18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Caddo Parish

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything

The impact was devastating. One moment you’re driving through Caddo Parish on Interstate 20, and the next, an 80,000-pound truck has turned your life upside down. If you’re reading this from a hospital bed in Shreveport, or if you’re picking up the pieces for a loved one who never made it home, you’re in the right place.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for trucking accident victims across Louisiana and Texas. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has been standing up to trucking companies since 1998. He’s taken on Fortune 500 corporations like BP, secured multi-million dollar verdicts for catastrophic injuries, and made sure families in Caddo Parish get the justice they deserve.

Here’s the truth: trucking companies have teams of lawyers. They have rapid-response investigators. They have millions in insurance coverage. And they’re already working to protect their interests—not yours. You need someone who fights back just as hard.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We’re available 24/7, and we speak Spanish. Hablamos Español.

Why Caddo Parish Trucking Accidents Are Different

Caddo Parish sits at the crossroads of major freight corridors. Interstate 20 cuts right through Shreveport, carrying thousands of 18-wheelers daily between Texas and Mississippi. The Port of Caddo Parish on the Red River handles massive cargo transfers, meaning heavy truck traffic flows through our community constantly.

But here’s what makes Caddo Parish unique: Louisiana gives you just one year to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident. That’s it. Twelve months, and your right to compensation disappears forever. No extensions. No exceptions.

We’re not just any law firm—we’re attorneys who know Caddo Parish’s courts, judges, and trucking corridors. We understand how the humid subtropical climate creates hazardous conditions that trucking companies ignore. We know where the weigh stations are, which distribution centers overload trucks, and which carriers cut corners on maintenance.

The clock is already ticking. Evidence in Caddo Parish trucking accidents begins disappearing immediately. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted within weeks. Witnesses move away or forget details. That’s why we send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained—before the trucking company can destroy the proof you need.

Understanding Federal Trucking Regulations (FMCSA)

Every 18-wheeler on Caddo Parish highways must follow strict federal regulations under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). When trucking companies break these rules, they create deadly conditions.

Part 390: General Applicability

These regulations apply to all commercial motor vehicles operating in interstate commerce—including every truck traveling I-20 through Caddo Parish. A “commercial motor vehicle” means any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more, or any vehicle transporting hazardous materials requiring placards.

Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards

Trucking companies cannot hire just anyone to drive an 18-wheeler. Under 49 CFR § 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 24 months
• Speak and read English sufficiently
• Have no disqualifying medical conditions

Why this matters for your case: We subpoena the Driver Qualification File for every truck driver involved in Caddo Parish accidents. If the trucking company hired an unqualified driver, failed to check their driving history, or allowed an expired medical certificate, that’s negligent hiring—and it makes the company liable.

Part 392: Driving Rules

This section contains the operational rules that prevent accidents. Key violations we see in Caddo Parish crashes:

§ 392.3 – Ill or Fatigued Operation: No driver shall operate a commercial vehicle while their ability or alertness is impaired through fatigue, illness, or any other cause.

§ 392.4 – Drugs and Other Substances: Drivers cannot operate while under the influence of amphetamines, narcotics, or any substance rendering them incapable of safe driving.

§ 392.5 – Alcohol: Drivers are prohibited from using alcohol within 4 hours of going on duty or having a BAC of .04 or higher while operating.

§ 392.11 – Following Too Closely: Given that an 18-wheeler needs nearly two football fields to stop at highway speeds, tailgating is deadly.

§ 392.82 – Mobile Phone Use: Hand-held phone use while driving is prohibited. We subpoena cell phone records to prove distracted driving.

Part 393: Vehicle Safety and Cargo Securement

The equipment rules. Trucks must have working brakes, proper lighting, and cargo secured according to strict standards (§ 393.100-136). Cargo must withstand:

• 0.8g deceleration forward
• 0.5g acceleration rearward
• 0.5g lateral force

When loads shift on the curves of I-20 or Highway 171, rollovers happen. When tie-downs fail on the port access roads, cargo spills block traffic for miles.

Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)

This is where we find the most violations. Drivers cannot:

• Drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off-duty
• Drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• Drive after 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days without a 34-hour restart

Since the ELD (Electronic Logging Device) mandate took effect in 2017, drivers can’t easily falsify paper logs. But companies still pressure drivers to violate these limits. We download ELD data to prove fatigue caused your Caddo Parish accident.

Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance

Trucking companies must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their fleets. Drivers must complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections. Brake systems must meet specific adjustment standards.

In Caddo Parish’s hot, humid climate, brake components deteriorate faster. Tire blowouts are common on I-20 when companies defer maintenance to save money. When we find deferred maintenance records, we prove the company chose profit over safety.

The 13 Ways 18-Wheelers Destroy Lives

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, creating an impossible barrier across multiple lanes. On I-20 through Caddo Parish, a jackknifed truck can block the interstate for hours and cause multi-vehicle pileups.

Common causes: Sudden braking on wet roads (common during Louisiana thunderstorms), improper brake adjustment, empty trailers that lack traction, or driver overcorrection.

