Practice Areas
If You Have a Tire Blowout You Should Take These 5 Steps
A tire blowout can be a frightening experience. One minute you’re driving on the open road and the next you suddenly hear a loud explosion and the car starts shaking uncontrollably. Not only is a situation like this stressful but it also can be very scary. So, what causes tires to blow out? Many things…
Read MoreSouthbound I-55 Closed at Manchac for Several Hours to Recover Sunken 18-wheeler
On Sunday, February 26, 2023, an 18-wheeler crashed on I-55 South near Manchac and closed the Interstate for roughly 8 hours, reports Fox 8. During the truck’s recovery, traffic was allowed to exit the highway, travel along the low road, and re-enter I-55 at Ruddock. While the crash is still under investigation by authorities, the…
Read MoreCPSO Issues Warrant for Driver That Caused Major Crash on I-49
KTAL reports that an arrest warrant was issued on February 24, 2023, for a Shreveport woman who allegedly caused a major crash on I-49, seriously injuring other drivers. 25-year-old Gorgette Riley is alleged to have caused a major crash involving herself and three other vehicles when she drove her car the wrong way on I-49…
Read MoreTrucking Regulations in Louisiana
Louisiana is home to 3 of the top 10 U.S. ports and an extensive amount of interstates and highways, so it sees a lot of commercial truck activity. Since these types of trucks are way bigger than the average car, truck, and SUV, regulations must be in place to help ensure everyone’s safety on the…
Read MoreWhat Causes Most Maritime Accidents in the Gulf of Mexico?
The maritime and offshore industries are critical pillars of Louisiana’s economy. Hundreds, if not thousands, of roustabouts, roughnecks, derrickmen, captains, motormen, boatswains, rig technicians, drillers, and able seamen live in our state, and the good-paying labor they undertake generates millions of dollars in state income each year. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look…
Read MoreThe Dangers of Underwater Welding
Underwater welding is a specialized type of welding that requires extensive training and unique skills. Underwater welders typically work on offshore oil rigs and offshore pipelines when they are in need of repair. While the work can be very profitable, it can be argued that it’s the most dangerous job in the country. In fact,…
Read MoreTop 10 Most Dangerous Trucking Companies in the US
Recent research has shown the importance of trucks to the American economy: over 70% of all goods shipped in the U.S. spend some of their time on a truck. Because they hold so much economic power, trucking companies must be held to certain standards, not only to ensure their workers are treated well but to…
Read MoreExperiencing Headaches After a Car Accident? Here’s What You Should Know
After a car accident, there are many reasons you might have a headache, many of which are fairly benign. However, if you have a constant headache after your car accident, not only can it be painful and debilitating—it can be a symptom of a much more serious injury, such as a traumatic brain injury (TBI)…
Read MoreUnderstanding Assumption of Risk in Personal Injury Cases
While personal injury cases can be complex, some—such as a fender bender involving two vehicles—are generally considered simple. However, even these cases can become complicated when the parties dispute the accident’s cause, and lead to a bitter legal fight. In some personal injury cases, the defendant may assert the defense of assumption of risk. Depending…
Read MoreLouisiana Right of Way Rules: Explained
Whether you’re driving to work, taking a day trip to one of Louisiana’s beautiful parks, or walking in one of our bustling towns, you are subject to Louisiana’s right of way laws. A right of way rule defines who must yield to whom at a given intersection, and applies to everyone using the road, whether…
Read MoreSuing for Emotional Distress in Louisiana
After you’ve been hurt due to someone else’s negligence, you probably know you can be eligible for damages caused by your physical injuries and property damage. However, you might find yourself asking, “Can I sue them for emotional distress caused by my accident?” In short, you can sue for emotional distress and mental trauma caused…
Read MoreCommon Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Placing your elderly loved one in a nursing home or assisted living center can be a difficult but necessary decision. Many families turn to the assistance of a nursing home only when their loved ones lose the ability to care for themselves and need care the family simply cannot provide. While the vast majority of…
Read More18-Wheeler Driving on I-10 Around Ascension-St. James Dives Into the Bayou Below
