18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys Serving Evangeline Parish
When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Everything, You Need a Fighter on Your Side
The impact was catastrophic. One moment you’re driving past the rice fields near Ville Platte or heading north on I-49 toward Alexandria. The next, an 80,000-pound semi-truck has crossed the line—or failed to stop—or jackknifed across the highway. In an instant, your life changes forever.
Every year, thousands of Louisiana families face the devastating aftermath of commercial trucking accidents. In Evangeline Parish, where I-49 serves as a vital corridor connecting Lafayette to Shreveport, and where agricultural trucks haul cargo across rural highways every single day, the risk is real and constant. When these massive machines collide with passenger vehicles, the physics are brutal: twenty-five tons of steel against your sedan’s four thousand pounds.
We know you’re hurting. We know the medical bills are piling up while the trucking company’s insurance adjuster is already calling. And we know you need more than just any lawyer—you need a team with 25 years of experience taking on Fortune 500 trucking companies and winning.
At Attorney911, our managing partner Ralph Manginello has spent over two decades fighting for injury victims, including federal court litigation against BP after the Texas City refinery explosion that killed 15 workers and injured 170 more. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years defending insurance companies before joining our team—now he uses that insider knowledge to fight against them. That’s your advantage.
If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Evangeline Parish—from Ville Platte to Mamou, from Bunkie to Basile—you need to act fast. Evidence disappears quickly in these cases. Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7, and we handle these cases on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Evangeline Parish Are Fundamentally Different
The Physics Don’t Lie
Most folks don’t realize the staggering disparity until it’s too late. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—that’s the federal maximum under 49 CFR 658.17. Your average family sedan weighs around 4,000 pounds. That means in a collision with an 18-wheeler, you’re facing a vehicle that outweighs yours by a factor of twenty.
That mass translates to devastating kinetic energy. At 65 miles per hour, a commercial truck needs approximately 525 feet to come to a complete stop—that’s nearly two football fields. A passenger car needs roughly 300 feet. When a truck driver is distracted, fatigued, or following too closely on I-49 through Evangeline Parish, they simply cannot stop in time to prevent disaster.
Federal Law Controls Every Truck on Evangeline Parish Roads
Unlike regular car accidents where state traffic laws mostly apply, commercial trucking is governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These aren’t suggestions—they’re federal regulations with the force of law under Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR).
Every 18-wheeler operating in Evangeline Parish, whether hauling agricultural equipment through Mamou or transporting goods north on Interstate 49, must comply with:
- 49 CFR Part 390: General applicability and definitions
- 49 CFR Part 391: Driver qualification standards
- 49 CFR Part 392: Driving and operational rules
- 49 CFR Part 393: Parts and accessories necessary for safe operation
- 49 CFR Part 395: Hours of service limitations
- 49 CFR Part 396: Inspection, repair, and maintenance requirements
When trucking companies or drivers violate these regulations—and they often do—they create liability that can mean the difference between a denied claim and a multi-million dollar recovery.
Multiple Liable Parties Mean Multiple Insurance Policies
Here’s what the trucking company doesn’t want you to know: in an 18-wheeler accident, you’re not limited to suing just the driver. Unlike a simple fender-bender between two cars where usually only one person is at fault, commercial trucking involves a web of responsibility.
Potentially liable parties include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company/motor carrier
- The cargo owner or shipper
- The company that loaded the cargo
- The truck manufacturer
- The parts manufacturer (brakes, tires)
- The maintenance company
- The freight broker who arranged the shipment
- The truck owner (if different from the carrier)
- Government entities (for road defects)
Each of these parties typically carries separate insurance coverage. Federal law requires minimum liability coverage of $750,000 for general freight, $1,000,000 for oil and large equipment, and up to $5,000,000 for hazardous materials. When we investigate your Evangeline Parish trucking accident, we pursue every available policy to maximize your recovery.
