When an 80,000-pound timber truck crosses the centerline on LA-2 outside Bastrop, or an overloaded cotton hauler loses control on US-165 near Mer Rouge, there’s no second chance for the families in the path. Here in Morehouse Parish, we know the rumble of heavy trucks is the sound of our economy—agriculture, forestry, and manufacturing moving goods along I-20 and through our rural highways. But when a tractor-trailer driver’s fatigue or a trucking company’s negligence turns that commerce into catastrophe, you need an advocate who understands the weight of what you’re carrying.
We’ve spent over 25 years fighting for families devastated by 18-wheeler accidents across Louisiana and Texas. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has been admitted to federal court in the Southern District of Texas and has gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 corporations like BP. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years defending insurance companies before joining our firm—now he uses that insider knowledge to fight against them. That advantage matters here in Morehouse Parish, where the timber trucks on rural routes and the interstate commerce on I-20 create unique dangers that demand specialized legal expertise.
The physics are brutal. Your sedan weighs 4,000 pounds. The truck that hit you? Up to 80,000 pounds. That’s not a fair fight. And unlike a simple car crash, trucking accidents involve federal regulations, electronic data recorders, and multiple corporate defendants who start building their defense while you’re still in the ER.
In Louisiana, you have just one year from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. One year. While that clock ticks, critical evidence disappears—black box data overwrites in 30 days, witness memories fade, and trucking companies “lose” maintenance records. That’s why we send spoliation letters within hours of being retained, demanding preservation of every piece of evidence that proves negligence.
This is your fight. But you don’t have to fight it alone.
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Morehouse Parish Are Different
Trucking accidents aren’t just bigger car wrecks. They’re complex commercial litigation cases requiring knowledge of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, hours-of-service rules, and the technological evidence that proves violations.
Here in Morehouse Parish, our location along the I-20 corridor—the primary east-west artery connecting Monroe to Shreveport and beyond—means we see heavy commercial traffic mixing with local agricultural vehicles. Logging trucks hauling timber from the dense forests north of Bastrop navigate the same roads as interstate freight haulers. Cotton gins in Mer Rouge and Oak Ridge generate massive seasonal truck traffic during harvest. When these industries cut corners on safety—overloading trailers, pushing drivers past legal limits, or skipping brake inspections—the results are catastrophic.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports over 5,100 annual fatalities in truck crashes nationwide, with 76% of those deaths occurring to occupants of the non-truck vehicle. In Louisiana’s rural parishes like Morehouse, the danger is amplified by narrow state highways, limited shoulder space on roads like LA-139 and LA-599, and the sheer frequency of heavy trucks serving our agricultural and timber economy.
Federal Regulations That Prove Negligence (49 CFR Parts 390-399)
Every commercial truck on Morehouse Parish roads must comply with strict federal regulations. When trucking companies violate these rules, they create liability. We know these regulations inside and out—and we know how to prove violations.
Part 390: General Applicability
These rules apply to all commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 10,001 pounds, including the logging trucks and agricultural haulers common throughout Morehouse Parish. Any employer operating commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce must comply.
Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards
A driver cannot legally operate an 18-wheeler unless they meet strict qualifications under 49 CFR § 391.11. They must be at least 21 years old, possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), pass a physical examination certifying medical fitness (renewed every 24 months), and maintain a Driver Qualification File containing three years of driving history.
Why this matters for your case: If the trucking company failed to verify the driver’s credentials, allowed a medically unqualified driver behind the wheel, or hired someone with a history of violations, they committed negligent hiring. We subpoena these Driver Qualification Files to expose shortcuts.
Part 392: Driving of Commercial Motor Vehicles
Section 392.3 prohibits operating while fatigued or ill: “No driver shall operate a commercial motor vehicle…while the driver’s ability or alertness is so impaired, or so likely to become impaired, through fatigue, illness, or any other cause, as to make it unsafe.”
Section 392.82 prohibits hand-held mobile telephone use while driving—a critical violation we see frequently on I-20. Section 392.11 requires drivers to follow other vehicles at a distance that accounts for the truck’s 525-foot stopping distance at highway speeds.
Part 393: Parts and Accessories for Safe Operation
This section mandates proper cargo securement under § 393.100-136. Cargo must be secured to prevent shifting, falling, or leaking—critical for the agricultural loads and timber hauls common on Morehouse Parish roads. The regulation requires specific working load limits for tiedowns: aggregate working load limits must equal at least 50% of cargo weight for loose cargo.
