Truck accidents can change your life in an instant. In a historic city like Natchitoches, where scenic highways, rural roads, and busy campus traffic intersect, the presence of large commercial trucks brings added risk. Truck crashes frequently result in life-altering harm. Victims are often left dealing with the consequences for years.
At Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers, we help truck accident victims throughout Natchitoches Parish fight for justice. If you’ve been hurt in a semi-truck accident, we’re ready to stand by your side. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Natchitoches
Though the circumstances may vary, many truck crashes stem from the same types of negligence. We’ve helped clients recover from these preventable events.
Wide Blind Spots
Large trucks have blind spots on all four sides, especially the right side and rear. These “no-zones” can span multiple car lengths, and if a truck driver changes lanes without checking, it can lead to a sideswipe or underride crash. This risk is higher on narrower roads like Highway 1 or Jefferson Street, where cars may be boxed in.
Driver Distraction
A quick glance at a GPS, reaching for food, or checking a dispatch tablet can divert a driver’s attention from the road. On stretches like I-49 or near Keyser Avenue, this momentary lapse can result in a devastating crash.
Driver Exhaustion
Truck drivers often push their limits to meet deadlines. Drowsy driving is a major issue in long-haul trucking. Even though federal laws require rest breaks, violations still happen, putting others at risk, especially in rural corridors where help is far away.
Speed and Reckless Maneuvers
When fully loaded, a semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. At high speeds, stopping distances are greatly increased. Sudden turns or fast braking, particularly around high-traffic areas like Front Street or near Prather Coliseum, can cause rollovers or jackknife accidents.
Equipment Failure or Poor Maintenance
Faulty brakes, worn tires, and other mechanical issues are often behind big-rig crashes. In these cases, the trucking company or maintenance crew may share liability.
Serious Injuries Often Result From Truck Collisions
Whether you’re commuting past Northwestern State University, driving along LA-6, traveling to the Natchitoches Regional Airport (KIER), heading to the NSU Recreation Complex, or visiting Cane River Lake, a collision with an 18-wheeler can leave you facing overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, and long-term recovery.
- Bone Breaks and Orthopedic Trauma: Crushed limbs, complex fractures, and shattered bones may require surgery and extended rehabilitation.
- Neurological Injuries: Head trauma, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), can impair memory, coordination, and emotional regulation.
- Spinal CordDamage: Herniated discs, nerve damage, or full paralysis can arise from high-impact collisions.
- Internal Organ Injuries: Blunt-force trauma may lead to internal bleeding, organ perforation, or long-term impairment of major body systems.
- Limb Loss and Severe Lacerations: In severe cases, victims suffer amputations or disfiguring injuries due to crushing forces or ejection from the vehicle.
- Fatal Injuries: Families who lose loved ones in truck crashes may be eligible to pursue wrongful death claims for funeral costs, emotional loss, and loss of future support.
Immediate medical care is crucial. Natchitoches Regional Medical Center and urgent care facilities like Premier Urgent Care or others in nearby Campti or Clarence offer emergency treatment and trauma care for accident victims.
Why Truck Accident Claims Are So Complicated
Truck accident claims involve much more than proving who caused the crash. These cases are often complex due to the size of the vehicles, federal regulations, and the number of parties involved.
More Than One Party May Be at Fault
In addition to the driver, other potentially liable parties include the trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance providers, and manufacturers of faulty parts.
Federal Laws Apply
Truck drivers must follow strict Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules, including limits on driving hours, load weight, and maintenance checks. Violations of these laws can support your injury claim.
Insurance Companies Fight Hard
Trucking companies are usually protected by powerful insurers with legal teams dedicated to minimizing payouts. Without legal representation, you risk being pressured into accepting a low settlement.
Specialized Evidence Is Required
Commercial trucks often contain black box data that records speed, braking, and steering in the moments before a crash. Securing this data quickly can make or break your case.
Our team at Dudley DeBosier knows how to investigate semi-truck accidents, preserve critical evidence, and fight back against unfair insurance tactics. We have a team built with industry experts to ensure you can receive the maximum compensation possible for your accident.
What You Should Do After a Truck Crash in Natchitoches
Knowing what steps to take after a crash can protect your health and your legal rights.
- Call 911 Immediately: Request emergency help and report the crash to authorities.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, visit Natchitoches Regional Medical Center or another nearby clinic for a full evaluation.
- Move to Safety if Possible: Get out of traffic and away from any vehicle fire risks.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the vehicles, license plates, road signs, and visible injuries. Get contact info from witnesses if possible.
- Obtain the Police Report: The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office or City of Natchitoches Police Department can help you request a copy of your accident report.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident promptly, but avoid making recorded statements without legal advice.
- Call a Truck Accident Lawyer in Natchitoches:Contact Dudley DeBosier as soon as possible to start building your case and protecting your rights.
Financial Damages After a Truck Accident
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of losses:
- Medical Costs: ER visits, surgery, prescriptions, physical therapy, and long-term care
- Lost Wages: Time off work and reduced future earnings
- Pain and Suffering: Both physical discomfort and emotional distress
- Vehicle Repairs or Replacement: Damage to your car or property
- Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: Including mobility limitations and prosthetics
- Loss of Consortium: For the impact your injuries have on your family relationships
- Wrongful Death Compensation: If a loved one passed away due to the crash
Every case is unique. At Dudley DeBosier, we calculate the full value of your claim and fight to recover the maximum compensation you’re owed.
Why Natchitoches Residents Trust Dudley DeBosier
Choosing the right truck accident lawyer can make all the difference. At Dudley DeBosier, we bring more than legal skill; we bring compassion, dedication, and a genuine commitment to putting our clients first. Our team has in-depth knowledge of Louisiana trucking laws and extensive experience handling complex claims that involve multiple parties and federal regulations.
We collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists and trusted medical professionals to build strong, evidence-backed cases. From managing negotiations to handling paperwork and communicating with insurers, we take care of the legal process so you can focus on recovery. You pay us nothing—no fees, costs, or expenses—unless we get you money.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a big-rig truck accident near Front Street, Cane River National Heritage Trail, or anywhere in Natchitoches Parish, we’re here to help. Call Dudley DeBosier to schedule your free consultation today.