On Tuesday afternoon, traveling along I-10, an 18-wheeler was involved in an accident after veering off the road and being completely submerged underwater in the bayou near the Ascension-St. James Parish line. As reported by WBRZ, the incident temporarily shut down the westbound lane of the interstate, and authorities directed traffic into one lane on…
Read MoreWhat To Do After Being Hit by an Uninsured Driver in Louisiana
Car accidents can have severe consequences for victims and their families. Not only do survivors have to face the physical pain and mental trauma of their injuries, but a car crash can result in thousands of dollars in medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs. Accident victims can usually file an insurance claim with the…
Read More10 Steps to Take After Being in a Motorcycle Accident
Nobody expects a motorcycle crash to happen to them, and yet thousands happen every year in the state of Louisiana. If you’ve been the victim of a motorcycle crash, you could be seriously injured, in physical pain, and unsure of what to do next. All too often at , we hear our clients saying that…
Read More5 Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Louisiana
Every year, nearly 2,000 Louisiana motorcyclists are involved in traffic accidents, suffering injuries, busted bikes, and for more than 80 of them, wrongful death. While there are a variety of reasons that can contribute to a motorcycle accident, nearly all of them can be attributed to driver negligence. The majority of motorcycle accidents are the…
Read More6 Safety Tips for Driving at Night
Staying safe while driving is often as simple as following the rules and best practices of the road: stay focused, follow the speed limit, and drive defensively. However, driving at night poses its own challenges, and with the days getting shorter, it’s important to drive safely at all times of day. Driving at night is…
Read MoreInjuries Reported in a Big Truck Wreck on I-12
Early Friday morning on October 21, multiple people were injured in an I-12 eastbound tractor-trailer crash, as reported by WWLTV. During the crash, one vehicle was overturned, which could have resulted in further injury and property damage. According to a Facebook post by the Tammany Parish Fire District, one person had to be airlifted to…
Read More2 People Airlifted from Amtrak-SUV Crash Just South of Amite
On Thursday, October 20, an SUV collided with an Amtrak train outside of Amite. As reported by WAFB, this accident caused two people to be airlifted to the hospital, at least one of which with critical injuries. According to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred just after 1:00 P.M. Thankfully, authorities have reported…
Read MoreTanker Truck Crash on I-10 Westbound Temporarily Closes Two Lanes
On October 18th, Lafayette police reported an accident involving a tanker truck and a vehicle travelling westbound on I-10 temporarily closed two lanes around mile marker 104, according to The Advocate. While there have been reports of injuries, there has been no clarification on the state of the individuals involved in the crash. Commercial or…
Read MoreAccident on I-12 Leaves Six Horses Injured and One Dead
During the night of October 18th, a pickup truck from Texas crashed into the treeline on I-12 near Sherwood Forest Blvd while pulling trailers carrying seven wild horses. Luckily, East Baton Rouge Animal Control and a local man were able to successfully locate and wrangle the horses. As reported by WBRZ, six horses were rushed…
Read MoreLouisiana Crime Rates and Statistics
Violent crime has been on the rise around the country since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. According to the FBI, 1.3 million violent crimes were reported that year—a 5% increase from 2019. While the national violent crime rate is still below the high of the 1990s, some states, like Louisiana, have experienced stronger…
Read MoreA Guide to Car Insurance Laws in Louisiana
Whether you’re buying a new car, being gifted a used car, or bringing your car to Louisiana from out of state, Louisiana law dictates that you’ll need some form of auto insurance. Like every state, Louisiana has insurance minimums that all drivers are required to carry in order to drive on the roads. Not only…
Read MoreTalcum Powder Lawsuit Updates (2022)
Talc is a mineral that’s widely used in baby powder, facial powders, beauty products, and other products for personal use, and in various other industrial uses, for hundreds if not thousands of years. During that time, it’s mostly regarded as generally safe for use, but beginning in the 1970s, researchers began linking its use to…
Read MoreOctober is National Bullying Prevention Month
