Shreveport Truck Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in a semi-truck crash in Shreveport, you need an experienced lawyer on your side to help you navigate the complexities of the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. With the alarming rise in injuries and fatalities resulting from semi-truck collisions across the United States, seeking experienced legal representation is more important than ever. According to data from the National Safety Council, nearly 6,000 deaths and 161,000 injuries occurred in 2022 alone due to trucking accidents. At Rice & Kendig law firm, our Shreveport truck accident lawyers understand the devastating impact that these crashes can have on victims and their families, which is why we’re dedicated to providing compassionate support and aggressive advocacy to help truck accident victims rebuild their lives. Don’t wait to seek justice for your injuries. Call a Shreveport truck accident lawyer at 318-222-2772 to schedule a free consultation today and take the first step towards securing the compensation you deserve in your truck accident claim.

Why Are 18 Wheelers More Dangerous Than Passenger Vehicles?

When it comes to road safety, 18-wheelers, also known as semi-trucks or tractor-trailers, present a unique set of challenges and dangers compared to other vehicles. Understanding why a crash involving these massive vehicles is more dangerous than a regular car crash can shed light on the severity of truck accidents and the need for legal assistance in their aftermath.

Size

One of the most glaring differences between 18-wheelers and passenger vehicles is their size. These commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, while the average car weighs around 4,000 pounds. This massive size discrepancy means that when an auto accident occurs between a truck and a smaller vehicle, the consequences are often devastating for the occupants of the smaller vehicle.

The sheer weight and size of trucks also affect braking distances. Trucks require significantly more time and distance to come to a complete stop compared to cars. This longer stopping distance can contribute to rear-end collisions or accidents resulting from sudden stops. Our Shreveport rear-end collision lawyers can help victims recover damages such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more in their motor vehicle accident claim.

Dangerous Cargo

Another factor that makes 18-wheelers more dangerous is the type of cargo they often carry. Commercial trucks hauling hazardous materials, such as flammable liquids or toxic chemicals, pose an increased risk to both other motorists and the environment in the event of a motor vehicle accident. Even non-hazardous cargo can become dangerous if it spills onto the roadway, leading to secondary accidents or environmental contamination.

Blind Spots

Truck drivers have larger blind spots, also known as “no-zones,” compared to passenger vehicle drivers. But what is a no zone? No zones are blind spots that exist along the sides, front, and rear of the truck and are significantly larger than those found in cars. Motorists driving in these blind spots are at risk of being overlooked by truck drivers when changing lanes or making turns, increasing the likelihood of a motor vehicle collision.

Truck Driver Error

Despite stringent regulations and training requirements, truck driver error remains a leading cause of truck accidents. Fatigue, distraction, impairment, and speeding are common factors contributing to driver mistakes. Additionally, truck drivers may lack experience or proper training, further increasing the risk of accidents on the road.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Shreveport?

In Shreveport, like in many other cities, trucking accidents can occur due to a variety of factors, often stemming from a combination of human error, mechanical failures, and external conditions. Some of the most common Shreveport truck accident causes include:

• Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to driver fatigue which impairs judgment, reaction times, and overall attentiveness. In an attempt to prevent fatigued driving, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enacted truck driver hours of service rules in the early 2000s. These Shreveport truck driver hours of service rules stipulate that truck drivers can only drive for 11 hours in a 14 hour work day, followed by 10 consecutive hours of off duty rest. Additionally, these rules limit 60-70 hours of driving time within a 7-8 day work week. These hours of work and rest must be logged on an Electronic Logging Device (ELD). Even still, it’s very common for truck drivers to break these rules to meet tight deadlines, which results in fatigued driving.
• Distracted Driving: Distractions such as cell phone use, eating, or adjusting controls can divert a truck driver’s attention from the road, increasing the risk of accidents. Our Shreveport distracted driving accident lawyers have decades of combined experience in helping our clients receive justice and fair compensation in these types of claims.
• Drunk Driving: If either driver involved in the crash – the truck driver or the passenger vehicle driver – is intoxicated behind the wheel, the results can be devastating. Shreveport drunk driving attorneys at Rice & Kendig can hold the drunk driver accountable through a personal injury lawsuit.
• Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for road or weather conditions can make it difficult for truck drivers to stop in time to avoid a truck collision.
• Improper Loading: Poorly loaded or improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unstable and potentially leading to accidents.
• Mechanical Failures: Equipment failure, such as a brake failure or a tire blowout, can occur due to inadequate maintenance or defective parts, posing serious risks to both the truck driver and other motorists.
• Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, fog, or ice, can reduce visibility and traction, making it challenging for truck drivers to safely operate their vehicles.
• Aggressive Driving: Tailgating, improper lane changes, and other aggressive behaviors by truck drivers can increase the likelihood of accidents on busy Shreveport roadways.
• Inexperienced Drivers: Lack of experience or inadequate training may result in truck drivers making critical errors or failing to respond appropriately to hazardous situations on the road.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

Truck accidents often result in serious injuries due to the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles involved. The impact of a collision between a truck and a smaller passenger vehicle can cause catastrophic injuries to occupants. Some of the most common injuries sustained in truck accidents include:

• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: The force of impact in a truck accident can cause sudden, violent movements of the head and neck, resulting in whiplash injuries. These injuries can range from mild to severe and may involve damage to the muscles, ligaments, and nerves in the neck.
• Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: The spinal cord is particularly vulnerable in truck accidents, where the spine may sustain damage from the force of impact or from objects penetrating the vehicle. Spinal cord injuries can lead to paralysis, loss of sensation, and lifelong disabilities. Be sure to consult with Shreveport spine injury lawyers at Rice & Kendig to ensure you receive adequate legal representation for your truck accident claim.
• Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are common in truck accidents, especially when occupants are thrown around or struck by objects inside the vehicle. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe, life-threatening injuries that require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. If you suffered a severe head injury during an 18 wheeler collision, don’t hesitate to consult with Shreveport brain injury lawyers at Rice & Kendig.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: The impact of an 18 wheeler accident can cause bones to break or fracture, leading to significant pain, swelling, and impairment of mobility. Fractures may require surgery, immobilization with casts or braces, and extensive physical therapy to facilitate healing.
• Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma in 18 wheeler accidents can cause internal injuries to organs such as the lungs, liver, spleen, or kidneys. Internal bleeding, organ damage, and other complications may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if left untreated.
• Burns: Truck accidents involving fires or explosions can result in severe burns to occupants of vehicles involved. Burn injuries can cause excruciating pain, scarring, and long-term physical and psychological consequences for survivors.
• Amputations: In catastrophic truck crashes, victims may suffer traumatic amputations or severe limb injuries that require surgical intervention to save or reconstruct affected limbs. Amputations can have profound effects on a person’s quality of life and ability to perform daily activities.
• Wrongful Death: Unfortunately, due to the immense size and weight of large commercial trucks, it’s very common for crashes involving these vehicles to result in fatal injuries. In cases of fatal truck crashes, the victim’s family will have to file a wrongful death claim to recover all the damages they have suffered. Shreveport wrongful death lawyers at Rice & Kendig can provide legal and emotional support for grieving loved ones during this time.

The road to recovery from truck accident injuries can be long and arduous, requiring extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and support services. Victims and their families may face overwhelming medical expenses, lost income, and emotional distress as they cope with the aftermath of a devastating accident. Seeking legal representation from our experienced truck accident attorneys can help victims pursue both economic damages and non economic damages for their injuries and hold negligent parties accountable for their actions.

What To Do After a Truck Accident in Shreveport

In the chaotic aftermath of a truck accident in Shreveport, knowing what steps to take is crucial for protecting your rights and ensuring your safety. Here are some essential actions to take after a truck crash:

Check for Injuries, Call 911, and Move to a Safe Location

Immediately assess yourself and others involved in the accident for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 for emergency medical assistance. Even if you do not believe you are seriously injured, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and delaying treatment could worsen your condition.

