80,000 pounds of steel and freight barreling down I-10 through the heart of New Orleans. The Port of South Louisiana humming with container ships and petrochemical tankers. When an 18-wheeler crashes in Orleans Parish, it’s not just another traffic accident—it’s a legal emergency that demands immediate, aggressive action.
Every year, thousands of commercial trucks traverse the Crescent City’s highways, carrying everything from hazardous chemicals to produce through one of America’s busiest port regions. When one of these massive vehicles crashes into your sedan on the Pontchartrain Expressway or jackknifes on the High Rise Bridge, your life instantly divides into “before” and “after.” The medical bills stack up. The pain doesn’t stop. And while you’re trying to heal, the trucking company has already dispatched their rapid-response team to protect their interests—not yours.
That’s where we come in. For over 25 years, Attorney911 has fought for trucking accident victims across Orleans Parish and Louisiana’s Gulf Coast. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been standing up to commercial carriers since 1998, securing multi-million dollar settlements for families whose lives were forever altered by negligent truck drivers. We’re not just attorneys—we’re your advocates in a system stacked against you.
Why Orleans Parish Truck Accidents Are Different
When you’re injured in an 18-wheeler crash near the Superdome or on the approaches to the Crescent City Connection, you’re facing unique challenges that don’t exist in other jurisdictions. Orleans Parish sits at the crossroads of intense commercial activity, extreme weather, and complex federal regulations that create perfect storms for catastrophic accidents.
The Port of New Orleans and Petrochemical Corridor
Orleans Parish anchors one of the nation’s most significant maritime hubs. The Port of South Louisiana ranks number one in the United States by tonnage, and the Port of New Orleans handles millions of containers annually. This creates massive 18-wheeler traffic on I-10, I-610, and the surrounding industrial corridors as trucks transport hazardous materials, petrochemicals, and heavy cargo to and from the docks.
When a tanker truck carrying volatile chemicals rolls over on the I-10 curve near the High Rise, or a cargo spill blocks the Pontchartrain Expressway during rush hour, the consequences are devastating. These aren’t simple fender-benders. They’re complex cases involving multiple liable parties—from the shipper who loaded the cargo, to the freight broker who arranged transport, to the maintenance company that serviced the brakes.
Our team understands these complexities. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 corporations and major insurance carriers. In fact, our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working inside a national insurance defense firm before joining Attorney911. He knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate claims, train their adjusters to minimize payouts, and fight to protect their bottom line. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.
Hurricane Season and Weather Hazards
Orleans Parish truck accidents carry additional risks due to our unique Gulf Coast environment. When tropical storms batter the city or flash floods turn the I-10 underpasses into treacherous waters, commercial drivers face challenges they’re often unprepared to handle. Brake failures on wet roads, hydroplaning on the Causeway approaches, and reduced visibility during heavy fog near the river create deadly conditions.
Federal regulations require truck drivers to adjust their speed and operation for weather conditions under 49 CFR § 392.6, yet we see constant violations when storms roll through Orleans Parish. A driver pushing through a thunderstorm to meet a delivery deadline at the Port can turn a routine merge into a deadly sideswipe accident on I-610.
The Physics of Destruction: Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Cause Catastrophic Injuries
Your car weighs roughly 4,000 pounds. A fully loaded 18-wheeler tips the scales at 80,000 pounds—twenty times heavier. When that mass collides with your vehicle on Orleans Parish highways, the physics are brutal.
A truck traveling at 65 miles per hour needs nearly two football fields—525 feet—to come to a complete stop. That’s 40% more distance than your passenger vehicle requires. When a distracted truck driver rear-ends you on I-10 near the Superdome, or a fatigued operator drifts across the center line on Elysian Fields Avenue, there’s no margin for error.
