18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys Fighting for East Feliciana Parish Families
The impact was catastrophic. One moment you’re driving home on US 61 through East Feliciana Parish, and the next, 80,000 pounds of steel and cargo have changed your life forever. If you’re reading this, you or someone you love has likely experienced the terrifying reality of a trucking accident on our Louisiana highways—and you’re wondering what comes next.
We know the roads here. From the busy stretches of Airline Highway connecting East Feliciana Parish to Baton Rouge, to the rural two-lane routes where logging trucks and oilfield traffic share narrow shoulders with family vehicles, our region sees heavy commercial truck activity every single day. When an 18-wheeler collision happens here, it doesn’t just cause damage—it causes devastation. Medical bills pile up immediately. The trucking company sends lawyers before the ambulance even leaves the scene. And Louisiana’s one-year statute of limitations means the clock is already ticking against you.
You don’t have to face this alone. Attorney911 has spent over 25 years fighting for truck accident victims across Louisiana and Texas, recovering millions of dollars for families just like yours. We understand the unique challenges of East Feliciana Parish trucking cases—from the federal regulations governing interstate commerce to the local courts where justice is sought. Most importantly, we understand that right now, evidence is disappearing. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Trucking companies destroy maintenance records. Witness memories fade.
That’s why we answer calls 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We send spoliation letters within hours to preserve critical evidence. And we bring a former insurance defense attorney—Lupe Peña—to your case, giving you the insider advantage that other firms simply cannot match.
Why Truck Accidents in East Feliciana Parish Demand Experience
When Ralph Manginello founded Attorney911 in 1998, he committed to a simple principle: treat every client like family while fighting every trucking company like the billion-dollar corporation they are. With 25+ years of experience admitted to federal court in the Southern District of Texas and licensed in both Texas and New York, Ralph has built a reputation for taking on the largest commercial carriers—and winning.
But here’s what makes our firm truly different for East Feliciana Parish residents: Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years working for national insurance defense firms before joining our team. He knows exactly how trucking companies evaluate claims, minimize settlements, and pressure accident victims into lowball offers. Now, he uses that insider knowledge against them. As one of our clients, Ernest Cano, put it: “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.”
This matters deeply in Louisiana because our pure comparative fault system means you can recover damages even if you were partially responsible—but insurance companies try to exploit this rule to reduce your payout. Lupe knows their playbook because he used to run those same plays. He recognizes when they’re bluffing about fault percentages, and he knows how to counter their delay tactics with evidence that forces fair compensation.
We’ve recovered $50+ million for clients across all practice areas, including multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injuries ($1.5M-$9.8M range), amputations ($1.9M-$8.6M), and wrongful deaths ($1.9M-$9.5M). Our $5+ million settlement for a logging company worker who suffered a traumatic brain injury demonstrates our ability to handle the exact type of rural, agricultural trucking cases common in East Feliciana Parish. Our $3.8+ million settlement for a car accident victim who lost a limb shows we understand catastrophic injury valuation.
Currently, we’re litigating a landmark $10 million hazing lawsuit against the University of Houston—proving our capacity to take on institutional defendants with deep pockets and teams of lawyers.
Louisiana’s One-Year Deadline: The Clock Is Ticking
Louisiana’s statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims is just one year—the shortest in the nation alongside Kentucky. If you don’t file your lawsuit within one year from the date of your East Feliciana Parish trucking accident, you lose your right to compensation forever.
This isn’t like other states where you have two or three years. In Louisiana, time moves fast, and trucking companies know it. They often delay investigations, hoping you’ll miss the deadline or accept a small settlement before you understand the full extent of your injuries.
Our firm acts immediately. When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, we begin gathering evidence that same day. We know the East Feliciana Parish area—we understand that accidents on US 61 or LA 10 require immediate scene documentation before weather washes away skid marks or road crews clear debris. We’ve worked with families throughout the Florida Parishes who faced devastating crashes involving oilfield trucks, logging operations, and interstate freight haulers.
Federal Trucking Regulations: The Laws They Broke
Every commercial truck operating in Louisiana must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations codified in Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR). When trucking companies violate these rules—and they often do—they create liability that strengthens your case.
