Helicopter Lodged Underneath I-12 Overpass in Denham Springs

helicopter lodged under interstate

Trucker ticketed after wedging helicopter beneath I-12 overpass in Denham Springs. In a recent incident that unfolded beneath the I-12 overpass in Denham Springs, a trucker found himself facing a daunting challenge, and the community watched as he grappled with an unfortunate situation. This event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of life…

Read More

Louisiana DOTD Embarks on Major I-20 Rehabilitation Project

interstate traffic

La. DOTD Addresses Critical Infrastructure Concerns In a move to address critical infrastructure concerns, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (La. DOTD) has recently announced the commencement of a significant rehabilitation project on Interstate 20 (I-20). This ambitious endeavor aims to improve the safety and quality of one of Louisiana’s crucial transportation arteries. Two-Year…

Read More

18-Wheeler Fire Forces I-20 Shutdown

18-Wheeler Fire

In a harrowing incident, an 18-wheeler fire has brought Interstate 20 (I-20) to a standstill, leaving commuters and authorities grappling with the aftermath. This unexpected and tragic event has disrupted many lives, reminding us of the unpredictable nature of our daily routines. The Blaze on I-20 According to KTBS, the incident unfolded with a vehicular…

Read More

Questions to Ask A Trucking Accident Lawyer

lady giving an inquisitive look

When consulting with a trucking accident lawyer, there are several essential questions that you should ask to ensure they are the right fit for your case. Here are some important questions to ask a trucking accident lawyer: What Happens When a Truck Driver Has an Accident? What happens after a truck driver has an accident…

Read More

Heightened Concerns for Louisiana as Wildfires Engulf the Region

wildfires in Louisiana

Smoky Haze Engulfs New Orleans Amidst Wildfires As wildfires continue to ravage parts of Louisiana, a pervasive smoky haze has settled over southeast Louisiana and its surroundings, raising concerns about air quality and health risks. Reports from WWLTV reveal that the smoke, carried by the wind, has resulted in hazy skies, affecting visibility and impacting…

Read More

Guide to Hit and Run Laws in Louisiana

front of black car crushed on side of highway

In Louisiana, a hit-and-run refers to a car accident where a driver leaves the scene without sharing the required information. Remember, regardless of who is at fault, everyone must stay at the scene and exchange all contact information, including: This exchange of information ensures there will be proper handling of any potential damage and injuries.…

Read More

78-Year-Old Driver’s Chaotic Crash into Kenner Shopping Center

optical shop crash

In a heart-stopping incident that unfolded on August 8th, a quiet morning in Kenner turned into a chaotic scene as a 78-year-old man’s vehicle crashed into businesses at a local shopping center on W. Esplanade Avenue. The incident left witnesses shaken and businesses damaged, shedding light on the fragility of life and the strength of…

Read More

Car Fire Incident on Eastbound Bonnet Carre Spillway

car fire incident

Incident Location In a sudden turn of events on Tuesday, August 9, a vehicle fire occurred on the eastbound lanes of the Bonnet Carre Spillway Bridge, prompting swift action from emergency crews and traffic authorities.  Smoke and Temporary Lane Closure  The incident, which took place at mile marker 217, sent plumes of black smoke into…

Read More

Guide to Out-of-State Car Accident Jurisdiction

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident is a complex process, and when it involves out-of-state parties, the legal landscape can become even more intricate.  At Gordon Mckernan Injury Attorneys, we understand the challenges individuals face when dealing with out-of-state car accident jurisdiction. This is why we had a Louisiana car accident lawyer from our…

Read More

Road Work Schedule for I-10/I-49 Interchange and Atchafalaya Basin Bridge

road work for I-10_I-49 Interchange

In the heart of Acadiana, a region known for its vibrant culture and bustling roadways, a temporary shift in travel patterns is on the horizon. The Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys team extends its empathy and insights to the community as we share the latest information about scheduled traffic closures between the I-10/I-49 interchange and the…

