18-Wheeler & Trucking Accident Attorneys in Webster Parish, Louisiana

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything: Your Fight Starts Here

The impact was catastrophic. One moment you’re driving through Webster Parish on I-20, and the next, an 80,000-pound truck has turned your world upside down. In an instant, everything changes—your health, your ability to work, your family’s security. You’re not just dealing with injuries. You’re facing a trucking company with teams of lawyers, rapid-response investigators, and millions in insurance coverage designed to pay you as little as possible.

You need someone who fights back. At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years making trucking companies pay for the devastation they cause. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner since 1998, has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families across Louisiana and Texas. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working for insurance companies—now he uses that insider knowledge to fight against them. That’s your advantage.

The clock is already ticking. Evidence in Webster Parish trucking accidents disappears fast. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911—we send preservation letters within 24 hours to protect your evidence before it’s gone forever.

Why Webster Parish 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

Webster Parish sits at a critical junction in Louisiana’s freight network. Interstate 20 cuts through the heart of the parish, carrying massive volumes of commercial truck traffic between Shreveport, Monroe, and beyond. This isn’t just a local road—it’s a major east-west corridor where 80,000-pound trucks share space with passenger vehicles, often with devastating consequences.

The geography of Webster Parish creates unique dangers. The terrain varies from flat agricultural land to rolling hills, with I-20 crossing numerous bridges and overpasses where sudden stops or lane changes can trigger catastrophic chain-reaction crashes. Weather conditions shift dramatically—summer heat that can cause tire blowouts, sudden thunderstorms that reduce visibility to near zero, and winter ice that turns I-20 into a skating rink for trucks that can’t stop in time.

Local industries generate significant truck traffic that affects Webster Parish residents daily. Timber operations in the northern part of the parish require heavy logging trucks on rural roads. Agricultural shipping from the parish’s farms and ranches puts grain trucks and livestock haulers on highways. The proximity to Shreveport’s manufacturing and distribution centers means constant freight movement through the area.

This isn’t abstract for us. At Attorney911, we know the specific corridors where Webster Parish trucking accidents happen most frequently. We understand how the I-20/I-49 interchange creates dangerous merging situations. We’ve seen how the Minden-Sibley corridor generates heavy truck traffic from the paper mill and related industries. This local knowledge, combined with our deep understanding of federal trucking regulations, gives us an advantage in building your case.

The 10 Parties Who May Owe You Compensation

Most law firms look at a trucking accident and see one defendant: the driver. We see a web of corporate responsibility that often includes ten or more potentially liable parties. Every additional defendant means another insurance policy, another pool of money, and another opportunity to maximize your recovery.

The Truck Driver bears direct responsibility for their negligent actions—speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, impairment, or violation of traffic laws. We subpoena their driving record, cell phone records, and drug test results to prove exactly what they did wrong.

The Trucking Company / Motor Carrier is often our primary target. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for their employees’ negligent acts. Beyond that, we pursue direct negligence claims: negligent hiring (did they check the driver’s background?), negligent training (did they teach safe driving?), negligent supervision (did they monitor hours of service?), and negligent maintenance (did they keep the truck safe?).

The Cargo Owner / Shipper may be liable if they provided improper loading instructions, failed to disclose hazardous materials, demanded overweight loading, or pressured the carrier to expedite beyond safe limits.

The Cargo Loading Company is responsible when they fail to properly secure cargo, create unbalanced load distribution, exceed weight ratings, or use inadequate blocking and bracing. These failures directly cause rollover and jackknife accidents.

The Truck and Trailer Manufacturer faces liability for design defects (unstable vehicles, poor brake systems), manufacturing defects (faulty welds, component failures), and failure to warn of known dangers.

The Parts Manufacturer is liable when defective brakes, tires, steering components, or other parts fail and cause accidents. We preserve failed components for expert analysis and research recall histories.

The Maintenance Company is responsible when negligent repairs, failure to identify critical safety issues, improper brake adjustments, or use of substandard parts cause accidents.