Common Types of Truck Accidents on Evangeline Parish Highways
Jackknife Accidents: A Deadly Dance on Louisiana Roads
A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, folding like a pocket knife. On the rural highways of Evangeline Parish—where US 190 and LA 29 see heavy agricultural traffic—a jackknifed trailer can block both lanes instantly, creating a death trap for oncoming drivers.
These accidents often happen when:
- A driver brakes suddenly on wet roads (common during Louisiana’s heavy spring rains)
- The trailer is empty or lightly loaded, making it prone to swing
- The driver takes a curve too fast on the soft shoulders common in rural areas
Under 49 CFR 392.6, drivers must operate at speeds appropriate for conditions. When a trucker ignores this on rain-slicked roads near Ville Platte and causes a jackknife, they’ve violated federal law—and we hold them accountable.
Underride Collisions: The Invisible Killer
Perhaps the most horrific type of trucking accident is the underride collision. This happens when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer from the side or rear. The trailer’s height often shears off the passenger compartment at windshield level.
Rural intersections in Evangeline Parish, where visibility can be limited by vegetation or where trucks make wide turns onto smaller roads, are particularly dangerous for side underride accidents. While federal regulations under 49 CFR 393.86 require rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after 1998, there’s no federal mandate for side underride guards—though the danger is equally severe.
The injuries in these cases are almost always catastrophic: decapitation, severe head trauma, or immediate death. We’ve handled cases where victims’ families needed answers, and we found that broken or inadequate rear guards contributed to their loss.
Rollover Accidents: Top-Heavy Danger
When a truck’s center of gravity shifts—whether from speeding around curves on I-49, improperly secured cargo shifting inside the trailer, or a tire blowout causing overcorrection—the result is often a rollover. These are particularly dangerous because:
- The falling trailer can crush nearby vehicles
- Spilled cargo (often hazardous chemicals or heavy agricultural equipment) creates secondary hazards
- The truck may block the roadway for hours, causing chain-reaction crashes
During Louisiana’s hurricane season, when winds whip across the elevated sections of I-49, high-profile trailers are especially vulnerable to rollovers. Federal cargo securement rules under 49 CFR 393.100-136 require proper tiedowns and load distribution. When loading companies in Evangeline Parish rush to get crops to market and fail to secure loads properly, they put everyone at risk.
Rear-End Collisions: The Stopping Distance Problem
You’ve probably experienced it on I-49: a massive truck following too closely, towering over your rearview mirror. When traffic slows suddenly near the Ville Platte exit or construction zones, that truck cannot stop in time.
Federal regulations under 49 CFR 392.11 prohibit following more closely than is “reasonable and prudent.” Yet truck drivers, often pressured by dispatchers to meet impossible deadlines, tailgate constantly. The result is devastating rear-end collisions where the truck override the passenger vehicle—literally driving over the smaller car.
These accidents cause catastrophic spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and wrongful death.
Wide Turn Accidents: “Squeeze Play” in Rural Intersections
Eighteen-wheelers need enormous space to turn. To make a right turn from a narrow rural road in Evangeline Parish onto a highway, drivers must swing left first, creating a gap that tempts impatient motorists to squeeze through. When the truck completes its turn, the trailer crushes the vehicle in the “squeeze play.”
These accidents often involve:
- Failure to signal intentions properly
- Inadequate mirror checks (violating 49 CFR 393.80)
- Inexperienced drivers unfamiliar with rural Louisiana roads
Tire Blowouts and Brake Failures: Maintenance Negligence
Louisiana’s heat and humidity are brutal on truck tires. A blowout on an 18-wheeler creates immediate chaos—the driver loses control, debris scatters across the highway, and “road gators” (shredded tire treads) create hazards for miles.
Federal law requires systematic inspection and maintenance under 49 CFR 396.3. Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections per 49 CFR 396.13, checking tire condition and brake systems. When companies skip maintenance to save money, brake failures and blowouts happen—and people die.