Brake systems must meet specifications under § 393.40-55. Worn brakes cause 29% of truck accidents—a statistic we’ve seen tragically play out on the steep approaches to creek crossings in rural Morehouse.
Part 395: Hours of Service (The Critical Rule)
These are the most commonly violated regulations in fatal trucking accidents:
- 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: Mandatory break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
- 60/70-Hour Weekly Limits: Cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
Since December 18, 2017, drivers must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that synchronously record driving time. This ELD data is objective, tamper-resistant evidence of fatigue violations—but it can be overwritten in as little as 30 days.
Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance
Motor carriers must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain vehicles under § 396.3. Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections under § 396.13, looking specifically at brakes, tires, lighting, and coupling devices. Annual inspections are mandatory under § 396.17.
When a timber truck’s brakes fail on a rainy morning on US-165, we demand maintenance records to prove the company knew about defects and chose not to fix them.
Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Morehouse Parish
Each accident type reveals specific regulatory violations and requires different investigative approaches. In Morehouse Parish, we see certain patterns reflecting our geography.
Jackknife Accidents
When a truck driver brakes suddenly on wet pavement or takes a curve too fast, the trailer swings perpendicular to the cab—sweeping across all lanes. On I-20, where crosswinds hit high-profile trailers crossing the Boeuf River, jackknifes often trigger multi-vehicle pileups. We examine ECM data to prove excessive speed and brake system maintenance records to show deferred repairs under 49 CFR § 393.48.
Rollover Accidents
Timber trucks and tankers are particularly prone to rollovers on the rural highways of Morehouse Parish. Improperly distributed loads shift the center of gravity, especially on the curves near the Union Wildlife Management Area. Under 49 CFR § 393.100, cargo must be secured to prevent shifting that affects stability—when logs spill across LA-2, the trucking company violated federal law.
Underride Collisions
When a passenger vehicle strikes a trailer and slides underneath, the results are often fatal decapitations. While rear impact guards are required under 49 CFR § 393.86 for trailers manufactured after 1998, maintenance failures allow these guards to deteriorate. Side underride guards remain optional—meaning trucking companies prioritize profit over your safety.
Rear-End Collisions
An 80,000-pound truck traveling at interstate speeds needs nearly two football fields to stop. When a distracted or fatigued driver plows into stopped traffic on I-20 near the Morehouse Parish line, we subpoena ELD data to prove hours-of-service violations under Part 395 and cell phone records to prove distraction under § 392.82.
Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)
Trucks making right turns onto narrow parish roads must swing wide—but when they fail to signal or check mirrors, they trap passenger vehicles. These accidents often occur at rural intersections where LA-138 meets private farm roads. Drivers must check blind spots under § 392.11—failure to do so is negligence.
Blind Spot Accidents
The “No-Zones” around commercial trucks are deadly. The right-side blind spot, extending from the cab backward, is particularly dangerous. When a truck changes lanes on I-20 and strikes a family sedan, the driver violated 49 CFR § 393.80 requiring adequate mirrors to see the rear on both sides.
Tire Blowouts
In the extreme heat of a Louisiana summer, underinflated tires on agricultural haulers blow out, sending debris across I-20 or causing loss of control on US-425. Under 49 CFR § 393.75, minimum tread depth is 4/32″ on steer tires and 2/32″ on others—many blowouts result from running bald tires to save money.
Cargo Spills and Shifting Loads
When a cotton gin ships overweight loads or a logging company fails to secure timber properly, cargo spills across highways creating secondary accidents. The performance criteria under § 393.102 require cargo securement systems to withstand 0.8g deceleration forward—if the load slides off during braking, the trucking company broke federal law.
Every Party Who May Owe You Money
Trucking accidents differ from car crashes because multiple entities share responsibility. We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.
The Truck Driver: Direct negligence—speeding, distraction, fatigue, impairment. We demand drug and alcohol test results under 49 CFR Part 382 and check cell phone records.
The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier): Under respondeat superior, employers are liable for employee negligence. They’re also directly liable for negligent hiring, training, supervision, and maintenance. We obtain their CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores to prove patterns of violations.
The Cargo Owner/Shipper: In Morehouse Parish’s agricultural economy, cotton gins and timber operators who overload trucks or pressure drivers to meet unrealistic schedules share liability. We examine bills of lading and shipping contracts.
The Loading Company: Third-party warehouses that improperly secure cargo violate 49 CFR § 393. We investigate their securement procedures and loader training records.
The Maintenance Company: When third-party mechanics perform negligent brake repairs or tire installations under § 396, they become defendants.
