Deadly trucking accidents

by | Jun 25, 2018 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

Less than one month ago, a deadly crash on I-12 wreaked chaos on a Louisiana highway. According to law enforcement officials, an 18-wheel semi-truck failed to stop for a snarled traffic back-up.  The semi-truck caused a multi-vehicle crash and according to the Covington PD, the accident resulted in three fatalities and thirteen injuries.

The 18-wheel truck was reportedly transporting avocados; the driver failed to stop as he approached stalled traffic. He was killed at the scene of the accident, along with two other people.

Different Regulations

Commercial trucks are often owned by large companies and used to make cross country deliveries. They are rarely owned by the driver of the truck, so most semi-truck drivers have a different set of regulations, as well as different insurance policies for the states they traverse.

Semi-trailer trucks are more than twice the size of the average car and can do substantially more damage to motor vehicles – and people – than a regular car accident would.

To protect other drivers on the road as well as the truckers themselves, there is a list of federal regulations that all truck drivers are legally required to follow, for example – when truck drivers are transporting property, they are only allowed to drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty, presumably to sleep.

If a truck driver is carrying any passengers, they can drive a maximum of 10 hours after 8 consecutive hours off duty. These protocols are in place to ensure the safety of truck drivers as well as other drivers on the road.

Additionally, truck drivers are not permitted to drive if they are feeling ill, overtired, or if they are under the influence of any drugs or alcohol.

Greater injuries, greater damage

The average eighteen-wheel semi-truck weighs about 80,000 lbs – without any oversize or overweight permits. In comparison, the average mid-sized automobile weighs approximately 5,000 lbs.

An eighteen-wheel semi-truck is more than capable of decimating the average vehicle and inhabitants. Because of the massive weight difference, the driver of the car will normally sustain serious injuries when struck by a semi-truck – far more severe than injuries a two-car motor vehicle accident might produce.

Whiplash, nerve damage, broken bones, internal injuries, and concussions are all common symptoms of a collision with semi-trucks.

Next Steps

If a vehicle strikes you or a loved one, pay close attention to how you feel, both at the scene of the accident and hours after. Keep a journal and detail your injuries.

Our team of trained professionals has the experience and skill to litigate the most complex personal injury cases – and get you the justice and compensation that you deserve.

Call 318-284-8551 to schedule a free consultation.

If you or someone you love has been involved in an accident, if a car or truck has hit you or run over you or your property, call 318-284-8551.

The Downs Law Firm offer compassionate and caring legal services to individuals facing a range of legal challenges. Whether you’re suffered a personal injury due to another person or company’s negligence or neglect, in Louisiana, Arkansas, or Mississippi, the Downs Law Firm are here to help you.

Please contact us online or call 318-284-8551 to schedule a free case evaluation.

The Downs Law Firm

517 North Washington Street

Bastrop, LA 71220

318-284-8551