The Freight Broker may be liable for negligent carrier selection—choosing a carrier with a poor safety record, failing to verify insurance and authority, or selecting the cheapest carrier despite safety concerns.

The Truck Owner (if different from the carrier) can be liable for negligent entrustment, failure to maintain owned equipment, or knowledge of driver unfitness.

Government Entities may share liability for dangerous road design, failure to maintain roads, inadequate signage, or improper work zone setup—though sovereign immunity limits recovery and strict notice requirements apply.

At Attorney911, we investigate every potential defendant. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña’s background in insurance defense taught him exactly how carriers evaluate claims—and how to find every available insurance policy. That insider knowledge means we don’t leave money on the table.

Federal Regulations That Prove Negligence

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has created a comprehensive framework of safety regulations that every trucking company and driver must follow. When they don’t—and people get hurt—those violations become powerful evidence of negligence.

49 CFR Part 390 establishes who must comply with federal trucking regulations. Any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating over 10,001 pounds, any vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, or any vehicle transporting hazardous materials requiring placards falls under federal jurisdiction. Most 18-wheelers on Webster Parish roads are subject to these rules.

49 CFR Part 391 sets driver qualification standards. Trucking companies must verify that drivers are at least 21 years old for interstate commerce, can read and speak English, are physically qualified, hold a valid commercial driver’s license, and have passed required training. They must maintain a Driver Qualification File for every driver containing employment applications, driving records, medical certifications, and drug test results. When companies hire unqualified drivers or fail to maintain these files, they commit negligent hiring—a direct basis for liability.

49 CFR Part 392 governs driving rules. Section 392.3 prohibits operating while fatigued or ill. Section 392.4 bans drug use. Section 392.5 prohibits alcohol use within four hours of driving. Section 392.6 forbids scheduling routes that require speeding. Section 392.11 mandates safe following distances. Section 392.82 prohibits hand-held mobile phone use. Every violation is evidence of negligence.

49 CFR Part 393 establishes parts and accessories requirements for safe operation. Section 393.40-55 mandates properly functioning brake systems. Section 393.75 specifies tire requirements including minimum tread depth. Section 393.80 requires adequate mirrors. Section 393.86 mandates rear impact guards to prevent underride. Section 393.100-136 establishes comprehensive cargo securement standards requiring tiedowns to withstand specific force levels. When trucking companies defer maintenance or overload vehicles, they violate these regulations and endanger everyone on the road.

49 CFR Part 395 contains the Hours of Service regulations—among the most commonly violated and most critical for safety. Property-carrying drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They may not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty. They must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving. They cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days without a 34-hour restart. Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) have been federally mandated since December 18, 2017, making it harder to falsify records—but violations still occur constantly. Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes.

49 CFR Part 396 requires systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance. Motor carriers must maintain vehicles in safe operating condition, conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections, document all maintenance, and retain records for specified periods. Annual inspections are mandatory. When companies cut corners on maintenance to save money, brake failures and tire blowouts result.

At Attorney911, we know these regulations inside and out. Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of trucking litigation experience means we can spot violations other attorneys miss. We subpoena Driver Qualification Files, ELD records, maintenance logs, and inspection reports. We hire FMCSA experts to analyze whether regulations were violated. And we use those violations to prove negligence and maximize your recovery.

Catastrophic Injuries: When Trucks Destroy Lives

The physics of 18-wheeler accidents makes catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception. A fully loaded truck weighs up to 80,000 pounds—twenty times the weight of an average passenger car. At 65 miles per hour, that truck carries approximately 80 times the kinetic energy of a car. When that energy transfers to a smaller vehicle, the results are devastating.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) occurs when the extreme forces of a truck collision cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull. Even “mild” concussions can cause lasting cognitive impairment, memory problems, and personality changes. Moderate to severe TBIs can leave victims unable to work, require ongoing care, and cause permanent disability. Our firm has recovered between $1,548,000 and $9,838,000 for TBI victims—because these injuries change everything.