When we send our children to school, we hope that they’ll make friends, learn a lot, and generally thrive. However, according to research by the Institute of Education Services, around 20% of students from the ages of 12–18 are bullied at school. This statistic might be surprising, but the sad truth is that many of…
Read MoreSemi-truck that fell off Estherwood Pontoon Bridge deemed too heavy for structure
On the morning of September 26th, a semi-truck was involved in an accident while driving over the Estherwood Pontoon Bridge on LA. 91. The truck lost control, crashed into the guardrail causing it to break, and sent the truck over the side of the structure. After an initial investigation, Louisiana police have stated that the…
Read MoreLouisiana Ranked in Top 10 for Worst Roads
If you’ve driven for any length of time in Louisiana, you’ve probably noticed the poor state of our roads. In fact, a new study has found that Louisiana is the second-worst state in the country as far as quality of roads is concerned, behind only Rhode Island. Our poor road quality doesn’t help when it…
Read MoreBaton Rouge Traffic Ranked Fourth Worst in US
If you’ve been frustrated at the sometimes glacial pace of your morning commute in Baton Rouge, you’re not alone. A study performed by TomTom, the GPS and travel company, has found that Baton Rouge has the fourth-worst traffic congestion in the country, behind only New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. In 2021, Baton Rouge drivers…
Read MoreImportant Warning Signs & Symptoms of a Head Injury After an Accident
If you’ve hit your head, it’s likely you’re in pain and annoyed. However, if you’re experiencing other symptoms, even if it’s a few hours or days after your accident, you could have experienced a concussion or another brain injury. Even though concussions are frequently described as “mild traumatic brain injury” (mTBI), there’s nothing mild about…
Read More6 Common Types of Brain Injuries
A brain injury is one of the worst injuries anyone can suffer. While broken bones may heal and property can be replaced, a brain injury can impact victims for the rest of their lives. If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury, you could be facing years of therapy, expensive medical treatments,…
Read MoreTop 5 Companies Making Self-Driving Trucks in 2022
While self-driving cars, like recent offerings from Tesla, GM, Waymo and the like, are getting all the headlines, the autonomous vehicles most likely to be ready for prime time soon are autonomous trucks. That’s right—within a few years, you could be driving down the highway next to a fully automated tractor-trailer, or one that’s part…
Read MoreI-55 shut down for nearly 12 hours after a chemical spill near Kentwood
Last Wednesday, September 7th, a commercial truck hauling hospital supplies was involved in a crash on I-55 between Kentwood and Osyka, Mississippi. Among the supplies on board, the truck was hauling 6,000 gallons of chemical cleaner that spilled onto the road after the truck collided with the back of a tanker. After the incident, two…
Read MoreUnited States Commercial Trucking Accident Statistics
The United States economy depends on trucking to move its freight around. In fact, about 70% of everything you buy has reached the store where you bought it in a commercial truck. Trucking as an industry is not only foundational to American capitalism; it also provides thousands of well-paying jobs to American men and women…
Read MoreAn Attorney’s Guide to Catastrophic Injury Claims
As you prepare your personal injury claim, it’s important to consider if your injury is catastrophic. A catastrophic injury can be compensated differently, and usually has different caps on damages and other legal considerations. Determining whether your injuries are catastrophic or not can make a significant impact on your personal injury claim process—but how can…
Read MoreHit and Run Accidents in Louisiana: What evidence do you need for a case?
Traffic accidents are some of the worst experiences you can have—even if no one is hurt, you could be saddled with hundreds or thousands of dollars in repair costs, increased insurance premiums, and more. Of course, if you’re less lucky, you could be facing thousands in medical bills, ongoing physical therapy, lost wages, permanent disability,…
Read MoreIs Louisiana a No-Fault State?
It’s essential to know the answer to the following question if you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Louisiana: Is Louisiana a no-fault state? At , we’re here to help, and want to be your source for information! So, first things first—Louisiana is NOT a no-fault state when it…
Read MoreWhat are Louisiana’s Traffic Laws?
