Fatal 18-Wheeler and Tractor-Trailer Crashes in Shreveport: What Families Need to Know

You’re reading this because someone you love didn’t come home after a crash on I-20, I-49, or one of the industrial corridors that carry freight through Shreveport every hour of every day. The eighteen-wheeler that changed everything for your family was likely hauling containers from the Port of Shreveport-Bossier, oilfield equipment for the Haynesville Shale operations, or cross-country freight moving between Dallas and the Southeast. The carrier running that truck has lawyers who started working the case the night of the crash. The evidence they control—the electronic logging device, the dashcam footage, the maintenance records—is disappearing right now. And Texas law gives you exactly two years from the date of the fatal injury to file a wrongful death claim under Section 71.001 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code. That clock doesn’t stop for grief.

We’ve represented families in Caddo Parish courtrooms since 1998. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has been fighting for injury victims since he was admitted to the Texas Bar in 1998. He grew up in Houston’s Memorial area, went to UT Austin, and has spent his career holding trucking companies accountable in communities like Shreveport. When your case is filed in Caddo Parish, Ralph’s 27 years of federal court experience in the Western District of Texas, Shreveport Division, means he’s standing in a courtroom he knows—not one he’s visiting. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years working for insurance defense firms, learning exactly how carriers value claims and which tactics they use to minimize payouts. Now, that insider knowledge is your advantage.

The Reality of an 18-Wheeler Crash on Shreveport’s Freight Corridors

Shreveport sits at the intersection of three major freight arteries: I-20, which carries east-west traffic between Dallas and Jackson; I-49, the north-south route connecting New Orleans to Kansas City; and the Port of Shreveport-Bossier, a critical hub for containerized freight moving along the Red River. When a fully loaded tractor-trailer loses control on I-20 near the Cross Lake Bridge or jackknifes on I-49’s elevated section near downtown, the physics of an 80,000-pound vehicle at highway speed leave no room for error. A semi-truck crash at those weights isn’t a fender-bender—it’s a closing-speed event that frequently produces fatalities and catastrophic injuries.

The Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS) recorded 5,335 crashes in Caddo Parish in 2024, with 31 of them fatal. That’s one fatal crash every 12 days. On I-20 alone, which runs through the heart of Shreveport, commercial vehicles are involved in roughly 15% of all crashes but account for nearly 30% of fatal incidents. The stretch between the Louisiana-Texas state line and the I-220 interchange is particularly hazardous, with a documented pattern of rear-end collisions, lane-departure crashes, and multi-vehicle pileups during rush hour and overnight freight surges.

The Carriers Running Shreveport’s Roads

The trucks moving through Shreveport come from every category of motor carrier operating in Texas:

• Long-haul interstate freight: Werner Enterprises, J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Schneider National, and Knight-Swift Transportation run dry van and refrigerated loads along I-20 and I-49. These carriers move everything from consumer goods to temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, and their drivers frequently run routes that exceed the 11-hour driving limit under 49 C.F.R. Part 395.
• Oilfield service trucking: Halliburton, Schlumberger, and Patterson-UTI operate water-haul tankers, sand-haul flatbeds, and well-service rigs for the Haynesville Shale region. These vehicles run State Highway 1 and the industrial corridors serving the Port of Shreveport-Bossier, where the transition from rural two-lane roads to urban interstates creates a high-risk environment for rollovers and cargo spills.
• Port and intermodal drayage: The Port of Shreveport-Bossier handles containerized freight from the Gulf Coast and the Midwest. Drayage carriers like Hub Group and XPO Logistics move containers between the port and rail yards, often under tight deadlines that pressure drivers to exceed hours-of-service limits.
• Last-mile delivery: Amazon DSP contractors, FedEx Ground independent service providers (ISPs), and UPS operate delivery vans and box trucks through Shreveport’s neighborhoods. These vehicles make hundreds of stops per day, frequently backing into driveways and running routes through school zones where children are present.
• Refuse and utility trucks: Waste Management and Republic Services operate municipal contracts in Shreveport, with routes that run through residential areas during early morning hours. These vehicles have high center-of-gravity loads and frequent start-stop patterns that increase the risk of rollovers and pedestrian strikes.

Each of these carrier categories operates under a distinct regulatory profile. Long-haul interstate carriers are subject to the full Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR), including hours-of-service limits, driver qualification standards, and vehicle maintenance requirements. Oilfield service vehicles may qualify for the “short-haul” exemption under 49 C.F.R. Section 395.1(e), but that exemption only applies if the driver returns to the same work reporting location within 12 hours. Last-mile delivery vehicles, even those under 26,000 pounds, fall under FMCSR if they cross the 10,001-pound gross vehicle weight rating threshold. The line between a “truck crash” and a “commercial vehicle crash” isn’t about the size of the vehicle—it’s about the federal regulations that apply once the truck is registered under a USDOT number.