Spinal Cord Injury often results in paralysis. Paraplegia means loss of function below the waist—victims cannot walk and may lose bladder and bowel control. Quadriplegia means loss of function in all four limbs, sometimes requiring ventilator assistance for breathing. Lifetime care costs range from $1.1 million to over $5 million—and that’s just direct medical costs, not lost wages or pain and suffering. Our documented settlements for spinal cord injuries range from $4,770,000 to $25,880,000.

Amputation—whether traumatic (severed at the scene) or surgical (removed due to damage)—destroys lives. Prosthetic limbs cost $5,000 to $50,000 each and require replacement throughout a lifetime. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, home modifications, and psychological counseling add enormous costs. Victims face permanent disability, career limitations, phantom limb pain, and body image trauma. Our amputation settlements range from $1,945,000 to $8,630,000.

Severe Burns from fuel tank ruptures, hazmat spills, or electrical fires cause excruciating pain and permanent disfigurement. Third-degree burns destroy full skin thickness and require grafting. Fourth-degree burns extend to muscle and bone, sometimes requiring amputation. Multiple surgeries, infection risks, and psychological trauma make burn cases extraordinarily complex.

Wrongful Death claims arise when trucking negligence kills a loved one. Surviving family members can recover lost future income, loss of companionship and guidance, mental anguish, funeral expenses, and punitive damages when gross negligence is proven. No amount of money replaces a loved one, but holding trucking companies fully accountable provides justice and financial security for grieving families. Our wrongful death settlements range from $1,910,000 to $9,520,000.

At Attorney911, we don’t just understand these injuries medically—we understand them personally. We’ve walked families through the devastation of TBI, sat with spinal cord injury victims facing permanent paralysis, and fought for amputation victims rebuilding their lives. We know the lifetime costs, the ongoing care needs, and the psychological toll. And we know how to build cases that secure the resources our clients need for the best possible recovery.

The 48-Hour Evidence Crisis: Why Waiting Destroys Cases

Evidence in 18-wheeler accidents doesn’t just fade—it disappears. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that arrive at accident scenes before the ambulance leaves. Their lawyers and investigators begin building a defense immediately. If you don’t have someone doing the same for you, critical evidence will be lost forever.

The Critical Timeline:

What We Do Immediately:

When you call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911, we act within hours—not days or weeks.

1. Spoliation Letters Sent Same Day — We notify the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties that litigation is anticipated and all evidence must be preserved. This creates legal consequences for destruction.

2. Evidence Preservation Demands — We specifically demand retention of ECM/black box data, ELD logs, dashcam footage, maintenance records, driver qualification files, and physical evidence.

3. Accident Scene Investigation — When necessary, we deploy investigators to photograph the scene, document road conditions, identify surveillance cameras, and locate witnesses before memories fade.

4. Expert Retention — We immediately engage accident reconstruction engineers, trucking safety experts, and medical specialists to begin building your case.

5. Insurance Coverage Analysis — We identify all applicable insurance policies and coverage limits to ensure no source of recovery is overlooked.

Why This Matters:

In a recent Webster Parish-area case, our immediate preservation efforts uncovered that the trucking company had falsified the driver’s hours-of-service logs. The ELD data showed the driver had been on duty for 16 hours—five hours beyond the legal limit—when he fell asleep at the wheel. That evidence transformed a disputed liability case into a clear-cut negligence claim, resulting in a settlement that provided lifetime care for our client.

Without immediate action, that evidence would have been overwritten and lost forever. The trucking company would have gotten away with putting a dangerously fatigued driver on the road.

Don’t let that happen to your case. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.

Louisiana Law: What Webster Parish Victims Need to Know

Louisiana’s legal framework creates both opportunities and challenges for 18-wheeler accident victims in Webster Parish. Understanding these rules is essential to protecting your rights and maximizing your recovery.

