Bienville Parish 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers: Fighting for Maximum Recovery After Devastating Truck Crashes

If an 80,000-pound logging truck or commercial transport vehicle changed your life forever on the highways of Bienville Parish, you’re facing a situation that demands immediate, aggressive legal action. One moment you’re driving along I-20 toward Shreveport, navigating US-371 through the pine forests, or commuting on Louisiana Highway 9, and the next, you’re dealing with catastrophic injuries, mounting medical bills, and a trucking company that already has lawyers working to minimize your claim.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for families across Louisiana who’ve been devastated by commercial trucking accidents. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been standing up to major corporations since 1998, securing multi-million dollar settlements for clients who suffered traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, and wrongful death. We’re not just attorneys—we’re your advocates during the darkest hours after a crash in Bienville Parish.

The clock is already ticking. Louisiana gives you just one year from your accident date to file a lawsuit—shorter than almost any other state. Evidence disappears even faster. Black box data can be overwritten within 30 days. Trucking companies send rapid-response teams to Bienville Parish crash scenes before the ambulances even leave. If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Bienville Parish—from Arcadia to Ringgold, from Saline to Lucky—you need to call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 to protect your rights.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Bienville Parish Are Catastrophically Different

Bienville Parish isn’t like the busy interstates of Dallas or Houston. Our rural highways—US-371, LA-159, and the I-20 corridor—present unique dangers that make trucking accidents here particularly devastating. Logging trucks hauling timber from the Kisatchie National Forest, agricultural transports moving crops, and heavy equipment carriers all share narrow, winding roads with passenger vehicles. When something goes wrong, physics isn’t on your side.

An 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—twenty times the weight of your average sedan. When that much mass collides with a passenger vehicle at highway speeds, the results are often fatal or result in permanent disability. Braking distance alone tells the story: a fully loaded truck traveling at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop—that’s nearly two football fields. On the rural highways of Bienville Parish, where sudden stops for wildlife, farm equipment, or slow-moving logging trucks are common, that distance can mean the difference between life and death.

What makes these cases legally complex isn’t just the physics—it’s the web of federal regulations and multiple liable parties involved. Unlike a simple car wreck where you might be dealing with one driver and one insurance policy, commercial truck accidents in Bienville Parish can involve the driver, the trucking company, the cargo owner, the loading company, maintenance contractors, and even equipment manufacturers. Each party carries separate insurance policies, often worth millions, and each will try to shift blame to the others.

That’s why you need a firm that knows how to investigate immediately. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for insurance companies before joining our team. He knows every tactic they use to minimize claims because he used to employ those same strategies. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for families in Bienville Parish. As client Chad Harris told us after his case resolved, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” That’s how we treat every trucking accident victim who calls our firm.

The Deadly Reality of Bienville Parish Trucking Corridors

Bienville Parish sits at the crossroads of major freight routes connecting Shreveport, Bossier City, and northern Louisiana to the rest of the state. Interstate 20 cuts through the southern portion of the parish, carrying a constant flow of commercial traffic between Texas and Louisiana. US Highway 371 runs north-south through the heart of Bienville Parish, serving as a primary route for logging trucks carrying timber from the dense pine forests to processing facilities.

These aren’t just statistics—they’re the roads you travel every day. The combination of high-speed interstate traffic and heavy industrial vehicles creates a perfect storm for catastrophic accidents. Logging trucks, in particular, pose unique hazards on Bienville Parish roads. These vehicles often operate on rural highways with narrow shoulders, making evasive maneuvers nearly impossible for passenger vehicles. When a logging truck’s load shifts or a driver loses control on a curve, the results are devastating.

Weather adds another layer of danger. Louisiana thunderstorms can reduce visibility to near zero in seconds, and the rural roads of Bienville Parish can flood quickly. Truck drivers facing pressure to meet delivery deadlines may not slow down appropriately for conditions, violating 49 CFR § 392.14, which requires drivers to use extreme caution in hazardous conditions and reduce speed when visibility or traction is compromised.

