Lake Charles 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Lawyers

Serving Louisiana Clients in Cameron, Calcasieu and Neighboring Parishes

18-wheeler truck accidents on U.S. highways cause over 5,000 deaths and 115,000 injuries every year. A commercial tractor trailer can weigh up to 70 tons — as a result, a collision between a passenger car and a semi truck is likely to result in serious injury or death for occupants of the smaller vehicle. At Broussard & Hart, L.L.C., a Lake Charles personal injury firm, our lawyers work diligently to pursue just compensation for 18-wheeler truck accident victims and their families.

Important concerns in trucking accident injury claims

If you are involved in a car accident with a commercial truck on I-10 or even out of state, contact us immediately. Injury claims resulting from 18-wheeler truck accidents present unique challenges that must be addressed right away.

• If our accident investigator does not get to the scene quickly, important evidence may disappear.
• An injured person is likely to suffer brain injury or spinal cord damage, resulting in permanent brain damage, paralysis, or chronic pain, and requiring a lifetime of medical care.
• Several insurance policies may cover the victim's injuries, but they must first be identified.

We are prepared to meet those challenges. When assisting a client injured or disabled in a commercial truck wreck, our attorneys work with accident reconstructionists and experts on state and federal trucking regulations to identify the causes leading to an 18-wheeler truck accident. We find insurance policies covering our client's injuries. We work with medical, economic, and life care experts to establish the full extent of our client's losses.

Understanding the causes of 18-wheeler accidents

Commercial truck drivers are usually paid for miles driven, and are not encouraged to get the rest required by law. Studies have shown that fatigued drivers are a leading cause of trucking accidents. In addition to driver fatigue, unsecured loads, poor driver training, and improper maintenance also lead to tractor trailer crashes, including underride accidents, collisions caused by brake failure, and jackknife accidents. Tragically, drunk driving also causes some trucking accidents.

Aggressive and distracted driving is another common cause of 18-wheeler truck accidents. Texting while driving is illegal in Louisiana and the law covers commercial drivers. Furthermore, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is considering a new rule banning all semi truck drivers from texting while driving. Such a regulation would apply across the entire United States.

Our lawyers know what to look for and which experts to call when determining the cause of an 18-wheeler accident. We have detailed knowledge of Louisiana and federal commercial trucking regulations that apply to the transportation industry, and have successfully handled many big rig accident claims, including those involving wrongful death.

Discuss your truck accident claim with an experienced lawyer

If someone you know has been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler truck accident, be sure to act while the evidence is fresh, and before any applicable deadlines expire. If you would like to discuss a potential case, please call 337-513-0288 (Toll Free: 888-391-5595) or e-mail our office to arrange a free and confidential consultation. We will respond quickly to your inquiry.

For more information on 18-wheeler accidents, see:

• What to do if you are in a truck accident
• How to avoid being in a truck accident
• Federal commercial trucking regulations