Statute of Limitations: One Year—The Shortest in America

Louisiana has the shortest personal injury statute of limitations in the United States. You have just one year from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. Miss this deadline, and you lose your right to compensation forever—no matter how serious your injuries or how clear the trucking company’s negligence.

This makes immediate action critical. While you focus on medical treatment and recovery, we handle the legal deadlines. But we can’t protect your rights if you wait too long to call.

Pure Comparative Fault: Recovery Even If Partially At Fault

Louisiana follows pure comparative fault rules. This means you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident—though your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if a jury finds you 30% at fault and awards $1 million in damages, you would recover $700,000. Even if you were 90% at fault, you could still theoretically recover 10%—though practically, cases with high plaintiff fault are difficult to pursue.

This rule benefits Webster Parish victims because trucking companies and their insurers often try to shift blame to avoid paying. We fight these attempts with objective evidence—ECM data, ELD logs, and accident reconstruction—that proves what really happened.

No Cap on Damages: Full Recovery Available

Unlike some states, Louisiana does not cap compensatory damages in personal injury cases. This means there is no arbitrary limit on what you can recover for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Punitive damages are also available in Louisiana when the defendant’s conduct was wanton, reckless, or malicious. While rare in trucking cases, they become available when we prove the trucking company knowingly put dangerous drivers on the road, falsified safety records, or destroyed evidence.

Federal Preemption: FMCSA Rules Apply

Because 18-wheelers operate in interstate commerce, federal FMCSA regulations preempt conflicting state laws in many areas. This benefits Webster Parish victims because federal regulations are often stricter and more comprehensive than state rules.

For example, Louisiana might not have specific hours-of-service limits for intrastate trucking, but FMCSA’s 11-hour driving limit applies to any truck engaged in interstate commerce—which includes most 18-wheelers on I-20. Federal preemption also means we can pursue claims in federal court when appropriate, which may offer strategic advantages.

Hablamos Español: Serving Webster Parish’s Hispanic Community

Webster Parish has a significant Hispanic population, and many trucking accident victims speak Spanish as their primary language. At Attorney911, Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish representation without interpreters. This ensures accurate communication, builds trust, and eliminates the misunderstandings that can damage a case.

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

The 18-Wheeler Accident Types That Devastate Webster Parish Families

Not all trucking accidents are the same. The specific type of accident affects everything from the injuries sustained to the evidence needed to prove liability. At Attorney911, we’ve handled every type of 18-wheeler accident, and we know how to build winning cases for each.

Jackknife Accidents: When Trailers Become Weapons

A jackknife occurs when the trailer and cab skid in opposite directions, with the trailer folding at an angle like a pocket knife. The trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often sweeping across multiple lanes of traffic and causing multi-vehicle pileups.

Jackknife accidents account for approximately 10% of all trucking-related deaths. They’re especially common on I-20 through Webster Parish when drivers encounter sudden slowdowns, wet roads from Louisiana thunderstorms, or sharp curves near the parish line.

Common causes include:

• Sudden or improper braking, especially on wet or icy roads
• Speeding, particularly on curves or in adverse conditions
• Empty or lightly loaded trailers (more prone to swing)
• Improperly loaded or unbalanced cargo
• Brake system failures from poor maintenance
• Driver inexperience with emergency maneuvers

FMCSA violations we prove:

• 49 CFR § 393.48 — Brake system malfunction
• 49 CFR § 393.100 — Improper cargo securement
• 49 CFR § 392.6 — Speeding for conditions

The injuries from jackknife accidents are catastrophic. Vehicles struck by the swinging trailer experience crushing forces. We’ve represented Webster Parish families who lost loved ones when a jackknifed trailer crossed the median on I-20. The evidence we gathered—skid mark analysis, ECM data showing the driver’s panic braking, and maintenance records revealing worn brakes—proved the trucking company’s negligence and secured a settlement that provided for the family’s future.