The trucking companies know these routes well. They know that deputies from the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office may take time to reach remote crash locations. They know that evidence can disappear in the pine forests and rural gullies that line these highways. That’s why they dispatch their own investigators immediately—sometimes arriving at the scene while you’re still being loaded into the ambulance.

Don’t let them get a head start. Call 888-ATTY-911 now, and we’ll send a spoliation letter within 24 hours to preserve every piece of evidence that proves what really happened.

Types of Catastrophic Accidents on Bienville Parish Highways

Jackknife Accidents: When Physics Turns Deadly

A jackknife occurs when the trailer portion of an 18-wheeler swings out perpendicular to the cab, creating a deadly barrier that blocks multiple lanes of traffic. On I-20 through Bienville Parish, where traffic moves at 70+ mph and there’s often nowhere to go, a jackknife can trigger multi-vehicle pileups with fatal consequences.

These accidents typically happen when drivers brake suddenly on wet roads or take curves too fast. Under 49 CFR § 393.48, brake systems must be properly maintained and adjusted. When trucking companies defer brake maintenance to save money—or when drivers exceed the 11-hour driving limit under 49 CFR § 395.8(a) and become too fatigued to react properly—the result is often a jackknife that destroys innocent families.

We investigate the ECM (Electronic Control Module) data to prove exactly what happened in the seconds before the crash. This black box data shows speed, brake application, and throttle position—objective evidence that contradicts whatever excuse the driver provides.

Underride Collisions: The Most Devastating Impact

An underride collision occurs when a passenger vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a trailer and slides underneath. These accidents are almost always fatal or result in catastrophic head and neck injuries, often decapitation. The trailer’s undercarriage rides over the passenger compartment, shearing off the roof of the vehicle.

While 49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after 1998, these guards often fail in high-speed impacts, and there’s no federal requirement for side underride guards—meaning the sides of trailers remain deadly exposed.

On US-371, where logging trucks often travel slowly and passenger vehicles may approach quickly from behind, rear underride accidents are a constant threat. When a truck makes an unannounced stop or slows dramatically for a turn onto a rural logging road, following drivers have no warning.

We examine the underride guards for compliance, check whether proper lighting and reflective tape were maintained under 49 CFR § 393.11, and determine if the trucking company’s failure to maintain safety equipment contributed to your injuries.

Rollover Accidents: Top-Heavy Danger

Rollovers occur when an 18-wheeler tips onto its side or roof, often spilling cargo across the roadway. These accidents are particularly common on the curved ramps connecting I-20 to Louisiana Highway 9 and on the winding sections of US-371 where logging trucks navigate forested terrain.

The high center of gravity on 18-wheelers makes them prone to rollovers during sudden maneuvers or when taking curves at excessive speeds. Under 49 CFR § 393.100, cargo must be properly secured and balanced to prevent shifting that could alter the vehicle’s center of gravity. When loading companies in Bienville Parish fail to properly secure logs, pipes, or heavy equipment, the shifting weight can cause rollovers that crush other vehicles.

Additionally, 49 CFR § 392.6 prohibits motor carriers from scheduling runs that would require drivers to operate at unsafe speeds. When companies pressure drivers to meet impossible deadlines, they force them to take curves too fast, leading to rollovers that block highways for hours and cause secondary accidents.

Brake Failure Accidents: Preventable Tragedies

Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes, making them one of the leading causes of trucking accidents nationwide. When an 80,000-pound vehicle’s brakes fail on the downgrade of an overpass or on a wet stretch of I-20, the results are catastrophic.

Federal regulations under 49 CFR § 396.3 require motor carriers to systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all vehicles. Drivers must perform pre-trip inspections under 49 CFR § 396.13 and report any defects. When these safety protocols are ignored—when brake pads are worn past limits, when air brake systems leak, when maintenance records are falsified—people die.

We subpoena maintenance records going back years. We examine the Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs) required under 49 CFR § 396.11. We look for patterns of deferred maintenance that prove the trucking company valued profit over safety.

