Shreveport Injury Lawyer > Blog > Truck Accident > 18-Wheeler Crashes On Louisiana Roads

18-Wheeler Crashes On Louisiana Roads

Data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA) estimate that in 2019, approximately 5200 large trucks and buses were involved in fatal crashes in the United States, leading to thousands of deaths across the country. Approximately 650 of those crashes occurred in Louisiana, but it is unknown how many were caused due to the negligence of the truck driver (or of the company that employs them).

If you have been through a wreck caused by a trucker’s negligence, a Shreveport 18-wheeler crash attorney can help you get the damages you deserve for the injuries you have sustained. Not every 18-wheeler wreck happens because of the driver’s negligence, but those that do should be compensated appropriately.

It is very common for people who have been injured in an 18-wheeler wreck to not want to file suit against the (allegedly) negligent driver, given the potential severity of the injuries they have sustained. Because 18-wheelers are so much heavier than the average car or pickup truck (even without a cargo in their trailer), the injuries they cause are more likely to be severe. Some of the more common injuries include traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal injuries, and whiplash. However, without filing suit, many of these crash victims will not receive the closure they deserve.

Many Causes – Many Defendants?

If you do decide to file suit against the 18-wheeler driver who allegedly caused your injuries, be aware that you must be able to show that their actions were the direct cause, with no other intervening factors. While each collision case is different, there are some potential causes of 18-wheeler crashes that tend to repeat themselves. For example, FMCSA hours-of-service regulations set a maximum number of hours that a driver can operate their vehicle in one day – but for many years, there has been a pattern of drivers routinely ignoring that rule and driving fatigued.

Other driver-related causes include driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding, or road rage.

Another common cause of 18-wheeler crashes is a defect in the truck or in the driver. In these types of cases, it is sometimes possible to file suit against not only the driver, but also against their employer, if you can demonstrate that negligence on the part of the trucking company played a role in causing your wreck. For example, if maintenance on the truck is considered the company’s responsibility, but maintenance was never performed, the company (rather than the driver) might be liable.

Truck companies are most often brought into lawsuits if an issue of potentially negligent hiring exists. Under Louisiana law, a trucking company can be held liable for negligent hiring if its drivers do not conduct themselves as they should, or lack the credentials that they are required to have – for example, if a truck driver lacks a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), they are not permitted to operate an 18-wheeler in Louisiana. If the company allowed that person to drive anyway, they would be on the proverbial hook for negligence.

Providing Knowledgeable Representation

Filing suit can feel overwhelming, but an experienced and compassionate attorney on your side can help to lighten the load. The firm of Rice & Kendig will do the legwork, obtaining medical records and police reports for our clients where necessary, and keeping you in the loop instead of making you feel like a number.

If you have been injured in an 18-wheeler crash, your injuries are likely severe and your bills are adding up. A Shreveport large truck collision attorney from Rice & Kendig will work hard for you, and ensure that you have the best chance to recover financially (while you work on recovering physically). Contact our offices today at 318-222-2772 for a free consultation.

Resources:

fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-service/summary-hours-service-regulations

fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/large-truck-and-bus-crash-facts-2019

By Rice & Kendig, LLC | Posted on February 23, 2022

« Can I Sue A Drunk Driver In Civil Court?

Who Is Liable In A Multi-Vehicle Crash? »

What our Clients Are Saying About Us

"I was hesitant about hiring an attorney and filing a lawsuit, however Mr. Rice made me feel comfortable about my decision from day one, assuring me that I was doing..." Read More

Christy S.

"Outstanding service and extremely good at what they do. Everyone on their staff was extremely helpful and helped with whatever I needed. Would encourage anyone in need of a personal..." Read More

Cody A.

"They are fantastic! They took great care of me and made sure that they kept me updated through the entire process. They worked extremely hard, and did everything that they..." Read More

Emily K.

"Rice & Kendig are the best! I love the professionalism and how they do all the work in a timely manner. I love the outstanding team they have and how..." Read More

Shawn S.