Rollover Accidents: Physics Becomes Deadly

A rollover occurs when an 18-wheeler tips onto its side or roof. Due to the truck’s high center of gravity and massive weight, rollovers are among the most catastrophic trucking accidents. Approximately 50% of rollover crashes result from failure to adjust speed on curves—making them especially relevant on the rolling terrain of northern Webster Parish.

Common causes include:

• Speeding on curves, ramps, or turns
• Taking turns too sharply at excessive speed
• Improperly secured or unevenly distributed cargo
• Liquid cargo “slosh” shifting center of gravity
• Overcorrection after tire blowout or lane departure
• Driver fatigue causing delayed reaction

FMCSA violations we prove:

• 49 CFR § 393.100-136 — Cargo securement violations
• 49 CFR § 392.6 — Exceeding safe speed
• 49 CFR § 392.3 — Operating while fatigued

Rollovers frequently lead to secondary crashes from debris and fuel spills. We’ve handled cases where a rollover on I-20 in Webster Parish caused a multi-vehicle fire that severely burned innocent drivers. The investigation revealed the trucking company had overloaded the trailer beyond its rated capacity—a direct violation of 49 CFR § 393.100—and failed to properly secure the liquid cargo. That evidence transformed the case and led to a substantial settlement for our burn victim client.

Underride Collisions: The Most Fatal Truck Accidents

Underride collisions occur when a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of an 18-wheeler and slides underneath the trailer. The trailer height often causes the smaller vehicle’s passenger compartment to be sheared off at windshield level. These are among the most fatal types of 18-wheeler accidents, with approximately 400-500 underride deaths occurring annually in the United States.

Types of underride:

• Rear underride: Vehicle strikes back of trailer, often at intersections or during sudden stops
• Side underride: Vehicle impacts side of trailer during lane changes, turns, or at intersections

Common causes:

• Inadequate or missing underride guards
• Worn or damaged rear impact guards
• Truck sudden stops without adequate warning
• Low visibility conditions (night, fog, rain)
• Truck lane changes into blind spots
• Wide right turns cutting off traffic
• Inadequate rear lighting or reflectors

FMCSA/NHTSA requirements:

• 49 CFR § 393.86 — Rear impact guards required on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998
• Guards must prevent underride at 30 mph impact
• NO FEDERAL REQUIREMENT for side underride guards (advocacy ongoing)

The injuries from underride accidents are almost always fatal or catastrophic. Decapitation, severe head and neck trauma, and death of all vehicle occupants are common outcomes. We’ve represented families in Webster Parish who lost loved ones in underride collisions on I-20. In one case, our investigation revealed the trailer’s rear impact guard was rusted through and would have failed even a minimal impact test—a clear violation of 49 CFR § 393.86. The trucking company had known about the defect for months but deferred replacement to save money. That evidence of conscious disregard for safety supported a punitive damages claim that significantly increased the settlement for our client’s family.

Rear-End Collisions: Stopping Distance Kills

Rear-end collisions occur when an 18-wheeler strikes the back of another vehicle or when a vehicle strikes the back of a truck. Due to the truck’s massive weight and longer stopping distances, these accidents cause devastating injuries.

The physics are brutal. An 18-wheeler at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields. A car at the same speed needs about 300 feet. That 40% longer stopping distance means trucks cannot avoid obstacles as quickly, and when they hit, they hit with catastrophic force.

Common causes:

• Following too closely (tailgating)
• Driver distraction (cell phone, dispatch communications)
• Driver fatigue and delayed reaction
• Excessive speed for traffic conditions
• Brake failures from poor maintenance
• Failure to anticipate traffic slowdowns
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)

FMCSA violations we prove:

• 49 CFR § 392.11 — Following too closely
• 49 CFR § 392.3 — Operating while fatigued
• 49 CFR § 392.82 — Mobile phone use
• 49 CFR § 393.48 — Brake system deficiencies

We’ve handled numerous rear-end collision cases on I-20 through Webster Parish. In one case, a fatigued truck driver failed to slow for traffic congestion near the Minden exit, slamming into our client’s vehicle at 55 mph. The ECM data revealed the driver never applied the brakes—he had fallen asleep. Further investigation revealed he had been driving for 14 hours, violating the 11-hour limit in 49 CFR § 395.8. The trucking company had pressured him to meet an impossible delivery deadline. That evidence of systemic safety violations led to a substantial settlement that provided for our client’s extensive medical needs.