Wide Turn Accidents: The “Squeeze Play”

Large trucks require significantly more space to complete turns than passenger vehicles. When an 18-wheeler swings wide before making a right turn—often swinging left first to accommodate the trailer’s tracking radius—they create a deadly gap that tempts other drivers to pass on the right.

This “squeeze play” traps passenger vehicles between the truck and the curb or shoulder. On narrow Bienville Parish highways with limited shoulders, there’s nowhere to go. Drivers may be crushed against guardrails, driven into ditches, or run over by the trailer’s rear wheels.

These accidents often result from driver inattention or failure to properly signal. Under 49 CFR § 392.2, drivers must obey all traffic laws, including proper signaling and turning procedures. When truck drivers fail to check their mirrors or signal their intentions—as required by safety protocols—they endanger everyone sharing the rural roads of Bienville Parish.

Blind Spot Accidents: The “No-Zone”

18-wheelers have massive blind spots on all four sides. The right-side blind spot is particularly large and dangerous. When truck drivers change lanes on I-20 without properly checking these “No-Zones,” they can sideswipe passenger vehicles, forcing them into other lanes or off the road entirely.

Federal regulations under 49 CFR § 393.80 require mirrors that provide clear views to the rear on both sides. When mirrors are improperly adjusted, damaged, or when drivers simply fail to use them, the results can be fatal.

We investigate whether the driver was properly trained on blind spot awareness and whether the trucking company’s safety protocols required specific mirror-checking procedures before lane changes.

Cargo Spill and Hazardous Material Accidents

Bienville Parish’s economy relies heavily on logging, agriculture, and increasingly, oil and gas transport. When cargo spills—whether logs tumbling from an improperly secured load, chemicals leaking from a tanker, or heavy equipment shifting during transport—the results can shut down highways for hours and cause secondary accidents.

Under 49 CFR § 393.100-136, cargo must be secured to prevent leaking, spilling, blowing, or falling. Tiedowns must meet specific working load limits based on cargo weight. When loading companies in Biennville Parish fail to follow these regulations—using inadequate chains, insufficient tiedowns, or improper blocking and bracing—their negligence can create deadly road hazards.

Hazardous material carriers face even stricter regulations under 49 CFR Part 397. These vehicles must carry $5 million in insurance minimums—substantially higher than the standard $750,000 required for general freight. If you’ve been injured by a hazmat spill in Bienville Parish, the available insurance coverage may be significantly higher, but proving liability requires attorneys who understand complex federal regulations.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Your Bienville Parish Trucking Accident?

One of the biggest mistakes victims make is assuming only the truck driver is responsible. In reality, multiple parties may share liability for your injuries, and each may carry separate insurance policies. Our job is to investigate every potentially liable party to maximize your recovery.

The Truck Driver

Drivers can be held personally liable for negligent actions including:

• Hours of Service violations under 49 CFR § 395 (driving over 11 hours, skipping required breaks)
• Distracted driving including cell phone use prohibited under 49 CFR § 392.82
• Operating while fatigued in violation of 49 CFR § 392.3
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (49 CFR § 392.5 limits blood alcohol to .04 for commercial drivers—half the standard limit)
• Speeding or driving too fast for conditions (49 CFR § 392.6)
• Failure to conduct pre-trip inspections (49 CFR § 396.13)

We obtain the driver’s ELD (Electronic Logging Device) records, cell phone records, and drug testing results. We examine their driving history for previous violations, accidents, or suspensions that should have disqualified them from operating commercial vehicles.

The Trucking Company

Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are responsible for their employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. But trucking companies can also be directly liable for:

• Negligent hiring — failing to verify the driver’s qualifications, CDL status, or safety record
• Negligent training — putting inadequately trained drivers on the road
• Negligent supervision — failing to monitor compliance with hours of service regulations
• Negligent maintenance — deferring repairs to save money, leading to brake failures or tire blowouts

We subpoena the Driver Qualification File required under 49 CFR § 391.51, which must contain employment applications, background checks, medical certifications, and drug test results. We examine the company’s CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores and inspection history. We look for patterns that show the company prioritized profits over safety.

