Common Causes of Truck Accidents
No matter what caused the crash, Rice & Kendig has skillful lawyers in Shreveport, LA, who are committed to uncovering the truth and securing justice.
Types of Injuries We Handle
Truck accidents often cause far more severe injuries than typical car crashes due to the sheer size and force of 18-wheelers and commercial vehicles. At Rice & Kendig, we know that these injuries don’t just affect your health — they disrupt your work, family, and entire way of life.
Our experience includes cases involving:
- Whiplash and neck injuries: Sudden, violent impact can strain the neck and spine, leading to long-lasting pain and mobility issues.
- Back and spinal cord injuries: From herniated discs to partial or full paralysis, spinal damage can alter your ability to work and live independently.
- Head injuries and concussions: Even “mild” head trauma can cause headaches, dizziness, and memory issues that linger for weeks or months.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Severe brain injuries often result in cognitive impairments, personality changes, and the need for lifelong care.
- Internal organ damage: Blunt force trauma can cause life-threatening injuries to organs like the lungs, liver, or kidneys, requiring immediate surgery.
- Facial injuries and scarring: Broken bones, lacerations, or burns can leave victims with permanent disfigurement and emotional distress.
- Joint injuries (knees, shoulders, hips, etc.): Torn ligaments, fractures, or joint dislocations often require surgeries and long rehabilitation periods.
- Nerve damage: Damage to nerves can cause chronic pain, numbness, or loss of function in parts of the body.
- Broken bones and fractures: Collisions often result in shattered limbs, ribs, or pelvises that require complex surgeries and recovery time.
- Psychological trauma and PTSD: The emotional toll of a serious accident can manifest as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Our dedicated attorneys take a comprehensive approach to truck accident injuries. Whether it’s covering medical bills, securing long-term care, or addressing the emotional scars that linger after the crash, we fight to ensure you receive the full compensation you need to rebuild your life.
What to Do After a Shreveport Truck Accident
The moments after a motor vehicle accident are overwhelming, but the steps you take can make a significant difference for your health, your financial situation, and your legal case. Here’s what you need to do to protect yourself:
Seek Medical Help Immediately
Even if you feel fine, don’t assume you’re uninjured. Hidden injuries like whiplash, internal bleeding, or concussions can worsen without treatment. Seeking medical care not only safeguards your health but also creates vital documentation that connects your injuries to the accident. Make sure to follow your doctor’s advice and keep all medical records.
Document the Scene
If you’re able, gather evidence while you’re still at the accident site.
- Take clear photos of all vehicles involved, visible injuries, and the surrounding road conditions.
- Get contact information for witnesses and anyone else involved in the crash.
- Note important details like weather conditions, time of day, and any hazards present, such as tire marks or debris.
This evidence can become critical in proving fault and strengthening your claim.
Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters
Insurance companies — whether it’s the trucking company’s insurer or your own — may contact you quickly. Do not give recorded statements, sign documents, or accept any settlement offers without speaking to an attorney. Adjusters often look for ways to minimize payouts, so even casual remarks could be used against you.
Call Rice & Kendig
Truck accident cases are more complex than typical car crashes, as they may involve multiple parties, federal trucking regulations, and powerful insurance companies. Let our Shreveport truck accident attorneys take the burden off your shoulders. Our team will:
- Collect critical evidence, including black box data and driver logs
- Negotiate with insurers to pursue fair compensation
- Represent you in court if they refuse to settle
You can focus on healing, and we’ll handle everything else. Your road to recovery starts here.
Truck Accident Compensation We Fight For
Accidents with large trucks often leave victims with significant losses. We pursue every avenue to recover:
- Medical expenses: From emergency care and surgeries to long-term rehabilitation and therapy.
- Lost wages: Compensation for missed work and reduced earning potential if your injuries prevent you from returning to your career.
- Pain and suffering: The physical and emotional trauma that impacts your quality of life.
- Property damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle and personal belongings
- Wrongful death: Funeral expenses, loss of income, and emotional suffering after the loss of a loved one.
At Rice & Kendig, we don’t just look at what you’ve lost today — we consider the full impact on your future and fight for every dollar you need.
Understanding Louisiana's Truck Laws
Here’s what you need to know about regulations and laws that may apply to your case:
Federal Trucking Regulations
Commercial trucks are governed by strict Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, including:
- Hours of service (HOS) limits: Drivers are limited to specific driving hours to prevent fatigue.
- Weight limits: Trucks must adhere to weight restrictions to prevent instability, tire blowouts, and rollovers.
- Maintenance and inspection standards: Trucking companies must regularly inspect and maintain their vehicles to ensure they are safe to operate.
- Driver qualifications: Truck drivers must carry a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) and meet medical and training standards.
We investigate driver logs, black box data, and maintenance records to expose violations of these federal rules that may have caused your accident.
Louisiana’s Comparative Fault Rule
Louisiana follows a pure comparative fault system under Civil Code Article 2323, meaning you can still recover damages even if you share part of the blame for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your total damages will be reduced by 20%.
Our team works to minimize your liability and present strong evidence showing the trucking company or driver’s fault.
Statute of Limitations
In Louisiana, you have a limited time to file a truck accident claim:
- For accidents before July 1, 2024: You have one year to file.
- For accidents after July 1, 2024: The deadline increases to two years.
It’s critical to act quickly to preserve evidence, secure witness statements, and file your case before the deadline.
Truck Insurance Requirements
Truck drivers and trucking companies must carry far higher insurance limits than standard vehicles due to the catastrophic damage large trucks can cause. These minimum coverage amounts often include $750,000 for general freight trucks and $1,000,000+ for trucks transporting hazardous materials.
Liability for Multiple Parties
In truck accident cases, responsibility may extend beyond the driver to include:
- Trucking companies: For negligent hiring, training, or failure to enforce safety regulations.
- Maintenance providers: For failing to keep the truck in safe operating condition.
- Cargo loaders: For improper loading practices leading to instability or cargo spills.
- Manufacturers: For defective truck parts, such as brakes or tires.
At Rice & Kendig, we leave no stone unturned to identify every party that may be liable for your accident and hold them accountable under Louisiana law.
Struggling After Your Accident? We're Here to Help.
At Rice & Kendig, our Shreveport car accident lawyers have more than 40 years of experience helping clients receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Get your free case review now!
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