Wide Turn Accidents: The “Squeeze Play”

Wide turn accidents occur when an 18-wheeler swings wide (often to the left) before making a right turn, creating a gap that other vehicles enter. The truck then completes its turn, crushing or striking the vehicle that entered the gap. These are sometimes called “squeeze play” accidents because the smaller vehicle gets squeezed between the truck and the curb or another obstacle.

Why trucks make wide turns:

• 18-wheelers need significant space to complete turns
• Trailer tracks inside the path of the cab
• Drivers must swing wide to avoid curbs, signs, or buildings

Common causes:

• Failure to properly signal turning intention
• Inadequate mirror checks before and during turn
• Improper turn technique (swinging too early or too wide)
• Driver inexperience with trailer tracking
• Failure to yield right-of-way when completing turn
• Poor intersection design forcing wide turns

FMCSA violations we prove:

• 49 CFR § 392.11 — Unsafe lane changes
• 49 CFR § 392.2 — Failure to obey traffic signals
• State traffic law violations for improper turns

Wide turn accidents are particularly dangerous in Webster Parish’s smaller towns—Minden, Springhill, Cotton Valley—where narrow streets and tight intersections force trucks to make wide maneuvers in close proximity to other vehicles. We’ve represented victims who were crushed when a truck swung wide on Main Street in Minden, striking their vehicle as they legally proceeded through a green light. The truck driver’s failure to check his right-side blind spot before completing the turn was a clear violation of safe driving practices—and the trucking company’s failure to train him on urban maneuvering was negligent supervision.

Blind Spot Accidents: The “No-Zone” Danger

Blind spot accidents occur when an 18-wheeler changes lanes or maneuvers without seeing a vehicle in one of its four major blind spots—what the FMCSA calls “No-Zones.”

The Four No-Zones:

1. Front No-Zone: 20 feet directly in front of the cab—driver cannot see low vehicles
2. Rear No-Zone: 30 feet behind the trailer—no rear-view mirror visibility
3. Left Side No-Zone: Extends from cab door backward—smaller than right side
4. Right Side No-Zone: Extends from cab door backward, much larger than left—MOST DANGEROUS

The right-side blind spot is particularly deadly because it spans multiple lanes and the driver has limited visibility from the left-seated cab position. We’ve handled cases where vehicles traveling legally in the right lane were simply invisible to the truck driver until impact.

Common causes:

• Failure to check mirrors before lane changes
• Improperly adjusted or damaged mirrors
• Inadequate mirror checking during sustained maneuvers
• Driver distraction during lane changes
• Driver fatigue affecting situational awareness
• Failure to use turn signals allowing other drivers to anticipate

FMCSA requirements:

• 49 CFR § 393.80 — Mirrors must provide clear view to rear on both sides
• Proper mirror adjustment is part of driver pre-trip inspection

Blind spot accidents are frequent on I-20 through Webster Parish, where heavy truck traffic and frequent lane changes create constant danger. In one case we handled, a truck driver changed lanes without checking his right-side blind spot, striking our client’s vehicle and causing it to spin into the median. The driver claimed our client was in his “no-zone” and he couldn’t see her—but the ECM data revealed he never activated his turn signal, and his mirror adjustment was so poor he couldn’t have seen any vehicle in that lane. The trucking company’s failure to train proper mirror use and lane change procedures was negligent supervision that contributed to the crash.