We recently investigated a case where maintenance records showed the trucking company knew about faulty brakes but kept the truck on the road anyway. That’s not just negligence—it’s reckless disregard for human life that can support punitive damages.
Head-On Collisions: Crossing the Line
On two-lane rural highways common in Evangeline Parish, a truck driver who falls asleep at the wheel, drives distracted, or is impaired can drift across the centerline with devastating results. These accidents, while statistically less common, are almost always fatal or cause permanent disability.
The FMCSA strictly limits hours of service under Part 395 precisely to prevent fatigue-related head-ons. Drivers cannot:
- Drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- Drive beyond the 14th hour after coming on duty
- Operate if their ability is impaired by fatigue (49 CFR 392.3)
When ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data shows a driver violated these rules and caused a head-on collision near Mamou or Bunkie, we make sure the jury knows.
The Federal Regulations That Protect You—And How Truckers Break Them
Hours of Service: The Eleven-Hour Limit
Fatigue is the silent killer on Interstate highways. The FMCSA’s Hours of Service regulations are designed to ensure drivers get adequate rest, but trucking companies often pressure drivers to violate these rules.
Under 49 CFR 395.8, most drivers must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that automatically record driving time. These devices create objective evidence we can subpoena to prove:
- Whether the driver exceeded the 11-hour driving limit
- Whether they took required 30-minute breaks after 8 hours
- Whether they manipulated their logs
ELD data overwrites every 30 days in some systems. That’s why we send spoliation letters immediately to preserve this evidence before it disappears.
Driver Qualification: Unqualified Behind the Wheel
Would you believe some trucking companies hire drivers without valid Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs)? Or drivers with recent DUI convictions? Or drivers who can’t pass a basic medical exam?
Under 49 CFR Part 391, trucking companies must maintain Driver Qualification Files containing:
- Employment applications and background checks
- Motor vehicle records from all states
- Medical examiner certificates (renewed every 2 years maximum)
- Pre-employment drug test results
- Road test certificates or equivalents
When we investigate an Evangeline Parish accident, we subpoena these files. Missing documentation equals negligent hiring—a direct path to holding the company liable.
Cargo Securement: When Loads Shift
Agricultural haulers in Evangeline Parish rushing during harvest season, or oilfield trucks carrying heavy equipment, sometimes cut corners on cargo securement. Federal rules under 49 CFR 393.100-136 require:
- Aggregate working load limits of at least half the cargo weight
- Proper number of tiedowns based on cargo length
- Prevention of shifting that affects vehicle stability
When a load shifts on a curve near Basile, causing a rollover that blocks LA 29, we investigate the loading company’s compliance with these federal standards.
The Evidence Race: Why You Have 48 Hours, Not 48 Days
The Spoliation Letter: Your Legal Shield
Here’s a hard truth: the trucking company has lawyers and rapid-response teams already working to protect them while you’re still in the hospital. They know that critical evidence can disappear—legally or otherwise—if they simply wait long enough.
Under federal regulations, motor carriers must maintain certain records for limited periods:
- ELD data: As little as 6 months
- Driver qualification files: 3 years after employment ends
- Vehicle maintenance records: 1 year
But here’s the key: once a trucking company is put on notice of potential litigation, they have a legal duty to preserve evidence. Destroying it after receiving notice is called “spoliation,” and courts can impose severe sanctions, including instructing the jury to assume the destroyed evidence was unfavorable.
We send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained. These letters demand preservation of:
- ECM (Electronic Control Module) data—the “black box” recording speed, braking, and throttle
- ELD logs showing hours of service
- Dashcam footage (often overwritten in 7-14 days)
- Driver qualification files
- Maintenance records
- Cell phone records
- GPS tracking data
The Black Box Tells No Lies
Commercial trucks contain Electronic Control Modules (ECMs) similar to airplane black boxes. These devices record objective data in the seconds before impact:
- Vehicle speed
- Brake application (when and how hard)
- Throttle position
- Steering input
- Cruise control status
This data cannot be disputed. When a driver claims “I wasn’t speeding” or “I braked immediately,” the ECM either confirms their story or exposes it as a lie. We once used ECM data to prove a driver was traveling 78 mph in a 65 mph zone at the moment of impact—directly contradicting his sworn statement.
