Accidents involving 18-wheelers are among the most devastating collisions on Louisiana roads. These huge vehicles can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. They can cause serious injuries or even death in a crash.
If you or someone you care about was hurt in an 18-wheeler accident in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers can help. They are ready to fight for your justice and the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation or call at (225) 263-4787.
How Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Baton Rouge, LA
Truck accident claims need more investigation and a unique legal strategy than standard car accidents. We have the resources, experience, and drive to challenge commercial trucking companies and their insurers.
Our firm has 50 years of legal experience. We’ve recovered tens of millions for injury victims. We know the high stakes in truck accident cases. Our Baton Rouge personal injury lawyers are committed to holding negligent trucking companies and drivers accountable.
Here’s what we can do for you:
- Conduct a full investigation: Obtain crash reports, review driver logs, secure black box data, and analyze truck maintenance records.
- Identify all liable parties: Including the truck driver, the trucking company, maintenance contractors, and manufacturers of faulty parts.
- Work with expert witnesses: Accident reconstructionists, medical specialists, and industry professionals.
- Follow federal and state rules: Make sure the trucking company meets Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations and Louisiana traffic laws.
- Negotiate or litigate: Push for maximum compensation through settlement or trial when necessary.
We understand the unique challenges these cases present—and we’re prepared to stand by your side through every step. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Baton Rouge 18-wheeler accident lawyer.
What to Know About 18-Wheeler Accidents in Baton Rouge, LA
Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, even a minor error can lead to life-altering consequences. Baton Rouge has busy highways like I-10 and I-12. These roads often see serious trucking accidents. Negligence, poor training, and regulatory violations cause many of these crashes.
Common causes of truck accidents:
- Driver fatigue: Long hours behind the wheel in violation of hours-of-service rules.
- Improper loading: Cargo that shifts during transit can cause rollovers or jackknife accidents.
- Mechanical failures: Brake problems, tire blowouts, or steering malfunctions.
- Distracted or impaired driving: Cell phone use, substance abuse, or reckless driving.
- Inadequate training: Drivers not properly qualified to operate large commercial vehicles.
Unlike standard vehicle crashes, truck accidents involve complex liability questions. After a crash, trucking companies often rush to send out legal teams to safeguard their interests. Accident victims should act fast, too, and seek their own legal help.
What Compensation Can You Recover After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Baton Rouge?
Truck accident victims usually face serious injuries. These injuries may need long-term care. So, financial recovery is crucial for rebuilding your life.
Depending on your case, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses: Ambulance costs, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to work.
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Property damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle and any personal belongings.
- Punitive damages: Sometimes awarded in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct by the trucking company or driver.
Our firm will work closely with experts to assess your damages and ensure your claim reflects the full scope of your losses.
Can You Recover Compensation If You Were Partially at Fault in Louisiana?
Yes. Louisiana follows a pure comparative fault system. This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but are found to be 20% at fault, your recovery would be reduced to $80,000. Fault is often disputed in truck accident cases, and trucking companies will do everything they can to shift blame. We will fight back with strong evidence and expert testimony.
How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This short statute of limitations makes it crucial to act quickly. Delays can result in lost evidence, fading witness memories, or dismissal of your claim entirely.
Some exceptions may apply in limited situations, but most truck accident claims must be filed within the two-year deadline.
Contact Our Baton Rouge 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Baton Rouge, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers has years of experience. They have a strong track record and the resources to challenge major trucking companies.
We are committed to helping injury victims recover the compensation they need to move forward. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Baton Rouge 18-wheeler accident attorney and let us start building your case while you focus on healing.
