Collision with an 18-Wheeler? What are Your Rights?

18-wheelers are huge pieces of machinery that can be more than 70 feet long and weigh up to 80,000 pounds. On dry roads, they can chew up to 40 percent more pavement to come to a complete stop than a passenger car. They weigh more than 25 times the weight of a passenger car too, and when they collide with another vehicle, it’s usually crushed. Permanent and debilitating injuries and fatalities are common in 18-wheeler accidents.

If you were seriously injured in a crash involving an 18-wheeler, or if you lost a family member in one, speak with a trucking accident lawyer here at Morrow Gates & Morrow LLC. located in Opelousas, LA in St Landry Parish.

St. Landry Parish 18-Wheeler Accident
We had our own tragedy here in St. Landry Parish about five months ago with a 30-year-old woman and 25-year-old man who was a passenger in an 18-wheeler. The woman reportedly lost control of the van she was driving and sent herself into oncoming traffic. She was struck by an 18-wheeler on the Interstate 49 East Frontage Road. Both of the individuals who died in the crash were pronounced dead at the scene.

Dismal Statistics
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, occupants of 18-wheelers only consist of about 15 percent of all large truck accident fatalities. Occupants of passenger vehicles account for a frightening 68 % of them. The balance of the fatalities was motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians in percentages that were about equal. Anybody who was injured by the carelessness and negligence of a truck driver has the right to seek compensation for their damages.

Both state and federal laws govern the trucking industry. Legislatures recognize the devastation and heartbreak that can result from an 18-wheeler crash. The intent of trucking laws is to protect you and your family. We’re experienced, aggressive and successful in representing the victims of St. Landry Parish truck accidents. If you’ve been injured, or if a family member perished in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in or around Opelousas, Lake Charles Charles or Lafayette, contact us by phone (337) 942-6529 or email us right away to arrange for a free consultation and case assessment. We’re just a call or email away.