Read More

Fiery Amazon Delivery Truck Causes Closure of I-110 in Downtown Baton Rouge

amazon truck fire

In a distressing incident that unfolded today, a blazing Amazon delivery truck brought traffic to a grinding halt on I-110 North in downtown Baton Rouge. The vehicle caught fire, causing a major disruption for commuters and passersby. As news of the incident spread, it became apparent that this was not just a traffic inconvenience but…

Read More

Opelousas Moving Forward with Interstate Surveillance Cameras 

Interstate Surveillance Cameras

A Step Towards Safer Roads and Communities In an effort to enhance safety and security on its roadways, the city of Opelousas is taking a progressive step forward by implementing a new system of interstate surveillance cameras. The decision, driven by the need to address safety concerns and improve law enforcement capabilities, has been met…

Read More

Tragedy Strikes Gulf of Mexico Platform: A Heartfelt Account

gas platform explosion in gulf of mexico

In a devastating incident that shook the Gulf of Mexico, a fire broke out on an offshore platform, resulting in the loss of lives, injuries, and the disappearance of a worker. The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, leaving a deep impact on the region and affecting thousands of crude oil barrels. As…

Read More

Interstate 10 Westbound Reopens After Long Closure Due to Heat Wave

I-10 W Heat Wave Closure

After a closure that lasted multiple hours and was caused by a serious accident, Interstate 10 westbound finally reopened near La. 415 on Thursday afternoon, relieving stranded drivers amid a heat wave. The closure, which occurred before noon on Thursday, forced drivers to take a detour from La. 415 North to U.S. 190 West, according…

Read More

Jacob’s Law to Enhance Offshore Worker Safety Takes Effect Soon

gavel and scale for law

After years of persistent advocacy, a bill aimed at strengthening safety regulations for offshore workers, also known as Jacob’s Law, is set to be fully implemented. The bill that requires location detector beacons on life jackets for offshore workers was signed into law by Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards. The legislation, named after Jacob Matt…

Read More

Remains of Four Men Recovered After Gulf of Mexico Helicopter Crash

helicopter crash in the gulf of mexico

In a tragic incident that unfolded in the Gulf of Mexico, the remains of four men have been brought onshore five days after a helicopter crash near an oil rig. Following the Thursday crash, the U.S. Coast Guard tirelessly devoted countless hours to combing the waters off Louisiana, relentlessly searching for the missing passengers. According…

Read More

Driver Arrested After Truck Plows into Crowd Outside Tiger Tavern Daiquiris

truck driver crashes into crowd breaking front door

Friday, the night of June 16th, chaos erupted outside Tiger Tavern Daiquiris on Highway 44 as a driver recklessly backed their truck into a crowd of individuals. Witnesses were left in a state of shock as the front of the bar suffered significant damage. According to the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, the suspect behind the…

Read More

Evacuation Order Lifted After Fire at Southwest Louisiana Refining Company

Evac order lifted after fire in southwest LA

An evacuation order was lifted earlier today for residents near Calcasieu Refining, a company in southwest Louisiana. Believed to have been started by a lightning strike, the fire erupted at a chemical storage tank during a storm. Thankfully, the local authorities and several fire brigades took swift action, taming the blaze and ensuring safety for…

Read More

Trucks Ignoring Road Laws and Causing Atchafalaya Basin Bridge Accidents

birds eye view of speeding truck on bridge

The Atchafalaya Basin Bridge has a reputation for being one of the more dangerous bridges in Louisiana and given the amount of traffic that it sees every day, it’s no wonder why. The Atchafalaya Basin Bridge, also called the Louisiana Airborne Memorial Bridge, has been the site of over 1,000 incidents since 2014, and despite…

Read More

Go Cart Accident Kills One in Shreveport

go-cart accident police lights

Tragedy struck in Shreveport on Sunday, May 29, 2023, when a man was pinned under a sedan in his go-kart and killed. KTBS reports that on a dimly lit section of the 3700 block of St. Vincent Avenue near Forest Park Cemetery, Shawn Williams was pinned under a sedan when his go-kart made a U-turn…

