Top-Rated Commercial Trucking Accident Law Firm in Baton Rouge, LA
Our nation’s need for shipping makes semi-trucks a common feature on every highway. Traveling at 50 to 60 mph and weighing as much as commuter train cars, tractor-trailers pose a significant hazard to motorists. The sheer magnitude of commercial trucks makes for catastrophic injuries and deaths when they collide with smaller vehicles. 18-wheeler crashes are responsible for thousands of fatalities every year; truckers themselves make up hundreds of those deaths.
Trucking companies are ultimately responsible for traffic collisions when their policies allow or incentivize unsafe behavior. Arnold & Itkin knows how to hold big companies accountable, having faced off against the largest opponents and won more than $20 billion for our clients. If you were hurt in a semi-truck accident or any commercial vehicle collision, our trucking accident attorneys in Baton Rouge are standing by to fight for your future and financial security.
Call our Louisiana truck accident lawyers today at (888) 493-1629 for a free consultation.
The parishes that saw the most injury accidents were:
East Baton Rouge: 191
Orleans: 161
Calcasieu: 123
Buses and large trucks are often grouped together in federal data because they’re heavy vehicles, difficult to maneuver, and there’s typically a high number of casualties in a collision. What’s worth paying attention to is that most crashes occur in densely populated parishes, where traffic is bound to be highest.
An Unmatched Record in Truck Accident Cases
After surviving a truck accident, our clients might think the worst is over; sadly, insurance companies often prove them wrong. Insurers who represent trucking companies have a single goal: make sure plaintiffs get as little as possible in their claim. Our job is the opposite: we fight to make sure you get as much as you need to rebuild your life and reclaim what you lost. By preparing each case for trial, we protect plaintiffs from insurers who try to box them into a corner.
Our approach has helped us win over $20 billion for clients with results like:
$117 million verdict for a pregnant mother paralyzed by a careless ambulance driver.
$35.5 million settlement for a family hit by a negligent commercial truck operator.
$12.4 million verdict for a worker hit by a UPS delivery vehicle on his job site.
$12 million settlement for a truck operator crushed by his own cargo who was unjustly blamed for it.
$11.7 million settlement for a man struck by a semi-truck and denied recovery by the carrier.
$10 million settlement for the families of two motorists killed by a big rig running a red light.
Preparing each case for trial is rare in the legal world. Trial preparation is arduous, costly, and time-consuming. What makes it a non-negotiable for us is that our clients’ best chance at getting back on their feet is through thorough and relentless preparation. As a result, we pour everything we've got into making each case as strong as possible.
Causes of Trucking Accidents in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Most traffic accidents are caused by some form of negligence or carelessness, and 18-wheeler collisions are no exception. What sets trucking accidents apart, however, is the involvement of carriers—the companies that own and operate fleets of vehicles to transport goods. Trucking companies are responsible for the safe delivery of cargo, and they must comply with various regulations regarding vehicle maintenance, driving hours, and safety standards.
Carriers may be responsible for causing trucking accidents due to:
Inadequate Maintenance Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring that their fleet is regularly maintained and inspected. Mechanical failures such as brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, and engine failures can lead to severe trucking accidents. Regular maintenance and timely repairs are crucial for preventing these types of mechanical issues with large trucks.
Overworking Drivers Federal regulations limit the number of hours a truck driver can be on the road to prevent fatigue-related accidents. However, some trucking companies pressure their drivers to exceed these limits to meet tight delivery schedules. This can result in drivers becoming fatigued, which significantly impairs their reaction times and decision-making abilities.
Insufficient Training Proper training is essential for truck drivers to handle their vehicles safely under various road conditions and to respond appropriately to emergencies. Some trucking companies may cut corners on training to reduce costs, resulting in inexperienced drivers being ill-prepared for the complexities of operating large commercial vehicles.
Distracted Driving Distracted driving is a major issue across all types of vehicles, but it can be particularly dangerous for truck drivers due to the size and weight of their vehicles. Distractions can include using a phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or even being overly fatigued. The consequences of a distracted truck driver can be devastating, often resulting in multi-vehicle pileups.
Speeding and Reckless Driving Trucking companies sometimes set unrealistic deadlines that encourage drivers to speed or engage in reckless driving behaviors to deliver their cargo on time. Speeding makes it more difficult for truck drivers to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions, and the heavy weight of their vehicles makes stopping quickly nearly impossible.
Hazardous Cargo Transporting hazardous materials requires strict adherence to safety regulations due to the increased risks involved. Improper handling, loading, or securing of hazardous cargo can lead to spills, fires, and explosions, which not only endanger the driver but also pose significant risks to everyone on the road as well as communities and the environment.