The Cargo Owner and Loading Company

When accidents result from improperly secured cargo, the company that loaded the truck may be liable under 49 CFR § 393.100. In Bienville Parish, where logging operations frequently load trucks with massive timber, we investigate whether loading companies:

• Used adequate tiedowns for the weight of the load
• Properly balanced the cargo distribution
• Secured loose items that could shift during transport
• Followed industry-specific securement rules for logs, pipes, or heavy equipment

The cargo owner may also be liable if they demanded unsafe loading practices or pressured drivers to exceed weight limits.

Maintenance Companies

Third-party mechanics who service commercial trucks can be liable when negligent repairs or deferred maintenance cause accidents. We examine maintenance records to determine if brakes were adjusted properly, tires were replaced when worn, and inspections were actually performed or merely documented on paper.

These records are required under 49 CFR § 396.3 and must be retained for at least one year. Our spoliation letters ensure these documents aren’t “lost” or destroyed before we can review them.

Manufacturers

When accidents result from defective brakes, tires, steering components, or other equipment, the manufacturer may be liable under product liability laws. We preserve failed components for expert analysis and research recall histories to determine if the defective part had caused similar accidents elsewhere.

Freight Brokers

Freight brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own the trucks can be liable under 49 CFR Part 371 if they negligently select carriers with poor safety records or fail to verify insurance and operating authority. When brokers choose the cheapest carrier available despite known safety violations, they endanger everyone on Bienville Parish highways.

Government Entities

While rare, government entities may be liable for dangerous road conditions, inadequate signage, or improper work zone setups. However, Louisiana’s governmental immunity laws are strict, and short notice requirements apply. If a dangerous road condition contributed to your accident in Bienville Parish, we must act quickly to preserve your right to pursue this avenue.

The Critical 48-Hour Window: Evidence That Disappears Forever

If you’re reading this after an 18-wheeler accident in Bienville Parish, evidence is already disappearing. The trucking company has likely already contacted their insurer, who has dispatched investigators to the scene. Their goal is simple: minimize liability and protect their bottom line.

You need someone fighting just as hard for you. Here’s what we do immediately upon taking your case:

Electronic Data Preservation

Commercial trucks generate massive amounts of electronic data that can prove exactly what happened:

• ECM/Black Box Data: Records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes for 30+ seconds before a crash. This data can be overwritten within 30 days or sooner.
• ELD Records: Prove hours of service violations, showing whether the driver exceeded the 11-hour driving limit or skipped required breaks.
• GPS/Telematics Data: Tracks the vehicle’s exact route and speed history, potentially proving the driver was speeding or taking dangerous shortcuts through Bienville Parish.
• Dashcam Footage: Many trucks now have forward-facing and driver-facing cameras. This footage is often recorded over within days if not preserved.

We send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained, putting the trucking company on notice that destroying this evidence will result in severe legal sanctions, including adverse inference instructions at trial (where the jury is told to assume destroyed evidence would have been unfavorable to the trucking company).

Driver Records

Under 49 CFR § 391.51, trucking companies must maintain Driver Qualification Files containing:

• Employment application and background check
• Three-year driving history from previous employers
• Medical examiner’s certification
• Drug and alcohol testing records
• Training documentation

Missing records or “incomplete” files often prove negligent hiring. We also subpoena the driver’s cell phone records to prove distracted driving and examine their social media for admissions of fatigue or violations.

Vehicle Inspection Records

49 CFR § 396.3 requires systematic inspection and repair. We demand:

• Pre-trip and post-trip inspection reports (49 CFR § 396.11)
• Annual inspection records (49 CFR § 396.17)
• Maintenance work orders and receipts
• Parts replacement records
• Out-of-service repair documentation

When these records show deferred maintenance, ignored brake issues, or falsified inspections, they prove the trucking company’s negligence directly caused your injuries.