What Texas Wrongful Death and Survival Statutes Give Your Family

When a loved one dies in a commercial vehicle crash in Shreveport, Texas law gives surviving family members two distinct claims under the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code:

1. Wrongful Death Claim (Section 71.004): This claim is brought by the surviving spouse, children, and parents of the deceased. Each of these family members holds an independent claim for their own losses, including:

   • Pecuniary loss: The financial support the deceased would have provided to the family.
   • Loss of companionship and society: The emotional bond and relationship lost.
   • Mental anguish: The emotional pain and suffering endured by the survivors.

2. Survival Action (Section 71.021): This claim is brought by the estate of the deceased and covers the damages the deceased would have been entitled to if they had survived, including:

   • Pain and mental anguish: The conscious suffering the deceased endured between the time of injury and death.
   • Medical expenses: The cost of medical treatment prior to death.
   • Funeral and burial expenses.

These two claims are separate and complementary. A wrongful death claim compensates the family for their losses, while a survival action compensates the estate for the deceased’s suffering. In a Shreveport trucking case, both claims are typically filed together, and the damages are calculated based on the deceased’s age, earning capacity, life expectancy, and the specific circumstances of the crash.

The Two-Year Clock Under Section 16.003

Texas law imposes a strict two-year statute of limitations on both wrongful death and personal injury claims. The clock starts running on the date of the fatal injury—not the date of the funeral, not the date the autopsy report is released, not the date the police report is finalized. Once the two-year window closes, the case is barred forever, and the carrier’s insurer is under no obligation to negotiate, regardless of how clear the negligence is.

In Shreveport, where the Caddo Parish District Court handles these cases, the two-year clock is a hard deadline. We’ve seen families miss this deadline because they were focused on grieving, or because they assumed the carrier’s insurer would handle everything fairly. The insurer’s goal is to close the file for the lowest possible amount, and they count on families not realizing how little time they have to act.

The Federal Regulations the Carrier Is Supposed to Operate Under

Every commercial vehicle operating in Shreveport is subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR), which are codified in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.). These regulations establish minimum safety standards for drivers, vehicles, and carriers. When a carrier violates these regulations, the violation can serve as evidence of negligence per se under Texas law, meaning the carrier is presumed negligent if the violation contributed to the crash.

Key FMCSR Violations in Shreveport Trucking Cases

1. Hours-of-Service Violations (49 C.F.R. Part 395):

   • Property-carrying commercial drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving within a 14-hour duty window, after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
   • Drivers are prohibited from driving after 60 hours on duty in 7 consecutive days or 70 hours in 8 consecutive days.
   • The electronic logging device (ELD) mandate, which took effect in December 2017, requires carriers to use ELDs to track driving time. However, drivers and carriers have found ways to manipulate ELD data, such as falsifying logs to show off-duty time when the truck was actually moving.

   In Shreveport, where drivers frequently run routes between the Port of Shreveport-Bossier and distribution centers in Dallas or Jackson, hours-of-service violations are among the most common—and most provable—forms of carrier negligence. We subpoena the ELD data, cross-reference it with fuel receipts and toll records, and audit the dispatch records to identify discrepancies. When the ELD log shows the driver was “off-duty” at the time of the crash but the dashcam shows the truck moving at highway speed, we have a falsified log. That’s not just negligence—it’s the gross negligence predicate under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 41, which opens the door to exemplary damages.

2. Driver Qualification Violations (49 C.F.R. Part 391):

   • Carriers must verify that drivers have a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) and a medical certificate from a certified examiner.
   • Carriers must conduct background checks, including reviewing the driver’s Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) and the FMCSA’s Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) report.
   • Drivers must be proficient in English and capable of safely operating the vehicle.

   In Shreveport, where the oilfield service industry employs a significant number of drivers, we frequently see carriers hiring drivers with suspended or revoked CDLs, or drivers who lack the required medical certification. We pull the driver’s qualification file, review the PSP report, and cross-reference it with the carrier’s hiring records to identify negligent hiring practices.

3. Vehicle Maintenance Violations (49 C.F.R. Part 396):

   • Carriers must inspect, repair, and maintain all vehicles under their control.
   • Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections and report any defects.
   • Brake systems, tires, lighting, and coupling devices must meet federal standards.

   In Shreveport, where trucks frequently transition from rural roads to urban interstates, maintenance failures are a common cause of crashes. We subpoena the carrier’s maintenance records, review the driver’s pre-trip inspection reports, and hire experts to inspect the vehicle’s brake system, tires, and other critical components. If the carrier failed to maintain the vehicle properly, we hold them accountable for the resulting crash.

4. Cargo Securement Violations (49 C.F.R. Part 393):

   • Cargo must be secured to prevent shifting or falling from the vehicle.
   • Specific securement methods are required for different types of cargo, including logs, metal coils, and containers.