The evidence we gather: ECM data showing brake application timing, road condition reports from the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, and maintenance records proving brake failures.

Rollover Accidents

With Caddo Parish’s mix of flat highways and rolling terrain near the Red River, rollovers happen when drivers take curves too fast or when cargo shifts unexpectedly. An 80,000-pound truck on its side is a battering ram that crushes anything in its path.

Common causes: Speeding on ramps and curves, liquid cargo “slosh” in tankers, improperly secured loads coming from the Port of Caddo Parish, and driver fatigue causing delayed reaction.

FMCSA violations: Part 393 cargo securement failures, Part 392.6 speeding violations.

Underride Collisions (Rear and Side)

The most horrific accidents occur when a passenger vehicle slides under the trailer. These often result in decapitation or catastrophic head trauma. While rear underride guards are required under 49 CFR § 393.86, side guards are not federally mandated—though advocacy groups are pushing for change.

In Caddo Parish’s heavy traffic on Youree Drive or along Highway 1, sudden stops by turning trucks create underride risks. The trailer’s height aligns perfectly with a car’s windshield.

Liable parties: In addition to the driver and carrier, trailer manufacturers may be liable for inadequate guard design.

Rear-End Collisions

An 18-wheeler traveling 65 mph needs 525 feet to stop—40% more than a passenger car. When truck drivers follow too closely on I-20 through Shreveport, or when they miss stopped traffic due to distraction or fatigue, the results are catastrophic.

Evidence we pursue: ECM data showing following distance and speed, ELD records proving hours of service violations, and cell phone records documenting distracted driving.

Tire Blowout Accidents

Caddo Parish’s extreme summer heat—often exceeding 95°F—causes tire blowouts when combined with overloaded trucks or poor maintenance. A blown steer tire causes immediate loss of control. “Road gators” (tire debris) create hazards for following vehicles.

Maintenance records we demand: Tire age documentation, pressure check logs, and replacement schedules.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems factor into approximately 29% of large truck crashes. In Caddo Parish’s industrial areas, where trucks haul heavy equipment and petrochemical products, brake fade on long descents or complete system failures from deferred maintenance cause devastating crashes.

49 CFR § 393.40-55 mandates specific brake system requirements. When companies ignore these standards to cut costs, we prove direct negligence.

Cargo Spill and Shift Accidents

The Port of Caddo Parish moves thousands of tons of cargo annually. When loading companies fail to secure containers, or when tankers surge liquid on turns, spills happen. Hazmat spills create additional dangers for Caddo Parish residents.

Multiple liable parties: The shipper, loading company, and driver may all share responsibility for improper securement under Part 393.

Head-On and Sideswipe Collisions

Fatigued drivers crossing center lines on rural Caddo Parish highways, or blind spot failures on multi-lane roads, cause these deadly crashes. The closing speed of two vehicles traveling 60 mph each creates fatal impact forces.

Wide Turn (“Squeeze Play”) Accidents

Trucks making right turns onto Caddo Parish’s narrow parish roads often swing left first, creating a gap that smaller vehicles enter. When the truck completes its turn, the car gets crushed.

Driver training failures: Inexperienced drivers who don’t account for trailer off-tracking cause these accidents.

Every Party Who May Owe You Money

Unlike car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, 18-wheeler crashes in Caddo Parish often involve multiple responsible parties. We investigate every potential source of recovery:

The Truck Driver

Direct liability for speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, impairment, or traffic violations. We examine their driving record, training history, and conduct.

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Under respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts. But we also pursue direct negligence claims for:

• Negligent hiring: Failing to verify CDL status or check driving records
• Negligent training: Inadequate safety instruction
• Negligent supervision: Ignoring hours of service violations or safety complaints
• Negligent maintenance: Deferred repairs and skipped inspections

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, used to work for insurance companies defending trucking claims. He knows exactly how carriers try to hide their liability—and now he uses that insider knowledge against them.

The Cargo Owner/Shipper

Companies shipping through the Port of Caddo Parish or to local manufacturing facilities may be liable if they:

• Required overweight loading
• Failed to disclose hazardous cargo properties
• Provided improper loading instructions
• Pressured drivers to violate safety regulations

The Loading Company

Third-party warehouses and loading docks that secure cargo must follow Part 393 regulations. Unbalanced loads or insufficient tie-downs cause rollovers and spills.

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Defective brakes, steering systems, or tire blowouts caused by manufacturing defects create product liability claims. We preserve failed components for expert analysis.

Maintenance Companies

Third-party mechanics who perform negligent repairs or return trucks to service with known defects share liability.

Freight Brokers

Brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own trucks may be liable for negligent carrier selection—hiring trucking companies with poor safety records or inadequate insurance.

Government Entities

Caddo Parish or Louisiana DOT may be liable for dangerous road design, inadequate signage, or failure to maintain safe conditions on parish roads. However, strict notice requirements apply—sometimes as short as 60 days.

The Evidence That Wins Caddo Parish Trucking Cases

Trucking companies don’t play fair. Within hours of a Caddo Parish accident, they deploy rapid-response teams to protect their interests. You need an attorney who moves just as fast.