While some may have a general understanding of the rules of the road, they may not know the exact traffic laws in Louisiana. So, before driving through the famous Pelican State, it’s important to learn the particulars of Louisiana road laws. Being well-informed could save you from unintentionally breaking the law and even help prevent…
Read MoreOverview of Workers’ Compensation Laws in Louisiana
If you’ve ever been hurt on the job, then you’re aware of just how damaging and alarming those injuries can be. For instance, accidents that happen at work can turn into injuries serious enough to cause someone to be disabled and unable to work for a certain period of time. Many businesses in Louisiana have…
Read MoreCommon Dental Injuries in Car Accidents
Injuries resulting from a car accident can range from the relatively minor to completely disabling. Among these, dental injuries can be some of the most serious. While you may not realize it daily, your teeth and dental health have a major impact on your overall quality of life. When your teeth are damaged, broken, or…
Read MoreCelebrate National Traffic Awareness Month With Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys
August is National Traffic Awareness Month and brings our focus to, you guessed it, traffic safety! Each day, both drivers and pedestrians become victims when they experience a car wreck that could have been avoided by the other party involved. Unfortunate events like this can turn out to be detrimental, physically and emotionally. It can…
Read MoreDOTD is Installing Speeding Cameras in Atchafalaya
Drivers commuting from Lafayette to Baton Rouge or vice versa will hopefully be a little safer, starting August 2022. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) will be installing speed cameras on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge—the “new bridge” on I-10—hopefully within the year. Governor John Bel Edwards signed the bill, SB435, into law in…
Read MoreWhat to Do If Your Child is Injured at School
You send your child to school every day with the implicit trust that they’ll be safe within those walls. When that trust is broken, it can be hard to know where to turn. If your child was injured at school, there are a number of things to keep in mind as you work to receive…
Read MoreWhat are Punitive Damages in a Lawsuit?
If you’ve been injured due to the negligence or wrongdoing of someone else, you could be eligible for compensation from multiple types of damages: Economic, or special damages, which can help pay for medical bills, the cost of lost wages, and other costs that can be documented Non-economic, or general damages, which account for the…
Read MoreTrain crashes into salt water truck and closes Highway 1
Last Friday, a KCS train heading south on Highway 1 crashed into the cab of a big rig traveling west, temporarily closing a section of Highway 1. The tank of the salt water truck ruptured at the moment of impact, and Life Air Rescue, North Caddo Medical, Caddo Fire District, and SWEPCO were then called…
Read MoreMotorcycle Safety Tips and Requirements
Riding a motorcycle can be one of life’s most enjoyable experiences. Motorcyclists enjoy the thrill of the open road, the feel of the wind, and the greater freedom that comes with riding on two wheels instead of four. However, riding a bike comes with its fair share of dangers and considerations too. Motorcyclists are much…
Read MoreHow Many Wrong Way Driving Accidents Happen in Louisiana?
Wrong-way driving accidents are fairly rare—but they’re some of the deadliest crashes you can experience. Wrong-way drivers are a leading cause of head-on collisions, which accounted for 10.5% of fatal crashes in the US between 2019 and 2020. This is despite the fact that head-on collisions were less than 1% of all motor vehicle collisions…
Read MoreMotorcycle Helmet Laws in Louisiana
On sunny Louisiana days, you may feel tempted to cast your helmet aside and take off on your motorcycle to enjoy the breeze. While this may seem like a good idea, neglecting to wear a helmet or the proper protective gear is very dangerous to yourself and others surrounding you on the road in the…
Read MoreWhat are the Motorcycle Laws in Louisiana?
Many Louisianians enjoy motorcycling around our beautiful state, and it’s easy to see why. Our miles of scenic coastline; our highways running through marsh, swamp, and bayou; and our wide-open roads lend themselves to some of the best motorcycle riding you can enjoy. However, to safely ride in our state, you need to be sure…
Read MoreExxonMobil worker injured on the job at Baton Rouge plant
Early Tuesday morning, an ExxonMobil worker sustained an injury at the plastics plant in Baton Rouge. The company reported that the worker received medical attention on the scene before going to the hospital but has not released any more information regarding the incident. The investigation into the cause has yet to begin, but the accident…
Read MoreLouisiana Car Crashes Expected to be Up in 2022
2022 is shaping up to be a record year for fatal crashes on Louisiana interstates. Even though the number of deadly crashes this year has so far been low, experts predict that the number will continue to grow through the end of the year. One of the main reasons behind fatal crashes is drunk driving.…
Read MoreWhat Will Insurance Reimburse Me for After a Hurricane?
