Jennings may be a small city, but with Interstate 10 cutting through the heart of Jefferson Davis Parish and major roads like Main Street, Shankland Avenue, and North Cutting Avenue, large commercial trucks are a daily sight.
When these massive vehicles are operated carelessly, they can cause devastating accidents. Whether you were injured in a collision near Zigler Art Museum, close to Ochsner American Legion Hospital, near Jennings Golf Club, or on a local route like LA-26, the physical, emotional, and financial impact can be overwhelming.
At Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers, we advocate for truck accident victims across Jennings and the surrounding communities. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash involving an 18-wheeler, our legal team is here to help. Call us at (866) 939-5546 to schedule a free consultation and learn about your rights.
What Causes Truck Accidents in Jennings?
Truck accidents often happen because of poor decisions, preventable oversights, or failure to follow safety procedures. Our attorneys have investigated numerous semi-truck accidents in Jefferson Davis Parish and understand what typically leads to these serious crashes.
Blind Spots and Unsafe Lane Changes
Truck drivers must navigate with large blind spots on all four sides of their vehicles, including directly in front of the cab and behind the trailer. These blind spots, often referred to as no-zones, make it difficult to see nearby cars. On narrow roads like Main Street or LA-102, a lane change without proper clearance can lead to a serious sideswipe collision.
Distracted Driving
Drivers of commercial trucks are often on the road for long stretches, making them more likely to glance at phones, GPS devices, or logbooks. A few seconds of distraction while traveling can be enough to cause a serious wreck.
Driver Fatigue
Even though federal regulations limit how long drivers can operate without rest, fatigue-related crashes still occur. Drowsy drivers may miss important traffic signs, drift out of their lane, or react too slowly to sudden changes, especially when hauling freight through late-night or early-morning hours.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
When a heavy truck is traveling at high speed, stopping quickly becomes nearly impossible. Trucks that speed through Jennings on Interstate 10 or West Division Street put everyone on the road at greater risk. Sudden lane changes or tailgating further increase the likelihood of a crash.
Mechanical Failures and Poor Maintenance
Truck companies are responsible for regular vehicle inspections and repairs. When brakes fail, tires blow out, or steering systems malfunction due to neglect, serious accidents can follow. In these cases, liability may extend beyond the driver to the company that owns or services the truck.
Common Injuries from Truck Accidents in Jennings
The size and weight of a commercial truck mean that collisions with passenger vehicles often result in catastrophic injuries. These injuries can permanently affect a victim’s quality of life or require months or even years of medical treatment.
- Fractures and crushed bones that require multiple surgeries or metal implants
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that cause memory issues, behavioral changes, or cognitive decline
- Spinal cord damage leading to limited mobility, paralysis, or chronic pain
- Internal injuries such as organ perforation or internal bleeding
- Lacerations and soft tissue damage from broken glass or vehicle intrusion
- Fatal injuries, which may result in wrongful death claims by surviving family members
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a truck accident, seeking prompt medical care is critical. Visit local facilities like Ochsner American Legion Hospital or Fast Pace Health Urgent Care for evaluation and treatment as soon as possible.
How Truck Accident Claims Differ from Car Crash Cases
Truck accident claims often involve higher stakes, more severe injuries, and multiple layers of liability. These cases are not handled the same way as standard car accident claims and require a firm that understands the specific regulations and tactics used by the trucking industry.
- Multiple Liable Parties: Unlike a typical car crash where fault may rest with one individual, truck accidents can involve several responsible parties. The driver, the trucking company, a parts manufacturer, or a maintenance crew may all share responsibility.
- Federal Safety Regulations: Commercial vehicles are governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which sets detailed rules on how long drivers can operate, how cargo must be secured, and how vehicles are maintained. Violations of these rules can play a significant role in proving negligence.
- Stronger Insurance Defenses: Trucking companies are often backed by aggressive insurance carriers that work quickly to limit their financial exposure. They may send investigators to the crash site within hours. Without an experienced lawyer, you could be pressured into accepting a settlement that is far below what your claim is worth.
- Special Evidence Requirements: Truck accident claims often require gathering and preserving black box data, dash cam footage, driver logs, maintenance records, and witness testimony. The earlier this evidence is collected, the stronger your case will be.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Jennings
Taking the right steps immediately after a truck crash can help protect your health and your ability to pursue a claim later.
- Call 911 and report the accident.
- Move to a safe location if you are in harm’s way.
- Get medical attention, even if injuries do not appear serious.
- Request a copy of the police report from the Jennings Police Department or Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff’s Office.
- Take photos of the accident scene, vehicles, and any visible injuries.
- Gather contact information from the truck driver and any witnesses.
- Inform your insurance company about the accident.
- Contact a Jennings truck accident lawyer at Dudley DeBosier to begin building your case at (866) 936-4448.
What Compensation Can Truck Accident Victims Recover?
After a serious truck crash, victims may face mounting medical bills, lost income, and permanent changes to their daily lives. Our team fights to ensure you are fully compensated for:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress
- Damage to your vehicle or other personal property
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of companionship or support in wrongful death cases
- Funeral and burial expenses, if applicable
Every case is different. We take the time to understand how the crash has impacted your life so we can pursue the maximum compensation you’re entitled to.
Why Jennings Residents Choose Dudley DeBosier After Truck Accidents
When you choose Dudley DeBosier, you’re choosing a team that puts your needs first. We have helped countless victims across Louisiana take on powerful trucking companies and recover the compensation they need to move forward. From investigating the crash and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers and going to court if necessary, we’re with you every step of the way.
You pay us nothing—no fees, costs, or expenses—unless we get you money. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a truck accident in Jennings or anywhere in Jefferson Davis Parish, call Dudley DeBosier today at (866) 939-5546 to schedule your free consultation.