Weather Conditions Adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain, fog, or ice, can make driving large trucks even more challenging. Trucking companies should ensure that their drivers are trained to handle these conditions and that their trucks are properly maintained. When truckers refuse to drive in bad weather, they should not be penalized for putting safety first.
Find out how often trucking companies get into accidents on the FMCSA website.
Why Are Louisiana Truck Drivers So Tired?
Trucker fatigue has been increasing the number of deadly truck accidents on the road. For decades, the trucking industry has shifted the costs and risks of doing business onto independent contractors and owner-operators. Many truckers only make money from how many miles they travel in a day; they aren't paid for the vital, non-driving work they must do.
Pay-by-mile often results in drivers barely receiving minimum wage on some days, despite spending up to 14 hours or more doing actual work. In order to make ends meet, truckers face sleep deprivation and serious exhaustion. FMCSA data suggests that 13% of truck accidents are directly attributable to tiredness—with untold thousands of accidents likely caused by fatigue without being reported. At least 25% of truck crashes occurred when a driver was driving for 17 hours or more in a day. Experts say that moderate tiredness impairs driving to the same degree as being drunk.
How Lack of Sleep Causes Truck Accidents
Sleep researchers have noted that lack of sleep impacts driving performance as much as drinking alcohol. Driving after being awake for 24 hours is equivalent to getting behind the wheel with a BAC of 0.10%, well above the legal limit to operate a motor vehicle of any kind. Trucking researchers, meanwhile, found that truckers typically believed that they had gotten 40% more sleep than they actually had. This has disastrous consequences for road safety.
Lack of sleep is not something any trucker experiences by choice. Trucking companies put contractors in a position where they're unable to turn down deliveries that have low or no profit.
Helping After Serious Trucking Accidents in Louisiana
Trucking accidents can be attributed to systemic issues within the trucking industry, as well as companies' specific acts of negligence or wrongdoing. As Louisiana truck accident attorneys, we recognize the importance of uncovering the true cause of each commercial vehicle collision we investigate. We are continually fighting to find answers for people, including truckers themselves, who are seriously injured in collisions involving all types of commercial vehicles.
Recent truck accident cases we've filed in Louisiana:
If you have been injured, reach out to our truck accident firm in Baton Rouge: (888) 493-1629.
Parties That May Be Liable for a Louisiana Trucking Accident
The first thing our legal team will do in representing a truck accident victim is begin an investigation into who may be responsible. This is crucial in building a case in favor of compensation. We begin by examining both the scene of the accident and the truck itself. We work to access logbooks and the vehicle’s electronic on-board recorder, which is something of a black box for trucks. Once we have compiled enough evidence, we can determine the party at fault.
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, the at-fault party may be the:
Driver of the Truck Many 18-wheeler accidents can be linked to negligent or reckless driving. Driving under the influence, traveling at an unsafe speed, driving while distracted by a cell phone, or driving while fatigued are all behaviors that put truckers at risk of causing or contributing to traffic accidents. It is important to note, however, that trucking companies can also be responsible for the behavior of their drivers by allowing or encouraging unsafe practices.
Trucking Company The accident may be the fault of the trucking company if they have conducted their business in an irresponsible manner or have violated federal trucking regulations. This could include improper vehicle maintenance, hiring drivers with questionable records, or encouraging drivers to work unreasonable hours. Trucking companies that put undue pressure on drivers to get behind the wheel in bad weather or while fatigued should be held responsible.
Truck Manufacturer Manufacturers of tractor-trailers, tanker trucks, cars, and other motor vehicles can be held liable for producing or releasing products that have design or manufacturing defects. They can also be held responsible if they have withheld information from their consumers of parts about their functionality. Often, manufacturers fail to perform the proper tests on parts such as brakes or tires that play a large role in vehicle function and, therefore, safety.
Trucking accidents may also be caused by the behavior of other motorists who fail to give commercial vehicles the space they need, following too closely, cutting in front of them, or otherwise engaging in dangerous behavior that increases the risk of a collision. Hazardous and poorly maintained roadways are another potential cause.
About Louisiana Highways
There are 10 busy highways running through Louisiana. Interstate 10 runs east-west through New Orleans and Interstate 20 runs east-west through Monroe and Rustin. Interstates 49 and 55 run north-south through the state, while Interstate 12 runs east-west through Hammond. Highways 90, 190, and 167 are also well-traveled.