49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards
Trucking companies must maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) File containing:
- Complete employment applications
- Three-year driving history from previous employers
- Current medical examiner’s certificates (renewed every 2 years maximum)
- Drug and alcohol test results
- Road test certificates or equivalents
We subpoena these records immediately. Why? Because if the company hired a driver with a history of DUIs, falsified his logs, or failed to conduct proper background checks—that’s negligent hiring, and we’ll prove it.
49 CFR Part 393: Parts and Accessories for Safe Operation
This section covers equipment standards. Key violations we often find in East Feliciana Parish crashes include:
Brake Requirements (§ 393.40-55): Commercial vehicles must have properly functioning service brakes on all wheels. Given Louisiana’s humidity, flooding, and the heavy braking required on rural highways, brake failures are common causes of rear-end collisions here.
Cargo Securement (§ 393.100-136): Federal law requires cargo securement systems withstand 0.8g deceleration forward and 0.5g lateral forces. When logging trucks, oilfield equipment haulers, or agricultural trucks carry unsecured loads through East Feliciana Parish’s winding roads, they’re violating federal law—and creating rollover risks.
49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS) – The Fatigue Factor
Driver fatigue causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Federal limits include:
- 11-hour driving limit: Cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off-duty
- 14-hour duty window: Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on-duty
- 30-minute break: Required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
- Weekly limits: 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
Since December 18, 2017, most trucks must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that automatically record driving time. This data is objective evidence—if the driver was on hour 13 when he crossed into your lane on US 61, we have proof of the violation.
The 10 Potentially Liable Parties in East Feliciana Parish Truck Accidents
Unlike car accidents where fault usually lies with one driver, 18-wheeler cases often involve multiple defendants. We investigate every possible liable party because more defendants mean more insurance coverage—and better compensation for you.
1. The Truck Driver
Personal liability for speeding, distraction, fatigue, or impairment. We obtain cell phone records, ELD data, and toxicology reports.
2. The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier
Under respondeat superior (let the master answer), employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts. Additionally, we pursue direct negligence claims for:
- Negligent hiring: Failed background checks
- Negligent training: Inadequate safety instruction
- Negligent supervision: Ignoring ELD violations or driver complaints
- Negligent maintenance: Deferred brake repairs or tire replacements
3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper
Common in East Feliciana Parish’s oil and gas industry. If a shipper loaded hazardous materials without proper disclosure or required overweight loading to maximize profits, they’re liable.
4. The Loading Company
Third-party warehouses or agricultural facilities that improperly secured cargo on flatbeds or tankers.
5. Truck and Trailer Manufacturers
Design defects in braking systems, stability control, or fuel tank placement (relevant given Louisiana’s heat and the risk of post-collision fires).
6. Parts Manufacturers
Defective tires, brake components, or steering mechanisms that fail under Louisiana’s high-temperature, high-humidity conditions.
7. Maintenance Companies
Third-party mechanics who performed negligent repairs or failed to identify critical safety issues during inspections.
8. Freight Brokers
Brokers who arranged the shipment but negligently selected carriers with poor safety records (visible via FMCSA’s SAFER system).
9. Truck Owner
In owner-operator arrangements where the driver owns the tractor but leases to a company, the owner may bear separate liability for equipment failures.
10. Government Entities
Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) or East Feliciana Parish government may be liable for dangerous road design, inadequate signage, or failure to maintain safe highway surfaces—particularly relevant given our frequent flooding events that create hazardous road conditions.
Common Accident Types on East Feliciana Parish Roads
Every geography creates distinct accident patterns. In East Feliciana Parish—with our mix of rural highways, agricultural traffic, oilfield operations, and proximity to Baton Rouge’s urban corridors—we see specific collision types:
Jackknife Accidents
When a truck’s cab and trailer fold at an angle like a pocket knife, often blocking multiple lanes of US 61 or I-55. These typically occur when drivers brake suddenly on wet roads (common during Louisiana thunderstorms) or when empty trailers (light loads) swing uncontrolled. FMCSA 49 CFR § 393.48 (brake systems) and § 393.100 (cargo securement) violations often contribute.
