18-Wheeler Truck Accident Attorneys in Saint Landry Parish, Louisiana

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Your Life Forever

The crash happened fast. One moment you’re driving through Saint Landry Parish on your way to work, visiting family in Opelousas, or heading home to Eunice. The next moment, an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer has jackknifed across the highway, run a red light on US 190, or lost control on the winding stretches near the Atchafalaya Basin.

If you’re reading this, you or someone you love has likely survived—or didn’t survive—a catastrophic trucking accident on the highways and byways of Saint Landry Parish. You’re facing medical bills that look like phone numbers, an insurance company that stopped returning your calls, and a trucking company that’s already got lawyers working to protect their interests.

You need someone who fights back. You need Attorney911.

Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has stood between Louisiana families and the trucking companies that try to minimize their suffering. With 25 years of courtroom experience and federal court admission to the Southern District of Texas, Ralph has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injury victims, families who’ve lost loved ones to wrongful death, and workers who lost limbs in industrial disasters.

We don’t just handle trucking cases—we specialize in them. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working on the inside of insurance defense firms. He knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate claims, train their adjusters to deny legitimate injuries, and use software algorithms to lowball settlements. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.

This isn’t just another car accident. This is an 18-wheeler case in Saint Landry Parish, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Why Saint Landry Parish Trucking Accidents Are Different

Saint Landry Parish sits at the crossroads of Louisiana’s industrial and agricultural heartland. I-49 cuts through the parish like a spine, connecting Shreveport to Lafayette and carrying thousands of commercial trucks daily. US 190 serves as a major east-west corridor linking Baton Rouge to Eunice and beyond. Highway 182 runs parallel to I-49 as a commercial route, and LA 10 connects the rural communities from Ville Platte to Oakdale.

This isn’t just local traffic. Saint Landry Parish serves as a critical link in the supply chain for:

• Agricultural freight: Sugarcane from the surrounding parishes, rice from Crowley, and agricultural equipment moving to and from the Port of Lake Charles and Port of New Orleans
• Oil and gas equipment: Servicing the fields around Opelousas and the pipeline corridors crossing the Atchafalaya Basin
• Manufacturing goods: Moving through the industrial parks near Opelousas and the distribution centers feeding Louisiana’s retail markets
• Chemical and hazmat transport: Traveling the highways connecting to the petrochemical corridor along the Mississippi River

The geography creates unique dangers. The flat agricultural terrain might seem safer than mountain passes, but the long straight stretches of I-49 and US 190 lead to highway hypnosis and driver fatigue. The humidity and subtropical climate create sudden fog banks, particularly near the bayous and waterways, reducing visibility to near zero. During hurricane season, these trucks are evacuating or delivering emergency supplies in dangerous conditions.

And then there’s the math. Your sedan weighs roughly 4,000 pounds. A loaded 18-wheeler can weigh 80,000 pounds. That’s twenty times your weight. When physics meets negligence on Highway 182 or the I-49 interchange near Opelousas, your vehicle doesn’t stand a chance.

The Physics of Catastrophe: Why These Accidents Destroy Lives

Every 16 minutes, someone in America is injured in a commercial truck crash. In Louisiana, with its extensive port systems and industrial infrastructure, the risk runs higher than the national average. Saint Landry Parish sees its share of these tragedies, particularly along the I-49 corridor where speeds reach 75 mph and truck traffic never seems to slow.

An 80,000-pound truck traveling at 65 mph needs 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields. On a wet Louisiana highway, that distance extends even further. When a truck driver is distracted by a cell phone, fatigued from violating federal hours-of-service rules, or operating a vehicle with worn brakes, they cannot stop in time to prevent devastating impacts.

The force of these collisions transfers catastrophic energy to smaller vehicles. We’re not talking about fender benders. We’re talking about:

• Traumatic brain injuries when your head strikes the steering wheel or side window
• Spinal cord damage from the crushing force of the impact
• Amputations when the vehicle structure crumples around limbs
• Severe burns from ruptured fuel tanks and chemical cargo
• Wrongful death when the injuries overwhelm the body’s ability to survive

At Attorney911, we’ve recovered over $50 million for families across the United States. In one logging accident case, we secured over $5 million for a traumatic brain injury victim. In another case involving a car accident that led to medical complications, we obtained $3.8 million for a client who suffered a partial leg amputation. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 corporations like BP after the Texas City Refinery explosion, and we’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against the University of Houston.