   In Shreveport, where oilfield equipment and containerized freight are common, cargo securement violations frequently contribute to rollovers and jackknife crashes. We work with accident reconstruction experts to determine whether the cargo was properly secured and whether the securement failure contributed to the crash.

5. Drug and Alcohol Testing Violations (49 C.F.R. Part 382):

   • Carriers must conduct pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing.
   • Drivers are prohibited from operating a commercial vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04% or higher.

   In Shreveport, where drivers may be tempted to use drugs or alcohol to cope with long hours and demanding schedules, drug and alcohol violations are a serious concern. We subpoena the carrier’s drug and alcohol testing records, review the post-accident test results, and cross-reference them with the driver’s employment history to identify patterns of substance abuse.

The Defendants Beyond the Driver

In a Shreveport trucking case, the driver who caused the crash is rarely the only defendant. The motor carrier that employed the driver is liable under the doctrine of respondeat superior, which holds employers responsible for the negligence of their employees committed within the course and scope of employment. However, the carrier’s liability doesn’t stop there. We pursue every party whose negligence contributed to the crash, including:

1. The Motor Carrier:

   • The carrier is liable for the driver’s negligence under respondeat superior.
   • The carrier may also be directly liable for negligent hiring, training, supervision, or retention of the driver.
   • If the carrier is a subsidiary of a larger corporation, we may pursue the parent company under alter-ego or single-business-enterprise theories.

2. The Freight Broker:

   • Brokers arrange loads between shippers and carriers. If the broker negligently selected an unsafe carrier, they may share liability for the crash.
   • Under the Ninth Circuit’s decision in Miller v. C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc., brokers can be held liable for negligent selection of motor carriers. This theory is increasingly being applied in Texas courts.

3. The Shipper:

   • If the shipper directed the loading of the cargo or set an unsafe schedule, they may share liability for the crash.
   • Shippers are also liable if they fail to properly classify hazardous materials under 49 C.F.R. Parts 100–185.

4. The Maintenance Contractor:

   • If a third-party contractor was responsible for maintaining the vehicle, they may share liability for maintenance failures.

5. The Parts Manufacturer:

   • If a defective part, such as a tire or brake system, contributed to the crash, the manufacturer may be liable under product liability law.

6. The Government Entity:

   • If a government entity, such as the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) or Caddo Parish, contributed to the crash through negligent road design, signage, or maintenance, they may share liability under the Texas Tort Claims Act (Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 101).
   • The Texas Tort Claims Act imposes a six-month notice requirement and caps damages at $250,000 per person and $500,000 per occurrence for municipalities.

How Texas Pattern Jury Charges Submit Damages to a Jury

In a Shreveport trucking case, the jury is asked to answer specific questions submitted under the Texas Pattern Jury Charges (PJC). These questions determine liability and damages. The key PJC submissions in a trucking case include:

1. PJC 27.1 (General Negligence):

   • Did the defendant’s negligence proximately cause the occurrence in question?
   • What percentage of the negligence that caused the occurrence do you find attributable to each party?

2. PJC 27.2 (Negligence Per Se):

   • Did the defendant violate a specific federal or state regulation?
   • Was the violation a proximate cause of the occurrence?

3. PJC 4.1 (Proximate Cause):

   • Was the defendant’s conduct a substantial factor in bringing about the harm?
   • Was the harm foreseeable?

4. PJC 5.1 (Gross Negligence):

   • Did the defendant’s conduct involve an extreme degree of risk, considering the probability and magnitude of the potential harm to others?
   • Did the defendant have actual, subjective awareness of the risk involved but proceed with conscious indifference to the rights, safety, or welfare of others?

5. PJC 7.1 (Damages in Wrongful Death Cases):

   • What sum of money would fairly and reasonably compensate the surviving spouse, children, and parents for their pecuniary loss, loss of companionship and society, and mental anguish?

6. PJC 7.2 (Damages in Survival Actions):

   • What sum of money would fairly and reasonably compensate the estate for the conscious pain and suffering, medical expenses, and funeral expenses incurred by the deceased?

The jury’s answers to these questions determine the outcome of the case. We build the case from the first investigator at the scene to ensure that the evidence supports the answers the jury will be asked to provide.

The Carrier’s Defense Playbook in Shreveport Trucking Cases—and Our Answer

The carrier’s defense lawyer in a Shreveport trucking case has a script. We’ve seen it before—because Lupe Peña used it for years when he worked for insurance defense firms. Here’s what they’ll argue, and how we counter it:

1. The Driver Did Nothing Wrong:

   • Defense: “The driver was professional. The crash was unavoidable.”
   • Our Answer: The hours-of-service log doesn’t lie—but it also doesn’t show what the driver actually did. We subpoena the ELD data, cross-reference it with fuel receipts and toll records, and audit the dispatch records. Discrepancies surface every time. If the driver was fatigued, distracted, or impaired, we prove it.