Electronic Control Module (ECM) / “Black Box”

This device records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes seconds before impact. Critical: This data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days or with subsequent driving events. We send spoliation letters immediately to preserve this evidence.

Electronic Logging Devices (ELD)

Since 2017, federal law requires ELDs that automatically record driving hours. These prove hours of service violations—one of the leading causes of fatigue-related crashes on I-20.

Driver Qualification Files

We subpoena complete employment records, including:

• Previous employer inquiries (required for 3-year history)
• Medical examiner certificates
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Training documentation
• Accident history

Maintenance and Inspection Records

Brake adjustment records, tire replacement logs, and inspection reports reveal patterns of deferred maintenance. Under 49 CFR § 396.3, carriers must retain these for specific periods—we ensure they’re preserved.

Dashcam and Surveillance Footage

Many trucks have forward-facing cameras. Additionally, businesses along Caddo Parish highways may have surveillance capturing the accident. This footage typically overwrites within 7-30 days.

Cell Phone Records

Texting while driving violates § 392.80. We subpoose phone records to prove distraction.

Catastrophic Injuries and Your Future

An 18-wheeler carries 20 times the mass of a passenger car. Physics dictate catastrophic outcomes. We’ve helped Caddo Parish families recover from:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Concussions, contusions, and diffuse axonal injuries cause lifelong cognitive impairment. Symptoms include memory loss, personality changes, depression, and inability to work. Our firm has recovered $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI victims.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Quadriplegia and paraplegia require lifetime care, home modifications, and loss of earning capacity. These cases often settle for $4.7 million to $25.8 million.

Amputation

Traumatic limb loss or surgical amputation due to crush injuries changes everything. Prosthetics, rehabilitation, and psychological counseling create costs exceeding $1.9 million to $8.6 million.

Wrongful Death

When trucking negligence takes a loved one in Caddo Parish, surviving family members may recover for lost income, mental anguish, loss of companionship, and funeral expenses. We’ve secured $1.9 million to $9.5 million for bereaved families.

Important: Louisiana follows “pure comparative fault.” Even if you were partially at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. However, with only a one-year statute of limitations, you must act immediately.

Insurance Coverage in Caddo Parish Trucking Cases

Federal law mandates higher insurance minimums for commercial trucks than passenger vehicles:

Many carriers carry excess coverage beyond these minimums. Unlike passenger car accidents where policies might only cover $30,000, trucking cases often have millions available—but accessing these funds requires proving federal regulation violations and company negligence.

What to Do After a Caddo Parish Trucking Accident

1. Call 911 immediately. Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office and Louisiana State Police need to document the scene.
2. Seek medical attention. Adrenaline masks serious injuries. Go to Ochsner LSU Health or Willis-Knighton, even if you feel “fine.”
3. Document everything. Photos of vehicles, license plates, DOT numbers, cargo, and the accident scene.
4. Get witness information. Independent witnesses are crucial in proving what happened.
5. Do NOT give statements. The trucking company’s insurer will call quickly. Refer them to your attorney.
6. Call Attorney911. We answer 24/7 at 1-888-288-9911.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Caddo Parish?
Louisiana gives you just one year from the accident date. This is the shortest statute of limitations in America. Evidence disappears fast—contact us immediately.

What if the trucking company says I was partially at fault?
Louisiana uses “pure comparative fault.” You can recover even if you were 99% at fault, though your damages are reduced by your percentage. Don’t let the trucking company intimidate you—let us investigate the facts.

Can I afford an attorney for a trucking accident case?
Yes. We work on contingency—33.33% pre-trial, 40% if trial is necessary. You pay nothing upfront. We advance all costs. If we don’t recover money for you, you owe us nothing.

What makes Attorney911 different from other law firms?
Ralph Manginello brings 25+ years of experience, including federal court admission. Lupe Peña worked in insurance defense—he knows their playbook. We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against a major university, and we handled BP Texas City explosion litigation. We have 251+ Google reviews averaging 4.9 stars. And we treat you like family, not a case number.

As client Chad Harris said: “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

Do you handle cases in Caddo Parish if you’re based in Texas?
Absolutely. Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York, and we handle trucking cases throughout Louisiana. With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we’re never far from Caddo Parish. We’ll travel to you for meetings.

Hablamos Español?
Sí. Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish representation without interpreters. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.

Call The 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys Caddo Parish Trusts

When you’re facing medical bills, lost wages, and an uncertain future after a trucking accident in Caddo Parish, you need more than a lawyer—you need a fighter who’s been in the trenches for 25 years.

Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 have recovered over $50 million for families like yours. We’ve taken on Walmart, Coca-Cola, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with BP. We know how to win.

The trucking company is already building their defense. What are you doing?

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) now for a free consultation. Available 24/7. Hablamos Español.

Don’t let the statute of limitations expire. Don’t let evidence disappear. Get the justice you deserve.

Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm | 1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027 | Se Habla Español

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique. Contact us to discuss the specifics of your Caddo Parish trucking accident case.