A jackknife accident occurs when an 18-wheeler’s trailer swings outward and folds toward the cab, sweeping across multiple lanes of traffic. These crashes are often caused by sudden braking, slippery road conditions, or improperly loaded cargo. Our attorneys investigate the full chain of events — including driver history, maintenance records, and cargo logs — to identify all responsible parties and maximize your recovery.

18-wheeler rollovers are frequently caused by excessive speed on curves, overloaded or improperly secured cargo, or driver fatigue. When a massive truck rolls onto a passenger vehicle, the results can be fatal. We pursue full compensation including damages for long-term medical treatment, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering.

A loaded 18-wheeler traveling at highway speed needs nearly twice the stopping distance of a passenger car. When a truck driver fails to brake in time — due to fatigue, distraction, or following too closely — rear-end collisions can be devastating. We hold negligent drivers and their employers accountable for the full extent of your injuries.

Underride accidents occur when a passenger vehicle slides beneath the trailer of an 18-wheeler after a collision. These accidents are among the most deadly on Louisiana roads and frequently result in catastrophic or fatal head and neck injuries. Liability may extend beyond the driver to the trucking company if the trailer lacked federally required underride guards.

18-wheelers have massive blind spots — particularly on the right side, directly behind the cab, and in front of the truck. Drivers who change lanes or merge without properly checking these zones put everyone around them at risk. Our attorneys gather electronic logging data, dash cam footage, and witness testimony to prove fault in blind spot collision cases.

When an 18-wheeler makes a wide right turn, it may swing left first, squeezing vehicles caught in the gap between the truck and the curb. These so-called “squeeze play” accidents can crush smaller vehicles and cause severe injuries. Our attorneys document the scene, review any available surveillance footage, and hold negligent drivers fully accountable.

Federal and Louisiana state regulations strictly govern how cargo must be loaded, secured, and distributed on commercial trucks. When a trucking company or cargo loader violates these rules, shifting or falling cargo can cause multi-vehicle crashes. We investigate every aspect of the loading and shipping chain to identify all liable parties.

Federal Hours of Service regulations limit how long a commercial truck driver can operate a vehicle without rest. When drivers or trucking companies violate these limits — or falsify electronic logs to hide violations — fatigued drivers become a serious danger on Louisiana highways. We obtain electronic logging device records and maintenance data to expose these violations and establish liability.

Commercial truck drivers are held to a stricter legal standard — a blood alcohol limit of 0.04% — half that of regular drivers. When a truck driver causes a crash while impaired or distracted by a phone or GPS device, victims may be entitled to both compensatory and punitive damages against the driver and the trucking company that employed them.

When a crash results from a mechanical failure — such as faulty brakes, defective tires, or a steering malfunction — liability may extend to the truck manufacturer, a parts supplier, or a maintenance company. Our attorneys work with engineering and safety experts to identify equipment defects and pursue claims against every responsible party.

As of July 1, 2024, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Louisiana. Because 18-wheeler cases require securing time-sensitive evidence — including black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records — we strongly recommend contacting an attorney as soon as possible after a crash.

Liability in an 18-wheeler accident often extends well beyond the driver. The trucking company may be liable for negligent hiring, inadequate driver training, or pushing drivers to violate Hours of Service regulations. Cargo loaders, maintenance contractors, and truck or parts manufacturers may also share responsibility. Our attorneys investigate every angle to identify and pursue all responsible parties.

Call 911 and report the crash immediately. Get medical attention even if you feel okay — serious injuries from truck accidents often appear hours or days later. Document the scene with photos, including the truck, its license plate, and any visible cargo. Do not give a recorded statement to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster before speaking with an attorney. Contact Mansfield Melancon as soon as possible so we can begin preserving critical evidence, including the truck’s black box data, right away.

Louisiana follows pure comparative fault. Even if you were partly responsible for the crash, you can still recover compensation — your total award is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. Trucking companies and their insurers frequently try to exaggerate a victim’s share of blame to reduce their payout. Our attorneys push back hard against these tactics.

Nothing upfront. Our 18-wheeler accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. There are no upfront costs, no hourly fees, and no out-of-pocket expenses. If we do not win your case, you owe us nothing.

It depends on the complexity of your case. 18-wheeler cases often involve multiple defendants, federal regulations, and extensive investigation, which can make them more complex than standard car accident claims. Learn more about the timeline of a personal injury case. We keep you informed throughout the process and never pressure you to accept a settlement before you are ready.

Do not sign anything before speaking with an attorney. Trucking company insurers are trained to resolve claims quickly and cheaply — often before you fully understand the severity of your injuries or the true value of your losses. An attorney can evaluate any offer and make sure you do not sign away your rights for less than you deserve.

Yes. Louisiana law allows surviving family members to pursue a wrongful death claim for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and the pain and suffering endured before death. Our attorneys handle these cases with the care and urgency they deserve, and we fight to hold negligent trucking companies fully accountable.