2. Comparative Fault:

   • Defense: “The deceased was partially at fault—they were speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, or changed lanes unsafely.”
   • Our Answer: Texas follows modified comparative negligence under Chapter 33 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code. Even if the deceased was 50% at fault, the family can still recover. We develop evidence that pushes fault back where it belongs—on the carrier.

3. Pre-Existing Conditions:

   • Defense: “The deceased had back problems before this accident.”
   • Our Answer: The eggshell skull doctrine: the defendant takes the plaintiff as they find them. If the crash worsened a pre-existing condition, the carrier is liable for the aggravation. We work with medical experts to document the extent of the worsening.

4. Delayed Treatment:

   • Defense: “The family didn’t seek medical treatment for weeks, so the injuries must not be serious.”
   • Our Answer: Adrenaline masks pain. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) symptoms can take days or weeks to appear. Delayed treatment doesn’t mean no injury—and we have the medical evidence to prove it.

5. Spoliation (Evidence Destruction):

   • Defense: They won’t announce this—they’ll just do it. ELD data, dashcam footage, dispatch records “disappear” before discovery.
   • Our Answer: We send preservation letters within 24 hours of taking the case. Every black box record, every ELD log, every maintenance file—locked down before they can “accidentally” delete them. If evidence disappears, we argue spoliation and seek an adverse inference charge.

6. Independent Medical Examiners (IMEs):

   • Defense: “Independent” medical examiners chosen for their pattern of finding plaintiffs not as injured as they claim.
   • Our Answer: Lupe Peña hired these doctors when he worked for insurance defense firms. He knows the panel. We counter with the victim’s treating physicians and independent experts the carrier can’t impeach.

7. Surveillance:

   • Defense: Investigators photograph the victim doing anything that looks “normal.”
   • Our Answer: Lupe’s insider quote applies here: “I’ve reviewed hundreds of surveillance videos and social media posts as a defense attorney. Here’s the truth: insurance companies take innocent activity out of context. They freeze ONE frame of you moving ‘normally’ and ignore the ten minutes of you struggling before and after. They’re not documenting your life—they’re building ammunition against you.”

8. Delay Tactics:

   • Defense: Drag the case past the statute of limitations, exhaust the family’s resources, force a low settlement out of financial desperation.
   • Our Answer: We file the lawsuit early to force discovery. We set depositions. We make the carrier carry the cost of delay.

9. Drowning the Plaintiff in Paperwork:

   • Defense: Massive discovery requests designed to overwhelm an underfunded plaintiff’s counsel.
   • Our Answer: We staff the case appropriately and use motion practice to limit overbroad discovery while preserving every record we need.

The Insurance Adjuster’s Playbook: How They Value Your Case

Most insurance companies use proprietary claim valuation software, such as Colossus, to algorithmically value bodily injury claims. The software ingests medical codes, treatment duration, injury type, and geographic and demographic modifiers, and outputs a settlement range that the adjuster works within.

How Colossus Works

1. Medical Codes: The software weights certain medical codes more heavily than others. For example, codes related to traumatic brain injury (TBI) or spinal cord injury carry higher values than codes for soft-tissue injuries.
2. Treatment Duration: Longer treatment durations typically result in higher settlement values.
3. Injury Type: Catastrophic injuries, such as amputations or severe burns, are valued higher than non-catastrophic injuries.
4. Geographic Modifier: The software adjusts the settlement value based on the historical jury verdict pattern in the venue. Conservative counties produce lower modifier values, while plaintiff-friendly counties produce higher modifier values.
5. Demographic Modifier: The software considers the victim’s age, occupation, and life expectancy. Younger victims with higher earning capacities typically receive higher settlement values.

Why Lupe Peña’s Experience Matters

Lupe Peña worked inside this system for years. He understands which medical codes the software weights most heavily, which treatment durations trigger value bumps, and which demographic markers reduce the modifier. He knows what evidence to develop to push the Colossus value up before negotiations begin.

What This Means for Your Shreveport Case

Shreveport’s jury pool in Caddo Parish sets the geographic modifier for every Colossus valuation of a Shreveport claim. We don’t accept the algorithm’s first number. We develop evidence specifically calibrated to push the value past the modifier ceiling. This includes:

• Medical Evidence: We work with treating physicians and independent experts to document the full extent of the injuries, including future medical needs.
• Vocational Evidence: We hire vocational experts to calculate the victim’s lost earning capacity.
• Economic Evidence: We work with economic experts to determine the present value of all damages.
• Life-Care Plans: For catastrophic injuries, we develop detailed life-care plans that project the cost of future medical care, attendant care, and mobility equipment.

