Louisiana Truck Accident Laws 2025 – All You Need to Know

Louisiana experiences a lot of interstate travel from many vehicles. Lots of trucking companies do business within Louisiana and commonly use roads like I-10 and I-20. This heavy traffic leads to accidents. Louisiana truck accident laws exist to protect people and offer them compensation if they are injured by a large truck.

Experienced Truck Accident Attorneys in Louisiana

At Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates, we often see victims and their loved ones suffer from the aftermath of truck accidents. Our goal is to help them receive compensation so that they can try to move forward as much as possible.

Louisiana Truck Accident Laws

There are different levels of laws that apply to truck accidents in Louisiana. Some are state laws, while others are on the federal level.

There are many different federal laws that dictate how drivers should operate. There are limits to how much time someone can drive a commercial truck. This is done to prevent people from driving for too long, which leads to a risk of a collision.

Commercial truck drivers must be tested for drugs and alcohol regularly. If the company that hires them does not test frequently enough, the drivers can cause accidents due to driving under the influence.

Cargo is often at risk of moving around in transit. This can make the truck lose its balance and endanger everyone else on the road. Because of this, some laws dictate how cargo should be loaded onto the trucks, which prevents accidents that would have otherwise occurred due to cargo spinning or shifting.

Finally, trucks need to be regularly reviewed and fixed in order to be driven. A mechanical failure that leads to an accident can result in the company or the mechanics responsible for the fixes being held liable for the accident.

In Louisiana, it is possible to file a claim against the trucking company. However, this might not be the most effective party to file a claim against. This is why it’s important to speak to an attorney before filing a truck accident claim. They can evaluate which parties are liable and who to focus on in the claim.

Why Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?

Truck accidents are serious events. They deserve to be reviewed by a legal professional. A truck accident attorney can:

• Advocate for your rights. Even though victims have rights in truck accident claims, they often do not know what they are. Attorneys are familiar with laws surrounding trucking accidents and can keep their clients from being exploited by large companies.
• Communicate for you. Keeping up with issues and messages related to your case is very difficult, especially for people who are trying to recover after serious injuries. Attorneys can speak to insurance adjusters and company representatives for you to improve the position of your case.
• Use their resources on your case. Attorneys have a lot of experience they can draw upon to work on your case. Many of them know other professionals who can add credence to your claims, including healthcare professionals and accident reconstruction consultants. These people can confirm that your injuries were directly caused by negligence that led to an accident.
• Negotiate for a higher settlement. Without negotiation, insurance companies often try to settle claims for as little as possible. An attorney can negotiate for their clients to receive more than they would if they tried to negotiate on their own.
• Go to trial. While most claims do not end up in court, the ones that do typically benefit from having professional representation involved. Attorneys can use all the experience and evidence they gathered to help a judge or jury understand why compensation for your damages is necessary to recover from your injuries.

There were 2,209 commercial vehicle crashes in Louisiana in 2024. To make your claim stand out and to ensure your voice is heard, consider reviewing your case details with an attorney.

Why Choose Us?

18-wheeler accidents are not uncommon in Louisiana. Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates has worked on several of these cases and has recovered as much as $1 million for these victims. Even if the circumstances surrounding your case are unfavorable, we can help alleviate your concerns.

FAQs

Is Louisiana a No-Fault Accident State for Truck Accidents?

Louisiana is not a no-fault accident state for truck accidents. Louisiana is an at-fault accident state. This means that drivers typically file claims with the insurance company of the person who is considered to be most at fault. In truck accident claims, there are often multiple people considered to be at fault. An attorney might be needed to determine who to file the claim against.

Who Is Liable for a Louisiana Truck Accident?

The liable party for a Louisiana truck accident can vary based on many circumstances. If the truck driver was not following the rules of the road or company policy, they could be held liable. If the other drivers were driving while distracted or under the influence, they could be held liable. Sometimes, even the trucking company is at fault.

What Do I Do if I Am in a Truck Accident?

If you are in a truck accident, put safety first. Move away from the accident if you can, and call for help with 911. Any serious injuries should be treated as soon as possible. If you do not believe you are injured enough to have to go to the hospital, it’s a good idea to get a checkup shortly after the accident, regardless of how you feel.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Truck Accident?

Legally, you do not need a lawyer for a truck accident. However, a lawyer can make a huge difference in the outcome of your claim. They can advocate for higher damages and make sure your perspective is heard by the trucking company and its insurer. Generally, claims filed by an attorney do better than claims filed independently.

Connect With Professionals

There were 3,438 single-unit truck accidents in Louisiana in 2024. Many victims of these accidents have bills to pay, even if they are too injured to work. If you are struggling after a truck accident, schedule a consultation with Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates to learn more.