The Truck/Parts Manufacturer: Defective brakes, steering systems, or tires that fail under normal use create product liability claims against manufacturers like the Daimler case that resulted in a $160 million verdict in 2024.
The Freight Broker: Brokers who arrange transport but fail to verify carrier insurance or safety ratings—selecting the cheapest option despite red flags—can be liable for negligent selection.
The Truck Owner: In owner-operator arrangements where the driver owns the cab but hauls for a major carrier, the owner may have separate liability for maintenance failures.
Government Entities: When dangerous road design on parish highways contributes to accidents—sharp curves without warning signs, inadequate shoulders, or poor drainage—we pursue claims against the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD).
The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol
Critical evidence in trucking accidents disappears fast. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that arrive at the scene before the wreckage cools. You need an attorney who moves just as fast.
Electronic Control Module (ECM) Data: The truck’s “black box” records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes. It overwrites in 30 days—or sooner if the truck continues operating.
Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Records: Prove hours-of-service violations. FMCSA only requires 6-month retention, but we send spoliation letters immediately to extend preservation.
Driver Qualification File: Contains hiring records, medical certs, and drug tests. We subpoena these within days of being retained.
Maintenance Records: Brake inspections, tire replacements, repair orders. Under § 396.3, carriers must retain these for 1 year—but they “lose” them when lawsuits loom.
Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days if not preserved.
Surveillance Video: Nearby businesses along I-20 or in Bastrop may have captured the accident, but systems overwrite footage within 30 days.
We send formal spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties within 24-48 hours of being retained, putting them on legal notice that destroying evidence will result in court sanctions and adverse inference instructions (the jury will be told the destroyed evidence would have been unfavorable to the defense).
As client Glenda Walker told us after we handled her case, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” But we can’t fight for evidence that’s already been deleted. Call us immediately.
Catastrophic Injuries: The Real Cost of Negligence
The size disparity between passenger vehicles and 80,000-pound trucks means injuries aren’t minor—they’re life-changing. We understand the medicine and the math of these cases.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From concussions to severe diffuse axonal injuries requiring 24/7 care. Lifetime costs range from $85,000 to over $3 million. We’ve recovered settlements from $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI victims.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Paraplegia and quadriplegia requiring wheelchairs, home modifications, and lifelong attendant care. Costs exceed $5 million over a lifetime in severe cases.
Amputations: Whether traumatic (severed at the scene) or surgical (due to crush injuries), prosthetics require replacement every few years at $50,000+ per limb. Our firm secured $3.8 million for a client who suffered a partial leg amputation following a car accident with medical complications—trucking cases often yield higher recoveries due to greater insurance coverage.
Severe Burns: Fuel fires from ruptured tanks cause third and fourth-degree burns requiring skin grafts and reconstructive surgery.
Wrongful Death: When negligence takes a loved one, we pursue compensation for lost income, loss of consortium, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. We currently hold a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston for hazing that resulted in acute kidney failure and hospitalization—we bring that same aggressive litigation approach to wrongful death trucking cases.
Insurance Requirements: The Money Available to You
Federal law mandates trucking companies carry substantial insurance:
- $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
- $1,000,000 for oil, petroleum, and large equipment
- $5,000,000 for hazardous materials
These limits far exceed the $15,000 minimum in Louisiana’s standard auto insurance—but accessing them requires proving commercial negligence. Insurance companies deploy adjusters trained to minimize your claim. Our associate Lupe Peña used to be one of those adjusters. He knows their tactics: the lowball offer, the recorded statement trap, the delay strategy.
Louisiana follows pure comparative fault—you can recover damages even if you were 99% at fault (though reduced by your percentage). This differs from neighboring Texas, which bars recovery if you’re over 50% at fault. But don’t let that comfort you—the trucking company will try to shift blame. We counter with black box data and accident reconstruction.
Louisiana Law: The One-Year Clock
Here’s the brutal truth about Louisiana law: Civil Code Article 3492 gives you just one year from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. One year. If your loved one died in the crash, the wrongful death statute of limitations is also one year from the date of death.
This is the shortest deadline in America—shorter than Texas (2 years), shorter than Mississippi (3 years). Miss this deadline, and you lose your right to compensation forever, regardless of how catastrophic your injuries or how clear the liability.
Moreover, if a government entity is involved—a parish road maintenance failure, for instance—La. R.S. 13:5105 requires written notice within 60 days. Sixty days, not one year.
This urgency makes the 48-hour evidence preservation protocol even more critical. As Chad Harris, one of our clients, told us: “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We treat your urgency like family—because when evidence disappears, your case disappears with it.
