig accidents. Our clients often come to us grappling with life-altering, severe injuries like brain damage, spinal cord trauma, or even paralysis.

The impact of these accidents extends far beyond the physical. The emotional toll is immense, and the financial burden – with potentially astronomical medical bills and rehabilitation costs – can be crippling.

Why Choose Gordon McKernan’s Big Rig Accident Lawyers Near Shreveport?

Big rig crashes are different from car accidents – the stakes are higher, the regulations are more complex, and trucking companies often have deep pockets for legal defense. That’s why having an experienced Louisiana big rig accident attorney by your side is crucial.

At our firm, we understand the unique challenges that arise from these cases. Our Shreveport team has a deep understanding of Louisiana’s trucking laws, which allows us to effectively navigate your claim and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Here’s what sets us apart, and why choosing us as your Shreveport truck accident attorney is the right decision:

• Let Us Handle The Fight: We know a truck accident can be overwhelming. Let us deal with the complexities of your case, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies. This allows you to focus on what matters most – your recovery.
  
  
• Your Recovery is Our Priority: We understand the physical, emotional, and financial burdens you face. We’ll be your advocate, fighting to get you the compensation you need to recover not just physically, but financially as well.
  
  
• Your Voice in Court: Truck companies have strong legal teams. We’re not afraid to go to court to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. We’ll be your strong voice every step of the way.

Gordon McKernan’s Proven Results in Big Rig Accident Cases

At our firm, we’ve consistently helped accident victims recover the compensation they deserve $3 Billion. For our clients involved in trucking accidents, we’ve secured some significant results 59+ Million+ verdicts and settlements.

If you’ve been hurt in a big rig crash, having a Shreveport big truck accident lawyer on your side who’s truly dedicated to your case can be a game-changer. We’ll be there to help you navigate medical bills, fight for what’s fair, and get you back on your feet as quickly as possible.

Common Causes of Big Rig Accidents

Understanding what caused your accident isn’t just about blame, it’s about preventing future tragedies. 

Our Shreveport big truck accident lawyers work hand-in-hand with investigators, accident reconstruction experts, and other specialists to uncover every detail of your case.

This comprehensive approach helps us not only determine the cause of the crash but also identify any contributing factors.

Here’s a look at some common causes of big rig accidents in Shreveport:

• Driver Fatigue: Long hauls and tight deadlines can lead to fatigue, making it difficult for drivers to react quickly to avoid an accident.
  
  
• Impaired Driving: Whether it’s alcohol or drugs, any substance that clouds judgment or slows reaction times is a serious threat.
  
  
• Speeding: The pressure to meet deadlines can tempt some drivers to exceed the speed limit, significantly increasing the severity of any crash.
  
  
• Reckless Driving: Unsafe lane changes, tailgating, and ignoring traffic signals put everyone on the road at risk.
  
  
• Maintenance Issues: Faulty brakes, improperly secured cargo, and tire blowouts can turn a routine trip into a disaster. When a truck’s handling is compromised, stopping and maneuvering safely become nearly impossible.
  
  
• Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, or fiddling with anything that takes a truck driver’s eyes off the road can be disastrous.
  
  
• Improperly Loaded Cargo: Truck drivers & trucking companies can be tempted or pressured into maximizing their efficiency. This can lead to violations of safety protocols in place to prevent improperly loaded trucks.

By thoroughly examining all available evidence, including information obtained from the trucking company, we build a strong case that identifies the responsible party. 

This in-depth investigation allows us to not only understand the cause of the crash but also any underlying issues that may have contributed to it.

Determining Liable Parties In a Shreveport Big Rig Accident

Who’s accountable after a Shreveport truck accident? An important legal principle comes into play here: respondeat superior, a Latin term that basically means “the boss is responsible for what the employee does.”

It basically means that trucking companies can be held accountable for their drivers’ mistakes, not just the drivers themselves [La. Civ. Code Art. 2320].

Think of it this way: you’re cruising down 20 when a massive truck cuts into your lane without a signal, causing a wreck and leaving you hurt. Louisiana law allows you to go after not just the trucker, but potentially the trucking company and their insurance as well.

Why? Because under respondeat superior, if three things are true, the company can be on the hook:

• The truck driver caused the accident.
• The accident happened while the driver was on the job.
• The driver was acting within their job duties at the time.

