Truck Accident Lawyer in Louisiana

Thousands of trucks travel daily across Louisiana’s sprawling highways and interstates. 

We owe thanks to these truck drivers as the cargo they carry is integral to keeping our bustling economy running. While their importance is undeniable, big 18-wheelers and semi-trucks that these drivers operate can quickly become a danger to unsuspecting Louisiana citizens in seconds. 

There is no doubt that safety technology in cars, trucks, and SUVs has vastly improved in recent years. However, these modern features cannot provide complete protection when a truck accident occurs.

If you become a victim of a truck crash in Louisiana, get support from an experienced lawyer who will advocate for your case against major trucking companies, insurance companies, or any other party liable for your unjust circumstances. Contact the truck accident lawyers at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorney law firm today to schedule your free consultation. The Get Gordon team knows the intricacies of Louisiana law and, with 679+ years of combined legal experience, will proudly represent your case in court and fight for the compensation you deserve. 

Causes of Truck Accidents in Louisiana

Early mornings, late nights, and long shifts are synonymous with the lifestyle that truck drivers lead. But unfortunately, these taxing aspects of their job affect them and can endanger any civilian who just so happens to be driving in their vicinity at the wrong place and wrong time. Commercial truck drivers’ working conditions, like the ones listed below, make them more susceptible to making errors that lead to these tragic crashes.

Driver Fatigue

Driving under exhaustion is one of the most common causes of truck accidents. Especially after being awake for an overextended time without proper rest, a driver is more likely to make careless mistakes due to fatigue. From the I-55 to Highway 1, a crash can happen anywhere.

Drug or Alcohol Impairment

Driving under the influence is illegal in Louisiana, and the law does not exclude 18-wheeler and semi-truck drivers. Wrecks caused by someone who willfully went behind the wheel while impaired is highly avoidable.

Improperly Loaded Cargo

Mismanagement of cargo may appear to be a minor mistake, but the consequences of it can be deadly. Unbalanced cargo in massive vehicles like 18-wheelers inhibits the driver’s mobility and control on the road, which increases the likelihood of accidents.

Blind Spots

Due to the size of semi trucks and 18-wheelers, there are significantly more blind spots where the truck driver may not see your vehicle while on the road. This can cause the driver to unintentionally make an unsafe maneuver that leads to an accident.

Sources: Louisiana Highway Safety Commission

Common Truck Accident Injuries

Statistically, large trucks weigh anywhere from 20 to 30 times as much as a regular passenger vehicle, giving cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs a disadvantage whenever accidents happen. 

The sheer size of large trucks also means that the probability of a passenger car driver sustaining injuries or a worse fate is significantly higher. Consequently, the most common injuries are the following: 

• Traumatic Brain Injuries 
  • Also known as TBIs, these injuries are usually a result of the victim’s head hitting the car door, windshield, steering wheel, and another area of the cockpit. The aftermath of a TBI injury can be permanently life-altering and includes long-term memory loss and, in the worst scenarios, death. 
• Spinal Cord Injuries
  • Victims can also experience damage to the spinal cord after being involved in a collision with an 18-wheeler. Unfortunately, this can cause partial or total paralysis, subjecting the victim to costly medical equipment like wheelchairs and expensive rehabilitation. 
• Fractures and Broken Bones 
  • The most common injury that people experience is broken bones. These fractures can be minor or severe and can happen anywhere in the body. Recovery from this kind of injury is painful and slow and can cause unforeseen issues in the future. 

What to do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Louisiana

Being involved in any kind of vehicle accident can be a traumatic experience. The road to recovery is long, and healing should be your priority. While filing a claim might not be the first thing on your to-do list, here is what you can do after a truck wreck to make it easier to get compensation when you are ready. 

1. Call 911. Whether you have sustained major or minor injuries, call the police immediately so they can perform a fair assessment of the scene. 
2. Take pictures of the scene and injuries. Photographic evidence will help your lawyer build your claim. 
3. Get examined by a medical professional. Some injuries don’t present themselves until hours or days after the accident, so ensure that you’re getting the care you need as soon as possible.
4. Gather evidence from the scene. Preserve everything you can, from the clothes you were wearing to any items you had on you at the time of the accident. 
5. Call Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys. Filling out a form online or calling to schedule a free consultation with us is your best bet to give your claim a fighting chance. 

Semi-truck or 18-wheeler accident cases can be tricky because they usually involve multiple parties. In addition, a victim in Louisiana will only have one year after the date of the accident to file a claim. When taking the short time frame and the complex nature of truck accident claims into account, it is crucial to have legal guidance from a trustworthy personal injury lawyer.

How to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Louisiana

When an individual’s death is directly caused by the misconduct or neglect of another person or establishment, it is said to have been wrongful. If a loved one of yours was killed in a truck accident, you should take the steps listed below. 

*(All of the below relations also include those relations by adoption)*

First, it’s critical to keep in mind that only a limited number of the victim’s survivors may file a wrongful death claim in Louisiana. The victims’ survivors who are eligible to make a claim include:

• The surviving spouse and/or children of the deceased or
• If both spouse and children are dead, the surviving parents of the deceased or
• If the spouse, children, and parents are dead, the surviving siblings of the deceased or
• If the spouse, children, parents, and siblings are deceased, the surviving grandparents of the deceased

Next, remember that you need to get with an attorney to file this claim within 1 year of the motorcycle accident because Louisiana abides by a 1-year statute of limitations. Last but not least: Contact our Louisiana Wrongful Death Attorneys to learn more about your legal options and receive the support you are due.

Stand Up To Big Trucks! Contact Our Louisiana Truck Accident Attorney

Depending on the severity of the crash, truck accident victims could be eligible for tens of thousands of dollars and beyond. This compensation can cover the unfair financial, emotional, and physical strife that one has suffered due to the accident. While healing, no one should deal with the stresses of lost wages, medical bills, and property damages. 

If you are suffering a personal injury after being involved in a semi-truck crash, consult with a truck accident lawyer at Gordon McKernan. Our team proudly serves the citizens of Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Alexandria, Shreveport, Ascension, Livingston, Zachary, Hammond, Lake Charles, and Monroe. 

With our extensive understanding of the complexities of Louisiana’s trucking and traffic laws, we are confident that we will be the solid support system you need during this difficult time. Call us today at 888.501.7888 for a free consultation, so we can get started on getting the compensation you deserve!