Louisiana 18-Wheeler & Commercial Truck Accident Litigation Guide

The impact is catastrophic. 80,000 pounds of steel slamming into a passenger vehicle on a Louisiana highway doesn’t leave much room for luck. One moment, you’re merging onto I-10 in Baton Rouge or heading toward a shift in the Haynesville Shale; the next, your life is transformed by the negligence of a massive trucking corporation.

At Attorney911, we know that an 18-wheeler isn’t just a big car—it’s a high-energy missile. When these vehicles crash on Louisiana roads, the results are devastating, permanent, and life-changing. You aren’t just dealing with a simple insurance claim. You’re facing a multi-billion dollar industry that has a system designed to deny you justice.

Since 1998, our managing partner Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years in the trenches of personal injury litigation, making sure families across Louisiana get the compensation they deserve. We bring federal court experience to every case, having litigated against giants like Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, and multinational oil giants like BP. If you’ve been hurt, you don’t need a lawyer who just handles paperwork—you need a fighter who understands the trucking company’s playbook from the inside out.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay us nothing unless we win your case. Louisiana law moves fast, and so must we.

Why Louisiana Trucking Accidents Are Different

Louisiana sits at a critical crossroads of American commerce. From the massive container traffic at the Port of South Louisiana to the endless convoys of water trucks and frac sand haulers in the Haynesville Shale, our state’s infrastructure is constantly tested by heavy commercial vehicles.

Highways like I-10, I-12, I-20, and I-49 see thousands of trucks every hour. Because Louisiana is a “hub state,” we see a mix of long-haul drivers who are often struggling with extreme fatigue and local oilfield contractors rushing to meet production deadlines. This combination makes Louisiana roads some of the most dangerous in the nation for 18-wheeler accidents.

Our firm’s associate attorney, Lupe Peña, brings a unique advantage to your case: he used to work for the insurance companies. He knows exactly how they value claims, how they train their adjusters to lowball you, and what evidence they fear most. We use that insider knowledge to fight for the maximum compensation possible for your injuries.

Don’t let the trucking company push you around. As our client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We treat your recovery as our primary mission.

The Louisiana Statute of Limitations: One Year to Act

In Louisiana, the clock is ticking faster than almost anywhere else in the country. Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 3492, you have only one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is the shortest statute of limitations in the United States, and missing this deadline means you lose your right to recovery forever.

Beyond the legal deadline, there is the evidentiary deadline. Evidence in Louisiana trucking cases disappears within days. Trucking companies are only required to keep certain logs for six months, and the “black box” data on the truck can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. We send formal spoliation letters within 24 to 48 hours of being hired to ensure that the trucking company in Louisiana cannot “lose” the data that proves their negligence.

Call (888) 288-9911 immediately after a crash. We are available 24/7 to begin the investigation into your Louisiana truck accident.

Proving Fault: Louisiana’s Pure Comparative Negligence Rule

Louisiana follows a “Pure Comparative Negligence” system. This is a significant advantage for victims. Even if you were partially at fault for the crash, you can still recover compensation for your injuries. Your total recovery is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $1,000,000 but found to be 20% at fault, you still receive $800,000.

The trucking company’s lawyers will try to shift 100% of the blame onto you to avoid paying a dime. We know how to counter these tactics. Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has been exposing the lies of negligent drivers and proving exactly what happened using telematics, witness statements, and accident reconstruction experts.

Federal Regulations: The Key to Winning Your Case

Every commercial vehicle on Louisiana roads must follow the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations (49 CFR Parts 390-399). When a company breaks these laws, it is evidence of negligence.

49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)

Fatigue is the silent killer on I-10 and I-20. Federal law limits drivers to 11 hours of driving time after 10 consecutive hours off-duty. If a driver for a company like Walmart or a regional Louisiana carrier pushes through to make a delivery window and falls asleep at the wheel, they have violated Part 395. We subpoena Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data to prove when drivers have falsified their logs to stay on the road illegally.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification

Trucking companies have a duty to ensure their drivers are qualified. Under Part 391, they must maintain a Driver Qualification File that includes background checks, road tests, and current medical certificates. We often find that companies hire drivers with histories of drug abuse or vision problems, which constitutes negligent hiring.