But statistics don’t pay your mortgage while you’re out of work. They don’t cover the months of rehabilitation or the lifetime of care your spouse might need. That’s why we fight for every dime you deserve—as our client Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

Understanding the 10 Potentially Liable Parties in Your Saint Landry Parish Truck Accident

Most people think truck accidents are simple: the driver was speeding, ran a stop sign, or fell asleep. File a claim against the driver and move on.

If only it were that simple.

18-wheeler accidents involve a web of corporate relationships, contractual obligations, and federal regulations that create multiple avenues for recovery. When we investigate your Saint Landry Parish accident, we look at every potentially liable party because more defendants means more insurance coverage, and more coverage means your family gets the resources it needs to rebuild.

Here are the 10 parties we investigate in every trucking case:

1. The Truck Driver

The most obvious defendant, but often not the deepest pocket. Drivers may be personally liable for:

• Distracted driving (cell phone use, eating, adjusting GPS)
• Fatigued driving beyond the 11-hour federal limit
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Speeding or aggressive driving
• Failure to conduct mandatory pre-trip inspections

We subpoena the driver’s cell phone records, ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data, and drug testing history to prove negligence.

2. The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier

Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior (let the master answer), employers are responsible for their employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. But trucking companies can also be directly negligent for:

• Negligent hiring: Failing to check the driver’s background, CDL status, or safety record
• Negligent training: Inadequate instruction on cargo securement, extreme weather driving, or federal regulations
• Negligent supervision: Ignoring ELD violations, allowing HOS (Hours of Service) violations, or failing to monitor driver behavior
• Negligent maintenance: Putting trucks on the road with worn brakes, bald tires, or faulty lights

The trucking industry is required to maintain a Driver Qualification File for every operator. If they failed to verify your driver’s qualifications, they’re liable.

3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper

The company that loaded that agricultural equipment, oil field machinery, or retail goods may share liability if they:

• Required overweight loading that made the truck unstable
• Failed to disclose that cargo was hazardous
• Provided improper loading instructions that led to a shift or spill
• Pressured the carrier to expedite delivery beyond safety limits

4. The Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading docks—common at distribution centers near Opelousas and throughout Acadiana—can be liable for:

• Improper cargo securement violating 49 CFR § 393.100-136
• Unbalanced load distribution causing rollovers
• Failure to use proper blocking, bracing, or tiedowns
• Allowing cargo to shift during transit

5. The Truck Manufacturer

When brake systems fail, steering locks up, or the cab’s fuel tank explodes on impact, the manufacturer may be liable for:

• Design defects in the brake system or stability control
• Manufacturing defects like faulty welds or component failures
• Failure to warn of known dangers

6. The Parts Manufacturer

Defective tires, brake pads, or air brake components can cause catastrophic failures. Product liability claims against parts manufacturers can result in significant recoveries when the component failure was the root cause of the accident.

7. The Maintenance Company

Many trucking companies outsource maintenance to third-party shops. When a mechanic negligently repairs brakes, ignores recall notices, or returns a vehicle to service with known defects, that shop shares liability.

8. The Freight Broker

Brokers who arrange transportation without checking carrier safety records may be liable for negligent selection. If they hired a carrier with a history of FMCSA violations just because they were the cheapest option, they contributed to your injuries.

9. The Truck Owner (if different from the carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the individual who owns the tractor may be liable for negligent entrustment if they knew the driver was unqualified or if they failed to maintain the vehicle properly.

10. Government Entities

While Louisiana sovereign immunity laws limit suits against the state, parish, and municipal governments, they can be liable for:

• Dangerous road design on parish highways
• Failure to maintain safe road surfaces (potholes, worn markings)
• Inadequate signage for truck routes
• Improper work zone setup on state highways like I-49

Why This Matters: In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for personal injury is only one year from the date of the accident. The clock started ticking the moment that truck hit you. trucking companies know this clock is running, and they use every day you wait to build their defense and let evidence disappear.