Rollover Collisions
Tanker trucks carrying oil, gas, or chemicals are particularly prone to rollovers on the curves of LA 67 or LA 10—especially when drivers take rural highway turns too fast or cargo shifts during transport. Given East Feliciana Parish’s timber and oil industries, these heavy loads create extreme rollover risks.
Underride Accidents
When a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a trailer and slides underneath. Despite 49 CFR § 393.86 requiring rear impact guards, many trailers have inadequate protection, leading to catastrophic head and neck injuries or decapitation.
Rear-End Collisions
An 80,000-pound truck traveling at 65 mph needs nearly two football fields (525 feet) to stop. On US 61, where traffic slows for small towns like Jackson or Clinton, distracted or fatigured truckers often crash into stopped vehicles. 49 CFR § 392.11 prohibits following too closely, and § 392.3 prohibits driving while fatigued.
Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)
Trucks swinging wide into opposing lanes to make right turns—common at rural intersections throughout East Feliciana Parish where narrow roads meet agricultural access points.
Blind Spot Collisions
18-wheelers have massive “No-Zones” where drivers cannot see passenger vehicles. The right-side blind spot is particularly dangerous on LA 10 and other two-lane roads where passing occurs.
Tire Blowouts
Louisiana’s extreme heat and humidity accelerate tire degradation. When a steer tire blows on a loaded tanker, the driver loses control immediately. 49 CFR § 393.75 mandates minimum tread depths (4/32″ for steer tires), and § 396.13 requires pre-trip inspections.
Brake Failure Accidents
Descending the hills in northern East Feliciana Parish or stopping for sudden traffic on I-12 requires fully functioning brakes. Brake problems contribute to 29% of large truck crashes, per FMCSA data.
Cargo Spills and Hazmat Incidents
Given East Feliciana Parish’s proximity to Baton Rouge’s petrochemical industry and the presence of agricultural transport, spills of oil, chemicals, or loose timber create secondary accidents and environmental damage. 49 CFR Parts 393 (cargo securement) and 397 (hazardous materials) govern these situations.
Head-On Collisions
On rural two-lane highways like LA 67 or LA 964, fatigued or impaired drivers drift across centerlines, causing devastating frontal impacts given the combined closing speeds.
The Evidence That Disappears in 48 Hours
Critical timeline: ECM (black box) data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage is often deleted within 7-14 days. Louisiana’s heat degrades physical evidence rapidly.
We send spoliation letters immediately upon being retained—sometimes within hours of your call to 1-888-ATTY-911. These legal notices demand preservation of:
- Electronic Control Module (ECM) data showing speed, braking, and throttle position
- Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records proving hours-of-service violations
- Driver Qualification Files revealing hiring negligence
- Maintenance and inspection records showing deferred brake or tire work
- GPS and telematics data confirming route and timing
- Cell phone records exposing distracted driving
- Dispatch communications revealing pressure to violate safety rules
- Post-accident drug and alcohol test results (required under 49 CFR Part 382)
Once a spoliation letter is sent, destroying evidence constitutes spoliation of evidence—a serious legal violation that can result in sanctions, adverse jury instructions (telling the jury to assume the destroyed evidence was unfavorable to the defense), or even default judgment.
Catastrophic Injuries Require Maximum Compensation
Trucking accidents don’t cause “minor” injuries. The physics of an 80,000-pound vehicle striking a 4,000-pound car or pickup truck at highway speeds ensures catastrophic trauma. In East Feliciana Parish, where medical facilities may require transport to Baton Rouge or specialized trauma centers, immediate and long-term medical costs escalate rapidly.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Settlements range from $1.5 million to $9.8 million+ depending on severity. Symptoms include memory loss, cognitive impairment, personality changes, and loss of executive function. Our $5+ million settlement for a logging industry worker who suffered TBI demonstrates our ability to secure funding for lifetime cognitive rehabilitation.
Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis
Ranging from $4.7 million to $25.8 million+, these injuries require wheelchairs, home modifications, and 24/7 care. Whether paraplegia or quadriplegia, the lifetime costs exceed millions.
Amputation
Our case results show settlements between $1.9 million and $8.6 million. Prosthetics require replacement every 3-5 years at $50,000+ per device, not counting physical therapy and vocational retraining.