Read More

Common Head-On Collision Injuries

man wincing in pain from injuries

Head-on collisions can be incredibly dangerous because they involve the impact of two vehicles colliding directly with each other at high speeds. This can cause devastating injuries and even death, making them one of the most serious types of car accidents. Our team of head-on collision lawyers has witnessed the severe physical and psychological consequences…

Read More

Common Causes of Truck Rollover Accidents

truck rolled over on edge of hill

Truck rollover accidents can be some of the most devastating and dangerous incidents on the road. These accidents can cause significant damage, not only to the truck but also to any other vehicles and people involved. Many individuals who have suffered a truck rollover accident count on our experienced Louisiana truck accident lawyers to help…

Read More

Lanes on I-10 East on Atchafalaya Basin Bridge Reopened After Fatal Vehicle Fire

basin bridge closure

In a tragic car accident early this morning, one person lost their life in a vehicle fire that forced the closure of I-10 East on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge. The Louisiana State Police have confirmed the fatality, although the victim’s identity remains undisclosed. The highway closure occurred shortly after midnight, as reported by the Louisiana…

Read More

Fatal Two-Vehicle Crash on I-10 East Claims the Life of a Texas Man

police car lights on crash scene

In a tragic incident on May 11, 2023, a fatal two-vehicle crash occurred on Interstate 10 eastbound, resulting in the death of a man from Texas. The crash led to the closure of all lanes on I-10 Eastbound near LA-975, according to the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD). At the time of this article,…

Read More

Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a Truck Insurance Claim

2 white trucks driving down highway

At , we understand that filing a truck insurance claim can be a daunting and stressful process. That’s why a truck accident lawyer from one of our many Louisiana offices is here to help you obtain the compensation you deserve. To help ease your mind, we’ve created a step-by-step guide on how to file a…

Read More

What is a Catastrophic Injury?

Doctor applying a plaster cast and bandages to patient forearm and wrist to immobilize after fracture injury.

A catastrophic personal injury is a severe and permanent injury that results from another person’s negligence or wrongdoing.  These injuries can occur due to various reasons, such as car accidents, falls, sports injuries, medical malpractice, and workplace accidents. If you or your loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, it’s essential to understand your legal…

Read More

Louisiana’s “Buckle Up in Your Truck” Campaign

putting on seatbelt

Truck accidents can result in devastating consequences, including severe injuries and fatalities. According to recent studies, a significant percentage of pickup truck drivers who died in crashes were not wearing a seatbelt. These statistics highlight the critical importance of wearing a seatbelt in pickup trucks and the need for increased awareness and enforcement of seatbelt…

Read More

Truck Carrying Heavy Equipment Flips Along I-10 West

workers on flipped truck

Around 6 p.m. on April 20th, 2023, a tractor-trailer hauling a bulldozer and other construction equipment flipped on its side off I-10. The crash happened near the LA 415 exit, backing up traffic to the Mississippi River bridge. As of this writing, no injuries have been reported, but the crash caused a major slowdown in…

Read More

5 Delivery Truck Accident Statistics You Should Know

workers unloading boxes off delivery truck

Delivery trucks—those midsize box trucks you’re probably seeing more and more of lately—transport over 70% of the goods in the United States. Because they carry heavy or dangerous cargo and operate large, unwieldy vehicles, truck drivers and trucking companies are generally held to a higher standard of driving than other motorists. However, far too often…

Read More

18-Wheeler Overturned on I-12 Near Hammond, Causing Delays

overturned truck on I-12 near hammond

On April 11, 2023, near Hammond, an 18-wheeler overturned on an exit ramp roundabout on Interstate 12. Cleanup took several hours at the site, on the northern end of U.S. Highway 51, during which time the southbound traffic on that highway was detoured on I-12 to the I-55 interchange to New Orleans. At the time…

Read More

Man Accused, Arrested of Causing Fatal I-20 Crash in 2020

deadly car accident in shreveport

According to booking information on the WPSO inmate roster, 61-year-old Rickey Darden has been arrested and jailed in Webster Parish. Darden has been accused of causing the 2020 crash that led to the death of Shreveport native Kim Cannon on I-20. According to previous reporting by KTAL news, Darden was allegedly operating a 2000 International…