About Baton Rouge, LA
Baton Rouge is a port city, home to the Port of Greater Baton Rouge, which is one of the largest inland ports in the United States by tonnage shipped. The city is known for its strong, industrialized economy, supported by petrochemical manufacturing and refining, the film industry, medical research, technology, and education. Its centralized location between New Orleans and Lafayette has made Baton Rouge a transportation hub for the area. Baton Rouge experiences hot, humid summers and relatively mild winters. It is one of the wettest cities in the United States, with an average of more than 55 inches of rainfall every year.
Commuters in the Baton Rouge area travel using the main interstate and US highways: I-10, I-10, I-12 (Republic of West Florida Parkway), I-110 (Martin Luther King Jr. Expressway), US 61 (Airline Highway), and US 190. The Capital Area Transit System (CATS) provides transportation by bus throughout the city, and Greyhound Bus Lines has a terminal on Florida Boulevard in downtown Baton Rouge. There are also three major railways that offer freight service to Baton Rouge: Union Pacific, Canadian National, and Kansas City Southern. Some of the most popular attractions in Baton Rouge include the USS Kidd, LSU Tiger Stadium, Louisiana’s Old State Capitol, and Mike the Tiger’s Habitat.
Nationally Recognized Truck Accident Attorneys in Baton Rouge
Trucking accident lawsuits are more complex than other vehicle accident cases due to the involvement of multiple entities such as the truck driver, the trucking company (carrier), the truck owner, and potentially the truck or parts manufacturer. Each party may bear some responsibility, complicating fault determination. Trucking companies often have significant legal and financial resources, including expert witnesses and accident reconstruction specialists, which they use to minimize their liability. Additionally, these cases must navigate complex federal and state regulations governing the trucking industry, such as those enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
You need a Louisiana trucking accident firm that has the resources to counteract carriers' efforts to avoid liability, as well as the experience to craft a compelling case that proves fault and the losses you've experienced. No matter the circumstances surrounding your case, you can count on knowledgeable help and professionalism at Arnold & Itkin. We are known nationwide for our work in representing victims of 18-wheeler accidents. We have faced off against the biggest trucking companies, manufacturers, and other large corporations—and won life-changing compensation for our clients.
Call us today at (888) 493-1629 to begin your fight! Protect your interests with a truck accident attorney in Baton Rouge.
CommonQuestions
What Steps Should I Take Right After a Truck Accident?
After a truck accident, prioritize seeking medical attention; directly head to the emergency room for serious injuries or a doctor for minor ones, and inform them of the accident. In Louisiana, it's mandatory to exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver, unless critically injured. Document the scene with photos and notes, and avoid admitting fault as a full investigation will determine responsibility. Finally, consult an experienced attorney to handle the aftermath, ensuring your health and rights are protected for a successful claim.
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, you have one year to file a personal injury claim after a truck accident. If you wait longer than a year, you run the risk of losing your right to sue. This is called a statute of limitations. There are some exceptions, such as a case filed on behalf of a victim who was a minor at the time of the accident. Our attorneys can answer your questions about time constraints and other issues you need to consider.
What Are Some of the Leading Causes of Louisiana Trucking Accidents?
The most common cause of truck accidents in Louisiana is driver behavior. This refers to some act or failure to act on the part of a truck driver or other motorist. Running a red light, drunk driving, driving while tired, texting while driving, following too closely, and unsafe lane changes are all examples of driver behavior that may cause a truck accident. Truck accidents may also be caused by improperly loaded cargo, negligently maintained trucks, defective truck or auto parts, dangerous roads, and improperly secured truck loads. Investigating the cause of your accident will help our team determine who should be held responsible for your medical bills and so much more.
Is an Accident My Fault If I’m Hurt in a Blind Spot Trucking Accident?
Trucking blind spots are dangerous, and obviously drivers ought to avoid being there for too long. However, it’s more important that truckers train themselves to check their blind spots before making a lane change—particularly if they’re approaching the rightmost or leftmost lane. The insurer may try to convince you that you’re at fault, but remember—it’s their job to do that. Your job is calling a truck accident lawyer to speak up for you against the insurer and the trucking company.
What Happens If I Can’t Afford Medical Treatment After a Commercial Vehicle Accident in Louisiana?
You’re not alone. Most people can’t afford the enormous medical bills that come with a serious truck accident injury. This is another important reason to reach out to a Louisiana personal injury lawyer who handles trucking cases: law firms sometimes cover medical costs against any future verdicts or settlements. This is another way that plaintiffs’ lawyers shoulder all the risk for their clients—clients can focus on getting better, while your lawyer focuses on fighting for your future care.