49 CFR Part 396: Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance

A truck with bad brakes is an 80,000-pound projectile with no safety. 49 CFR Part 396 requires systematic inspection and maintenance. If a dump truck in New Orleans or a logging truck in North Louisiana hasn’t had a brake inspection in six months, the trucking company is liable for the resulting disaster.

49 CFR Part 393: Parts and Accessories

This part covers everything from underride guards to cargo securement. If a trailer in Louisiana lacks the proper reflective tape or its underride guard (the “Mansfield Bar”) fails upon impact because of rust and neglect, the manufacturer and the carrier may both be liable.

If you suspect a violation caused your crash, call 1-888-ATTY-911. Our team knows the FMCSA regulations better than the trucking companies themselves.

Comprehensive Coverage of Truck Accident Types in Louisiana

No two accidents are the same, but the physics of heavy vehicles often result in specific, predictable disaster scenarios.

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when a truck’s drive wheels lock or lose traction, causing the trailer to swing out perpendicular to the cab. On wet Louisiana roads, particularly near the Atchafalaya Basin, a jackknife can sweep across four lanes of traffic, trapping everyone in its path. Under 49 CFR § 393.48, functional brake systems are a requirement, and many jackknifes are the result of poor brake maintenance or aggressive braking in adverse weather.

Underride Collisions

These are the most lethal accidents we handle. An underride occurs when a car slides beneath the rear or side of a trailer. Because the trailer sits at windshield height, the results are often decapitation or severe traumatic brain injury. We investigate whether the trailer met the requirements of 49 CFR § 393.86 for rear impact guards. These cases often involve multi-million dollar settlements because they are so frequently fatal.

Rollover Accidents

Commercial trucks have a high center of gravity. Excessive speed on a curved Louisiana on-ramp or improperly secured cargo (violating 49 CFR § 393.100) can cause a truck to tip. Liquid tankers, common in the Louisiana petrochemical corridor, are especially prone to rollovers because of the “slosh effect” of shifting liquid cargo.

Wide Turn “Squeeze Play”

Trucks must swing wide to the left to complete a right turn. If a driver fails to check their mirrors or signal properly, a car can be caught in the gap and crushed against a curb or building. In congested Louisiana cities like New Orleans or Lafayette, these accidents are common and create devastating crush injuries for pedestrians and motorists alike.

Tire Blowouts and Brake Failures

A steer-tire blowout at 70 mph on I-10 is a death sentence. Under 49 CFR § 393.75, tires must meet strict tread depth and condition requirements. If a budget-conscious Louisiana trucking firm uses “retreads” on steer axles or ignores worn pads, they are sending a dangerous vehicle into your lane. Ralph Manginello has recovered millions in cases where equipment neglect led to catastrophe.

Louisiana Oilfield Vehicle Accidents: The Haynesville Shale

The oil and gas industry is the lifeblood of our state, but it is also a source of constant danger on our rural roads. If you are in Northwest Louisiana near Shreveport or Bossier City, you share the road with the energy sector every day.

Frac Sand and Water Haulers

During hydraulic fracturing operations, hundreds of sand haulers and water trucks work around the clock. These drivers often work 14-hour shifts and are under immense pressure from operators like ExxonMobil or Chesapeake Energy to keep the “frac spread” running. This pressure leads to fatigue, speeding, and rollovers on narrow two-lane FM roads and gravel lease roads that were never built for such weight.

Crude Oil Tankers

Transporting crude oil requires a Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) endorsement and compliance with 49 CFR Part 397. A spill on a Louisiana highway is not just a traffic accident; it’s an environmental and fire emergency. These cases involve $5 million federal insurance minimums, but getting that money requires proving the company failed to follow safety protocols.

Crew Transport Vans

The 15-passenger vans used to move oilfield crews are notoriously unstable. When loaded with workers and gear at 4:30 AM, they become rollover risks. If your loved one was injured in a crew van accident near Louisiana wellsites, the staffing company and the oil operator may both be liable.

