Louisiana residents are used to sharing the road with 18-wheeler trucks. Theses massive vehicles transport goods across the country to keep our economy strong. And drivers of commercial vehicles are required to meet certain deadlines to ensure that products reach their destination on time. This might lead to fatigued driving which, in turn, can lead to truck accidents.
Interstate 10 was recently the sight of a late-night multi-truck accident. The collision involved six 18-wheeler trucks and one Chrysler 200 vehicle. The wreck occurred when the car stopped in a westbound lane. This abrupt stop set off a chain reaction that resulted in the multi-vehicle collision. Two people were treated at local hospitals for minor and moderate injuries. This truck accident shut down traffic on I-10 for hours so that the car, trucks and their loads could be removed from the highway.
While the exact cause of this accident remains under investigation, it does highlight some of the risks of truck accidents. Trucking companies are subject to federal and state regulations to prevent them from sending drivers out on the road when they have not had adequate rest, because overly tired drivers can cause serious accidents. In these instances, the companies that employ the drivers may be held liable for the negligent actions of their drivers. An evaluation of the state of a driver, a review of the driver’s logs, and accident reconstruction can aide in the determination of negligence.
Anyone who has been injured by an 18-wheeler truck may want to seek compensation from the trucking company. Whether it is for medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering, a successful negligence claim may go a long way toward helping a victim find closure and financial stability.
Source: The Times-Picayune, “I-10 East reopens between Baton Rouge and Lafayette, westbound still closed,” Diana Samuels, Dec. 8, 2015