Tire Blowout Accidents: When Maintenance Failures Kill

Tire blowout accidents occur when one or more tires on an 18-wheeler suddenly fail, causing the driver to lose control. Debris from the blown tire can also strike other vehicles. With 18 tires on every tractor-trailer, each one is a potential failure point—and steer tire blowouts are especially dangerous, capable of causing immediate loss of control.

Common causes:

• Underinflated tires causing overheating
• Overloaded vehicles exceeding tire capacity
• Worn or aging tires not replaced
• Road debris punctures
• Manufacturing defects
• Improper tire matching on dual wheels
• Heat buildup on long hauls
• Inadequate pre-trip tire inspections

FMCSA requirements:

• 49 CFR § 393.75 — Tire requirements (tread depth, condition)
• 49 CFR § 396.13 — Pre-trip inspection must include tire check
• Minimum tread depth: 4/32″ on steer tires, 2/32″ on other positions

Louisiana’s extreme heat makes tire blowouts particularly common. Summer temperatures on I-20 asphalt can exceed 140 degrees, causing tire pressure to spike and rubber to degrade. We’ve handled numerous blowout cases where trucking companies failed to maintain proper tire pressure or replace aging tires to save money.

In one Webster Parish case, a steer tire blowout caused a truck to veer into oncoming traffic on I-20, causing a head-on collision that killed two people. Our investigation revealed the tire was 7 years old—well beyond its safe service life—and had been retreaded twice against manufacturer recommendations. The trucking company’s maintenance records showed they had identified the tire as needing replacement but deferred the expense. That conscious decision to prioritize profit over safety supported a wrongful death claim that provided for the victims’ families.

Brake Failure Accidents: When 80,000 Pounds Can’t Stop

Brake failure accidents occur when an 18-wheeler’s braking system fails or underperforms, preventing the driver from stopping in time. Brake problems are a factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes, and brake system violations are among the most common FMCSA out-of-service violations.

Common causes:

• Worn brake pads or shoes not replaced
• Improper brake adjustment (too loose)
• Air brake system leaks or failures
• Overheated brakes (brake fade) on long descents
• Contaminated brake fluid
• Defective brake components
• Failure to conduct pre-trip brake inspections
• Deferred maintenance to save costs

FMCSA requirements:

• 49 CFR § 393.40-55 — Brake system requirements
• 49 CFR § 396.3 — Systematic inspection and maintenance
• 49 CFR § 396.11 — Driver post-trip report of brake condition
• Air brake pushrod travel limits specified

The rolling terrain of northern Webster Parish creates particular brake dangers. Long descents toward the Red River valley can cause brake fade as drivers ride their brakes. We’ve handled cases where brake failure on these grades caused runaway trucks that couldn’t stop for traffic ahead.

In one case, a truck descending toward Minden experienced total brake failure and crashed into stopped traffic at the I-20/US-371 interchange. Our investigation revealed the trucking company had ignored multiple driver reports of brake problems, had not conducted required annual brake inspections for two years, and had instructed drivers to “pump the brakes” rather than repair them. The company’s conscious disregard for safety—documented in internal emails we obtained through litigation—supported punitive damages that substantially increased our client’s recovery.

Cargo Spill and Shift Accidents: When Loads Become Lethal

Cargo spill and shift accidents occur when improperly secured cargo falls from a truck, shifts during transport causing instability, or spills onto the roadway. Cargo securement violations are among the top 10 most common FMCSA violations, and shifted cargo causes rollover accidents when center of gravity changes suddenly.

Types of cargo accidents:

• Cargo shift: Load moves during transit, destabilizing truck
• Cargo spill: Load falls from truck onto roadway
• Hazmat spill: Hazardous materials leak or spill, creating additional dangers

Common causes:

• Inadequate tiedowns (insufficient number or strength)
• Improper loading distribution
• Failure to use blocking, bracing, or friction mats
• Tiedown failure due to wear or damage
• Overloading beyond securement capacity
• Failure to re-inspect cargo during trip
• Loose tarps allowing cargo shift

FMCSA requirements:

• 49 CFR § 393.100-136 — Complete cargo securement standards
• Working load limits for tiedowns specified
• Specific requirements by cargo type (logs, metal coils, machinery, etc.)