The results are often catastrophic:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Our firm has recovered between $1,548,000 and $9,838,000+ for TBI victims struck by falling cargo and truck debris
- Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis: Rollovers on the I-10 curves often result in quadriplegia, with settlements ranging from $4,770,000 to $25,880,000+
- Amputations: Crushing injuries from underride accidents can lead to settlements between $1,945,000 and $8,630,000
- Wrongful Death: When trucking negligence takes a loved one, we’ve secured recoveries between $1,910,000 and $9,520,000 for Orleans Parish families
These aren’t just numbers. They represent real people—mothers who can no longer hold their children, fathers who’ve lost their ability to work, spouses facing life alone after a preventable tragedy on the High Rise Bridge.
Federal Regulations That Protect You (When Trucking Companies Break Them)
Every commercial vehicle operating in Orleans Parish must comply with strict Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations codified in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. When trucking companies cut corners to maximize profits, they violate these rules—and create liability that strengthens your case.
49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards
Before a driver can legally operate an 18-wheeler on I-10 through Orleans Parish, they must meet rigorous federal standards. Under § 391.11, drivers must:
- Be at least 21 years old for interstate commerce
- Possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- Pass a physical examination every two years (§ 391.41)
- Be fluent enough in English to read road signs and communicate with law enforcement
- Have a clean driving record with no disqualifying offenses
Trucking companies must maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) File for every operator, including employment history, medical certifications, and previous employer inquiries. When we investigate your Orleans Parish accident, we subpoena these files immediately. If the company hired a driver with a history of DUIs or failed to verify their medical fitness to navigate the steep grades of the Crescent City Connection, that’s negligent hiring—and it makes them liable.
49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS) Violations
Fatigue kills. Under Part 395, property-carrying drivers cannot:
- Drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- Drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
- Operate without a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
- Exceed 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 and prevent log tampering. These devices are gold mines for evidence. We recently handled a case where ELD data revealed a driver had been on the road for 16 hours—five hours beyond the legal limit—when he rear-ended our client on I-610 near City Park.
49 CFR Part 393: Vehicle Safety and Cargo Securement
The truck that hit you should have been properly maintained and loaded. Section 393 requires:
- Working brakes on all wheels (§ 393.40)
- Properly secured cargo that can withstand 0.8g deceleration forces (§ 393.102)
- Adequate lighting and reflectors (§ 393.11)
- Underride guards on rear trailers (§ 393.86)
When a shipping container shifts on the I-10 Industrial Canal Bridge causing a rollover, or when inadequate tiedowns allow steel coils to spill onto Orleans Parish roadways, these aren’t accidents—they’re violations of federal law that prove negligence.
49 CFR Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance
Every motor carrier must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their fleet. Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections covering brakes, steering, tires, and coupling devices. The maintenance records must be retained for one year (§ 396.3).
In brake failure cases—the cause of approximately 29% of truck crashes—we immediately demand these records. Deferred maintenance to save money isn’t just irresponsible; it’s a violation of federal regulations that can trigger punitive damages.
Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Orleans Parish
While every crash is unique, certain accident types plague our local highways due to the region’s geography and industry.
Cargo Spills and Hazardous Material Accidents
Given Orleans Parish’s role as a petrochemical hub, tanker trucks carrying hazardous materials traverse our highways daily. When these vehicles roll over on the I-10/I-610 interchange or spill their contents near the Port, the results are catastrophic. We recently consulted on a case where improper securement of chemical containers led to a spill that caused severe respiratory injuries to drivers stuck in traffic on the Pontchartrain Expressway.
Under 49 CFR § 397, carriers transporting hazardous materials must carry $5 million in liability insurance—far more than the standard $750,000. This higher coverage means victims can actually receive full compensation for their injuries, not just policy limits.
Jackknife Accidents on Curves
The elevated sections of I-10 and the High Rise Bridge create perfect conditions for jackknife accidents when drivers brake improperly or encounter wet surfaces. A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes and causing multi-vehicle pileups. These accidents frequently involve violations of § 392.6 (speeding for conditions) and § 393.48 (brake system deficiencies).