Physical Evidence

We photograph the accident scene, measure skid marks, document road conditions, and preserve physical evidence before weather or traffic destroys it. We locate and interview eyewitnesses before memories fade.

In Bienville Parish, where accident scenes may be on remote stretches of US-371 or LA-159, evidence can be lost to weather, traffic, or intentional tampering if not preserved immediately.

Catastrophic Injuries: The Life-Changing Impact of Bienville Parish Trucking Accidents

The injuries sustained in 18-wheeler accidents aren’t simple broken bones that heal in six weeks. We’re talking about catastrophic, life-altering trauma that affects every aspect of your existence.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

When an 80,000-pound truck collides with your vehicle, your brain slams against the inside of your skull. The result can be:

• Concussions — Mild TBIs with symptoms lasting months or years
• Contusions — Bruising of brain tissue causing swelling and pressure
• Diffuse Axonal Injury — Tearing of brain tissue that can leave victims in vegetative states
• Coup-Contrecoup Injuries — Damage at both the impact site and opposite side of the brain

TBI symptoms include persistent headaches, memory loss, cognitive impairment, mood changes, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and personality changes. Many TBI victims can never return to work. Our firm has secured multi-million dollar settlements for TBI victims, with settlements ranging from $1.5 million to $9.8 million depending on severity and long-term prognosis.

Immediate medical evaluation is critical. Even if you “feel fine,” brain injuries can be progressive. Go to the emergency room in Shreveport or Minden immediately, and follow up with neurological specialists.

Spinal Cord Injuries

The force of a trucking accident can fracture vertebrae, herniate discs, or sever the spinal cord. Spinal cord injuries range from partial function loss to complete paralysis:

• Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
• Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs, potentially requiring ventilator support

These injuries require lifetime care. Medical expenses alone can exceed $4.7 million to $25.8 million over a lifetime, not counting lost wages or pain and suffering. We work with life care planners and economic experts to calculate the true cost of these injuries, ensuring your settlement covers decades of medical needs.

Amputations

When a truck’s impact crushes a vehicle compartment or when subsequent fires cause severe burns, amputation may be necessary. Losing a limb is a catastrophic injury requiring:

• Multiple surgeries
• Prosthetics ($5,000-$50,000+ per prosthetic, with replacements needed every few years)
• Extensive physical rehabilitation
• Home modifications
• Career retraining or permanent disability

We’ve secured $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation victims—settlements that reflect not just the medical costs, but the profound impact on quality of life and earning capacity.

Severe Burns

Fuel fires from ruptured tanks or hazmat explosions can cause third and fourth-degree burns requiring skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and years of treatment. Burns are measured by total body surface area affected and depth of tissue damage. These injuries cause not just physical pain but devastating psychological trauma and permanent disfigurement.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident in Bienville Parish takes a loved one, surviving family members face unimaginable grief and financial hardship. Louisiana law allows recovery for:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of consortium (companionship, care, guidance)
• Mental anguish
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses incurred before death

Our firm has recovered $1.9 million to $9.5 million in wrongful death cases involving commercial trucking accidents. While no amount of money can replace your loved one, holding the trucking company fully accountable provides justice and financial security for your family’s future.

Understanding Your Rights Under Louisiana Law

Louisiana’s legal landscape for trucking accidents has unique features that affect your case. Understanding these rules is crucial to protecting your claim.

The One-Year Statute of Limitations: Act Fast or Lose Your Rights

Louisiana has one of the shortest statute of limitations in the nation for personal injury claims: just one year from the date of the accident (Civil Code Article 3492). For wrongful death claims, you have one year from the date of death (Civil Code Article 2315.2).

This is half the time allowed in neighboring Texas and significantly shorter than many other states. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to sue forever—regardless of how catastrophic your injuries or how clear the trucking company’s negligence.

This is why we emphasize immediate action. Every day you wait, evidence disappears, witnesses become unavailable, and your ability to build a strong case diminishes.