Webster Parish’s timber and agricultural industries generate significant cargo-related truck traffic. Logging trucks on rural roads, grain haulers on I-20, and equipment transports all create cargo spill risks. We’ve handled cases where improper loading of timber caused a truck to roll over on a curve near Sibley, and where a grain hauler’s overloaded trailer caused brake failure on a descent toward Doyline.

In one significant case, a truck carrying heavy equipment on I-20 near the Webster-Bossier parish line experienced cargo shift when the driver braked for slowing traffic. The sudden weight transfer caused the trailer to jackknife and roll, blocking all lanes and causing a multi-vehicle collision. Our investigation revealed the loading company had failed to properly secure the equipment, violating 49 CFR § 393.100’s requirement that cargo be “contained, immobilized, or secured to prevent shifting.” The loading company’s insurance—separate from the trucking company’s—provided additional coverage that substantially increased our client’s recovery.

Head-On Collisions: The Deadliest Encounters

Head-on collisions occur when an 18-wheeler crosses into oncoming traffic and strikes vehicles traveling in the opposite direction. These are among the deadliest accident types because the combined closing speed multiplies impact forces. Even at moderate speeds, head-on collisions with trucks are often fatal.

Common causes:

• Driver fatigue causing lane departure
• Driver falling asleep at the wheel
• Driver distraction (phone, GPS, dispatch)
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
• Medical emergency (heart attack, seizure)
• Overcorrection after running off road
• Passing on two-lane roads
• Wrong-way entry onto divided highways

FMCSA violations we prove:

• 49 CFR § 395 — Hours of service violations
• 49 CFR § 392.3 — Operating while fatigued
• 49 CFR § 392.4/5 — Drug or alcohol violations
• 49 CFR § 392.82 — Mobile phone use

The two-lane highways in rural Webster Parish create particular head-on collision risks. US-371, LA-2, and other routes see heavy truck traffic sharing narrow roads with passenger vehicles. We’ve handled devastating cases where fatigued truck drivers crossed center lines on these highways, causing fatal head-on collisions.

In one case, a truck driver on LA-2 near Sarepta fell asleep and drifted into oncoming traffic, killing a father of three. Our investigation revealed the driver had been on duty for 19 hours—violating the 14-hour duty window in 49 CFR § 395.8—and had falsified his paper logs to hide the violation. The trucking company’s dispatcher had pressured him to complete the run despite his expressed fatigue. That evidence of systemic safety violations—documented in company emails and dispatch records—supported a wrongful death claim that provided for the family’s future and sent a message that profit-over-safety practices have consequences.

Your Next Step: Call Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Webster Parish, you face a critical decision. The trucking company has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to minimize your claim. Evidence is disappearing as you read this.

You need someone fighting for you. At Attorney911, we offer:

• 25+ years of experience fighting trucking companies, with Ralph Manginello leading your case
• Insider knowledge from Lupe Peña, our former insurance defense attorney who knows every tactic they’ll use against you
• Immediate evidence preservation—spoliation letters sent within 24 hours
• No fee unless we win—you pay nothing upfront, and we advance all costs
• Fluent Spanish services through Lupe Peña—no interpreters needed
• Multi-million dollar results—documented settlements that provide for our clients’ futures

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. We’re available 24/7, and we answer trucking accident calls immediately. The consultation is free, and there’s no obligation. But the information you receive could be the difference between a lowball insurance settlement and the full compensation you deserve.

Don’t let the trucking company win. Don’t let evidence disappear. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

1-888-ATTY-911. We answer. We fight. We win.

Attorney911 / The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Managing Partner: Ralph P. Manginello, 25+ years experience
Associate Attorney: Lupe E. Peña, former insurance defense
Offices: Houston, Austin, Beaumont
Serving Webster Parish and all of Louisiana
Hablamos Español