Rear-End Collisions
With stop-and-go traffic near the Superdome and the Port of New Orleans, rear-end accidents are common—and deadly. An 80,000-pound truck striking a passenger vehicle at even moderate speeds generates forces that cause traumatic brain injuries and spinal damage. We see constant violations of § 392.11 (following too closely) and § 392.3 (operating while fatigued) in these cases.
Underride Collisions
When a passenger vehicle slides under the trailer of an 18-wheeler—often because the truck stopped suddenly on I-10 or made an improper lane change near the Elysian Fields exit—the roof of the car can be sheared off. These accidents are almost always fatal or result in catastrophic head trauma. While § 393.86 mandates rear impact guards, many trailers have inadequate or damaged guards that fail to prevent underride.
Wide Turn Accidents
Trucks making deliveries to the French Quarter or Warehouse District often swing wide to navigate tight corners, crushing vehicles in adjacent lanes. These “squeeze play” accidents occur when drivers fail to check blind spots or properly signal their intentions under § 392.11.
Every Liable Party Must Pay
Unlike car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, 18-wheeler crashes in Orleans Parish often involve multiple liable parties. We pursue them all to maximize your recovery.
The Truck Driver: Personally liable for speeding, distracted driving, fatigue violations, or impairment.
The Trucking Company: Vicariously liable under respondeat superior for their employee’s negligence. Additionally, we often find direct negligence in hiring unqualified drivers, failing to train them on Orleans Parish’s unique infrastructure (like the narrow lanes of the Crescent City Connection), or pressuring them to violate Hours of Service regulations to meet Port delivery deadlines.
The Cargo Owner/Shipper: Companies shipping through the Port of New Orleans may be liable for improper loading instructions, overweight cargo, or failure to disclose hazardous materials.
The Loading Company: Third-party warehouses near the Port often load containers. If they failed to properly secure cargo or distributed weight unevenly, causing a rollover on the I-10 curve, they share liability.
The Manufacturer: Defective brakes, tire blowouts from manufacturing flaws, or faulty underride guards can trigger product liability claims against component manufacturers.
The Maintenance Company: If a third-party mechanic inspected the truck at an Orleans Parish facility and failed to identify critical brake defects or tire wear, they may be liable for negligent repair.
The Freight Broker: Brokers who arrange transportation but fail to verify the carrier’s safety record or insurance can be liable for negligent selection.
The Truck Owner: In owner-operator situations, the individual who owns the tractor may have separate liability for negligent entrustment.
Government Entities: In limited circumstances, if dangerous road design on state highways or inadequate signage contributed to the crash, we may pursue claims against government agencies (subject to Louisiana’s shorter deadlines and sovereign immunity rules).
The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol
Here’s what the trucking company doesn’t want you to know: critical evidence begins disappearing within hours of the crash.
Black Box Data: The Electronic Control Module (ECM) records speed, brake application, throttle position, and fault codes. This data can be overwritten in 30 days—or sooner if the truck continues operating.
ELD Records: Electronic Logging Devices track hours of service compliance, but carriers only must retain these for six months.
Dashcam Footage: Many trucks have forward-facing cameras that capture the crash, but carriers often delete this footage within days.
Driver Records: The Driver Qualification File contains hiring records, medical certifications, and previous employer inquiries that prove negligent hiring.
Maintenance Logs: These show whether the brakes were properly inspected before the driver headed out on I-10.
The moment you hire Attorney911, we send spoliation letters to every potentially liable party. These formal legal notices create a duty to preserve evidence and expose defendants to sanctions if they destroy documents. We don’t wait—because the trucking company isn’t waiting.
As client Chad Harris told us after we handled his case, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We treat every Orleans Parish case with that level of urgency and personal attention.
Louisiana Law: What You Need to Know
One-Year Statute of Limitations
Louisiana has one of the shortest deadlines in the nation. Under Louisiana law, you have just one year from the date of your trucking accident to file a lawsuit. Wait longer, and you lose your right to recover—forever.
