Highway 90 Accident Attorney Near Louisiana

Louisiana’s Highway 90 highway is important to communities all over south Louisiana, carrying everything from your morning commute to the oil that keeps the country running.

It snakes its way from Lafayette to New Orleans, granting crucial access to the coast’s ports. But beneath this vital role is a hidden danger – it’s been dubbed the most dangerous highway in the state, and even the country.

If you’re the victim of a truck accident on Highway 90, you need a Baton Rouge truck accident lawyer on your side. Trucking companies and their insurers prioritize their bottom line, not fair compensation for victims. They’ll fight tooth and nail to minimize what you deserve.

A Louisiana interstate truck accident lawyer with the drive and passion to fight for you is your best chance at getting the compensation you need.

Why Driving On Highways Are More Dangerous

There’s a common misconception that highways are safer because of their design for faster travel. 

The reality is, that highways come with their own set of dangers. There is heavy traffic, distracted driving and high speeds can turn a minor fender bender into a major disaster. It might seem surprising, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has collected data that debunks that narrative. 

They looked at accidents across all types of roads – interstates, quiet rural lanes, busy city streets. While accidents are more common on regular roads, the ones that happen on highways tend to be much worse. Think about it: cars are zooming down the highway, so the potential for serious damage and loss of life skyrockets. 

Most Common Types of Highway 90 Collisions

Highway 90 in Louisiana can be a convenient way to get around, but there are a few types of accidents that can turn a quick errand into a dangerous situation. Here are the most common types of Highway 90 collisions: 

• Merging Accidents: High-speed traffic mixes with vehicles trying to get on, creating a tense situation. Check your blind spots and make sure there’s plenty of space before entering the highway.
  
  
• Center Divider Accidents: High speeds and the center divider separating opposite lanes can be a recipe for trouble. If a car swerves off course, it can hit the divider and spin out into oncoming traffic.
  
  
• Bottleneck Collisions: These occur when the highway narrows or curves sharply. Be extra careful in these areas, especially in bad weather. Slowing down a bit can help you stay in control, particularly when rain makes the road slick and increases the risk of hydroplaning.
  
  
• Debris Collisions: Watch out for unexpected obstacles on the road like blown tires, metal scraps, or even animals. These can cause serious accidents if you’re not paying attention. Keep your eyes peeled on the road ahead and stay at a safe speed so you can react in time and avoid a collision.

Being aware of these common dangers and driving cautiously could save your life. But if you or a loved one has already experienced one, a Louisiana truck accident attorney can help you deal with the aftermath. 

Common Highway Accident Injuries

Highway crashes are notorious for leaving a trail of wreckage – and injuries. The high speeds mean collisions are much more devasting than an average fender bender, resulting in far more severe injuries for those involved.

Some of the most common injuries sustained in highway accidents include:

• Whiplash – This neck injury occurs when the force of a crash yanks your head violently back and forth, straining the muscles and ligaments beyond their limits. While it might seem minor at first, whiplash can linger, causing long-term discomfort with symptoms that can take time to surface.
  
  
• Scrapes and Cuts – Flying debris from the impact can inflict painful wounds, ranging from minor to serious. If left untreated, these injuries can even lead to infection.
  
  
• Head Injuries – Head injuries, from concussions to life-altering traumatic brain injuries, are a major concern. They can disrupt your brain function, become constant companions in the form of headaches, and wreak havoc on your sleep patterns.
  
  
• Broken Ribs – This injury is another unwelcome consequence, resulting from the blunt force trauma of a collision. The ribs, surprisingly vulnerable, can crack even under relatively low impact, causing significant pain and requiring extended periods of rest for healing.
  
  
• Broken Bones – Broken bones in the legs, arms, and hips are also a risk, especially in crashes like rear-end collisions or T-bones. The sheer force of these impacts can easily overpower your bones, leading to fractures that might necessitate surgery and a long recovery journey.
  
