A collision with a commercial truck can cause far more than property damage. In Houma, where oilfield traffic and commercial transport are constant along Highway 311, Martin Luther King Blvd, and Tunnel Boulevard, truck crashes often lead to life-changing injuries.
Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers proudly serve truck accident victims in Terrebonne Parish. We know how to handle these claims and fight for maximum compensation.
What Makes Truck Accidents So Serious?
Crashes involving 18-wheelers and other large commercial vehicles often result in greater force, more severe injuries, and larger insurance disputes than typical car accidents. In a region like Houma, where many roads are shared by industrial vehicles and everyday commuters, one mistake can change your life.
Key Truck Routes in Houma
- Highway 311 and LA-182: High-speed corridors for commercial and oilfield transport
- Tunnel Blvd and Barrow Street: Areas with frequent traffic congestion and turning trucks
- West Park Avenue: A mix of residential, business, and industrial zones where visibility may be limited
Why Truck Accidents Happen in Terrebonne Parish
Whether the accident happened in Downtown Houma, near Southdown Plantation & Museum, near Terrebonne General Health System, Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center, or on the way to Southland Mall, recovering compensation after a crash requires legal strength and local insight.
Many of the truck accident cases we handle involve preventable errors made by truck drivers, their employers, or contractors. Some of the most common causes include:
- Fatigue: Long shifts and pressure to meet deadlines lead drivers to skip required rest
- Distraction: Texting, GPS use, or logging information while driving can take a driver’s eyes off the road
- Improper turns: Wide turns at intersections near Downtown or near schools like Terrebonne High pose high risks
- Unsecured cargo: A sudden load shift on roads like Little Bayou Black Drive can cause rollovers or jackknife accidents
- Mechanical failure: Brake or steering failure from poor maintenance can lead to devastating crashes
- Blind spots: Large trucks have significant blind zones on all four sides, making it easy for passenger vehicles to disappear from the driver’s view. These “no-zones” are especially dangerous during lane changes or turns on busy roads like Tunnel Boulevard or LA-24.
Our truck accident team digs deep into every case to uncover what happened and pursue all responsible parties.
Types of Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents
Truck accidents almost always result in more serious injuries than those involving only passenger cars. The physical and emotional toll can last for months or even years.
Common Truck Crash Injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): These can cause memory loss, mood changes, and lifelong cognitive challenges
- Spinal cord injuries: Paralysis or limited mobility may result from high-impact crashes
- Broken bones and joint damage: Surgery and long-term rehab may be necessary
- Internal injuries: Damage to organs or internal bleeding may not be immediately visible but require emergency care
- Lacerations and crush injuries: Often caused by being pinned inside a vehicle or struck by debris
- Fatal injuries: In wrongful death cases, families may recover funeral costs and compensation for lost companionship and support
Medical treatment should always be your first priority. In Houma, you can get evaluated at Terrebonne General Health System, Chabert Medical Center, or a nearby urgent care clinic.
Why Truck Accident Cases Require a Unique Legal Strategy
Truck accident claims are not just larger versions of car accident cases. They involve different standards, evidence, and levels of complexity that require an attorney who understands commercial transport regulations.
Multiple Liable Parties
Truck accident liability can involve:
- The driver
- The trucking company
- A cargo loading service
- A truck maintenance provider
- A vehicle or parts manufacturer
Each of these parties may have its own insurers and legal teams working to avoid responsibility.
Federal Safety Standards
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires drivers and companies to follow strict rules on rest hours, vehicle maintenance, and cargo handling. Any violation of these rules can become key evidence in your case.
Larger Insurance Policies
Because trucks often cause serious damage, the insurance policies covering them tend to have higher limits. That means more money is available, but it also means more aggressive opposition. Trucking companies will fight hard to pay as little as possible.
Evidence That Must Be Preserved
Truck accident evidence may include:
- Black box data recording speed, brake use, and GPS
- Driver logs and dispatch records
- Maintenance reports and inspection results
- Dash cam footage or roadside surveillance
Gathering this evidence quickly is essential. Trucking companies are only required to keep certain logs for a limited time.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Houma
Knowing what to do after a truck crash can protect your health and your legal rights.
- Call 911 to report the crash and request medical assistance.
- Get medical care, even if your injuries seem minor. Visit Terrebonne General or another local provider.
- Document the scene by taking photos of damage, debris, and road conditions.
- Collect witness information and exchange contact and insurance details with the truck driver.
- Get a police report from the Houma Police Department or Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office.
- Avoid recorded statements with insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney.
- Call Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers as soon as possible to protect your rights and start building your case.
Compensation You May Be Entitled to After a Truck Crash
If you were injured because of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover for:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, and long-term rehab
- Lost wages and loss of future earning potential
- Pain and suffering caused by the accident and your recovery
- Property damage, including vehicle repairs or replacement
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Funeral and burial costs in fatal crash cases
- Loss of companionship or support in wrongful death claims
Our goal is to ensure you’re fully compensated. We’ll calculate your total damages and aggressively pursue the highest possible recovery.
Why Choose Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers in Houma
At Dudley DeBosier, we are proud to serve the people of Houma and Terrebonne Parish with experienced, compassionate legal support. We don’t treat you like just another case file; we treat you like family. Our team handles everything so you can focus on healing.
We investigate thoroughly, preserve evidence, communicate with insurers, and stand by your side throughout the entire process. Whether your case settles or goes to trial, we fight for the best outcome possible. You pay us nothing—no fees, costs, or expenses—unless we get you money. If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Houma or anywhere in Terrebonne Parish, contact Dudley DeBosier today to schedule your free consultation.