The 48-Hour Countdown: Why Evidence Disappears Fast

Here’s what the trucking company doesn’t want you to know: Their lawyers and rapid-response investigators are often on the scene before the ambulance leaves. They’re photographing the scene, downloading ECM (Electronic Control Module) data, and coaching the driver on what to say.

Meanwhile, you or your loved one is being rushed to Lake Charles Memorial, Our Lady of Lourdes in Lafayette, or the trauma center in Baton Rouge. You’re not thinking about evidence preservation. You’re thinking about survival.

But critical evidence in trucking accidents has a shelf life:

That’s why when you call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911, we act immediately.

Within 24 hours of being retained, we send a spoliation letter to every potentially liable party. This legal notice puts them on notice that destroying evidence will result in severe legal consequences, including:

• Adverse inference instructions (the jury will be told to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable)
• Monetary sanctions
• Punitive damages for intentional destruction
• Default judgment in extreme cases

We deploy accident reconstructionists to the scene on I-49 or US 190. We subpoena the driver’s cell phone records before they can be deleted. We demand the Driver Qualification File, maintenance records, and dispatch logs before the trucking company can “misplace” them.

As our client Chad Harris said, “You’re NOT a pest to them and you’re NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We treat your case with the urgency it deserves because we’ve seen what happens when families wait.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations: The Rules They Broke

Commercial trucking isn’t just regulated by Louisiana state law—it’s governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), part of the Department of Transportation. These regulations, codified in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR), exist because truck accidents kill over 5,000 Americans annually.

When trucking companies violate these regulations, they create liability. Here are the critical FMCSA regulations we investigate in every Saint Landry Parish case:

49 CFR Part 391 – Driver Qualification Standards

Before a driver can legally operate a commercial vehicle, they must:

• Be at least 21 years old for interstate commerce
• Possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Pass a medical examination every 2 years (or less, depending on conditions)
• Be able to read and speak English sufficiently to communicate with law enforcement
• Have no disqualifying criminal history or medical conditions

The trucking company must maintain a Driver Qualification File proving they verified all these requirements. No file? That’s negligent hiring.

49 CFR Part 392 – Driving of Commercial Motor Vehicles

This section prohibits:

• Driving while fatigued (§ 392.3): “No driver shall operate a commercial motor vehicle… while the driver’s ability or alertness is so impaired… as to make it unsafe.”
• Using drugs or alcohol (§ 392.4-5): No Schedule I substances, no amphetamines, no alcohol within 4 hours of duty, and absolutely no operation with a BAC over 0.04% (half the standard for passenger vehicles).
• Speeding (§ 392.6): Scheduling routes that require exceeding speed limits.
• Following too closely (§ 392.11): The “reasonable and prudent” distance rule.
• Texting or hand-held phone use (§ 392.80-82): Federal law prohibits commercial drivers from texting or using hand-held phones while driving.

49 CFR Part 393 – Parts and Accessories for Safe Operation

This section mandates:

• Cargo Securement (§ 393.100-136): Cargo must be secured to prevent shifting, spilling, or falling. The working load limit of tiedowns must be at least 50% of cargo weight.
• Brake Systems (§ 393.40-55): All CMVs must have functioning service brakes, parking brakes, and emergency brakes. Air brakes must meet specific adjustment standards.
• Lighting (§ 393.11-26): Required headlamps, tail lamps, stop lamps, clearance lights, and reflectors.

49 CFR Part 395 – Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations

This is where we find evidence of the most common violation: driver fatigue.

For property-carrying drivers (the 18-wheelers on I-49):

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: Cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-Hour On-Duty Window: Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• 30-Minute Break: Mandatory break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-Hour Rule: Cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days

Since December 18, 2017, drivers must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) that automatically record these hours. When we download the ELD data, we often find drivers who drove 14+ hours straight, took no breaks, or falsified their logs.

