Truck accidents can cause devastating injuries, significant medical bills, and long-term hardship. In Abbeville, commercial trucks frequently travel LA-14, Veterans Memorial Drive, and South State Street, creating a daily risk for collisions—especially near busy areas like Magdalen Place, Vermilion Catholic High School, and Abbeville General Hospital. One wrong move from a truck driver can leave innocent motorists facing serious injuries and long recovery times.
At Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers, we help truck accident victims throughout Vermilion Parish hold trucking companies accountable. If you or someone you love was injured in a semi-truck accident, you don’t have to handle it alone. Call our truck accident attorneys at (866) 939-5546 to schedule a free consultation and find out how we can help.
What Causes Truck Accidents in Abbeville?
Truck accidents often happen because of unsafe driving, poor maintenance, or pressure from trucking companies to meet delivery schedules. Below are some of the most common causes we see in cases across the Abbeville area.
Blind Spots and Wide Turns
Large trucks have significant blind spots, also known as no-zones, along both sides, the rear, and directly in front of the vehicle. If a driver fails to check these zones while turning or changing lanes on narrow roads like South John M. Hardy Drive, they can easily strike a nearby vehicle or force it off the road.
Distracted Driving
Truckers use GPS systems, logbooks, radios, and cell phones to manage their routes. Unfortunately, this technology can also become a source of distraction. A split-second glance away from the road on LA-82 or near Herod Elementary School could lead to a serious crash.
Driver Fatigue
Even though federal regulations limit how many hours truck drivers can operate, many are pressured to meet tight deadlines and push past their limits. Tired drivers may doze off or respond slowly to hazards, particularly during early morning or late-night hours.
Speeding and Tailgating
Semi-trucks need much more time and space to stop than passenger vehicles. When drivers speed or follow too closely, they can’t react in time to avoid a collision.
Mechanical Failures and Poor Maintenance
Brake issues, tire blowouts, and steering problems are all examples of preventable mechanical failures. When companies skip maintenance checks or cut corners on repairs, they put everyone on the road at risk.
Serious Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents
Because of the size and weight of commercial trucks, crashes often result in catastrophic injuries. These injuries typically require extensive medical treatment and may cause permanent disability.
- Bone fractures and joint injuries may need surgical correction, casting, or physical therapy.
- Head and brain injuries, including concussions and TBIs, can impair memory, coordination, and emotional control.
- Spinal cord injuries may lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, or full paralysis.
- Internal injuries and bleeding can be life-threatening and require emergency surgery.
- Burns and disfigurement are common in high-impact crashes or post-collision fires.
- Fatal injuries may entitle surviving family members to pursue wrongful death
After a crash, it’s critical to seek medical care. Visit Abbeville General Hospital, Our Lady of Lourdes Abbeville Clinic, or a nearby urgent care facility to receive an evaluation and begin treatment.
How Truck Accident Claims Differ from Car Crash Cases
Truck accident cases involve more than just proving who was at fault. They typically require in-depth investigation, extensive documentation, and an understanding of federal trucking regulations.
More Than One Party May Be Liable
In a truck crash, liability doesn’t always stop with the driver. Trucking companies, third-party maintenance providers, cargo loaders, and manufacturers of faulty vehicle parts may all share responsibility. Identifying all liable parties is essential to recovering full compensation.
Federal Safety Regulations Apply
The trucking industry is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules govern driver rest periods, vehicle inspections, and load safety. If any of these regulations were violated, it could support your claim and strengthen your case.
Commercial Insurance Companies Work to Limit Payouts
Truck companies carry large insurance policies and are backed by legal teams that will work hard to minimize or deny your claim. Without legal representation, you may be pressured to accept a settlement that doesn’t reflect the true value of your losses.
Critical Evidence Must Be Preserved
Trucking companies are required to keep records such as electronic logging data, maintenance logs, and driver schedules. Some of this information can be deleted or overwritten within weeks of a crash. Taking swift legal action helps ensure valuable evidence is preserved.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Abbeville
After a truck crash, your health and safety should come first. These steps can help protect your legal rights and strengthen your claim.
- Call 911 and report the accident to local law enforcement.
- Move to a safe location if you are in immediate danger.
- Get medical treatment at Abbeville General or a nearby emergency room.
- Request a copy of the police report from the Abbeville Police Department or Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office.
- Take photos of the crash scene, including all vehicles, debris, and road signs.
- Get contact details from witnesses and the truck driver.
- Avoid making recorded statements to insurance companies without speaking to a lawyer.
- Contact Dudley DeBosier to begin your case.
Types of Compensation Available in Truck Accident Cases
Depending on the extent of your injuries and losses, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses for surgery, rehab, medication, and follow-up care
- Lost income and future earning potential
- Pain and suffering, including physical and emotional hardship
- Property damage to your vehicle and personal belongings
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life or the ability to engage in everyday activities
- Funeral and burial expenses for families pursuing wrongful death claims
We carefully assess every detail of your case to calculate the full value of your claim and fight for the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Why Truck Accident Victims in Abbeville Choose Dudley DeBosier
At Dudley DeBosier, we don’t just handle truck accident cases; we build relationships with our clients and work hard to help them recover and move forward. We know how to take on trucking companies, navigate complex legal processes, and hold the right parties accountable.
Our team manages every part of your case, from gathering evidence and speaking with witnesses to handling insurance negotiations and, if necessary, taking your case to court. You can focus on healing while we focus on getting results.
You pay us nothing—no fees, costs, or expenses—unless we get you money. If you or someone you love has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Abbeville or anywhere in Vermilion Parish, call Dudley DeBosier at (866) 939-5546 to schedule your free consultation today.
