If you were involved in a commercial truck accident in Louisiana, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Commercial vehicles must comply with various rules on both the federal and state levels, and violating them could lead to liability in the event of a collision.
At Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we’ve spent decades fighting for crash victims across the state. With 50 years of combined experience and tens of millions recovered, we know how to hold trucking companies accountable and help clients recover what they’re owed.
Contact us today at (225) 263-4787 for a free consultation to speak with an experienced commercial truck accident lawyer in Louisiana.
How Mansfield Melancon Can Help After a Commercial Truck Accident in Louisiana
Truck accident cases are often more complex than typical car wrecks. You might be dealing with multiple at-fault parties, major injuries, and a company that’s more interested in protecting its profits than doing what’s right. That’s why you need a legal team that knows how to fight back.
At Mansfield Melancon, our Louisiana truck accident lawyers can help by:
- Investigating the accident and identifying the liable parties
- Reviewing trucking logs, GPS data, and maintenance records
- Working with accident reconstruction experts
- Calculating the full value of your damages
- Dealing with insurance adjusters on your behalf
- Filing a lawsuit and going to court if necessary
We’re prepared to take on big trucking companies and insurers to help you pursue the money you need for medical care, lost income, and more. Contact our Louisiana personal injury lawyers today for a free case review.
Federal and State Trucking Regulations
Trucking companies and drivers in Louisiana must follow both state and federal rules. These laws are designed to protect everyone on the road by setting limits on truck operation.
Some of the most important rules include:
- Hours of service rules: Truck drivers can only drive a certain number of hours before they must take a break. This helps prevent drowsy driving.
- Vehicle maintenance requirements: Trucks must be inspected and repaired regularly to ensure they’re safe to drive.
- Weight limits: Overloaded trucks are harder to stop and more likely to cause accidents. Drivers must follow strict weight restrictions.
- Commercial driver’s license (CDL) requirements: Drivers must be properly trained and licensed to operate large vehicles.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) oversees these rules nationally, while the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) enforces state-level requirements.
Common Violations That Lead to Truck Accidents
Even with these rules in place, violations happen all the time, often causing serious crashes.
Some of the most common violations we see in Louisiana include:
- Failing to inspect or maintain the truck
- Driving longer than allowed under hours-of-service rules
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- Carrying too much cargo or improperly secured loads
- Driving without the proper license or training
- Failing drug or alcohol tests
- Using cell phones while driving
If a violation played a role in your crash, we can uncover it and use that information to support your claim.
Who Can Be Held Liable After a Louisiana Commercial Truck Crash?
Many truck accident victims assume the driver is the only one responsible, but that’s often not true.
Multiple parties may be legally liable, including:
- The trucking company
- A maintenance provider
- The company that loaded the cargo
- A manufacturer of a faulty part
- Another negligent driver on the road
Trucking companies can also be held responsible for their employees’ actions through a concept known as “vicarious liability.” We’ll investigate every angle to find out who should be held accountable for your injuries.
What Compensation Can I Recover in a Louisiana Truck Accident Case?
If you were injured because of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for many different types of losses.
Your compensation can include both economic damages and non-economic damages, such as:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive damages are only available in specific kinds of cases, like drunk driving accidents. Generally, they are not awarded in Louisiana personal injury cases. Nonetheless, we will work hard to pursue them on your behalf if possible.
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Louisiana?
Under Louisiana law, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this statute of limitations time limit, you may lose your right to seek compensation altogether.
That’s why it’s important to act quickly. Our attorneys can ensure everything is filed on time and preserve evidence before it’s lost or destroyed.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Louisiana Truck Accident Attorneys
Commercial truck accidents often result in life-altering injuries and steep financial losses. If you’ve been affected by a crash, don’t wait to explore your legal options.
At Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we have the experience and resources to take on powerful trucking companies. With tens of millions recovered for clients across Louisiana, we’re confident we can help you make the most of your claim.
Call our Louisiana truck accident lawyers today to schedule a free case review.