Having a Shreveport personal injury lawyer by your side can make a world of difference in navigating these legal waters, especially after a serious crash involving a semi-truck or 18-wheeler.

Types of Compensation in Big Rig Accident Cases

No one deserves to be stuck with the financial burden after a truck accident.

At Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, our Louisiana personal injury attorneys understand that healing is a priority, but recovering what you’ve lost is crucial too.

That’s why we take a thorough look at your situation to determine the full scope of compensation you might be entitled to.

We’ll break it down into two main categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

These are the concrete costs associated with the accident, such as:

• Medical bills: We’ll fight to get coverage for past, present, and future medical expenses related to your injuries.
  
  
• Car repairs or replacement: If your vehicle is damaged, we’ll help you recover those costs.
  
  
• Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, we’ll fight to get you compensated for lost income.
  
  
• Other property damage: This could include damage to personal belongings like phones or laptops.

Non-Economic Damages

While these are harder to quantify, they’re no less real. These damages acknowledge the emotional and physical pain you’ve been through, such as pain and suffering.

To build a strong case, we’ll gather evidence to support your claim. Here’s what you can expect from our team:

• We’ll track down all your medical records: Detailed documentation from doctors is crucial to show the extent of your injuries and the need for treatment.
  
  
• Save those receipts! Every receipt from your accident, big or small, helps us track your out-of-pocket expenses.
  
  
• Considering a specialist? Sometimes, a specialist can provide valuable insight into the long-term effects of your injuries, strengthening your case.

Let’s face it, accidents are painful. We’ll fight to get you fair compensation for what you’ve endured.

Statute of Limitations in Shreveport Big Rig Accidents

If you’ve been involved in a big rig accident here in Shreveport, navigating the legal side of things can feel overwhelming. One important factor to consider is the timeframe for taking action.

Statute of Limitation Changes in Louisiana

In 2024, Louisiana law extended the statute of limitations for personal injury claims occurring on or after July 1, 2024, from one year to two years. Any injuries that occurred before July 1, 2024, will still have a 1-year statute of limitation. Learn more about Louisiana’s New Statute of Limitations here.

• 1 year for injuries sustained before July 1, 2024.
• 2 years for injuries suffered after July 1, 2024.

The statute of limitations is a legal deadline that sets a time frame for filing a lawsuit. In Louisiana, this is known as the “prescriptive period,” which determines how long you have to take legal action against the responsible party after an injury occurs.

How Can a Shreveport Big Rig Accident Lawyer Help?

Time isn’t the only reason to act quickly after a big rig accident. Evidence can vanish fast. In the days and weeks following a crash, crucial details like the truck’s data and driver logs can disappear. A Shreveport big rig accident attorney understands how to act swiftly and secure this vital evidence to support your case.

The aftermath of a big rig accident can be overwhelming. Between the physical recovery and navigating the legalities, it’s easy to feel lost. That’s where a Louisiana truck accident attorney can step in and make a real difference:

• Meeting Deadlines: We’ll handle all the legal paperwork, making sure it’s filed on time to protect your rights. There’s no need for you to worry about complex legal deadlines.
  
  
• Securing Evidence: We know how to move fast to secure critical evidence like truck data and driver logs. This evidence can be crucial in building a strong case.
  
  
• Building a Strong Case: We’ll conduct a thorough investigation to gather all the evidence needed to build a compelling claim on your behalf.
  
  
• Maximizing Compensation: We’ll fight hard to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company so you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
  
  
• Going to Trial (if Needed): If a fair settlement isn’t reached, we’ll represent you in court and fight aggressively for your rights.

By taking care of the legal complexities, a Shreveport big rig truck accident lawyer allows you to focus on healing. We’ll be your relentless advocate, working tirelessly to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.

Consult with a Big Rig Accident Attorney Near Shreveport Today

The aftermath of a Shreveport truck accident can be a difficult time. You’re likely facing physical injuries, emotional strain, and financial worries on top of everything else. 

Here at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, we understand those challenges. Our team of experienced Shreveport truck accident lawyers has a deep understanding of what you’re going through, and we’re committed to helping the Louisiana community get the justice they deserve.

We know that finances can be a major concern after an accident. That’s why we offer a free consultation to discuss your case. You won’t owe us a dime unless we win or secure a settlement in your favor, that’s the G Guarantee.

Contact us today to get started on your case. Get Gordon and Get It Done!