The Inspection Trap
Louisiana State Police and the FMCSA conduct roadside inspections, but trucking companies know when to expect them. Some carriers operate trucks with known defects between inspections, gambling that they won’t get caught. When an accident happens, they rush to repair or destroy evidence.
That’s why photographing the truck immediately after an accident is crucial. Photos of tire wear, brake condition, and lighting violations can prove maintenance failures that contributed to your crash on I-49.
Catastrophic Injuries and Your Financial Future
Traumatic Brain Injury: The $5 Million Case
When an 80,000-pound truck strikes a passenger vehicle, traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are common—even without direct head impact. The sheer force of collision causes the brain to slam against the inside of the skull.
TBI symptoms may not appear immediately:
- Headaches and dizziness
- Memory loss and confusion
- Personality changes
- Depression and anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating
Our firm recently secured a $5 million settlement for a client who suffered a TBI when a falling load struck him at a logging operation. That money doesn’t erase the injury, but it provides for:
- Lifetime medical care
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Lost earning capacity
- Home modifications for disability access
Spinal Cord Injuries: Paralysis and Permanent Disability
The force required to fracture a spine is present in most 18-wheeler collisions. Depending on the level of injury:
- Paraplegia (loss of function below the waist): Average lifetime care costs exceed $1.1 million
- Quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs): Costs can exceed $5 million
Under Louisiana’s pure comparative fault system, you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault—your percentage of fault simply reduces your recovery. And unlike some states, Louisiana imposes no cap on punitive damages for gross negligence, meaning juries can award substantial additional amounts to punish truly reckless conduct.
Amputation and Crush Injuries
When vehicles are crushed beneath trailers or when cargo shifts pinning limbs, amputation may be necessary. We’ve recovered $3.8 million for a client who lost a limb following complications from a car accident—the settlement covered:
- Surgical amputation
- Prosthetic limbs (which must be replaced every 3-5 years at $5,000-$50,000 each)
- Physical rehabilitation
- Psychological counseling
- Home and vehicle modifications
Wrongful Death: Justice for Louisiana Families
Louisiana’s wrongful death statute allows surviving spouses, children, and parents to recover when a loved one is killed by a trucking company’s negligence. With only one year to file (the shortest statute of limitations in the nation), time is truly of the essence.
Damages can include:
- Lost future income and benefits
- Loss of consortium (companionship, guidance)
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Medical expenses incurred before death
- Funeral and burial costs
As client Glenda Walker said after we handled her case: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s the standard we apply to every wrongful death case in Evangeline Parish.
Louisiana Law: The One-Year Deadline That Kills Cases
The Shortest Statute of Limitations in America
Here’s something most people don’t know: Louisiana has the shortest statute of limitations for personal injury cases in the United States. You have exactly one year from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. Not two years like Texas. Not three like some states. One year.
That means if you were injured in an 18-wheeler accident on I-49 near Ville Platte on July 1, 2025, you must file your lawsuit by July 1, 2026—or lose your right to compensation forever, no matter how serious your injuries.
This makes immediate action critical. While you’re recovering, evidence is disappearing. Witnesses are forgetting details. The trucking company is building its defense. You cannot afford to wait.
Pure Comparative Fault: Your Advantage
Louisiana follows a “pure comparative fault” rule. This means even if you were 99% at fault for the accident, you can still technically recover 1% of your damages from the other party. Practically, you’ll want to be less than 50% at fault to make the case viable, but the point is: don’t assume you have no case just because you may have contributed to the accident.
Our job is to investigate thoroughly using ECM data, witness statements, and accident reconstruction to minimize your assigned fault percentage and maximize your recovery.
