Cargo trucks are key to Louisiana’s economy. They move goods on Baton Rouge highways every day. When these large vehicles are involved in collisions, the consequences can be devastating.
Cargo truck accidents in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, can cause serious injuries. They often happen due to unsecured freight or driver fatigue. These accidents lead to complicated legal claims. If you or a loved one was injured in a cargo truck crash, Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers can help you fight for compensation.
Our Baton Rouge legal team has 50 years of combined experience, and we’ve recovered tens of millions for injury victims. So, we have the skills and resources to challenge big trucking companies and their insurers. We know the rules for the commercial trucking industry and how to show when someone is negligent. Contact us today at (225) 263-4787 for a free case evaluation with a Baton Rouge cargo truck accident lawyer.
How Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Cargo Truck Accident in Baton Rouge
Cargo truck accidents usually have many parties at fault. They involve federal trucking rules and tough insurance talks. Our Baton Rouge personal injury attorneys know how to cut through the complexity to build a compelling claim that reflects the full scope of your losses.
Here’s how our Baton Rouge truck accident lawyers help our clients:
- Investigate the accident: Obtain black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, and crash scene evidence.
- Establish liability: Determine whether the trucking company, driver, cargo loader, or vehicle manufacturer is at fault.
- Work with experts: Consult accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and logistics specialists.
- Handle all communications: Manage talks with insurers, adjusters, and opposing counsel.
- Litigate aggressively: Take your case to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
We check if trucking companies broke state or federal safety laws. This includes rules from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). We use these violations to show negligence.
Contact Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation with a Baton Rouge personal injury lawyer.
Common Causes of Cargo Truck Accidents in Baton Rouge
Large cargo trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, making them far more dangerous than standard passenger vehicles. When crashes occur, injuries are often severe and life-altering.
Common causes of cargo truck accidents:
- Improperly secured loads: Shifting cargo can destabilize the truck and cause rollovers.
- Overloaded trailers: Excess weight increases braking distance and stress on vehicle systems.
- Driver fatigue: Long hours behind the wheel reduce reaction times and focus.
- Speeding or aggressive driving: Risky maneuvers by truck drivers can cause multi-vehicle crashes.
- Mechanical failure: Poorly maintained brakes, tires, or steering systems can lead to loss of control.
Often, employers push drivers to meet tight deadlines. This pressure can make drivers skip rest breaks or exceed legal driving limits. We investigate these practices and hold employers accountable for unsafe policies.
Cargo truck crash victims often deal with long-term disabilities, chronic pain, and financial problems. These cases aren’t just about money. They’re about justice, holding people accountable, and helping with long-term recovery.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Cargo Truck Accident in Baton Rouge?
Cargo truck accidents can cause serious physical, emotional, and financial harm.
Our Baton Rouge truck accident attorneys will fight for compensation that reflects the full scope of your damages, including:
- Medical expenses: Hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, medication, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost wages: Missed income due to your injuries and reduced future earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, mental distress, anxiety, and diminished quality of life.
- Property damage: Repairs or replacement for your vehicle and other personal items.
- Permanent disability or disfigurement: Compensation for long-term impairments or scarring.
- Punitive damages: May be available in some rare instances, involving drunk driving.
We carefully record your losses. We also collaborate with expert witnesses to back your claim with strong evidence. Our goal is to leave nothing on the table when negotiating your recovery.
Can You Recover Compensation if You Were Partially at Fault in Louisiana?
Louisiana follows a pure comparative fault rule. This means you can recover damages even if you were partially responsible for the crash. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if your total damages are $300,000 but you are found to be 30% at fault, your recovery would be reduced to $210,000. Even if you are more than 50% responsible, you can still seek compensation for the remaining portion.
Trucking companies often try to shift the blame to avoid paying the full value. Our firm pushes back with facts, evidence, and expert testimony. We build strong cases to reduce or eliminate your share of fault wherever possible.
How Long Do You Have to File a Cargo Truck Accident Lawsuit in Louisiana?
Under Louisiana law, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. Wrongful death claims must be filed within one year of the date of death.
Delaying your claim could result in losing your right to compensation entirely. Acting early helps us gather evidence, find witnesses, and keep important records safe.
Contact a Cargo Truck Accident Attorney for a Free Case Evaluation
Cargo truck accidents demand a legal team with experience, resources, and a willingness to take on tough cases. At Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we proudly help injury victims in Baton Rouge. We focus on those affected by careless trucking operations.
We have 50 years of experience and a strong track record. We are ready to take on trucking companies, insurers, and anyone else responsible for your injuries. Contact our office today for a free case evaluation with a Baton Rouge cargo truck accident attorney and start your path toward justice and recovery.