Hurricane seasons in Louisiana seem to get more serious every year, so you need to make sure you’re prepared! Experts predicting a 65% chance of the 2022 season being “above average” in terms of named storms and other activity. In addition, while the traditional hurricane season is defined as running from June to November each…
Read MorePlywood falls off of 18-wheeler on I-10 and crushes 2 cars
On Monday, a piece of plywood fell off an 18-wheeler crushing two cars on I-10 East. One person was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, while the truck driver was ticketed for recklessly operating his vehicle. Common causes of 18-wheeler accidents vary from distracted driving, improper cargo handling, and poor maintenance. No company was…
Read MoreOverturned 18-wheeler on Twin Span Bridge shuts down I-10
On Sunday morning, July 10th, an overturned 18-wheeler closed I-10 West as it was coming from Slidell towards New Orleans. The cause of the initial crash remains unknown, but reports state that the trailer of a tanker truck detached and slid 20 feet down the bridge. While the cab went down into the lake, thankfully,…
Read MoreThe Difference Between Wrongful Death & Personal Injury
The main difference between personal injury and wrongful death claims is who is able to bring the case. If the victim survives the accident, they can file a personal injury claim in Louisiana themselves. However, if the victim succumbs to their injuries and passes away, their family or estate can file a wrongful death action…
Read MoreLouisiana Car Traffic Deaths Up in 2021
According to our car accident experts who studied a report from the Louisiana Department of Transportation (DOTD), a staggering 997 people died in motor vehicle crashes in 2021. This tragic toll breaks the record previously set in 2007, and is over a hundred more people than died last year in crashes. The Governor of Louisiana,…
Read More5 Tips to Stay Safe After a Hurricane
Hurricane season is here again in Louisiana, and this year is slated to be a big one. So big, you might need a hurricane claim attorney. Scientists predict that there will be up to 20 named storms in 2022, with 10 hurricanes and 5 major hurricanes. While we can’t be sure where they’ll hit, Louisiana…
Read MoreWhat are the Pedestrian Laws in Louisiana?
Because of pedestrian injuries, Louisiana is the seventh-deadliest state in the country for pedestrians: according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 118 pedestrians were killed in our state in 2019. That’s 2.54 deaths per 100,000 people. This grim statistic is a stark reminder of the importance of traffic and pedestrian safety in Louisiana,…
Read MoreDamages in a Wrongful Death Case
When filing a Louisiana wrongful death case, the types of damages plaintiffs can seek usually fall into two main categories: those generated by the victim before their death, and those suffered by their surviving family because of their death. These damages can include economic damages, with measurable losses, as well as non-economic damages, or subjective…
Read MoreCommon Questions About “Lost Wages”
What Are “Lost Wages?” Lost wages are any funds that you could have earned, if not for your personal injury that prevents you from working. Usually, this term only refers to the money you could have earned between when you were injured and when you’re compensated. Your lost wages claim can cover a number of…
Read MoreQuestions to Ask a Car Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been in a car accident, you’re probably reeling—you could be suffering serious injuries, your car is probably damaged or even totaled, and you could be worried about the mounting bills. Hopefully, you’ve already called a Louisiana car accident injury lawyer and talked to them about your case. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer in…
Read MoreWho is Liable for My Louisiana Truck Accident?
If you’ve been in a big truck wreck, you could be dealing with serious injuries, property damage, and worse. You might be facing months, years, or even a lifetime of pain, mental anguish, an inability to work, or other problems. If you weren’t at-fault for the wreck, you deserve compensation to help pay for your…
Read More18-Wheeler Crash Slows Traffic on I-20 in West Monroe
On Wednesday, an 18-wheeler traveling eastbound on Interstate 20 crashed, causing high traffic in West Monroe. Truck accidents like these on I-20 are not uncommon. In fact, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration ranks I-20 as number 4 out of the most dangerous interstates in the country. As they drive through the bustling city of…
Read MoreLouisiana Texting and Driving Laws
In the United States, texting and driving is behind over 60% of all traffic accidents, and is the leading cause of death for teens. This epidemic of texting-related car accidents has led to many states banning texting while driving, including Louisiana. Distracted driving laws aim to prevent texting and driving accidents in Louisiana. Not only…
Read MoreHow are Lost Wages Determined After a Car Accident?