No Caps on Damages
Unlike states like Texas (which caps non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases) or Virginia (which caps punitive damages), Louisiana places no statutory limit on compensatory or punitive damages in personal injury cases. If a jury awards $20 million for catastrophic injuries, that’s the award—subject only to the defendant’s ability to pay (which is why we purse every available insurance policy and liable party).
Frequently Asked Questions About 18-Wheeler Accidents in Evangeline Parish
Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Evangeline Parish?
A: You have one year from the date of the accident. This is the shortest statute of limitations in the United States, shared only with Kentucky. If you miss this deadline—called the “prescriptive period” in Louisiana—you lose your right to sue forever. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately to protect your rights.
Q: Can I still recover if I was partially at fault for the accident?
A: Yes. Louisiana uses “pure comparative fault.” If you were found to be 20% at fault and your damages were $100,000, you would recover $80,000. Even if you were 90% at fault, you could theoretically recover 10%, though practically we work to prove the truck driver was primarily responsible.
Q: Who can be held liable besides the truck driver?
A: Potentially everyone in the chain of commerce: the trucking company (for negligent hiring or supervision), the cargo owner (for improper loading instructions), the loading company (for insecure cargo), the truck manufacturer (for defective brakes), the maintenance company (for negligent repairs), and even the freight broker who selected an unsafe carrier.
Q: What is the “black box” in a truck?
A: The Electronic Control Module (ECM) or Event Data Recorder (EDR) is a computer that records operational data like speed, braking, and throttle position. This objective evidence often contradicts driver statements. However, it can be overwritten in as little as 30 days, which is why we send preservation letters immediately.
Q: How much is my case worth?
A: It depends on your injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, trucking companies carry much higher insurance than passenger vehicles—minimum $750,000 for general freight and up to $5 million for hazmat. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for clients with catastrophic injuries. As client Donald Wilcox told us: “I got a call to come pick up this handsome check” after other firms rejected his case.
Q: Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?
A: Absolutely not. Anything you say can be used to minimize your claim. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney—he knows exactly how adjusters are trained to get you to say things that hurt your case. Let us handle all communications.
Q: What if the truck driver was from another state?
A: Federal law applies to all commercial vehicles operating in interstate commerce. We’re admitted to federal court and can represent you regardless of where the trucking company is headquartered. We’ve taken on major national carriers and won.
Q: How do I pay for medical treatment while my case is pending?
A: We can help you find medical providers who will treat you under a “Letter of Protection”—meaning they get paid from your settlement. We also work with your health insurance and explore all available coverage options. Don’t let lack of insurance stop you from getting treatment.
Q: What if my loved one died in the accident?
A: You may have a wrongful death claim. In Louisiana, surviving spouses, children, and parents can recover damages for lost income, loss of companionship, and mental anguish. Given the one-year deadline, you must act immediately.
Q: Will my case go to trial?
A: Most cases settle without trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court—and they offer better settlements to clients represented by trial-ready firms. Ralph Manginello has been trying cases since 1998.
Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on contingency—you pay no attorney fees unless we win. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. The initial consultation is always free.
Q: Do you handle cases in Spanish?
A: Sí. Hablamos Español. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.
Q: What makes 18-wheeler accidents different from car accidents?
A: The size difference, federal regulations, multiple liable parties, higher insurance limits, and the complexity of interstate commerce laws. You need a lawyer who understands FMCSA regulations and how to hold trucking companies accountable, not just the driver.
Q: What if the trucking company offers me a settlement right away?
A: Refuse it. Early offers are designed to pay you pennies on the dollar before you know the full extent of your injuries. Once you accept, you waive your right to additional compensation. As Glenda Walker said after working with us: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved”—which is always more than the initial offer.
Q: Can you really investigate accidents in Evangeline Parish from your offices in Texas?
A: Yes. We handle trucking cases nationwide thanks to our federal court admissions and network of local counsel. We travel to accident scenes, hire local experts, and ensure you get the same aggressive representation you’d expect from a local firm, combined with our 25 years of specialized trucking litigation experience.