Pure Comparative Fault: Recovery Even If You Were Partially At Fault

Louisiana follows a pure comparative fault system (Civil Code Article 2323). This means you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Your recovery is simply reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you were found 20% at fault and your damages were $1 million, you would still recover $800,000. Even if you were 90% at fault, you could theoretically recover 10% of your damages—though practically, cases with high plaintiff fault are difficult to pursue.

Insurance companies will try to maximize your percentage of fault to minimize their payout. We fight these allegations by gathering objective evidence from ECM data, eyewitness testimony, and accident reconstruction that proves the truck driver’s primary responsibility.

Punitive Damages: Punishing Gross Negligence

Louisiana law allows for punitive damages when the defendant’s conduct is “wanton, reckless, or malicious” (Civil Code Article 3546). In trucking cases, this might apply when:

• The driver was intoxicated
• The company knowingly hired a driver with multiple previous accidents
• Maintenance records were systematically falsified
• Hours of service were routinely violated with management’s knowledge
• The company encouraged drivers to falsify logbooks

Unlike some states, Louisiana does not cap punitive damages in personal injury cases involving trucks. This means juries can award substantial sums to punish truly egregious conduct and deter similar behavior by other trucking companies.

Insurance Coverage: What You Need to Know About Commercial Policies

Federal law requires commercial trucks to carry significantly higher insurance than passenger vehicles:

Many carriers carry $1 million to $5 million in coverage, and additional umbrella policies may be available. However, accessing these funds requires proving liability and damages to the insurance company’s satisfaction—or defeating them at trial.

Commercial insurance adjusters are not like the adjusters who handle fender-benders. They are sophisticated professionals with extensive training in minimizing payouts. They may:

• Request recorded statements designed to trip you up
• Offer quick, lowball settlements before you know the full extent of your injuries
• Delay processing claims hoping you’ll accept less out of desperation
• Hire private investigators to surveil your activities
• Challenge every medical bill and treatment decision

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña knows these tactics intimately—he used to employ them when he worked for the insurance companies’ defense firms. Now he uses that insider knowledge to counter every strategy they attempt. As client Glenda Walker said after we handled her case, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

The Attorney911 Advantage: Your Bienville Parish Trucking Accident Team

When you hire Attorney911 to handle your 18-wheeler accident case in Bienville Parish, you’re getting more than legal representation—you’re getting a team that treats you like family while fighting like warriors.

Ralph Manginello: 25+ Years of Trial Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. With over 25 years of courtroom experience and admission to federal court in the Southern District of Texas, he has the expertise to handle complex interstate trucking cases. His track record includes multi-million dollar settlements against Fortune 500 companies, including involvement in the BP Texas City refinery explosion litigation that resulted in over $2.1 billion in total industry settlements.

Ralph understands that trucking companies have teams of lawyers protecting them. You deserve the same level of advocacy. He’s not afraid to take cases to trial when insurers refuse fair settlements, and he’s earned a reputation for aggressive, effective representation that gets results.

Lupe Peña: The Insurance Defense Advantage

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña brings something rare to your case: insider knowledge of how insurance companies operate. Before joining Attorney911, Lupe worked for a national insurance defense firm where he learned exactly how adjusters evaluate claims, minimize payouts, and deny legitimate compensation.

Now he uses that knowledge against them. He knows when insurers are bluffing, what their reserve limits are, and how to pressure them to pay what your case is truly worth. A third-generation Texan fluent in Spanish, Lupe ensures that Bienville Parish’s Hispanic community has direct access to quality legal representation without language barriers.

“Hablamos Español,” Lupe says. “Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.”

Client-Focused Service That Treats You Like Family

We know you’re going through the most difficult experience of your life. That’s why we prioritize communication and compassion. Our team answers calls 24/7 because we know trucking accidents don’t happen during business hours. We return calls promptly, explain complex legal concepts in plain English (or Spanish), and keep you informed every step of the way.

