Baton Rouge 

Truck Accident Attorneys

Advocating for Victims of Semi-Truck Accidents in Baton Rouge

Every year, thousands of people in Louisiana are injured or killed in commercial vehicle accidents. Whether due to reckless driving, poorly maintained trucks, or negligent hiring practices, these accidents are almost always preventable. 

At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, we represent injured truck accident victims, as well as the families of those wrongfully killed in collisions with commercial vehicles. Our team of Baton Rouge truck accident lawyers aggressively pursues maximum compensation to help offset the cost of medical treatment, future care, and lost wages. We also fight to make sure liable parties are held accountable for our clients’ pain and suffering. 

To date, we have recovered over $1 billion in compensation, including many million- and multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts. Get in touch with us today to learn how our team can help you seek the justice you deserve. 

Call (225) 209-9943 or schedule a free consultation online to discuss your legal options with a truck accident attorney in Baton Rouge.

Common Truck Accident Injuries 

Because large trucks and buses can weigh up to 10,000 pounds, they’re typically involved in the most devastating accidents. Due to their sheer size, these vehicles have the potential to cause catastrophic injuries and widespread damage, even when collisions occur at relatively low speeds.

Common truck accident injuries include:

• Back and neck injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Blunt force trauma or crush injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Traumatic amputation 
• Serious bone fractures 

Each of these injuries has the potential to completely derail a person’s life. Costly medical care, long recovery times, and loss of work are just a few of the typical ways a truck accident can rob a family of health and financial security. 

The Baton Rouge truck accident lawyers at Clayton, Frugé & Ward help plaintiffs get what they need to rebuild their lives, fighting for those at fault to cover medical costs, lost wages, and more. You shouldn’t have to face the consequences of someone else’s negligence on your own; let our firm fight for a fair recovery on your behalf. 

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Baton Rouge

Louisiana trucking statistics have remained largely unchanged over the past decade, meaning roads haven’t gotten safer. Then and now, fatigue remains one of the leading causes of large truck accidents. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that more than 1 in 8 truck accidents are directly caused by tired drivers despite strict regulations limiting driving time and requiring rest. That’s a problem: 1 in 4 accidents occur when a driver is on the road for over 17 hours. Recent studies show that lack of sleep affects driving performance nearly as much as alcohol.

Other causes of big rig accidents include:

• Brake or tire failure 
• Lack of regular truck maintenance
• Poorly distributed weight 
• Improper or rushed cargo loading
• Distracted driving due to phone usage, eating behind the wheel, etc.
• Unsafe road conditions 
• Inclement weather
• Insufficient driver training 
• Hours-of-service violations 
• Defective trucks or truck parts 
• Negligent hiring practices 

Trucking companies know about these risks but haven’t invested in making their practices safer. Instead of hiring more drivers to allow more rest time per driver, companies incentivize getting behind the wheel as long as possible. Truck contractor arrangements, like pay-by-mile or pay-per-delivery, make owner-operators less inclined to conduct thorough self-inspections or ensure necessary maintenance. These and other factors ultimately contribute to a higher accident rate.

Understanding Louisiana's Trucking Laws & Regulations

In addition to federal regulations set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Louisiana has its own set of laws that govern truck drivers and trucking companies. These regulations are designed to enhance safety on the road and hold truck operators accountable for their actions. 

Some of the key Louisiana truck regulations include strict limits on the weight and size of commercial vehicles, requirements for regular maintenance and inspections, and specific licensing standards for truck drivers. Louisiana also enforces strict penalties for violations like driving under the influence, failure to properly secure cargo, and violating hours-of-service rules, which are designed to prevent driver fatigue.

Louisiana's weight and size restrictions include:

• 20,000 pounds for a single axle
• 34,000 pounds for a tandem axle
• 42,000 pounds for a tridem axle
• 50,000 pounds for a quad axle

Truck drivers and companies operating in Baton Rouge must adhere to both federal standards and local rules. Failure to comply with these laws can result in significant liability in the event of an accident. For example, if a trucking company fails to properly maintain its vehicles or encourages its drivers to exceed hours-of-service limits, they may be held directly responsible for any resulting accidents. Similarly, if a truck driver is found to be operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol, Louisiana’s DUI laws impose severe penalties, which can further strengthen the case against the driver and their employer.

Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident in Baton Rouge?