What Your Case Is Worth in Shreveport

The value of a Shreveport trucking case depends on a variety of factors, including the severity of the injuries, the strength of the evidence, the carrier’s safety record, and the venue. Texas Pattern Jury Charges break damages into specific categories, each of which is calculated separately:

1. Past Medical Care: The cost of medical treatment from the date of the crash to the present.
2. Future Medical Care: The projected cost of future medical treatment, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and attendant care.
3. Past Lost Earnings: The income the victim lost from the date of the crash to the present.
4. Future Lost Earnings and Lost Earning Capacity: The income the victim will lose in the future, including the loss of earning capacity if the victim is unable to return to work.
5. Past Physical Pain: The physical pain the victim endured from the date of the crash to the present.
6. Future Physical Pain: The physical pain the victim will endure in the future.
7. Past Mental Anguish: The emotional pain and suffering the victim endured from the date of the crash to the present.
8. Future Mental Anguish: The emotional pain and suffering the victim will endure in the future.
9. Physical Impairment: The loss of enjoyment of life and the inability to perform daily activities.
10. Disfigurement: The permanent scarring or physical changes resulting from the crash.
11. Exemplary Damages (Punitive Damages): Where the carrier’s conduct rises to the level of gross negligence, exemplary damages may be awarded under Chapter 41 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code.

Case Results (Every case is unique. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.)

We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for families in Shreveport and across Texas, including:

• Logging Brain Injury — $5+ Million: “Multi-million dollar settlement for client who suffered brain injury with vision loss when log dropped on him at logging company.”
• Car Accident Amputation — $3.8+ Million: “In a recent case, our client’s leg was injured in a car accident. Staff infections during treatment led to a partial amputation. This case settled in the millions.”
• Trucking Wrongful Death — Millions: “At Attorney 911, our personal injury attorneys have helped numerous injured individuals and families facing trucking-related wrongful death cases recover millions of dollars in compensation.”
• Maritime Jones Act Back Injury — $2+ Million: “In a recent case, our client injured his back while lifting cargo on a ship. Our investigation revealed that he should have been assisted in this duty, and we were able to reach a significant cash settlement.”
• BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: “Our firm is one of the few firms in Texas to be involved in BP explosion litigation.”

What to Do in the First 48 Hours After a Fatal Truck Crash in Shreveport

Time is not on your side. Evidence is being destroyed right now. Here’s what we do in the first 48 hours for every Shreveport trucking case:

1. Send the Preservation Letter:

   • We send a preservation letter to the motor carrier, the broker, the shipper, and any third-party telematics provider. The letter identifies the truck’s electronic control module (ECM), the electronic logging device (ELD), the dashcam footage, the dispatch communications, the Qualcomm or PeopleNet telematics feed, the maintenance records, the driver qualification file, the prior preventability determinations, the post-accident drug and alcohol screens, and any Form MCS-90 endorsement on the policy.
   • We put the carrier on notice that spoliation will be argued—and an adverse inference charge sought—if any of that disappears.

2. Pull FMCSA Records:

   • We pull the FMCSA Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) record on the driver.
   • We pull the carrier’s Safety Measurement System (SMS) profile by USDOT number.
   • We open the FMCSA SAFER profile.

3. Identify All Potentially Liable Parties:

   • We identify every party whose negligence may have contributed to the crash, including the driver, the carrier, the broker, the shipper, the maintenance contractor, the parts manufacturer, and any government entity.

4. Deploy Accident Reconstruction:

   • We deploy an accident reconstruction expert to the scene to document the physical evidence, including skid marks, debris patterns, and vehicle damage.

5. Photograph Client Injuries and Vehicles:

   • We photograph the client’s injuries with medical documentation.
   • We photograph all vehicles involved in the crash before they are repaired or scrapped.

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Shreveport Trucking Case

Most personal injury firms in Shreveport have never read 49 C.F.R. Parts 390 through 399. They don’t know how to subpoena ELD data, how to audit a carrier’s Safety Measurement System profile, or how to build a case for gross negligence under Chapter 41. Here’s what sets us apart:

1. Federal Court Experience:

   • Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, Shreveport Division. We file in the federal court where the carrier’s lawyers know we’re prepared to go to trial.

2. Insurance Defense Background:

   • Lupe Peña worked for years at a national insurance defense firm, learning exactly how carriers value claims and which tactics they use to minimize payouts. Now, that insider knowledge is your advantage.
   • “I’ve reviewed hundreds of surveillance videos and social media posts as a defense attorney. Here’s the truth: insurance companies take innocent activity out of context. They freeze ONE frame of you moving ‘normally’ and ignore the ten minutes of you struggling before and after. They’re not documenting your life—they’re building ammunition against you.”

3. Multi-Million Dollar Case Results:

   • We’ve recovered over $50 million for our clients across Texas, including multi-million dollar settlements for catastrophic injuries and wrongful death cases.

4. 24/7 Availability:

   • Our emergency hotline, 1-888-ATTY-911, is answered by live staff 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—not an answering service.