Corporate Fleet Accidents: Taking on the Giants

When you’re hit by a truck with a logo you recognize—Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, or UPS—the legal battle changes. These companies aren’t just businesses; they are self-insured empires with unlimited legal budgets.

Walmart Truck Accidents

Walmart operates the largest private fleet in the world. Their drivers are direct employees, meaning Walmart is directly liable under the doctrine of respondeat superior. However, Walmart self-insures for millions of dollars, which means every dollar they pay YOU comes directly out of THEIR pocket. They fight harder because of it. Ralph Manginello has gone head-to-head with Walmart transport operations and won.

Amazon Delivery Van Accidents

Amazon wants you to believe they aren’t responsible when a blue van hits you. They claim the driver works for a “Delivery Service Partner” (DSP). We call this the Amazon Shield. We pierce that shield by showing that Amazon controls the route, the schedule, the uniform, and the cameras inside the van. If Amazon controls the driver, Amazon pays for the injuries.

Food and Beverage Distribution

Sysco, Coca-Cola, and Pepsi trucks are on every street in Louisiana. These route drivers make dozens of stops a day, often double-parking and blocking visibility. When a Sysco truck pulls out into traffic or a Coke truck hits a pedestrian in a Louisiana shopping center, we hold the parent corporation accountable.

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

Every Commercial Vehicle: If It Has a DOT Number, We Sue

We don’t just handle 18-wheelers. We represent victims hit by every type of commercial truck on Louisiana roads:

• Dump Trucks: Often overloaded with gravel for Louisiana levee or highway projects.
• Garbage Trucks: Massive blind spots in residential neighborhoods make these a leading cause of child fatalities.
• Concrete Mixers: Heavier than most trucks and prone to rollovers due to the rotating drum’s weight shift.
• Rental Trucks (U-Haul/Penske): Driven by civilians with no training and no CDL. These are bus-sized vehicles in the hands of novices.
• Logging Trucks: Common in North Louisiana; uncontained logs become lethal projectiles at highway speeds.
• Utility/Bucket Trucks: Parked dangerously on roadsides, often without proper signage or cones.
• USPS/Federal Vehicles: These cases fall under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), which has its own strict 2-year deadline and complex forms. If a mail truck hits you, you are suing the United States government.

Identifying the 16 Liable Parties

Most lawyers only sue the driver. We dig deeper. To maximize your recovery in Louisiana, we investigate all 16 potentially liable parties:

1. The Driver: Negligence, fatigue, distraction, or impairment.
2. The Trucking Company (Carrier): Negligent hiring, training, and HOS violations.
3. The Cargo Owner (Shipper): Pressuring the carrier to speed or violate rest rules.
4. The Loading Company: Improperly securing or overloading the trailer.
5. The Truck Manufacturer: Design defects in brakes, steering, or fuel systems.
6. The Parts Manufacturer: Defective tires (Road Gators) or failed brake components.
7. The Maintenance Company: Skipping inspections or using cheap, non-approved parts.
8. The Freight Broker: Hiring a “bottom-tier” carrier with a bad safety history to save money.
9. The Truck Owner: Negligently entrusting a dangerous vehicle to an unfit driver.
10. The Government Entity: Dangerous road design or failure to maintain Louisiana highways.
11. The Corporate Parent/Brand Owner: Piercing the shield of companies like Amazon and FedEx Ground.
12. The Oilfield Operator: For creating dangerous conditions on private lease roads.
13. Staffing Companies: Failing to vet drivers before placing them with a carrier.
14. Rental Truck Companies: Negligent maintenance or renting to unqualified drivers.
15. Transit Agencies/School Districts: Complex sovereign immunity rules apply here.
16. The Federal Government: FTCA claims for USPS or military vehicle accidents.

By identifying every policy, we ensure you have the best chance at a multi-million dollar settlement. Call 888-ATTY-911 to start our investigation.

Catastrophic Injuries and Life-Long Impact

A truck accident isn’t just an event; it’s a permanent change in the trajectory of your life.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

The violence of a truck crash often causes the brain to impact the skull (coup-contrecoup). Our firm has recovered between $1.5 million and $9.8 million for TBI victims. These injuries aren’t always visible, but they affect your memory, your personality, and your ability to work.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

When the force of an 80,000-lb truck crushes a car, the spine is often the first thing to break. Lifetime care for a paraplegic or quadriplegic victim can exceed $5 million. We have recovered between $4.7 million and $25.8 million for spinal injury victims, providing them the resources for the best medical care and life care plans available.

