Ruston may be known for its small-town charm and vibrant college community, but with Highway 167 and Interstate 20 running through the heart of Lincoln Parish, it also sees a steady flow of commercial truck traffic. Delivery trucks, 18-wheelers, and other large commercial vehicles frequently travel near Louisiana Tech University, creating a heightened risk of serious truck crashes in both the downtown area and on surrounding highways.
Whether a collision occurs near North Trenton Street, Ruston Regional Airport, Ruston Sports Complex, Huckleberry Trails Park, or in a residential area like Cooktown, the aftermath of a truck accident can be life-changing. These accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, steep medical bills, and major disruptions to your life.
At Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers, we help semi-truck accident victims in Ruston fight for the compensation they need to heal and rebuild. Call us or contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
Leading Causes of Truck Accidents in Ruston
Due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, accidents involving them tend to be more dangerous than those between passenger vehicles. In Ruston and throughout Lincoln Parish, truck accidents are commonly caused by preventable errors and negligent behavior.
Blind Spots and “No-Zones”
Large trucks have four major blind spots, also known as “no-zones,” located directly in front, behind, and along both sides of the vehicle. The right-side blind spot is especially dangerous and can span two full lanes. Drivers who travel in these zones risk being sideswiped or forced off the road, especially on narrow roads like Highway 146 or Tech Drive.
Distracted Driving
Commercial drivers spend long hours on the road, often relying on GPS devices or onboard communication systems. Any distraction like texting, eating, or adjusting the radio can turn a moving truck into a deadly hazard, particularly near downtown Ruston, where traffic congestion is higher.
Fatigue and HOS Violations
Truck drivers must follow FMCSA Hours of Service (HOS) regulations to ensure they get adequate rest. Unfortunately, some drivers exceed legal driving hours to meet delivery schedules, increasing the risk of drowsy driving crashes along busy corridors like I-20.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
When a truck is traveling above the speed limit, the time and distance required to stop increase dramatically. High-speed truck wrecks are more likely to cause serious injuries, especially when they occur near high-traffic zones like the Louisiana Tech campus or Ruston Sports Complex.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication can severely impair a driver’s reaction time and judgment. Impaired truck drivers put everyone on the road in danger.
Poor Maintenance and Mechanical Failures
Truck crashes are sometimes caused by brake failures, tire blowouts, or steering issues due to poor maintenance. In these cases, liability may rest with the trucking company or service provider, not just the driver.
Common Injuries in Ruston Truck Accidents
Truck crashes can result in long-term or permanent injuries that affect every part of a victim’s life. At Dudley DeBosier, we represent clients in Ruston suffering from:
- Severe bone fractures and joint injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Internal organ damage and internal bleeding
- Limb loss, amputations, and crush Injuries
- Fatal injuries leading to wrongful death claims
After a crash, it’s crucial to seek medical attention right away. Local facilities like Northern Louisiana Medical Center or Ruston Regional Specialty Hospital can provide the emergency care and diagnostics needed to document and treat your injuries.
How Truck Accident Claims Differ From Car Accident Cases
Truck accident claims often involve higher stakes and more complexity than standard auto accident cases.
- Multiple Liable Parties: In a truck crash, it’s not just the driver who may be at fault. The trucking company, cargo handlers, maintenance crews, or even truck part manufacturers may share liability.
- Complex Regulations and Federal Oversight: Commercial drivers and their employers are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which imposes strict rules on driver conduct, truck maintenance, and cargo loading. Proving a violation of these rules can be key to a successful claim.
- Larger Insurance Policies and Tougher Opposition: Because the damages in truck accidents are usually greater, trucking companies are insured by policies worth hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of dollars. These insurers often have aggressive legal teams who work to minimize payouts.
- Advanced Evidence Collection: Proving fault in a truck crash may require preserving black box data, reviewing dash cam footage, conducting accident reconstructions, and working with industry experts.
At Dudley DeBosier, our Ruston truck accident lawyers know how to handle these high-stakes cases and are ready to stand up to corporate insurers on your behalf.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Ruston
Knowing what to do after a truck crash can help protect your health, your rights, and your case.
- Call 911 immediately
- Move to a safe location
- Seek medical attention right away
- Request a police report
- Document the scene
- Exchange contact information
- Speak with an attorney at Dudley DeBosier
Your Right to Compensation After a Big-Rig Accident
Depending on the severity of your injuries and the impact on your life, you may be entitled to significant compensation:
- Medical Expenses: ER visits, surgeries, rehab, prescriptions, and long-term care
- Lost Wages: Including reduced future earning capacity
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and mental trauma
- Property Damage: Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Disability or Disfigurement: Long-term or permanent injuries
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Impact on hobbies, lifestyle, and independence
- Wrongful Death Damages: Funeral expenses, loss of income, and emotional loss for surviving family members
Our team of experienced truck accident lawyers will evaluate every detail of your case to ensure no form of compensation is overlooked.
Why Ruston Residents Trust Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers
We’re more than just attorneys; we’re part of the Ruston community. Whether you’re a student at Louisiana Tech, a small business owner downtown, or a commuter on Highway 33, we understand how disruptive a truck accident can be to your life.
That’s why we take on the burden of fighting the insurance companies, handling all communication and paperwork so you can focus on healing. Our team works closely with industry experts to build the strongest case possible on your behalf, and we are committed to seeking the maximum compensation.
With Dudley DeBosier, you never pay any upfront fees. You pay us nothing—no fees, costs, or expenses—unless we get you money. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Ruston, we’re ready to stand by your side. Contact Dudley DeBosier today to schedule your free consultation.