49 CFR Part 396 – Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance

Trucking companies must:

• Systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all vehicles
• Ensure drivers conduct pre-trip inspections before every trip
• Maintain post-trip inspection reports for 90 days
• Keep maintenance records for 1 year
• Pass annual inspections with documentation displayed on the vehicle

Brake violations are among the top 10 most common FMCSA violations—and brake failure causes 29% of truck accidents. If they skipped the inspection to get the load to Port Fourchon on time, they’re liable.

Catastrophic Injuries: The Real Cost of Negligence

When a Saint Landry Parish resident survives an 18-wheeler accident, they often don’t return to their previous life. The injuries are too severe. The recovery too long. The financial devastation too complete.

We don’t handle minor fender benders. We handle catastrophic injuries that change families forever:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): $1.5M – $9.8M+ Range

The force of a truck impact causes the brain to collide with the skull. Resulting injuries include:

• Concussions and post-concussion syndrome
• Contusions (brain bruising)
• Diffuse axonal injury (tearing of nerve fibers)
• Hematomas (blood clots on the brain)

Victims may suffer memory loss, personality changes, inability to work, and loss of executive function. Long-term care can cost $85,000 to $3,000,000 over a lifetime.

Spinal Cord Injury: $4.7M – $25.8M+ Range

Damage to the spinal cord can result in:

• Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
• Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
• Incomplete injuries: Partial nerve damage with some function remaining

Lifetime care costs range from $1.1 million (paraplegia) to over $5 million (quadriplegia), not including lost wages or pain and suffering.

Amputations: $1.9M – $8.6M Range

When limbs are crushed beyond repair or surgical amputation is required due to infection or vascular damage, victims face:

• Prosthetic limbs costing $5,000-$50,000 each, replaced every 3-5 years
• Phantom limb pain
• Career limitations or total disability
• Home modifications for accessibility

Severe Burns

Fuel fires and chemical spills cause third and fourth-degree burns requiring:

• Skin grafts and reconstructive surgery
• Long-term infection management
• Psychological counseling for disfigurement trauma

Wrongful Death: $1.9M – $9.5M Range

When a trucking accident kills a loved one, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death claims for:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of consortium and companionship
• Mental anguish and emotional suffering
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses incurred before death

In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for wrongful death is also one year—meaning you have just 12 months from the date of death to file a lawsuit.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Saint Landry Parish

Every accident is unique, but certain patterns emerge on the highways of Acadiana:

Jackknife Accidents

When a truck’s brakes lock or the driver steers incorrectly, the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, creating a “jackknife” that sweeps across multiple lanes. These are particularly dangerous on I-49 during sudden rain or fog when drivers overcorrect. Jackknives often lead to multi-vehicle pileups and rollovers.

Key Evidence: ECM data showing brake application timing, maintenance records for brake systems, weather reports.

Rollover Accidents

Saint Landry Parish’s mix of flat agricultural land and bayou bridges creates rollover risks. Speeding on the curving ramps connecting I-49 to US 190, or sudden maneuvers to avoid wildlife or other vehicles, can cause a high-center-of-gravity truck to tip. Rollovers often spill cargo across the highway, creating secondary accidents.

Key Evidence: Speed data through curves, cargo manifest showing weight distribution, driver training records.

Underride Collisions (Rear and Side)

The most fatal type of truck accident occurs when a passenger vehicle slides under the trailer. Rear underride guards are federally required, but side underride guards are not—and passenger vehicle roofs offer no protection against a trailer bed at windshield height. These accidents often result in decapitation and instantaneous death.

Key Evidence: Guard inspection records, rear lighting compliance, visibility conditions.

Rear-End Collisions

A loaded truck needs 525 feet to stop from 65 mph. When a truck driver is distracted, fatigued, or following too closely on US 190 or LA 182, they cannot stop in time. Rear-end truck collisions often crush smaller vehicles or push them into intersections.

Key Evidence: ECM data showing following distance and deceleration rates, cell phone records, ELD fatigue analysis.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Trucks swing wide to make right turns, creating gaps that vehicles enter. When the truck completes its turn, it crushes the vehicle against the curb. These accidents are common at intersections in Opelousas and Eunice where commercial trucks make deliveries.