Severe Burns
Common in tanker explosions or post-collision fires. Burn victims face multiple skin graft surgeries, infection risks, and permanent disfigurement.
Wrongful Death
When a trucking accident kills a loved one in East Feliciana Parish, surviving family members face not just grief but financial devastation. Our firm has recovered $1.9 million to $9.5 million for wrongful death claims, covering lost income, loss of consortium, mental anguish, and funeral expenses.
As our client Glenda Walker shared: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s our promise to every East Feliciana Parish family we represent.
Insurance Coverage: The Real Numbers
Federal law mandates commercial trucking insurance minimums:
- $750,000 for non-hazardous freight over 10,001 lbs
- $1,000,000 for oil, petroleum, and large equipment transport
- $5,000,000 for hazardous materials
Many carriers carry umbrella policies exceeding these minimums. Unlike typical car accidents where coverage might max at $30,000, trucking cases often have $1 million to $5 million available. But accessing these funds requires legal expertise to navigate MCS-90 endorsements, federal filings, and multiple policy layers.
Frequently Asked Questions: East Feliciana Parish 18-Wheeler Accidents
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Louisiana?
One year. Louisiana Revised Statutes § 9:5628 gives you just one year from the accident date to file. This is the shortest deadline in America. Evidence disappears faster than you think—call 1-888-ATTY-911 within days, not months.
Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Louisiana follows pure comparative fault (C.C. Art. 2323). If you were 20% at fault, you recover 80% of your damages. Even if you were 99% at fault, you could technically recover 1% (though practically, cases with high plaintiff fault settle differently). Don’t let insurance adjusters tell you that being partially responsible means you get nothing—they’re hoping you don’t know Louisiana law.
What if the truck driver was from another state?
Federal jurisdiction often applies to interstate trucking. Our federal court admission in the Southern District of Texas, combined with multi-state licensing, allows us to pursue cases against out-of-state carriers who caused accidents on East Feliciana Parish roads.
How much is my case worth?
It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and available insurance. Trucking accidents typically settle higher than car accidents due to larger policy limits. We’ve seen East Feliciana Parish cases settle from hundreds of thousands to millions, depending on whether the trucking company had prior violations or destroyed evidence.
Will my case go to trial?
Most settle, but we prepare every case for trial. Our reputation for aggressive litigation—filing lawsuits quickly, taking depositions, and working with accident reconstruction experts—often forces fair settlement offers. As Chad Harris, one of our clients, said: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
Do you handle Spanish-speaking clients?
Sí. Hablamos Español. Associate Attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. For our East Feliciana Parish Hispanic community working in agriculture, oilfields, or trucking—call 1-888-ATTY-911 and ask for Lupe.
What makes truck accidents different from car accidents?
Commercial trucks carry federal insurance minimums ($750K-$5M vs. $30K for cars), are governed by hundreds of federal regulations, involve multiple liable parties, and require immediate evidence preservation (ELD data, DQ files) that disappears quickly. The injuries are also typically catastrophic rather than minor.
How do I pay for medical treatment while waiting for settlement?
We help clients obtain treatment under letters of protection—that is, medical providers treat you now and get paid from the settlement later. We also guide you through your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Medicaid/Medicare options if applicable.
Call Attorney911 Today: Your East Feliciana Parish Advocates
You didn’t ask for this fight. You were simply driving home, going to work, or picking up your children when an 80,000-pound truck changed everything. Now you’re dealing with injuries, mounting bills, and a trucking company that’s already building its defense.
We’re here to level the playing field. With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we’re close enough to know East Feliciana Parish’s roads, courts, and communities—but with the resources to take on billion-dollar trucking corporations. We bring 25+ years of federal court experience, a former insurance defense attorney who knows their secrets, and a track record of multi-million dollar victories.
The trucking company has lawyers working right now. You deserve the same.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) or (713) 528-9070 for a free consultation. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. We advance all investigation costs. And we answer calls 24/7 because evidence doesn’t wait for business hours.
Don’t let the one-year Louisiana statute of limitations expire. Don’t let black box data disappear. Don’t settle for less than you deserve.
Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Your fight starts now.
Attorney Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 are ready to help East Feliciana Parish families. Hablamos Español. Llame hoy al 1-888-288-9911.