  
• Internal Bleeding – The trauma from a crash can cause internal organs to bleed, a hidden danger that can quickly become life-threatening without prompt medical attention.
  
  
• Herniated Disks – This happens when a squishy cushion between your spinal bones gets pushed out of place or even bursts. These cushions, called discs, keep your spine strong and flexible. But when they herniate, they can press on nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness.

Immediate Actions to Follow After Experiencing a Truck Accident on Highway 90

In the aftermath, taking some key steps can significantly improve your chances of securing compensation for any injuries or losses you incur.

1. Prioritize Safety and Evidence: First and foremost, ensure everyone involved is okay and call 911 immediately. The police will investigate the crash and compile a report, which becomes a crucial piece of evidence for establishing fault and understanding the cause of the accident.
   
   
2. Seek Medical Care: Even if your injuries seem minor, prioritize your health by seeing a doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and facilitate a quicker recovery. Additionally, the medical records from these visits directly link your injuries to the accident, strengthening your claim.
   
   
3. Document the Scene: Use your phone to capture photos of the vehicles involved, any visible injuries, and the surrounding area. These images can be compelling evidence in your case.
   
   
4. Consult a Truck Accident Lawyer: Louisiana has strict deadlines for filing legal claims after a truck accident, so act quickly. Evidence can fade or disappear, and witness memories can become unreliable over time. An experienced truck accident lawyer can provide invaluable early advice. They can guide you through the entire process, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, taking the burden off your shoulders.

Remember, the aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming, often involving claims or litigation. Choosing the right law firm can significantly ease the stress by handling the legal complexities while you focus on healing.

Elements Influencing Your Highway 90 Truck Accident Settlement

Getting compensated after a truck accident on Highway 90 depends heavily on the specifics of your case. Here’s a breakdown of some key factors:

• Severity of Injuries: This plays a major role. More serious injuries typically translate to higher compensation due to the increased costs of medical treatment and the potential for long-term health impacts. Lost wages also become a significant factor if your injuries prevent you from working.
  
  
• Medical Expenses: All your medical bills are considered, including physical therapy and rehabilitation needed to reach your maximum medical improvement (MMI). MMI is the point where your condition stabilizes with no further improvement expected. Any remaining impairments or disabilities after MMI can further impact your settlement, as they may affect your work and daily life.
  
  
• Pain and Suffering: This compensates you for the physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by the accident. The severity of your injuries and how they impact your quality of life typically determine the extent of these damages.
  
  
• Insurance Coverage: Unfortunately, there’s a limit to how much insurance covers. The at-fault party’s insurance coverage can cap the maximum compensation you receive, regardless of the severity of your injuries or total losses.

Navigating a truck accident claim requires understanding these factors and others that influence settlements. An experienced injury attorney can provide invaluable guidance on the damages you’re entitled to and strategize the best approach to maximize your compensation from the liable party.

Understanding Louisiana’s Deadline for Filing Truck Injury Lawsuits

Time is of the essence after a Highway 90 accident. Unlike some states, Louisiana has a strict deadline, known as a statute of limitations, for filing a lawsuit to recover compensation for injuries.

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.

Missing this deadline can be devastating. If you wait too long, the courts may bar your case, leaving you without the compensation you deserve. Given these challenges, securing legal representation as soon as possible is crucial. 

An experienced Louisiana personal injury attorney can guide you through the legal process, help build a strong case, and ensure your lawsuit is filed within the required timeframe.

Contact Our Highway 90 Accident Lawyers Today

If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident on Highway 90 in Louisiana, the team at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys stands ready to support you through every step of seeking justice.

Our experienced lawyers understand the complexities of truck accident laws, and they know the ropes when dealing with big trucking companies and insurance adjusters. We understand the challenges you face, both legal and emotional, after a major accident.

Our goal is to take the weight of the legal process off your shoulders so you can focus on healing. We’ll work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

Contact Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys today. Let us be your strong legal partner and guide you through this challenging time.