18-Wheeler Accidents

Walker Woman Killed in Collision Involving Two 18-Wheelers in Walker

August 8, 2013 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

A fatal three-vehicle accident involving two tractor-trailer trucks claimed the life of a Walker woman and left her husband in critical condition. One of the 18-wheelers attempted to change lanes on I-12 late Tuesday night when it struck the Volkswagen convertible carrying the two victims. The collision with the truck sent the convertible into the path of a second 18-wheeler. The woman died at the scene of the accident and her husband was taken to Our Lady of the Lake Medical Center in critical condition. Neither of the two tractor-trailer truck drivers suffered injuries and an investigation of the crash is underway.

West Bank Accident: 16 Injured as 18-Wheeler Collides with Bus and Catches Fire

August 1, 2013 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

A tanker truck flipped on its side and collided with an RTA bus carrying numerous passengers in Algiers, sending many to the hospital with injuries. The 18-wheeler swerved to avoid hitting the bus when it tipped on its side and collided with the driver’s side of the bus, pushing the bus into a taxicab. The truck quickly burst into flames, but the two truck occupants left the scene unharmed.

18-wheeler truck and bus accidents can be especially dangerous for motorists considering the size of those vehicles and the tremendous force exerted when they collide with smaller motor vehicles.

Lake Pontchartrain Accident Sends One Car into Lake

July 2, 2013 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

A four-vehicle pileup on the 24-mile bridge that connects Jefferson Parish and St. Tammany Parish resulted in one vehicle and its occupant falling into Lake Pontchartrain. Fortunately, emergency workers on the scene rescued the occupant from the lake with no serious injuries. The occupants of the other three vehicles did not report serious injuries as well.

Multi-vehicle accidents usually become problematic when trying to ascertain fault and apportion liability. Insurance carriers may refuse to assist if they claim that you were partially responsible for the accident, which may leave you with astronomical medical bills and other costs. If you are involved in an accident of this nature, you should immediately consult an experienced personal injury attorney who can assess the accident and protect your rights.

The attorneys at Broussard, David & Moroux have the expertise and experience necessary to take on these insurance companies and give you the relief that you deserve. If you or a loved one has suffered harm as a result of a motor vehicle accident, contact the attorneys at Broussard, David & Moroux to discuss your legal rights at (337) 233-2323 (local) or (888) 337-2323 (toll-free).

Shreveport 18 Wheeler Crash Leaves One Dead

May 2, 2013 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

The collision of two 18-wheelers between Exit 3 and Exit 5 of Interstate 20 in Shreveport leaves one driver dead. According to police, a rig carrying empty water bottles was rear-ended by another 18-wheeler. The second driver did not survive.

Accidents involving 18-wheelers can be especially catastrophic. The average 18-wheeler or tractor-trailer truck is 15 times heavier than the average passenger vehicle. This disparity in size and weight causes devastating injuries, including paralysis, brain trauma, broken bones and debilitating spine and back injuries. These injuries can be permanent, life altering and expensive to treat. If you or a family member suffered a serious injury in a truck accident, you should not hesitate to retain an experienced attorney who will fight for your rights.

Texas Thanksgiving Interstate Pileup Kills Two and Injures Many

December 3, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

At least 140 vehicles collided on Interstate 10 in southeast Texas in thick fog Thanksgiving morning, killing two people and injuring more than 80. The two people who died were tragically crushed by an 18-wheeler in their SUV. Due to the dense fog, officers at the scene were initially unable to determine the magnitude of the massive accident.

In a multi-vehicle pileup, it may be difficult for an insurance company to ascertain fault and determine liability. Even in extreme weather conditions, drivers still have a duty to drive responsibly and exercise caution on the road. In large vehicle pileups, state laws and precedent often set the tone for assigning fault after the accident. An experienced personal injury attorney can assess the accident and give you an estimate of each party’s fault in the accident.

Iberia Parish Pedestrian Hit by 18-Wheeler

October 2, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

An 18-wheeler truck struck a pedestrian in Iberia Parish last week. The pedestrian died at the scene of the accident. The 18-wheeler driver was not injured. State police are investigating the cause of the accident.

Pedestrian accidents involving 18-wheelers are especially deadly because of the heavy weight of these large trucks. Each year, pedestrian fatalities make up about 12 percent of all traffic fatalities. Among these fatalities, statistics show that children and the elderly are more likely to be involved in a pedestrian accident.

Baton Rouge Experiences Interstate Closure Due to 18 Wheeler Crash

August 30, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

An 18-wheeler driver lost control of his truck on Interstate 10 recently, crashing into the retaining wall. According to authorities, the driver refused to cooperate with the police in determining the cause of the accident. The police later determined the driver was intoxicated at the time of the accident. There were no injuries in the accident.

The immense size and weight of an 18-wheeler truck can cause serious injuries in an automobile accident. Each year, over 150,000 people are injured by 18-wheeler accidents in the U.S alone. By law, drivers of 18-wheelers are under a heightened duty to operate the truck in a safe and cautious manner. Federal and state laws also govern the practices of 18-wheelers. These laws typically cover the number of hours a driver can drive within a 24-hour-period, the company’s maintenance and loading standards, and driver qualifications.

After an accident with an 18-wheeler, it is important to choose an attorney who is experienced in handling these types of cases. 18-wheeler accidents differ from typical auto accidents because the truck driver’s employer’s practices may also have contributed to the cause of accident. In addition, an employer can often be held vicariously liable for the accident. An experienced attorney can investigate the cause of the accident and ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.

Gulf Coast States Rank Among the Most Dangerous States for Drivers

August 16, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

A recent study shows Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi rank among the top ten states with the highest rates of auto fatalities in the nation. Mississippi had the highest rate of motor vehicle-related deaths in the United States. The Trust for America’s Health, a non-profit group, conducted the study through analyzing a series of U.S. Centers for Disease Control reports.

The study also analyzed the current policies of states with higher numbers of motor vehicle-related deaths. The study suggests that Louisiana has taken positive steps to improve its fatality statistics through state legislation. These laws include requiring the installation of an ignition lock in the vehicles of convicted drunk drivers, penalizing distracted driving and mandating seatbelt use. Nevertheless, the study notes that the state has failed to effectively enforce these laws.

Acadiana Girl Killed, Another in Critical Condition After Recent Accidents

August 2, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

An 11 year-old girl died in a tragic car crash earlier this month on LA Highway 104. The accident occurred when the driver drove off the road and hit a tree. Police do not know what caused the driver to leave the road. The other passengers, a 12 year-old girl and 13 year-old boy suffered only minor injuries.

Another 15 year old girl is currently in critical condition after the driver of the vehicle she was riding in also left the road, hit a ditch, and flipped the vehicle. The accident occurred on LA 320 and is currently under investigation.

Acadiana Area Senator To Tackle DWI Sentencing

February 26, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

The Governor’s Task Force on DWI and Vehicular Homicide recently suggested that the state require judges to sentence all convicted drunk drivers to some jail time. In light of the upcoming legislative session, Sen. Jonathon Perry now intends to introduce a bill that would mandate jail time for DWI offenders by eliminating a judge’s discretion to reduce DWI sentences.

Sen. Perry believes that the proposed legislation would assist the state in reducing alcohol-related injuries and fatalities. However, critics argue that judges need this discretion to justly sentence some DWI offenders, particularly first-time offenders with no history of substance abuse. Sen. Perry indicated that he may be willing to compromise for first-time offenders.