Why Morehouse Parish Families Choose Attorney911
Ralph Manginello’s Federal Experience: With 25+ years of trial experience and admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Ralph handles the complex interstate commerce issues and federal court filings that trucking cases often require.
Lupe Peña’s Insider Knowledge: Lupe spent years defending insurance companies before joining our firm. He knows exactly how adjusters evaluate claims, what triggers their settlement authority, and when they’re bluffing. He speaks Spanish fluently—Hablamos Español—serving the Hispanic community in Morehouse Parish without interpreters.
Multi-Million Dollar Results: We’ve recovered $50+ million for injury victims, including:
- $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log
- $3.8+ million for a client who suffered amputation after medical complications from a crash
- $2.5+ million in commercial trucking settlements
- $2+ million for a Jones Act maritime back injury
Three Office Locations: With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we’re within reach of Morehouse Parish and familiar with the I-20 corridor that connects our region to yours.
24/7 Availability: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 any time. When a timber truck jackknifes at 2 AM on LA-2, we’re available.
Contingency Fee: You pay nothing unless we win. Zero upfront costs. We advance all investigation expenses from the black box download to the accident reconstruction expert.
Frequently Asked Questions for Morehouse Parish Trucking Accident Victims
Q: What makes a trucking accident case different from a regular car accident in Morehouse Parish?
A: Complexity and evidence. Trucking cases involve federal regulations (FMCSA), electronic data recorders, and multiple liable parties. Plus, Louisiana’s one-year statute of limitations is much shorter than most states. We need to act fast to preserve ELD data and maintenance records before they disappear.
Q: Who pays my medical bills while we wait for settlement?
A: We can help arrange treatment under a Letter of Protection (LOP)—medical providers treat you now and get paid from the settlement later. This is crucial when you’re facing surgery or long-term rehabilitation after a catastrophic injury.
Q: What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
A: The trucking company that hired them may still be liable under respondeat superior, or for negligent hiring if they failed to check the driver’s safety record. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies.
Q: Can I recover if I was partially at fault for the accident near Bastrop?
A: Yes. Louisiana uses pure comparative fault. If you were 20% at fault, you recover 80% of your damages. However, the trucking company’s insurer will try to pin more blame on you—we counter with objective ECM data.
Q: How much is my case worth?
A: Every case is unique. Factors include injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and available insurance. With $750,000 to $5 million in potential coverage, trucking cases often settle for significantly more than car accidents—but only if handled by attorneys who understand commercial litigation.
Q: Will my case go to trial?
A: Most settle, but we prepare every case for trial. Insurance companies offer more when they know your lawyer will go to court. We’ve handled BP Texas City explosion litigation and currently manage a $10 million lawsuit against a major university—we’re not afraid of complex litigation.
Q: What happens if the trucking company is from out of state?
A: Federal regulations apply nationwide. We can pursue them in Louisiana federal court or state court. Our federal court admission and experience with interstate commerce cases means geography isn’t a barrier.
Q: How do I prove the driver was fatigued?
A: ELD records show hours of service. Dispatch records reveal unreasonable schedules. We compare the driver’s log to the truck’s GPS data—discrepancies prove falsification, which supports punitive damages.
Q: What is a spoliation letter, and when do you send it?
A: It’s a legal notice demanding preservation of all evidence. We send it within 24 hours of being retained to stop the trucking company from destroying ECM data, maintenance records, or driver files.
Q: Do you handle Spanish-speaking clients in Morehouse Parish?
A: Absolutely. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911. We provide direct representation without interpreters, ensuring nothing is lost in translation.
Your Family Deserves a Fighter
The trucking company has lawyers. Their insurance company has adjusters. They have teams protecting their interests right now. Who’s protecting yours?
You didn’t ask to be hit by an 80,000-pound truck on your way home to Bastrop or while crossing US-165. You didn’t ask for the months of rehabilitation, the lost wages, or the uncertainty. But you can ask for justice.
We’ve helped hundreds of families rebuild after catastrophic accidents. As Donald Wilcox, a client another firm rejected, told us: “One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.” We take cases others won’t because we have the resources—federal court experience, former insurance defense attorneys, and a track record of multi-million dollar verdicts—to win them.
Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911.
(888) 288-9911
ralph@atty911.com
The consultation is free. You pay nothing unless we win. But the clock is already ticking—that one-year Louisiana deadline waits for no one, and the evidence is disappearing every day you wait.
Don’t let the trucking company get away with it. We’re ready when you are.
