Seriously Injured in a
Semi-Truck Collision?

Types of Semi-Truck Collisions We Handle

Not all semi-truck crashes are the same. The collision type affects the injuries sustained, the evidence available, and how liability is established. Our attorneys have handled every type of commercial trucking collision in Louisiana.

Rear-End Collisions

When a fully loaded semi-truck rear-ends a smaller vehicle at highway speed, the results are often fatal. Rear-end crashes are frequently caused by driver inattention, following too closely, or brake failure — all of which may indicate FMCSA violations.

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings outward at an angle relative to the cab, often causing the truck to slide across multiple lanes. Improper braking, poor road conditions, and excessive speed are common causes. Victims of jackknife crashes often have limited ability to take evasive action.

Underride Crashes

Underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the side or rear of a semi-truck trailer. These crashes are among the most deadly in trucking. Federal regulations require rear underride guards, but many carriers operate with non-compliant or defective equipment.

Wide-Turn Collisions

When a semi-truck driver swings wide to the left before making a right turn, they may sweep cyclists, motorcyclists, or passenger cars into the curb or crush them against fixed objects. These collisions are frequently the result of inadequate driver training.

Rollover Accidents

Rollovers happen when a semi-truck tips over onto its side — often onto other vehicles or blocking multiple highway lanes. Speed, improper cargo loading, and sharp curves all contribute. Victims of rollover crashes may be struck by the truck itself or debris from the load.

Head-On Collisions

A head-on collision with a loaded semi is almost always catastrophic or fatal. Common causes include driver fatigue, impairment, and lane departure. These cases often justify wrongful death claims in addition to personal injury damages.

Establishing Liability in a Semi-Truck Collision

One of the most important things our attorneys do is identify every party whose negligence contributed to your crash. In semi-truck cases, liability often extends far beyond the driver.

The Truck Driver

Drivers can be held personally liable for negligence — reckless driving, fatigue, impairment, distraction, or failure to follow traffic laws and FMCSA regulations.

The Motor Carrier

The trucking company bears responsibility for hiring qualified drivers, maintaining their vehicles, scheduling lawful driving hours, and enforcing compliance with federal safety regulations. Negligent supervision is one of the most powerful theories of liability in commercial trucking cases.

Cargo and Loading Companies

Third-party cargo loaders who improperly secure freight in violation of FMCSA cargo securement standards can be independently liable for accidents caused by shifting or spilling loads.

Equipment Manufacturers

If a defective part — a faulty brake system, a cracked axle, a defective trailer hitch — contributed to the crash, the manufacturer may face product liability claims separate from the carrier’s negligence.

Maintenance Contractors

Third-party shops that perform deficient maintenance on commercial trucks can be held liable when that negligent work contributes to a mechanical failure and crash.