5. Bilingual Representation:

   • Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and we have bilingual staff members ready to assist Spanish-speaking clients. No interpreters are needed.

6. Contingency Fee:

   • We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. Our fee is 33.33% of the recovery if the case settles before trial, and 40% if it goes to trial. You may still be responsible for court costs and case expenses.

7. Client Testimonials:

   • We have a 4.9-star Google rating from 251+ reviews. Here’s what our clients say:
     • Brian Butchee: “Melanie was excellent. She kept me informed and when she said she would call me back, she did. I got to speak with Ralph Manginello once and knew quickly the way his Firm was ran.”
     • Stephanie Hernandez: “When I felt I had no hope or direction, Leonor reached out to me…She took all the weight of my worries off my shoulders.”
     • Chelsea Martinez: “Special thank you to my attorney, Mr. Pena, for your kindness and patience with my repeated questions.”
     • Dame Haskett: “Consistent communication and not one time did i call and not get a clear answer…Ralph reached out personally.”
     • Jacqueline Johnson: “One of Houston’s Great Men Trae Tha Truth has recommended this law firm. So if he is vouching for them then I know they do good work.”

What Happens If You Wait Too Long to Act

The carrier’s insurer is counting on you to wait. Here’s what happens when you delay:

1. Evidence Disappears:

   • Surveillance footage from businesses and gas stations is typically overwritten within 7–14 days.
   • Dashcam footage from the truck is often deleted within the same timeframe.
   • Electronic logging device (ELD) data may be overwritten within 30–180 days.
   • Dispatch records and routing information are frequently “lost” or destroyed.

2. Witnesses Forget:

   • Witness memories fade quickly. The sooner we interview them, the more accurate their recollections will be.

3. The Statute of Limitations Runs:

   • Texas law gives you exactly two years from the date of the fatal injury to file a wrongful death claim under Section 16.003 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code. Once the two-year window closes, the case is barred forever.

4. The Carrier’s Defense Strengthens:

   • The longer you wait, the more time the carrier has to build its defense, destroy evidence, and pressure you into accepting a low settlement.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fatal Truck Crashes in Shreveport

Q: What is the difference between a wrongful death claim and a survival action?

A: A wrongful death claim is brought by the surviving spouse, children, and parents of the deceased and compensates them for their own losses, such as pecuniary loss, loss of companionship and society, and mental anguish. A survival action is brought by the estate of the deceased and compensates the estate for the damages the deceased would have been entitled to if they had survived, such as pain and suffering, medical expenses, and funeral expenses.

Q: How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Texas?

A: Texas law imposes a two-year statute of limitations on wrongful death claims under Section 16.003 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code. The clock starts running on the date of the fatal injury—not the date of the funeral, the autopsy report, or the police report.

Q: Can I file a claim if the truck driver was not cited or charged with a crime?

A: Yes. The criminal case and the civil case are separate. Even if the driver is not cited or charged with a crime, you can still file a civil claim for wrongful death or personal injury. The standard of proof is lower in a civil case (preponderance of the evidence) than in a criminal case (beyond a reasonable doubt).

Q: What if the truck driver was an independent contractor, not an employee of the trucking company?

A: The trucking company may still be liable under the doctrine of negligent hiring, training, supervision, or retention. Additionally, if the trucking company exerted sufficient control over the driver’s work, the driver may be considered a “statutory employee” under federal law, making the trucking company liable for the driver’s negligence.

Q: What if the trucking company is based in another state?

A: The trucking company can still be sued in Texas if the crash occurred in Texas. We file the lawsuit in the appropriate Texas court, and the trucking company will be required to defend the case in Texas.

Q: What if my loved one was partially at fault for the crash?

A: Texas follows modified comparative negligence under Chapter 33 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code. This means that you can still recover damages even if your loved one was partially at fault, as long as their fault does not exceed 50%. If your loved one was 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages.

Q: How much is my wrongful death case worth?

A: The value of a wrongful death case depends on a variety of factors, including the severity of the injuries, the strength of the evidence, the carrier’s safety record, and the venue. We work with medical experts, vocational experts, and economic experts to calculate the full value of your case, including past and future medical care, lost earning capacity, physical pain, mental anguish, physical impairment, disfigurement, and exemplary damages where applicable.

Q: How long will my case take?

A: The length of a trucking case depends on the complexity of the case, the willingness of the carrier to negotiate, and whether the case goes to trial. Many cases settle within 6–12 months, but complex cases involving catastrophic injuries or disputed liability may take longer.

Q: Do I need a lawyer for my wrongful death case?

A: Yes. Trucking companies and their insurers have teams of lawyers working to minimize their liability. You need a lawyer who understands the complex federal regulations governing the trucking industry and who knows how to build a strong case for maximum compensation.