Why Evangeline Parish Families Choose Attorney911
25 Years of Fighting for the Little Guy
Ralph Manginello didn’t become an attorney to help corporations. After graduating from the University of Texas and South Texas College of Law, he’s spent 25 years making sure that when an 18-wheeler injures someone in Louisiana or Texas, the victim isn’t bullied by a billion-dollar insurance company.
His federal court experience—including admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas—means he can handle complex interstate trucking cases that less experienced attorneys won’t touch. He’s litigated against BP after the Texas City explosion, taking on one of the world’s largest corporations to secure justice for injured workers.
The Inside Advantage: Lupe Peña
Most personal injury firms hire lawyers who’ve only ever represented plaintiffs. We hired Lu Peña, a third-generation Texan who spent years defending insurance companies. Why? Because he knows their playbook. He knows:
- How adjusters calculate settlement offers
- What makes an insurance company fear trial
- When they’re bluffing about policy limits
- How to spot bad faith denials
Lupe is also fluent in Spanish, serving Evangeline Parish’s Hispanic community directly. No interpreters. No confusion. Just clear communication in your language.
Real Results for Real People
We don’t just talk about big settlements—we deliver them:
- $5 million+ for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log
- $3.8 million+ for a client who suffered an amputation after medical complications from a car crash
- $2.5 million+ for commercial truck accident victims
- $2 million+ for a maritime worker with a back injury under the Jones Act
We’re currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston for hazing—demonstrating we have the resources to take on institutional defendants with deep pockets.
The Family Treatment
As client Chad Harris said: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
We know that after a trucking accident, you’re not just dealing with legal issues—you’re dealing with pain, fear, and uncertainty. That’s why we return calls within 24 hours. That’s why Ralph gives clients his cell phone number. That’s why we treat you like family, not a file number.
Available 24/7 Because Emergencies Don’t Wait
Trucking accidents don’t happen during business hours. They happen at 2 AM on I-49, or during rush hour on US 190, or on a rural road at dusk. When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, someone answers. We can meet at our offices in Houston, Austin, or Beaumont, or we can come to you in Evangeline Parish. We offer video consultations, Spanish-language services, and the flexibility to meet your needs—not ours.
The Call That Changes Everything
Right now, while you’re reading this, the trucking company that hit you or your loved one is already building their defense. They’ve assigned a claims adjuster who’s calculating the minimum amount you’ll accept. Their lawyers are reviewing driver logs to see what can be hidden.
Meanwhile, critical evidence is disappearing. ECM data will overwrite soon. Dashcam footage gets deleted weekly. Witnesses’ memories fade. And you have only one year to file suit under Louisiana law—the shortest deadline in America.
You need a fighter. You need someone who knows that the MCS 90 endorsement requires insurance companies to pay even if the driver was excluded from the policy. You need someone who can spot an Hours of Service violation in ELD data. You need someone who understands that a brake failure on a curve near Bunkie isn’t just bad luck—it’s likely maintenance negligence under 49 CFR 396.3.
We are Attorney911. We have 25 years of experience, a former insurance defense attorney on our team, and a track record of multi-million dollar results. We serve clients throughout Louisiana, including Evangeline Parish, and we’re ready to fight for you.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) right now. The consultation is free. We charge no fees unless we win. And we’re ready to send that spoliation letter today to preserve the evidence that wins cases.
Don’t wait. Don’t let the trucking company win. Your fight starts with one call.
Hablamos Español. Llame hoy al 1-888-ATTY-911.
Attorneys: Ralph P. Manginello, Managing Partner, admitted TX & NY bars, U.S. District Court S.D. Texas; Lupe E. Peña, Associate Attorney, former insurance defense, fluent Spanish.
Offices: Houston (Main): 1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600; Austin: 316 West 12th Street; Beaumont: Available for meetings.
Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique. Louisiana law provides a one-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.