Key Evidence: Turn signal activation data, witness statements on turn execution, driver training on wide turns.

Blind Spot (No-Zone) Accidents

18-wheelers have massive blind spots: 20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and wide swaths on both sides. When truck drivers change lanes without checking—particularly on I-49’s three-lane sections—they sideswipe or crush vehicles they cannot see.

Key Evidence: Mirror adjustment records, dashcam footage, witness statements.

Tire Blowouts

The combination of Louisiana heat, long straight stretches of highway encouraging high speeds, and poorly maintained tires creates blowout risks. When a steer tire (front tire) blows, the driver loses control instantly. Road debris from blowouts causes secondary accidents.

Key Evidence: Tire maintenance records, inflation logs, age of tires.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems factor into 29% of truck crashes. Worn brake pads, improper adjustments on air brake systems, or overheated brakes (brake fade) on the long stretches of I-49 can prevent a truck from stopping.

Key Evidence: Brake inspection reports, out-of-service orders, deferred maintenance records.

Cargo Spill/Shift Accidents

Improperly secured cargo shifts during transit, causing rollovers, or falls onto the highway, creating hazardous obstacles. Hazmat spills from chemical tankers create additional dangers of fire, explosion, or toxic exposure.

Key Evidence: Cargo securement documentation, bills of lading, loading procedures.

Louisiana Law: The One-Year Deadline That Kills Cases

Louisiana operates under a pure comparative fault system and a one-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims. This is the shortest deadline in the United States (tied only with Kentucky).

What This Means for You:

In Louisiana, you have exactly one year from the date of your Saint Landry Parish trucking accident to file a lawsuit. Not two years like Texas. Not three like some other states. One year.

If you wait 366 days, you lose your right to sue forever—regardless of how catastrophic your injuries or how clear the trucking company’s negligence.

Under Louisiana’s pure comparative fault rules, you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you were 20% at fault, you recover 80% of your damages. If you were 80% at fault, you recover 20%. There is no 50% bar like in Texas—you can recover even if mostly at fault, though practically, high comparative fault reduces case viability.

Additional Louisiana Considerations:

• Governmental Claims: If a parish or state entity is liable (poor road design), special notice requirements apply with even shorter deadlines (sometimes 90-120 days).
• Medical Payments: Louisiana does not require PIP (Personal Injury Protection), so your health insurance and the at-fault party’s liability coverage are critical.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: If the truck driver lacks sufficient coverage (though federal law requires $750,000-$5M minimums), your own UM/UIM policy may apply.

This one-year deadline makes immediate legal representation critical. The trucking company is not going to remind you of your deadline. They’re hoping you wait too long.

The Insurance Battle: Accessing $750,000 to $5 Million in Coverage

Federal law mandates that commercial trucking companies carry substantial liability insurance:

Many carriers carry $1-5 million in coverage, and often excess policies on top of that. This is not a $30,000 fender bender case. These are serious policies designed to cover catastrophic injuries.

But getting access to that money requires knowing how to fight commercial insurance adjusters. These aren’t like personal auto adjusters. They’re professional claim deniers trained to:

• Minimize your injuries as “soft tissue” or “pre-existing conditions”
• Blame you for the accident using Louisiana’s comparative fault rules
• Delay your claim hoping you’ll take a low settlement out of desperation
• Record your statements and twist your words
• Monitor your social media for evidence you’re not really injured

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña used to work inside these insurance defense firms. He knows their playbook because he helped write it. Now he uses that knowledge to anticipate their moves and counter their tactics.

We never accept the first offer. We calculate your full damages—including future medical costs, lost earning capacity, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering—and we demand full compensation.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Saint Landry Parish

If you’re reading this in the hours or days after a crash, follow these steps:

1. Seek immediate medical attention at Opelousas General Health System, Mercy Regional Medical Center, or the nearest trauma center. Even if you feel fine, internal injuries and TBI often have delayed symptoms.

