Baton Rouge Truck Accident Update

Baton Rouge Truck Accident Update

Shreveport Man Dies

A 48-year-old Shreveport man died on November 3rd on I-20 at Louisiana Highway 577 near Waverly in Madison Parish. A dump truck driven by Frederick Russell apparently left the roadway and ran into a nearby overpass. No other vehicles were involved.

I-10 Shut Down

I-10 West was closed on Sunday morning because of an overturned 18-wheeler. The big truck was based in Siddell and heading toward New Orleans. Initial reports did not mention the cause of the accident, but witnesses said the trailer became detached and fell 20 feet down a bridge. Then, the truck cab became submerged in the lake below. Luckily, the 18-wheeler driver only suffered minor injuries.

October 20th Death

An 18-wheeler hit a pedestrian on Florida Boulevard on the morning of October 20, 2022. The victim was on a street corner attempting to cross the street when the light turned green and the accident occurred. No charges were filed as DUI was not suspected.

Jefferson Davis Parish Incident

On September 17, 2022, a fatal three-vehicle accident was reported on LA Highway 26. A forestry bucket truck could not stop in time to avoid a small passenger car and traveled off the road onto a driveway, where the bucket truck hit a van causing both vehicles to run into a ditch. The driver of the van was wearing a seatbelt but suffered fatal injuries before he could be taken to a hospital.

Log Truck Wreck

On September 19, 2022, a crash occurred on U.S. Highway 171 near Noble. A Sabine parish man died in the crash. The accident occurred when a log truck was trying to pass a tractor-trailer. The driver of the log truck was pronounced dead at the scene of the wreck.

Kenner Incident

A woman from Kenner died after her vehicle hit an 18-wheeler. It was reported that the woman was attempting to merge onto I-10 from I-12 when she was in front of the truck. The woman was transported to the hospital but died after a short time.

What To Do If You Are Involved In A Truck Accident

Truck accidents are common, and if you are involved in a Louisiana 18-wheeler crash, do the following:

• Call 9-1-1.
• Provide assistance to anyone who is injured.
• Be careful, however, of moving injured persons so that you do not cause further injuries.
• contact information with others involved in the accident.
• Louisiana law requires you to do so.
• File a state crash report if your accident has caused injuries, death, or more than $100 in damages.decuadas

If you fail to follow the above Louisiana regulations, you can be charged with a crime that could result in a $100 fine and 60 days in jail.

Big Truck Crash Insurance Implications

Commercial truck drivers and owners must carry insurance, according to Louisiana law. Liability insurance is mandatory. Physical damage insurance covers vehicle damage from an accident. Uninsured motorist insurance covers costs due to an accident where an un- or under-insured driver is at fault. Medical payment insurance covers medical costs for bodily injuries to others if you are at fault. Cargo insurance is not required in Louisiana; this type of insurance is important yet complicated because of limits, sub-limits, and coverage exclusions.

Who To Sue?

18-wheeler accident insurance claims can be very complex and confusing because there can be multiple insurers involved:

• An owner-operator should have their own insurance.
• An independent contract driver may have their own insurance, but in addition, the company they leased the truck from should have insurance.
• An employed driver would fall under the employer’s insurance.
• Sometimes truck companies lease trucks from another company, and both companies have insurance.

Higher Insurance Limits

While tractor-trailer truck drivers can be seriously injured in crashes with smaller vehicles, many times the smaller vehicle bears the brunt of the damages. Also, trucks that cross state lines are engaged in interstate commerce, which makes the drivers, vehicles, and companies fall under federal insurance limits.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act (“FMCSA”) defines the higher insurance limits that interstate carriers must carry.

Seek Qualified Legal Help

A minor fender-bender involving two passenger vehicles can be annoying, but many times these cases can be handled relatively simply if no injuries are involved. Truck accidents are different, however. The parties need to determine:

• Who owns what?
• Which insurance company is liable?
• Are there multiple parties at fault?
• Did the accident occur because of a party’s negligence?
• Was anyone intoxicated?
• Did all truck drivers have current log books and records?

If you or a loved one was involved in a truck accident, call the experienced lawyers at Big River Trial Attorneys. The compassionate lawyers at Big River will evaluate your case and advise upon the most prudent next steps. Call the firm at 225-963-9638 today, visit our site for a live chat, or fill out an online form to schedule a case evaluation.