If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic and further collisions. Use hazard lights and warning triangles to alert other motorists to the accident scene.

Call Law Enforcement to Report the Accident

Contact local law enforcement to report the accident and request that an officer come to the scene to document the incident and file an accident report. Be honest and cooperative when speaking with the police but avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be used against you later.

Exchange Information

Exchange contact and insurance information with the truck driver and any other parties involved in the accident. Be sure to obtain the truck driver’s commercial driver’s license (CDL) number and the name of the trucking company.

Document the Scene

Take photographs of the accident scene, including damage to vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect witness statements and contact information from bystanders who witnessed the accident.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible and provide them with the necessary information to initiate the claims process. Avoid providing recorded statements or signing any documents without consulting with an attorney first.

Contact a Shreveport 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer

Consult with an experienced truck accident lawyer in Shreveport to discuss your legal options and determine the best course of action for pursuing compensation for your injuries and damages. A lawyer can protect your rights, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and represent you in any legal proceedings that may arise from the accident.

Taking these steps after a truck accident can help ensure that your rights are protected, and you receive the medical care and compensation you deserve. It’s important to act quickly in the aftermath of a truck accident to preserve evidence and strengthen your potential case against negligent parties.

Why Are 18 Wheeler Accident Cases More Complicated Than Car Accident Cases?

Truck accident cases present unique challenges and complexities compared to typical car accident cases, primarily due to the involvement of large commercial vehicles and the regulations governing the trucking industry. Several factors contribute to the increased complexity of 18-wheeler accident cases, including:

Multiple Parties Involved

Unlike car accidents, where liability typically rests with one or two drivers, large truck crashes often involve multiple parties who may share responsibility for the accident. In addition to the commercial vehicle driver, potential defendants in a truck accident case may include the trucking company, the owner of the truck or trailer, the company responsible for loading the cargo, manufacturers of defective truck parts, and others. Determining the extent of each party’s liability requires a thorough investigation and analysis of the facts surrounding the accident, making these cases more complex to litigate.

Big Insurance Policies

Trucking companies are required by law to carry substantial insurance policies to cover the potential costs of accidents involving their vehicles. These insurance policies typically have high coverage limits, reflecting the significant risks associated with commercial trucking operations. Dealing with large insurance companies and navigating the complexities of insurance coverage in truck accident cases can be daunting for individuals without legal representation. Our experienced truck accident lawyers understand how to negotiate with insurance adjusters and maximize the compensation available to accident victims.

Truck Accident Evidence

Obtaining and preserving evidence in truck accident cases is crucial for establishing liability and proving damages. However, truck accidents often involve more extensive and complex evidence than car accidents. Key pieces of evidence in truck accident cases may include electronic logging device (ELD) data, truck maintenance records, driver logs, dashcam footage, black box data, witness statements, and accident reports. Collecting and analyzing this evidence requires specialized knowledge and expertise, as well as access to resources such as accident reconstruction experts and forensic engineers. Failure to gather and preserve critical evidence can significantly weaken a truck accident victim’s case and reduce their chances of obtaining fair compensation. Therefore, working with a skilled truck accident attorney at Rice & Kendig who understands the importance of evidence in these cases is essential for achieving a successful outcome.

Who Can You Sue for a Truck Accident in Shreveport?

