Each year, thousands of accidents involving 18-wheelers and commercial trucks leave victims with life-altering injuries or worse. Accidents involving big trucks are often catastrophic due to their size and weight. These crashes frequently cause severe injuries or fatalities, leaving victims with life-altering conditions. Big truck wrecks in Louisiana can be complex due to the following:

  • Multiple liable parties: The truck driver, trucking company, and manufacturer may share fault.
  • Federal regulations: Trucking companies must follow strict laws that impact liability.
  • High-stakes insurance claims: Insurance companies aggressively defend truck accident cases to minimize payouts.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can happen for many reasons, and most are preventable. Our legal team conducts a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash and hold the responsible parties accountable. Common causes of truck accidents include:

  • Driver Fatigue: Truckers often push past legal driving limits, leading to drowsy driving.
  • Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Worn brakes, tire blowouts, and mechanical failures can cause accidents.
  • Distracted Driving: Truck drivers using phones or GPS put others at risk.
  • Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo: This can make trucks unstable and difficult to control.

Injuries from Truck Accidents

Compared to a passenger vehicle, a semi-truck’s size and weight magnify the force of a collision, increasing the risk of:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis
  • Rib and chest trauma
  • Internal organ damage
  • Loss of limbs or extremities
  • Severe lacerations and burns

Victims may face months or even years of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and financial hardship. Unfortunately, some never recover fully, and others lose their lives in these tragic accidents.

Compensation for Truck Accident Victims

If you’ve been injured in a big truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages, including:

  • Medical expenses (past and future)
  • Rehabilitation and long-term care
  • Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Property damage

In cases of extreme negligence or intentional wrongdoing, you may also be awarded punitive damages to hold the responsible party accountable.

Depending on the circumstances, there are three common types of lawsuits that may help you recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and more:

  • Negligence Lawsuits
    • If the accident was caused by a driver’s careless behavior, you may have grounds for a negligence lawsuit. Common causes include distracted driving, driver fatigue, improper training, or overloaded trucks. Both the driver and trucking company may be held accountable.
  • Product Liability Lawsuits
    • If a defective part or mechanical failure caused the accident, a product liability claim may be appropriate. This could include faulty brakes, tire blowouts, or electrical malfunctions. Liability may fall on the manufacturer or maintenance provider.
  • Wrongful Death Lawsuits
    • In tragic cases where victims don’t survive, families can file a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for funeral expenses, loss of income, and emotional suffering. Punitive damages may also apply if gross negligence is proven.

Have you been injured in an accident?

STEP 1: Contact Luke Law Firm for a free consultation. We’ll assess your case, explain your options, and meet you anywhere in Louisiana.

STEP 2: We Build & Fight for Your Case – Our team gathers evidence, handles paperwork, and negotiates aggressively. If insurers don’t play fair, we’re ready for court.

STEP 3: You Get Paid – No Fees Unless We Win – You pay nothing upfront—our success is tied to yours.

Take the first step

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who can be held responsible in a truck accident case?

Multiple parties may be liable, including the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, or vehicle manufacturers. Our firm investigates thoroughly to hold all negligent parties accountable.

What makes truck accident cases different from car accident cases?

Truck accidents involve larger insurance policies, federal trucking regulations, and multiple liable parties, making them more complex than standard car accident claims.

What evidence is critical in a truck accident claim?

Key evidence includes driver logs, black box data, maintenance records, eyewitness statements, and accident scene photos to establish negligence.

How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit?

In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is one year from the date of the accident. Acting quickly ensures vital evidence is preserved.