This makes immediate legal consultation critical. While evidence preservation is urgent everywhere, in Orleans Parish, the clock ticks louder and faster. Don’t wait to see if your injuries heal or if the insurance company offers a fair settlement. Contact us immediately.
Pure Comparative Fault
Louisiana follows a pure comparative fault system. This means you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident—even if you were 99% responsible. Your recovery is simply reduced by your percentage of fault.
However, insurance companies exploit this rule to minimize payouts. They’ll claim you were texting, speeding, or failed to yield—anything to shift blame. Our job is to gather evidence that proves the truck driver’s negligence was the primary cause. We dig into ECM data, ELD logs, and witness statements to rebut these tactics.
What Your Case Might Be Worth
There’s no “average” settlement for an 18-wheeler accident in Orleans Parish. Every case depends on:
- The severity of your injuries
- Available insurance coverage (remember, hazmat carriers carry $5 million)
- The degree of the trucking company’s negligence
- Your long-term medical needs and lost earning capacity
We’ve recovered:
- $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log
- $3.8+ million for a client who lost a limb after a car crash
- $2.5+ million for a truck crash victim
- Millions more for wrongful death cases
These results reflect our commitment to fighting for “every dime” our clients deserve, as Glenda Walker put it: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
We currently handle cases on a contingency fee basis—33.33% if settled pre-trial, 40% if litigation is required. You pay nothing upfront. We advance all costs for accident reconstruction experts, medical records, and court filings. If we don’t win, you don’t pay.
Hablamos Español: Serving Orleans Parish’s Hispanic Community
Many truck drivers and accident victims in Orleans Parish speak Spanish as their primary language. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña, a third-generation Texan fluent in Spanish, provides direct representation without interpreters. He understands the cultural nuances and legal challenges facing Hispanic families in Louisiana.
Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para hablar con Lupe Peña sobre su accidente de camión.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a truck accident in Orleans Parish?
Louisiana gives you just one year from the accident date. This is the shortest deadline in the nation alongside Kentucky and Tennessee. Evidence disappears fast, and missing this deadline bars recovery forever. Call us immediately.
Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Louisiana uses pure comparative fault. You can recover even if you were partially responsible, though your award is reduced by your percentage of fault. Don’t let the insurance company convince you that you have no case.
What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
Even if the driver owns their rig, the trucking company that contracted them may still be liable under theories of negligent hiring or supervision. We investigate all relationships to find every available insurance policy.
How long will my case take?
Simple cases with clear liability may settle in 6-12 months. Complex litigation involving multiple defendants, catastrophic injuries, or disputes over the cause of the crash can take 18-36 months. We move as fast as possible while maximizing your recovery.
Will my case go to trial?
Most settle, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which attorneys are willing to go to court—and they offer better settlements to those lawyers. With 25+ years of experience and federal court admission, Ralph Manginello has the trial credentials to force fair offers.
What should I do right now?
If you’re reading this after an accident in Orleans Parish: seek medical attention, do not give recorded statements to insurance companies, photograph everything, and call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. The trucking company already has lawyers working to minimize your claim.
Your Fight Starts Now
You didn’t ask for this. You didn’t ask for the medical bills, the pain, the uncertainty. But now you must fight for what you deserve, and you don’t have to do it alone.
For 25 years, Attorney911 has stood up to the trucking companies, insurance giants, and corporate defendants who think they can push around accident victims in Orleans Parish. We’ve taken on BP in the Texas City explosion. We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case against a major university. And we’ve recovered over $50 million for families just like yours.
The trucking company has lawyers protecting them. You need someone protecting you. With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve trucking accident victims throughout Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. Ralph Manginello brings federal court experience, Luque Peña brings insider insurance knowledge, and our 4.9-star rating with 251+ reviews shows we deliver results.
Don’t let the evidence disappear. Don’t let the statute of limitations expire. And don’t let the trucking company win.
Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 because trucking accidents don’t wait for business hours.
Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-288-9911 hoy.