If you’ve been in a car accident, you’ve likely missed some work to recover from your injuries. It’s possible that you’re still out of work, or even that you’ll be unable to work for weeks, months, or even years. Thankfully, the average number of missed days is much lower than that—around 11 missed work days—but…
Read MoreWho is at Fault in Most Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle accidents can be some of the most devastating wrecks a person can experience. They can result in serious injuries, including paralysis, head trauma, loss of limbs, or even death. Determining who’s at fault after a motorcycle crash is vitally important for the motorcycle accident victim to recover damages they’re owed by the liable party.…
Read MoreFootball Brain Injuries Lead to Long Term Issues
Football is so popular in the United States that it might have usurped baseball as “America’s pastime.” Especially in Louisiana, with the LSU Tigers, SU Jaguars, Saints, and more, football is the sport that’s guaranteed to be on TV sets around the state come fall. However, football can also be dangerous: even with all the…
Read MoreTop Tips for Bicycle Safety Awareness Month
With the warming weather and longer days, more people are deciding to take a trip on their bikes around our gorgeous state. However, it’s important to know the dangers inherent to riding a bike on Louisiana roadways, especially since in a collision between a motor vehicle and a bicycle, the bicyclist suffers the majority of…
Read MoreMay is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
Motorcycles are the preferred form of transportation for thousands of people in Louisiana and across the country. Their open-air freedom and the feeling of the open road, as well as the motorcycle lifestyle, are appealing to many. However, motorcycles are far more dangerous to drive on Louisiana roads than passenger cars and trucks. Because motorcyclists…
Read MoreT Bone Car Accidents in Louisiana
T-bone crashes, also known as side-impact collisions or broadsides, are some of the most deadly crashes on Louisiana roads and highways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), T-bone accidents account for nearly 20% of fatal collisions—more deadly than any other collision type. What exactly is a T-bone accident, and how common are…
Read MoreClient Sprayed by a Dangerous Chemical, Due to Fractured Pump Casing
It seemed to be just another normal day for a Louisiana worker, until it turned into a real life nightmare. This southerner was focused and working hard, whenever an accident occurred. Unfortunately, our client was exposed to a chemical, TiCI4, causing severe burns and a wrongful death later. At Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, our team…
Read MoreAccidents on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge
Every day, over 30,000 people travel on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge between Lafayette and Baton Rouge. The bridge—also called the Louisiana Airborne Memorial Bridge—was the longest bridge in the country when it was finished in 1973. Its 18 miles is now the 3rd longest in the country, and 14th longest in the world. Tragically, the…
Read MoreTragic crash on I-10 outside New Orleans illustrates importance of distracted driving law
The driver who crashed into two vehicles on the shoulder of I-10 W outside of New Orleans, killing one of the occupants, was charged with negligent homicide on April 14. This tragic Interstate accident is a reminder of the importance of staying vigilant while driving, and the reasoning behind Louisiana’s distracted driving laws. Using a…
Read MoreWhat to Do if You Get in a Car Accident on I-10
Interstate 10 carries millions of passenger vehicles, big rigs, and more across the country every year. Louisiana sees some of the most traffic on I-10 through major cities like Lake Charles, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans. With all the traffic, it’s no surprise that over 100 deadly car accidents happen on I-10 each year…
Read MoreIs My Car Accident Settlement Offer Fair?
