Truck accidents are among the most devastating types of vehicle crashes on Louisiana’s roads, and Bossier City is no exception. With major trucking corridors such as Interstate 20 running through the city and commercial hotspots like the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets and Brookshire Grocery Arena, large trucks are a common presence in this growing community. Unfortunately, when accidents happen, the consequences for passenger vehicle occupants can be catastrophic.
At Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers, we know what you’re going through. If you or a loved one has been seriously hurt in a truck accident, you deserve strong legal representation from a team that understands the complexity of these cases. Our truck accident lawyers in Bossier City, Louisiana, are here to guide you through every step of your claim and fight for the compensation you need to move forward. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation at (866) 936-4448.
Understanding the Causes of Big-Rig Accidents in Bossier City
Due to the size, weight, and difficulty of maneuvering 18-wheelers and other commercial trucks, even minor errors can result in major accidents. In Bossier Parish, the following factors are among the most common contributors to truck crashes:
- Blind Spots: Large trucks have massive blind spots on all four sides, especially on the right side and directly behind. If a truck driver fails to check these no-zones before switching lanes or making a turn, it can lead to devastating side-swipe or underride collisions.
- Distracted Driving: From checking navigation systems to texting or eating behind the wheel, distracted driving is a significant problem among both commercial and personal drivers. A moment of inattention at highway speeds can lead to a lifetime of consequences.
- Drowsy Driving: Truckers often work long hours and are under intense pressure to meet delivery deadlines. Fatigue can impair a driver’s reaction time and decision-making, increasing the risk of accidents. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict limits on driving hours, but those rules are sometimes violated.
- Speeding or Reckless Driving: A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Traveling even slightly over the speed limit reduces the driver’s ability to stop in time. Add in reckless driving behaviors like tailgating or sudden lane changes, and the result can be catastrophic.
- Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or even prescription medications is a serious concern in any crash, but can be especially deadly when the driver is operating a massive vehicle.
- Poor Road Conditions: While weather is often unpredictable, Bossier City roads like Airline Drive and Barksdale Boulevard can become especially dangerous during storms due to flooding. Construction zones, potholes, and debris add further hazards for truck drivers trying to maintain control.
- Defective Truck Parts: Brake failure, tire blowouts, and steering issues are common causes of commercial truck accidents. In these cases, manufacturers or maintenance companies may share liability.
Common Injuries in Bossier City Truck Accidents
Semi-truck accidents tend to cause far more severe injuries than standard car crashes. At Dudley DeBosier, we’ve helped clients throughout Bossier Parish recover compensation for injuries such as:
- Multiple Broken Bones and Fractures
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Internal Bleeding and Organ Damage
- Crush Injuries or Amputations
- Wrongful Death
Even if your injuries aren’t immediately obvious, it’s crucial to seek medical treatment right away. Local hospitals like Willis-Knighton Bossier Health Center and Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport provide emergency and ongoing care following serious crashes.
How Truck Accident Cases Differ from Car Accidents
Truck accident claims involve more complexity than a typical car crash case. Here’s what makes them different:
- More Severe Injuries: The force of a truck collision often results in catastrophic harm.
- Multiple Liable Parties: The truck driver, their employer, the cargo company, and even maintenance providers may all be partially responsible.
- Trucking Regulations: Laws like the FMCSA’s Hours of Service rules and cargo securement guidelines must be considered.
- Larger Insurance Policies: Trucking companies often have teams of insurance adjusters and lawyers ready to fight your claim.
- Specialized Evidence: These cases may require black box data, accident reconstruction, and trucking industry experts to prove fault.
The Bossier City truck accident lawyers at Dudley DeBosier have the resources, legal knowledge, and tenacity to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Bossier City, LA
If you’ve been involved in a truck crash in Bossier City, here’s what you should do immediately:
- Call 911 and request emergency assistance.
- Move your vehicle to safety, if possible.
- Request a copy of the police report. You can contact the Bossier City Police Department to obtain it.
- Exchange information with the truck driver and any witnesses.
- Take photos and videos of the crash scene, vehicle damage, and road conditions.
- Get medical care right away. Visit Willis-Knighton Bossier Health Center or another local provider.
- Inform your insurance company of the accident.
- Contact the truck accident lawyers at Dudley DeBosier at (866) 936-4448
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Truck Accident?
A successful truck accident claim can help cover costs such as:
- Medical Expenses (past, current, and future)
- Lost Wages and Future Earning Capacity
- Pain and Suffering
- Property Damage
- Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
- Loss of Consortium
- Scarring and Disfigurement
- Permanent Disability
Our team takes the time to carefully calculate your full damages and not just what’s been billed so far, so you’re not left struggling later.
How Our Bossier City Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help You
At Dudley DeBosier, you’re more than just a case number. As a Louisiana-based firm, we care deeply about our community and fight hard to protect our neighbors from powerful trucking companies and insurance carriers. When you choose us, our team can investigate the accident thoroughly, gather all critical evidence, handle all communication with the trucking company as well as the insurance company, arrange for reconstruction professionals if needed, and fight to get you the maximum compensation you deserve!
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a semi-truck accident in Bossier City, don’t wait to get help. The trucking company already has a legal team on its side. Let us fight for you. Call Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers today at (866) 936-4448 to schedule your free consultation. You pay us nothing, no fees, costs, or expenses, unless we get you money.
