A truck accident in Lake Charles, Louisiana, can result in devastating injuries and complex
legal challenges. Due to their size and weight, commercial truck collisions often cause
catastrophic harm to occupants of passenger vehicles. At The Colonna Law Firm, LLC, our
dedicated Lake Charles truck accident attorney, Jacob Colonna, understands the physical,
emotional, and financial burdens you face after a crash. We are committed to providing
aggressive and strategic legal representation to help you recover the full compensation you
deserve.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, do not delay seeking legal representation. Contact us
today for a free consultation.
Understanding the Dangers of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents often lead to severe injuries and fatalities due to the sheer size and weight of
commercial vehicles. Compared to passenger vehicles, trucks require significantly longer
stopping distances, and their large blind spots can create hazardous situations. Common types of
trucks involved in accidents include:
18-wheelers / Semi-trucks / Tractor-trailers
Tanker Trucks
Delivery Trucks
Dump Trucks
Other Commercial Vehicles
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Lake Charles
Many truck accidents are preventable and result from negligence. Common causes include:
Driver Fatigue: Federal regulations limit truck driver hours (Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Regulations (FMCSR)). Violations of these hours-of-service rules are a major
factor in truck accidents.
Distracted Driving: Truck drivers are prohibited from texting while driving, but
distractions like phone use, eating, or GPS adjustments still occur.
Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and
incredibly dangerous, with stricter Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limits for CDL holders
(0.04% in Louisiana).
Speeding and Reckless Driving: Speeding, aggressive lane changes, and other reckless
behaviors significantly increase the risk of collisions.
Improper Cargo Loading: Overloaded or unsecured cargo can shift, causing a truck to
lose control.
Inadequate Truck Maintenance: Brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical
issues due to poor maintenance are frequent causes.
Inadequate Training: Insufficient training or experience for truck drivers can lead to
errors.
Traffic Violations: Ignoring traffic laws, like running red lights or failing to yield,
contributes to accidents.
Road Conditions and Weather: While not always driver-related, poor road maintenance
or hazardous weather conditions can exacerbate the risks associated with large trucks.
Louisiana Trucking Regulations
Trucking in Louisiana is heavily regulated by both federal and state laws. The Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets standards for commercial vehicle operation, and
Louisiana enforces these and its own additional regulations. Key regulations include:
Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs): Drivers must possess a valid CDL, with
appropriate endorsements for the type of vehicle they operate. Louisiana CDL
Requirements. Common endorsements include:
o (H) Hazardous Materials
o (N) Tank Vehicles
o (P) Passenger Transport
o (S) School Bus
o (T) Doubles/Triples
o (X) Tanker/HazMat combination
Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations: Federal and state laws limit the number of hours
a driver can operate a commercial vehicle to prevent fatigue.
Size and Weight Limits: Louisiana sets maximum limits for truck weight, height, length,
and width. Louisiana Truck Weight Limits.
Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection: Trucks must undergo regular inspections and
maintenance to ensure safe operation.
Restricted Routes: Certain roads and bridges may have restrictions on truck traffic due
to weight or size limitations.
Louisiana Traffic Laws Applicable to Trucks
In addition to general traffic laws, specific regulations apply to trucks in Louisiana:
Weight Limits: Louisiana sets specific weight limits for single, tandem, tridem, and
quadrum axles.
Size Restrictions: There are legal limits on truck length, width, and height.
CDL Requirements: Drivers must possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
with appropriate endorsements.
Hours of Service: Drivers are limited in the number of hours they can drive.
Following Distance: Trucks require greater following distances due to their longer
stopping times.
Louisiana’s Comparative Fault Law
Louisiana operates under a pure comparative fault system (Louisiana Civil Code Article 2323).
This means that even if you are partially responsible for the accident, you can still recover
damages. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Damages Recoverable in a Lake Charles Truck Accident
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident due to someone else’s negligence, you are entitled to
seek compensation for your losses, which can include:
Economic Damages:
o Medical expenses (past and future)
o Lost wages (past and future)
o Property damage (vehicle repair or replacement)
o Other out-of-pocket expenses
Non-Economic Damages:
o Pain and suffering
o Mental anguish
o Loss of enjoyment of life
o Disfigurement
o Loss of consortium (for spouses)
Punitive Damages: In rare cases of egregious misconduct, punitive damages may be
awarded.
How a Lake Charles Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
Truck accident claims are complex and often involve multiple parties and extensive regulations.
A Lake Charles truck accident lawyer can:
Conduct a thorough investigation of the accident.
Identify all liable parties (truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, manufacturers,
etc.).
Gather evidence to prove negligence.
Handle all communications with insurance companies.
Negotiate for a fair settlement.
Represent you in court if necessary.
Why Choose Colonna Law Firm, LLC?
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Lake Charles, LA, or Calcasieu Parish, you need a
strong advocate on your side. At The Colonna Law Firm, LLC, we offer:
Experience: We have a deep understanding of Louisiana traffic laws and trucking
regulations.
Aggressive Representation: We are committed to fighting for your rights and
maximizing your compensation.
Compassionate Support: We understand the physical and emotional toll of a truck
accident and will provide personalized guidance throughout the legal process.
Contingency Fee Basis: You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for
you.
Contact The Colonna Law Firm, LLC today for a free and confidential consultation. Let us
help you navigate the complexities of your truck accident claim and pursue the justice you
deserve.