A Louisiana Car Accident Lawyer Explains Calculating the total value of the injured victims’ losses in a car accident is rarely a simple matter. The factors that go into a car wreck injury settlement involve medical bills, lost wages, and other costs that have already been incurred from the accident, as well as anticipated future…
Read MoreExplosion on Boat, Causes Damage on Seaman’s Body
Our team of injury lawyers at Gordon McKernan are determined to help a southern worker involved in a tragic boat accident. The Louisiana seaman was unfortunately on the company boat when it experienced a big explosion. As a result of this horrible event, he now deals with catastrophic injuries, such as major burns and tissue…
Read More18-wheeler Carrying Hazardous Materials Overturns on I-10 in Iberville Parish
An 18-wheeler carrying the hazardous substance acrylic acid overturned in the median of I-10 in Iberville Parish around 6:30 am Wednesday morning. By 11:00 am, police had shut down all traffic heading east from I-49 in Lafayette to LA 77 near Grand Tete, to facilitate what they referred to as “an extended recovery process.” It…
Read MoreWrong-Way Driver Causes Multi-Vehicle Accident on I-10
Interstate 10 connects all of the Southern US, from the Pacific coast of California all the way to the Gulf of Mexico in Florida. One of the most dangerous sections of I-10 is located at the border of Texas and Louisiana outside of Lake Charles. This fact was brought into sharp relief on April 12,…
Read MoreYoung Boy Suffers Brain Injury, Due to Commercial Big Truck Accident
It started out to be just another day for a boy living his life in Louisiana. However, the day quickly shifted when he was involved in a big truck accident, changing his life forever. At Gordon McKernan, our team of lawyers are committed and taking action to help the young boy who now has a…
Read MoreThe Most Dangerous Highways in Louisiana
Louisiana is known for its beautiful bayous, thriving and unique culture, and for being the “Sportsman’s Paradise.” Sadly, however, Louisiana is also known for containing some of the most dangerous highways in the country. Between 2016–2020, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that there were 3,571 fatal motor vehicle crashes in Louisiana, or around…
Read MoreHow to Choose a Wrongful Death Attorney
According to the National Vital Statistics System, the fourth most common cause of death in 2020 was unintentional injuries, which killed nearly 60 Americans per 100,000 people. It may be impossible to predict when a tragic event will take the life of a loved one, but when it does, you need to have a reputable…
Read More18-wheeler accident on I-12 results in the death of a child
A multi-vehicle crash involving an 18-wheeler stopped traffic and took the life of a young child early on Thursday morning. Police first reported the crash around 9 am, stating that the tractor-trailer had jackknifed on eastbound I-12 near Albany, causing multiple collisions with other vehicles.
Read MoreCar Accident Caused by Highway Defect Results in Paraplegia
The experienced car accident lawyers at Gordon McKernan recently secured a large settlement for a client whose accident was the result of a highway defect. Our client suffered devastating spinal cord injuries and was left partially paralyzed after the incident. An accident like this one is made more tragic by the fact that it was…
Read MoreMost Common Types of Distracted Driving in Louisiana
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the team at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys are here to help raise awareness about this increasing problem on our Louisiana roadways. But just what is distracted driving, and why is it so dangerous? What are the most common types of distracted driving in Louisiana? In this blog, we’ll…
Read MoreGordon McKernan Attorney Holly Lamarche Named Top Lawyer in Acadiana
Holly Lamarche, attorney with Lafayette personal injury law firm Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, was recently named a top lawyer in immigration law by Acadiana Profile magazine. Lamarche, who has been with Gordon McKernan since 2019, has proven to be an advocate for Acadiana clients both this year and in past years. Acadiana Profile’s top lawyers…
Read MoreTips to Avoid Distracted Driving in Louisiana
In our increasingly-connected world, there’s more pressure than ever before to stay constantly in-touch with family, friends, coworkers, and everyone else in our lives. This can present certain dangers when combined with the amount most Americans drive—according to a survey by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the average American spent nearly an hour a…
Read MoreInfants Fall into Apartment Complex Pool, Resulting in Catastrophic Injury
Our team of premises liability lawyers at Gordon McKernan recently filed suit on behalf of a family dealing with the devastating aftermath of their two infant children falling into a pool at an apartment complex. One child was the victim of catastrophic brain injury who unfortunately passed away, and the sister is now quadriplegic due…
Read MoreWhat Types of Car Accidents Cause Traumatic Brain Injuries?