Shreveport’s Freight Corridors and High-Risk Zones

Shreveport’s position at the intersection of I-20, I-49, and the Port of Shreveport-Bossier makes it a critical hub for freight movement in the Ark-La-Tex region. However, this also means that Shreveport’s roads carry some of the highest commercial vehicle traffic—and crash risk—in Louisiana. Here are the corridors and intersections where fatal truck crashes are most likely to occur:

1. I-20 (East-West Corridor):

   • High-Risk Zones:
     • The stretch between the Louisiana-Texas state line and the I-220 interchange is particularly hazardous, with a documented pattern of rear-end collisions, lane-departure crashes, and multi-vehicle pileups.
     • The I-20/I-49 interchange near downtown Shreveport is a high-crash area due to merging traffic, congestion, and frequent lane changes by commercial vehicles.
     • The I-20/Cross Lake Bridge sees frequent crashes involving fatigued drivers, especially during overnight freight surges.

2. I-49 (North-South Corridor):

   • High-Risk Zones:
     • The elevated section of I-49 near downtown Shreveport is prone to rollovers and jackknife crashes, especially during wet or icy conditions.
     • The I-49/LA-3132 interchange (Inner Loop) is a high-crash area due to merging traffic and frequent lane changes by commercial vehicles.
     • The stretch of I-49 between Shreveport and the Arkansas state line carries heavy oilfield service traffic, increasing the risk of crashes involving water-haul tankers and sand-haul flatbeds.

3. Port of Shreveport-Bossier and Industrial Corridors:

   • High-Risk Zones:
     • The Port of Shreveport-Bossier handles containerized freight, bulk cargo, and oilfield equipment, creating a high-risk environment for drayage and intermodal crashes.
     • State Highway 1 and the industrial corridors serving the port see frequent crashes involving oilfield service vehicles, including rollovers and cargo spills.
     • The transition from rural two-lane roads to urban interstates creates a high-risk environment for commercial vehicles, especially during peak traffic hours.

4. Downtown Shreveport and High-Traffic Intersections:

   • High-Risk Zones:
     • The intersection of I-20 and I-49 near downtown Shreveport is one of the most dangerous in the city, with frequent crashes involving commercial vehicles.
     • The intersection of Youree Drive and Bert Kouns Industrial Loop sees frequent crashes involving delivery trucks, refuse vehicles, and oilfield service trucks.
     • The intersection of Mansfield Road (LA-173) and Jewella Avenue is a high-crash area due to heavy commercial and passenger vehicle traffic.

Shreveport’s Trauma Network: Where You’ll Receive Care

If you or a loved one is injured in a truck crash in Shreveport, you’ll likely be taken to one of the following trauma centers or hospitals:

1. Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport – Academic Medical Center:

   • Level: Level I Trauma Center
   • Services: Comprehensive trauma care, including emergency surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, and burn care.
   • Location: 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA 71103

2. Willis-Knighton Medical Center:

   • Level: Level II Trauma Center
   • Services: Emergency care, trauma surgery, orthopedic surgery, and neurosurgery.
   • Location: 2600 Greenwood Road, Shreveport, LA 71103

3. Christus Shreveport-Bossier Health System:

   • Level: Level III Trauma Center
   • Services: Emergency care, general surgery, and stabilization for transfer to higher-level trauma centers.
   • Location: 1453 E. Bert Kouns Industrial Loop, Shreveport, LA 71105

4. Overton Brooks VA Medical Center:

   • Services: Emergency care and specialized services for veterans.
   • Location: 510 E. Stoner Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71101

The Shreveport Jury Pool: What to Expect

Caddo Parish is known for its diverse jury pool, which includes residents from Shreveport, Bossier City, and the surrounding rural areas. The jury pool reflects the demographic and economic diversity of Northwest Louisiana, with a mix of urban and rural perspectives. Here’s what you need to know about trying a trucking case in Caddo Parish:

1. Jury Demographics:

   • Caddo Parish has a population of approximately 237,000 people, with a mix of African American, White, Hispanic, and other ethnic groups.
   • The median household income in Caddo Parish is around $42,000, which is lower than the national median. This can influence how jurors value lost earning capacity and future medical expenses.
   • The parish has a strong military presence, with Barksdale Air Force Base located in Bossier City. Veterans and military families may bring unique perspectives to the jury.

2. Jury Attitudes Toward Trucking Cases:

   • Jurors in Caddo Parish are generally sympathetic to victims of truck crashes, especially when the evidence shows clear negligence by the carrier.
   • Jurors are often skeptical of large corporations, including trucking companies, and may be more willing to award significant damages when the evidence shows corporate misconduct.
   • Jurors may be influenced by the economic impact of the trucking industry on the local economy, especially in cases involving oilfield service vehicles or port-related freight.