2. Preserve evidence: Photograph the truck’s DOT number, license plates, damage to all vehicles, and the accident scene. Get witness contact information.

3. Do not give statements: The trucking company’s insurance adjuster will call within 24 hours. Do not give a recorded statement. Do not sign anything. Refer them to your attorney.

4. Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911: The sooner you call, the sooner we can preserve critical evidence and protect your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions: Saint Landry Parish 18-Wheeler Accidents

Q: How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Saint Landry Parish?

A: You have one year from the date of the accident under Louisiana law. This is the shortest statute of limitations in the nation. Evidence disappears quickly, so contact us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Q: Who can be held liable in a Louisiana trucking accident?

A: Multiple parties including the driver, trucking company, cargo loader, maintenance company, freight broker, and parts manufacturers. We investigate all avenues to maximize your recovery under Louisiana’s pure comparative fault system.

Q: What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

A: Louisiana follows pure comparative fault. You can still recover damages, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re awarded $500,000 but found 20% at fault, you receive $400,000.

Q: What is a “black box” and why does it matter?

A: Commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECM) and Event Data Recorders (EDR) that capture speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes. This objective data often proves the driver was negligent. However, this data can be overwritten in 30 days—we must act fast to preserve it.

Q: How much is my Saint Landry Parish trucking accident case worth?

A: It depends on the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and available insurance. Trucking cases often involve $750,000 to $5 million in coverage or more. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for clients with catastrophic injuries.

Q: Will my case go to trial?

A: Most cases settle, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know your attorney has the resources and willingness to take them to court. Ralph Manginello has 25+ years of trial experience and federal court admission.

Q: Do I need an attorney even if the trucking company’s insurance is offering a settlement?

A: Absolutely. Early settlement offers are designed to pay you less than your case is worth, often before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Do not sign anything before speaking with an experienced trucking attorney.

Q: What are Hours of Service violations and how do they affect my case?

A: FMCSA regulations limit truck drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 hours off duty. Violations indicate fatigue, which strengthens your negligence claim. ELD data proves these violations objectively.

Q: Can I still file a claim if my loved one was killed in the accident?

A: Yes. Louisiana allows wrongful death claims by surviving spouses, children, and parents. You have one year from the date of death to file. As our client Jacqueline Johnson noted, “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.”

Q: Do you offer services in Spanish?

A: Yes. Associate Attorney Lupe Peña and our staff are fluent in Spanish. We provide direct representation without interpreters. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Q: What if the trucking company is from another state?

A: Interstate trucking falls under federal jurisdiction. We can pursue claims against out-of-state carriers in federal court or Louisiana state court. Ralph Manginello is admitted to federal court in the Southern District of Texas and practices across state lines.

Q: How do I pay for a lawyer if I can’t work?

A: We work on contingency. You pay nothing upfront. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. We only get paid when we win your case. Zero risk to you.

Q: What evidence do I need to prove the trucking company was negligent?

A: We gather Driver Qualification Files, ELD logs, ECM data, maintenance records, cell phone records, drug test results, and witness statements. The trucking company won’t hand this over voluntarily—we subpoena it immediately.

Q: How long will my case take?

A: Serious injury cases typically take 12-36 months. Complex cases with multiple defendants may take longer. We work efficiently while ensuring we maximize your recovery, not rush to a quick settlement.

Ready to Fight Back? Call Attorney911 Today

The trucking company that hit you has lawyers working right now to minimize your claim. They have investigators collecting evidence to use against you. They have adjusters trained to deny your injuries.

What do you have?

You have Attorney911. You have Ralph Manginello’s 25 years of experience. You have Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge of insurance defense tactics. You have a team that treats you like family, not a case number.

We serve Saint Landry Parish and all of Louisiana with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. We offer free consultations 24/7. We advance all costs. And we don’t get paid unless we win.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) right now.

The evidence is disappearing. The clock is ticking. Your family deserves justice.

Don’t let them push you around. Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Don’t become another statistic in the 5,000+ annual trucking fatalities.

We’re Attorney911. The firm insurers fear. And we’re ready to fight for you.