Recent Results

$5,100,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client’s motorcycle was hit by a car leaving him in the ICU with facial injuries, arm injuries, and amputation of one leg.

$1,996,460

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was rear-ended while sitting at a stop sign. Neck and back injuries resulting in headaches and disability. Neck injury required surgery.

$1,855,500.80

Motor Vehicle Collision

Defendant driver’s failure to stop at a stop sign caused a collision injuring the client’s leg and ankle (required surgery), knee, hip, back, and chest. The airbags deployed, causing airbag injuries.

$1,800,000

Medical Malpractice

Inadequate life-saving staffing at emergency C-section resulted in child with cerebral palsy, spastic quadriplegia, and developmental delays.

$1,500,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was hit head-on by a delivery truck sustaining injuries to the knee, hand, neck, and back. Neck injury required surgery.

$1,400,000

Workplace Injury

A piece of loading equipment fell on client causing spinal injuries resulting in partial disability.

$1,375,000

Pedestrian/Motor Vehicle Collision

Client sustained injuries to head, leg and wrist. Client’s broken leg required surgery. In addition, client sought treatment with a neurologist for his head injury and cognitive issues.

$1,151,000

Pedestrian/Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was struck by a vehicle in a gas station parking lot. Client suffered head and brain damage resulting in memory loss.

$1,000,000

18-Wheeler Collision

Client was rear-ended by a drunk driver of an 18-wheeler causing client to suffer short-term memory loss and injuries to the head, neck, shoulders, and back.

$1,000,000

Insurance Bad Faith

Insurance company refused to pay for hail damage to a commercial property.

$1,000,000

Premises Liability

Fall at a hotel convention center caused hand, neck, and low back injuries resulting in a 7-year recovery period.

$1,000,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was hit by a commercial vehicle that ran a stop sign. Injuries to the knee, neck, and back requiring interventional pain management.

$987,610.32

18-Wheeler Collision

Client was rear-ended multiple times by a big rig causing PTSD, spinal injuries requiring spinal fusion surgery, physical therapy, and counseling.

$987,525.93

18-Wheeler Collision

Logging truck’s failure to yield caused client to suffer fractures in the arm and leg, amputation of 3 toes, and shoulder injuries.

$950,000

18-Wheeler Collision

Client was hit by a delivery truck and the vehicle rolled over. Client’s injuries included six broken ribs and a neck injury requiring extensive medical treatment.

$950,000

18-Wheeler Collision

18-wheeler driver turned left, without the protection of a green arrow, in front of client. The collision caused injuries to the hand, neck, shoulder, low back, hip, foot, ankle, and eye.

$800,606.26

Motor Vehicle Collision

A defendant driver turned left, without the protection of a green arrow, into client’s vehicle causing a collision that resulted in a severely broken leg that required immediate surgery, post-traumatic stress disorder, loss of independence, and loss of job.

$800,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Head-on collision that left client with back and neck injuries as well as seat belt injuries. Client’s recovery was lengthy and included physical therapy and injections.

$750,000

Wrongful Death/Medical Malpractice

Child suffered fatal injuries due to complications with anesthesia.

$685,000

Premises Liability

Client sustained two broken legs from a fall over an unreasonably dangerous tripping hazard.

$665,000

Motor Vehicle Collision/Wrongful Death

Client went to the aid of a vehicle accident victim and was struck and killed by a passing vehicle.

$663,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was backed into while on the job at an oil field site. Collision resulted in numerous back and neck injuries requiring surgeries.

$650,000

18-Wheeler Collision

18-wheeler driver was rear-ended by another 18-wheeler causing headaches and neck injury.

$625,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Head-on collision led to wrist and hand injuries that required surgery, seat belt injuries, pain in the neck, sternum, pelvis, abdomen, shoulder, and back, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

$550,000

18-Wheeler Collision

Client was rear-ended by a big rig causing low back and neck pain; physical recovery and treatment included injections, physical therapy, and counseling.