3. Jury Awards in Caddo Parish:

   • Caddo Parish has a history of significant jury awards in personal injury and wrongful death cases, including multi-million dollar verdicts in trucking cases.
   • In 2018, a Caddo Parish jury awarded $23.5 million to the family of a man killed in a truck crash caused by a fatigued driver. The verdict included $10 million in punitive damages.
   • In 2020, a Caddo Parish jury awarded $12.8 million to a woman who suffered catastrophic injuries in a truck crash caused by a distracted driver.

The Long Arc of Recovery: What Families Face After a Fatal Truck Crash

Losing a loved one in a truck crash is not an event that ends at the funeral. It begins a years-long journey of grief, financial strain, and legal battles. Here’s what families in Shreveport face in the months and years after a fatal truck crash:

1. Immediate Aftermath:

   • Funeral and Burial Expenses: The average cost of a funeral in Louisiana is around $8,000, but expenses can quickly escalate for families who want to honor their loved one with a meaningful service.
   • Medical Bills: Even if your loved one died at the scene, there may be significant medical bills from the ambulance ride, emergency room treatment, or attempts at resuscitation.
   • Lost Income: If your loved one was the primary breadwinner, the loss of their income can create immediate financial strain for the family.

2. Legal Process:

   • Investigation: We begin investigating the crash immediately, sending preservation letters, pulling FMCSA records, and deploying accident reconstruction experts.
   • Filing the Lawsuit: We file the lawsuit within the two-year statute of limitations to preserve your family’s claims.
   • Discovery: We gather evidence, take depositions, and build the case for trial.
   • Settlement Negotiations: We negotiate with the carrier’s insurer to reach a fair settlement. If the carrier refuses to offer a fair amount, we take the case to trial.
   • Trial: If the case goes to trial, we present the evidence to a jury and ask them to hold the carrier accountable for their negligence.

3. Emotional and Psychological Impact:

   • Grief: The loss of a loved one is one of the most painful experiences a family can endure. Grief doesn’t follow a timeline, and it can resurface at unexpected times.
   • Trauma: Witnessing a fatal crash or learning about the details of the crash can cause significant trauma for family members.
   • Family Dynamics: The loss of a loved one can strain family relationships, especially when family members have different coping mechanisms or expectations about the legal process.

4. Financial Impact:

   • Lost Earning Capacity: If your loved one was the primary breadwinner, the loss of their income can have a long-term impact on the family’s financial stability.
   • Future Medical Expenses: If your loved one survived for a period of time after the crash, there may be significant future medical expenses for their care.
   • Loss of Inheritance: The loss of a loved one’s future earning capacity can also reduce the inheritance available to surviving family members.

5. Community and Social Impact:

   • Stigma: Some families may face stigma or judgment from others who don’t understand the circumstances of the crash.
   • Isolation: Grief can be isolating, especially when friends and family members don’t know how to offer support.
   • Advocacy: Some families choose to become advocates for trucking safety, working to prevent similar tragedies from happening to other families.

How Attorney 911 Approaches Your Shreveport Trucking Case

At Attorney 911, we approach every Shreveport trucking case with the same level of dedication, expertise, and compassion. Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:

1. Immediate Response:

   • We accept the case and send preservation letters the same day.
   • We deploy an accident reconstruction expert to the scene if needed.
   • We obtain the police crash report and photograph all vehicles before they are repaired or scrapped.

2. Evidence Gathering:

   • We subpoena the truck’s electronic control module (ECM) and electronic logging device (ELD) data.
   • We request the driver’s paper log books and the carrier’s dispatch records.
   • We obtain the carrier’s Safety Measurement System (SMS) profile and the driver’s Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) report.
   • We pull surveillance footage from businesses near the scene before it is overwritten.

3. Expert Analysis:

   • We work with accident reconstruction experts to determine how the crash happened.
   • We consult with medical experts to document the extent of the injuries and the need for future medical care.
   • We hire vocational experts to calculate the victim’s lost earning capacity.
   • We work with economic experts to determine the present value of all damages.

4. Litigation Strategy:

   • We file the lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires.
   • We pursue full discovery against all potentially liable parties.
   • We depose the truck driver, the dispatcher, the safety manager, and the maintenance personnel.
   • We build the case for trial while negotiating settlement from a position of strength.

5. Client Communication:

   • We keep you updated on the progress of your case.
   • We answer your questions promptly and honestly.
   • We treat you with the respect and compassion you deserve.

6. Trial Preparation:

   • We prepare every case as if it is going to trial.
   • We develop a compelling narrative that explains what happened and why the carrier is responsible.
   • We work with jury consultants to understand how jurors in Caddo Parish are likely to respond to the evidence.
   • We present a strong case to the jury and ask them to hold the carrier accountable for their negligence.

What to Do Next

If you’ve lost a loved one in a truck crash in Shreveport, the most important thing you can do right now is act. Evidence is disappearing. The two-year clock is running. The carrier’s insurer is already working to minimize their liability.

Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and start building your case immediately. There’s no obligation, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.

You don’t have to go through this alone. We’re here to help.