Amputation and Crush Injuries

Losing a limb is both physically and psychologically devastating. Whether it’s a “traumatic amputation” at the scene or a surgical one due to infection, the costs of prosthetics and rehab are immense. We secure settlements in the $1.9 million to $8.6 million range to ensure our clients have the best technology to reclaim their independence.

Wrongful Death

If you lost a spouse, parent, or child, no check can replace them. But a wrongful death claim in Louisiana can ensure your family’s financial survival and hold the corporation accountable for the life they took. Our recoveries for wrongful death range from $1.9 million to $9.5 million.

Commercial Truck Insurance: Accessing the Deep Pockets

Trucking companies carry massive insurance because they know the damage they can do.

• General Freight: $750,000 Minimum
• Oil and Large Equipment: $1,000,000 Minimum
• Hazardous Materials: $5,000,000 Minimum

These are just the minimums. Corporate giants like Walmart and UPS carry “umbrella” and “excess” policies that can total $100 million or more. As Lupe Peña knows from his time on the defense side, insurance companies will hide these extra layers. We use the discovery process to find every dollar available to pay for your recovery.

Your family. Your future. Your fight. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.

Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana Truck Accidents

How long do I have to file my claim in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, you generally have only one year from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. This is extremely short compared to most other states. You must act immediately to preserve your rights.

Who pays my medical bills after the crash?

Under Louisiana law, the at-fault driver and their trucking company are responsible for your medical expenses. However, they won’t pay as you go—they pay at the end of the case. We can often help you get treatment under “Letters of Protection” so you can see the best doctors in Louisiana without paying out of pocket upfront.

What if I was partially at fault for the truck accident?

Louisiana is a pure comparative fault state. You can still recover even if you were 99% at fault, though your award would be reduced by 99%. Don’t let the trucking company convince you that a minor mistake on your part means you have no case.

Why do I need a lawyer specifically for a truck accident?

A car accident lawyer may not understand how to subpoena ELD logs, how to read a driver’s qualification file, or how to interpret 49 CFR regulations. Attorney Ralph Manginello has 25+ years of specialized experience in this niche area of law. You are going up against corporate teams; you need a professional on your side.

How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?

We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay zero upfront costs. We advance all the money for experts, investigators, and filing fees. We only get paid if we win a settlement or verdict for you.

Can I sue for PTSD after a truck wreck?

Yes. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a real, compensable injury. If you have nightmares, a fear of driving, or anxiety around trucks after your accident, these are non-economic damages that we fight for in your claim.

What if the truck driver was an “independent contractor”?

This is a common defense for companies like Amazon. They claim they aren’t responsible because the driver was a contractor. We use the “Right to Control” test in Louisiana to prove that if the company set the schedule and monitored the driver, they are an employer in the eyes of the law.

Does your firm handle cases in North Louisiana and the Haynesville Shale?

Yes. We serve all of Louisiana. From Shreveport to New Orleans and everywhere in between, we have the resources to handle trucking cases on any road in the state.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Louisiana Case?

When an 80,000-pound truck changes your life forever, you need more than a lawyer—you need a fighter. Ralph Manginello has spent his career taking on the biggest corporations in America and winning. He is admitted to federal court, has litigated the BP refinery disaster, and has recovered over $50 million for families just like yours.

We aren’t a high-volume “billboard firm” where you never talk to your attorney. Ralph Manginello is personally involved in every major trucking case we accept. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

If you’ve been hurt on a Louisiana highway, don’t wait for the evidence to disappear or the one-year clock to run out. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 or (888) 288-9911 today for your free, no-obligation consultation.

One call. One fighter. Your justice. 888-ATTY-911.

Office Locations:

• Houston (Main): 1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027
• Austin: 316 West 12th Street, Suite 311
• Beaumont: Available for meetings

We answer 24/7. Hablamos Español.