Car accidents are, unfortunately, very common in the United States. There are many causes that contribute to car crashes, such as distracted driving, impaired driving, and many more. While a good percentage of traffic accidents are accidental and result in minor and non-life-threatening outcomes, there are plenty that leads to more life-altering results, such as…
Read MoreThe Dangers of Louisiana Truck Driver Fatigue
Truck driver fatigue is a serious problem on the roads, highways, and other freight corridors of the United States. Truck drivers are often pushed to their physical and mental limits as they haul their freight across the country, and many suffer chronic fatigue and drowsiness as a result. Even with hours-of-service regulations keeping drivers from…
Read MoreI-10 East Closed in WBR Following Deadly Truck Wreck
A devastating crash involving a commercial bus and an 18-wheeler was reported around 11AM on I-10 just past LA 415. This area is known as the “Devil’s Triangle” in Louisiana due to the high number of truck crashes and car accidents that happen there. After running into a cable barrier in the median, the bus…
Read MorePileup forced 6-hour closure on Basin Bridge
Around 1:30 in the morning on March 22, a seven-car pileup was reported on I-10 East between Atchafalaya and Ramah. State Police have reported that this wreck involved two 18-wheelers. The cleanup from the accident lasted until 7:30 in the morning, when law enforcement officers stated they had to wake up drivers who had fallen…
Read MoreLafayette firefighter injured after fire truck was smashed by drunk driver
A Lafayette firefighter’s condition is critical but stable after diving off an I-10 overpass near the Louisiana Avenue exit on Wednesday, March 10. He had to jump off the overpass to avoid his fire truck, which was hit by an allegedly drunk 18-wheeler driver out of Mississippi. Though we don’t know who the firefighter was,…
Read MoreTruck Wreck on I-12 Kills Driver in Resulting Blaze
On Wednesday, February 24, near the Hammond exit of I-12, a semi-truck caught fire after striking the cable barrier at the side of the highway. The driver was killed as a result of the blaze. An investigation into the wreck’s cause is still ongoing, but this tragedy is a stark reminder of how important it…
Read MoreSchool Bus Crash in West Baton Rouge Parish
In a tragic turn of events, a school bus was involved in a multi-vehicle crash in West Baton Rouge Parish on Tuesday, February 24. As reported by BR Proud, the crash happened about 3:30 PM at the corner of LA 1 and Emily Drive. The school bus turned left across the highway and was T-boned…
Read MoreSeveral Injured in the Marathon Plant Explosion
This past Monday, February 21, 2022, workers at Marathon refinery in Garyville were impacted by an on-site explosion at about 9:30 am, which led to a fire. Luckily, the fire was quickly extinguished and all employees and contract workers were accounted for, but six employees were mildly injured by the blast and resulting blaze. In…
Read MoreRoundup® Lawsuits in Louisiana
The most highly used herbicide in the world, Bayer Monsanto’s Roundup®, is known for killing weeds and leaving minimal damage to the environment. Approximately 250 million pounds of RoundUp® is sprayed on crops and common areas like lawns, driveways, and parks in the U.S. each year. This product claims to be one of the safest…
Read MoreZantac Lawsuits – Bladder & Stomach Cancer
Zantac — a popular heartburn medication which was deemed safe enough to be sold over the counter tested positive recently for unsafe levels of a cancer-causing chemical. The makers of Zantac (ranitidine) are now facing a product liability lawsuit that claims the drug contains N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), which is a chemical classified as a probable carcinogen…
Read More3M Earplug Lawsuits in Louisiana
For 12 years, The 3M Company provided earplugs to the United States Military to protect soldiers during training and combat. The earplugs were designed to prevent hearing damage due to loud blasts, gunfire, and other potentially harmful noises associated with warfare. The 3M Company allegedly knew, but failed to alert the United States Government that…
Read MoreHead on Truck Collisions
Head-On Truck Collisions: When Your Travel Turns Tragic Sharing the highway with a large truck is sometimes an intimidating experience. The sheer size and weight of a fully-loaded tractor-trailer is no match for a smaller truck, passenger car, or motorcycle. A head-on collision involving a large truck is especially tragic and, sometimes, deadly. If…
Read MoreIt Was Just a Fender Bender; I Think I’ll Take The Early Settlement Offer
Fender Benders and Early Settlement Offers It was just a fender bender. No need to involve insurance companies and raise your rates, right? You’re just a little sore, nothing major, right? Your life is busy, and you want your car fixed to get back to normal. Most individuals avoid filing an insurance claim in fear…
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