As client Chad Harris told us: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

We also advance all costs of litigation—from expert witnesses to accident reconstruction to medical record retrieval. You pay nothing upfront. We work on contingency, meaning we only get paid if we win your case. Our standard fee is 33.33% if settled before trial and 40% if we need to take your case to trial—fair rates for aggressive representation that maximizes your recovery.

What to Do After a Trucking Accident in Bienville Parish

If you or a loved one has been involved in an 18-wheeler crash in Bienville Parish, follow these critical steps:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if injuries seem minor, see a doctor. Adrenaline masks pain, and some injuries (like TBI or internal bleeding) may not show symptoms for hours or days. Medical records also serve as crucial evidence linking your injuries to the accident.

2. Document Everything
If you’re able, photograph the scene, all vehicles involved, your injuries, and any road conditions that contributed to the accident. Get the truck driver’s name, CDL number, trucking company information, and DOT number. Get contact information from any witnesses.

3. Do Not Give Recorded Statements
The trucking company’s insurer may call quickly, asking for a “routine statement.” Decline. Anything you say can be used to minimize your claim. Let us handle all communications with insurance companies.

4. Preserve Evidence
Keep damaged clothing, take photos of bruises and injuries as they develop, and keep a journal documenting your pain levels and limitations.

5. Call Attorney911 Immediately
Time is critical. Evidence disappears, and Louisiana’s one-year statute of limitations is unforgiving. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bienville Parish Trucking Accidents

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Louisiana?
Louisiana has a one-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims—one of the shortest in the nation. You have one year from the accident date (or date of death in wrongful death cases) to file suit. Evidence disappears much faster than that, so contact us immediately.

What if the trucking company is from out of state?
Federal regulations apply to all interstate commerce, and we can pursue out-of-state companies in Louisiana courts or federal court. Ralph Manginello’s federal court admission and Lupe Peña’s experience give us the capability to handle complex jurisdictional issues.

Can I still recover if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Louisiana follows pure comparative fault. You can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault, even if you were mostly at fault—though cases with high plaintiff fault are challenging.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor, not an employee?
Even “independent contractors” may be covered under the trucking company’s insurance, and the company may still be liable for negligent hiring or supervision. We investigate the actual employment relationship to identify all liable parties.

How much is my case worth?
Value depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and available insurance. Trucking cases typically involve higher insurance limits ($750K-$5M+) than car accidents, allowing for substantial recoveries for catastrophic injuries.

Will I have to go to court?
Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This preparation often leads to better settlement offers. If the trucking company refuses fair compensation, we have the experience and resources to take your case to verdict.

What if I can’t afford medical treatment?
We can help you find medical providers who will treat you under a Letter of Protection (LOP), meaning they get paid from your settlement. Don’t let lack of insurance prevent you from getting necessary care.

Do you handle cases in rural areas of Bienville Parish?
Absolutely. We serve all of Bienville Parish, from Arcadia to Ringgold, from Saline to Lucky, and everywhere in between. Rural highways present unique dangers, and we understand the local conditions that contribute to trucking accidents in these areas.

Your Fight Starts Now: Call Bienville Parish’s Trusted Trucking Accident Attorneys

The trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to pay you less. The evidence that could prove their negligence is disappearing with every hour that passes.

You don’t have to face this alone.

At Attorney911, we have the experience, resources, and dedication to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of experience, Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge of insurance defense tactics, and our firm’s track record of multi-million dollar verdicts give you the firepower you need against corporate trucking interests.

We’re currently handling major litigation, including a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston for hazing-related injuries, demonstrating our capacity to take on powerful institutional defendants. We’ve stood toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 companies like BP, and we’re ready to stand up for you.

Don’t let the one-year statute of limitations expire on your claim. Don’t let the trucking company destroy evidence that proves their negligence. Don’t settle for less than you deserve because you were overwhelmed by the complexity of the system.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) right now. We answer 24/7. The consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.

Your family is counting on you to make the right call. Make it now: 1-888-ATTY-911.

We’re Attorney911, and we fight for families in Bienville Parish.