In the aftermath of a truck accident in Shreveport, determining liability and identifying potential defendants is crucial for pursuing compensation for your injuries and damages. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may have grounds to sue the following parties:

• The Truck Driver: If the truck driver’s negligence or recklessness contributed to the accident, they can be held liable for damages. Examples of commercial truck driver negligence include speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, or violating traffic laws.
• The Truck Company: Truck companies can be held responsible for accidents caused by their drivers if they failed to properly train, supervise, or monitor their employees. Additionally, trucking companies may be liable for accidents resulting from inadequate maintenance, scheduling unrealistic delivery deadlines, or encouraging drivers to violate safety regulations.
• Cargo Loaders: Improperly loaded cargo or overloaded cargo can cause trucks to become unstable and increase the risk of accidents. If a cargo loading company or individual loader negligently loaded the truck or failed to secure the cargo properly, they may be held liable for resulting damages.
• The Truck Manufacturer: If a defective truck part or component contributed to the accident, the manufacturer of the defective product can be held accountable for injuries and damages. Common examples of defective truck parts include brakes, tires, steering systems, and engine components.
• Third Parties: In some cases, third parties such as maintenance providers, truck leasing companies, or contractors responsible for road maintenance may share liability for a large commercial truck accident. Identifying all potentially liable parties and holding them accountable for their role in causing the accident is essential for maximizing compensation for accident victims. Consulting with an experienced truck accident lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of determining liability and pursuing a successful legal claim against responsible parties.

Semi-Truck Accident Damages

When it comes to semi-truck accidents, the damages incurred can be extensive, encompassing various aspects of a victim’s life. Many times, the only way for these victims to recover physically, emotionally, and financially is through filing truck accident lawsuits. Some of the economic damages and non-economic damages that may be pursued in a semi-truck accident case include:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Property damage
• Disability and disfigurement
• Loss of consortium
• Funeral and burial expenses, in cases of a fatal crash
• Punitive damages

These damages can have a significant financial and emotional impact on accident victims and their families. Seeking the guidance of experienced truck accident lawyers at Rice & Kendig can help ensure that victims receive significant compensation for all their losses.

When To Consult a Lawyer for a Truck Accident

Knowing when to consult a lawyer after a truck accident is crucial for protecting your legal rights and ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. It’s advisable to seek the guidance of an experienced attorney as soon as possible after the accident, especially in the following situations:

• Catastrophic Injuries: If you or a loved one sustained severe or life-threatening injuries in the truck accident, consulting with a lawyer can help ensure that you receive the necessary medical treatment and pursue compensation for your medical expenses and other damages.
• Complex Liability Issues: Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, manufacturers, and others. Determining liability in these cases can be complex, and an attorney can help navigate the legal complexities and identify all potentially liable parties.
• Disputes with Insurance Companies: Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, especially when it comes to negotiating fair settlements for truck accident claims. Insurance companies may try to minimize or deny your claim, but an attorney can advocate on your behalf and fight for the compensation you deserve.
• Preservation of Evidence: Evidence in truck accident cases, such as electronic logging device (ELD) data, truck maintenance records, and black box data, can be crucial for proving liability and damages. Consulting with an attorney early on can help ensure that important evidence is preserved and properly documented.
• Statute of Limitations: In Louisiana, there is a limited time frame, known as the statute of limitations, within which you must file a personal injury lawsuit after a truck accident. Consulting with an attorney promptly after the accident can help ensure that you meet all deadlines and preserve your right to pursue legal action.

By consulting with a knowledgeable truck accident attorney, you can protect your legal rights, understand your options for pursuing compensation, and have a trusted advocate by your side throughout the legal process.

Call Shreveport 18 Wheeler Accident Attorneys at Rice & Kendig Today

If you or a loved one has been involved in an 18-wheeler accident in Shreveport, it’s essential to seek legal guidance from experienced professionals who understand the complexities of truck accident cases. At Rice & Kendig, our team of dedicated Shreveport tractor trailer jackknife accident attorneys specialize in representing victims of truck accidents and fighting for their rights to fair compensation. With our in-depth knowledge of federal and state trucking regulations, extensive experience in handling complex truck accident cases, and commitment to providing personalized attention to each client, we are prepared to guide you through every step of the legal process.

Don’t delay seeking the help you need. Call Shreveport’s trusted 18-wheeler accident attorneys at 318-222-2772 today to schedule a free legal consultation and start your journey towards justice and recovery.

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