Read More

Driver Injured Following School Bus Crash on Hwy 478

school bus broken down on the side of the road

In the afternoon on Monday 13 March 2023, a Natchitoches Parish school bus and a passenger car collided on Highway 478 just west of I-49 outside of Natchitoches. Multiple agencies responded to the crash, including the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Police, Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS, and others. Along with the bus driver,…

Read More

If You Have a Tire Blowout You Should Take These 5 Steps

car accident from tire blow out

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 More

CPSO Issues Warrant for Driver That Caused Major Crash on I-49

wrecked cars shot at night time

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 More

Louisiana Tree Service Crane Falls on House in Shreveport

Tree service worker cutting branches off tree while leaning too far over crane bucket

On Saturday, around 9 a.m., a Louisiana tree service company’s crane vehicle experienced a significant accident in Shreveport. The incident, which occurred at a residence on Bruce Avenue in Broadmoor, resulted in the crane toppling over and smashing into a nearby home, causing extensive damage to the property and power lines. The Shreveport Fire Department…

Read More

How is Louisiana Law Different from Other States?

downtown New Orleans Louisiana Mardi Gras Decoration

There are a lot of things Louisiana is known for: its delicious food, the party atmosphere, its French influence, and oddly enough, its legal system. While every other state uses Common Law, derived from English law, Louisiana uses French Civil Law, which is derived from the Napoleonic Code. Legal theory and the role of legal…

Read More

What is Tailgating and Why is it Dangerous?

Auto accident involving two cars on a city street

Under Louisiana law, tailgating is defined as a motor vehicle following another more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicle and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway (LA RS 32:81). Tailgating can lead to rear-end collisions, which according to the National Highway Transportation Safety…

Read More

10 Steps to Take After Being in a Motorcycle Accident

Helmet & Motorcycle

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 More

Louisiana Car Insurance Laws

Auto insurance policy and car key

Whether you’re buying a new car, being gifted a used car, or bringing your car to Louisiana from out of state, Louisiana car insurance laws dictate 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.…

Read More

Important Warning Signs & Symptoms of a Head Injury After an Accident

patient with head injury due to recent 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 More

United States Commercial Trucking Accident Statistics

truck and car accident on highway with front of car crushed

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 More

Hit 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 More

Injured On Vacation? | Gordon McKernan Billboards

Injured On Vacation? | Gordon McKernan Billboards

Injured On Vacation? You may have seen our latest creative billboard while driving around the state of Louisiana. To continue our trend of pushing out billboards inspired by well-known movies, we decided to create a National Lampoon’s-inspired billboard. Vacations often lead to an increased risk of accidents and injuries. With this in mind, a team…

Read More

Motorcycle Safety Tips and Requirements

motorcycle driving down road

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 More

How Many Wrong Way Driving Accidents Happen in Louisiana?

wrong way sign

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 More

Louisiana Car Crashes Expected to be Up in 2022

Louisiana 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 More

The Difference Between Wrongful Death & Personal Injury

gavel next to justice statue and book

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 More

Louisiana Car Traffic Deaths Up in 2021

texting and driving, Louisiana 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 More

5 Tips to Stay Safe After a Hurricane

hurricane image from space, 5 Tips to Stay Safe After a Hurricane

The best way to stay safe during the hurricane season is to be prepared. It’s pretty common to know some safety tips for hurricanes. However, do you know what you should do after one passes? If not, our hurricane claim lawyers created this hurricane safety tips blog for you. You can also find additional info…

Read More

Damages in a Wrongful Death Case

Document with title Wrongful Death o a wooden surface.

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 More

T Bone Car Accidents in Louisiana

car accident blurred

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 More

Client 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 More

Plaquemine Chlorine Outbreak Sends Two Dozen to Hospital

On the night of April 18, a fire in the Dow chemical plant in Plaquemine lead to a chemical leak of one of the most dangerous, most-used industrial chemicals in modern industry: chlorine. Chlorine is used in a variety of manufacturing processes, as well as common household products from plastics to bleach.

Read More

Accidents 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 More

How 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 More

Most 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 More

Tips 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 More

Several 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 More