Determining liability after a truck accident can be complex due to the various parties involved. If the driver of the commercial vehicle was negligent, they could be held responsible. However, their employer—the trucking company or some other third party—could also be liable. To make matters even more complicated, some truck accidents are the result of less-obvious causes, such as a defective braking system or improperly loaded cargo, leading to loss of vehicle control. Finding out who is responsible involves careful investigation and a thorough review of all available evidence.

Depending on the unique circumstances of the case, any of the following parties could be partly or entirely liable for a truck accident: 

• The truck driver 
• The trucking company 
• The entity that owns or leases the truck
• The person or party responsible for truck maintenance 
• The person or party responsible for loading the truck’s cargo 
• Another motorist or third party 

At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, our truck accident lawyers in Baton Rouge diligently investigate claims to uncover the truth of what happened. This allows us to identify the liable party and work to hold them accountable for your damages. 

How Comparative Negligence Works in Louisiana Truck Accident Cases

Louisiana follows a pure comparative negligence system, which means that even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you may still recover damages. However, the amount of compensation you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for the truck accident, you can still recover 80% of the total damages awarded. 

This law is especially important in truck accident cases where multiple parties may be held responsible, such as the truck driver, the trucking company, and potentially third-party contractors. It’s not uncommon for defense attorneys to argue that the injured party shares some responsibility to reduce the amount they must pay. Having an experienced Baton Rouge truck accident attorney on your side can help minimize your fault—and maximize your recovery.

What Damages Can Baton Rouge Truck Accident Victims Recover? 

After an accident with a semi-truck, 18-wheeler, or other big rig, you may be dealing with significant physical, emotional, and financial hardships. This can cause serious strain for you and your family. By filing a truck accident lawsuit in Baton Rouge, you can seek financial compensation for the collective losses you have endured because of the accident.

There are several different types of damages available in truck accident claims: 

• Compensatory Damages: “Compensatory damages” refers to money awarded to victims in order to compensate them for specific losses. There are two types of compensatory damages, outlined below:
  • Economic Damages: This includes losses associated with a specific monetary value, such as medical bills, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs
  • Non-Economic Damages: These are intangible losses for which there is no set dollar value, like pain and suffering or loss of earning ability
• Punitive Damages: Unlike compensatory damages, punitive damages are awarded to punish the defendant, typically for acts of gross negligence or wrongdoing. In Louisiana, punitive damages are awarded only in very rare circumstances.

At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, it is our job to help our clients recover the full, fair amount they are owed. We are aggressive when it comes to pursuing damages on behalf of truck accident victims because we understand the impact these collisions have. We want to help you recover the compensation you need to get critical medical care and manage the aftermath of the crash. 

What Makes Truck Accident Cases in Baton Rouge So Complex? 

The size difference between a commercial truck and a passenger vehicle makes truck accidents far, far worse than most typical car crashes. Additionally, due to the business interests involved in big rig accidents, victims and their families have to contend with commercial insurers whose sole job is to minimize losses for the trucking company.

Some of the key differences between truck accident and car accident claims include: 

• Worse losses: When they are involved in collisions, commercial trucks unleash enormous forces compared to typical passenger vehicles. This generates catastrophic or fatal injuries at a much higher rate. As a result, victims have a far higher likelihood of suffering severe injuries and long-term damages.
• More complex liability: Commercial vehicle accidents potentially involve several parties, such as the truck operator, their employer, commercial insurance companies, truck maintenance providers, and third-party logistics providers. Determining liability between all these parties can be difficult for people unfamiliar with truck accident claims.
• Longer investigative process: Commercial truck operations are subject to strict federal and state regulations, which impact how collisions are investigated, as well as how claims are processed. This makes truck accident claims much more complex than the average car accident case. 

All these elements mean you simply cannot handle a truck accident claim the same way you’d handle a typical car accident. Any collision with a commercial vehicle demands the professional experience and legal knowledge our Baton Rouge truck accident lawyers bring. We navigate the various liability issues on our clients’ behalf, allowing them to focus on receiving medical care and emotional support during this challenging time. 

How Our Baton Rouge Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help 

Truck accidents can be life-ruining. They’re also complex, involve numerous legal issues, and concern large entities who are solely dedicated to making sure accident victims get as little as possible. 

At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, we help plaintiffs even the playing field, maximizing their odds of recovering what they need to get back on their feet. Every case begins with a free legal consultation, where a lawyer from our team can lay out your legal options and answer any questions you may have. If you or someone you love was involved in a large truck accident in Baton Rouge or anywhere in Louisiana, reach out to our team today to learn how we can help.

Contact our Baton Rouge truck accident attorneys today for your free consultation: (225) 209-9943.