Truck accidents can cause life-changing injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and long-term uncertainty. If you or a loved one has been hurt in an 18-wheeler or commercial truck crash in Shreveport or Bossier City, Collins Law is here to help. Our team understands how devastating these collisions can be and fights to hold negligent drivers and trucking companies accountable.
Truck and 18-wheeler accidents are much more complex than standard car wrecks. These vehicles weigh far more, require longer stopping distances, and are governed by detailed federal and state safety regulations. When trucking companies cut corners—by failing to maintain their vehicles, pushing unsafe schedules, or hiring unqualified drivers—the results can be catastrophic.
Because multiple parties may be involved, truck accident cases require a thorough investigation. Collins Law works quickly to preserve key evidence and protect your claim from the start.
Truck accidents in Northwest Louisiana often result from preventable safety failures—whether by the driver, the trucking company, or those responsible for maintaining the vehicle. Because of the massive size and weight of commercial trucks, even a single mistake can lead to life-changing injuries for everyone involved.
Many crashes stem from driver fatigue, distraction, or speeding. Long hours on the road, pressure to meet delivery deadlines, and moments of inattention all increase the risk of a severe collision. Trucks also need much more distance to stop, so aggressive driving or failing to adjust to traffic and weather conditions can quickly turn dangerous.
Improperly loaded cargo and poor vehicle maintenance also contribute to accidents. When cargo isn’t balanced or secured, or when companies neglect brake repairs, tire wear, or mechanical issues, the entire truck becomes unstable. Some collisions are also caused by impaired driving or by drivers who are inexperienced or inadequately trained to handle large commercial vehicles.
Truck accident cases are often far more complex than standard car crashes because multiple companies and individuals may share responsibility. Commercial trucks involve drivers, freight carriers, maintenance teams, manufacturers, and sometimes third-party contractors—all of whom must follow strict safety regulations. When any one of these parties fails to meet their obligations, the consequences can be disastrous.
Below are the most common parties who may be held legally liable after a truck accident:
A truck driver may be at fault if they were speeding, distracted, fatigued, impaired, or violating traffic laws. Drivers are required to follow federal and state regulations, including hours-of-service rules and regular vehicle inspections. Any unsafe behavior behind the wheel can create the foundation for a liability claim.
Trucking companies have a legal duty to hire qualified drivers, enforce safety rules, and properly maintain their fleet. A carrier may be liable if they failed to train their drivers, pushed them to drive beyond legal limits, ignored maintenance needs, or violated federal trucking regulations. In many cases, companies are also held responsible for the actions of their employees under Louisiana law.
Many trucking companies outsource vehicle upkeep. If a maintenance provider performed a poor repair, skipped inspections, or failed to identify a mechanical issue—such as brake failure or worn tires—they may share responsibility for the crash.
Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can cause a truck to fishtail, jackknife, tip over, or lose items onto the roadway. Companies responsible for loading freight must follow strict weight distribution and securement standards. When they fail to do so, accidents are more likely to occur.
If a truck or one of its components—such as the brakes, steering system, tires, or coupling devices—was defective, the manufacturer may be liable. Defective parts can cause sudden equipment failure that even a skilled driver cannot avoid.
Sometimes another driver on the road triggers the initial chain of events. A third-party vehicle may cut off the truck, brake suddenly, drift into another lane, or violate traffic laws, setting off a crash. In these situations, that driver may share responsibility for the resulting injuries and damages.
Because of the size and weight of commercial trucks, injuries are often severe. Clients frequently suffer:
If you or a loved one is facing these challenges, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone.
Depending on your case, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Collins Law works to ensure you are treated fairly and not minimized by insurance companies.
If you are involved in a truck crash, taking the right steps can protect your claim:
Truck companies move quickly after a wreck to protect themselves. Our team works just as fast to protect you.
Collins Law provides dedicated support for individuals and families throughout Shreveport, Bossier City, and surrounding Louisiana communities. We understand the pressure that follows a serious truck accident and work to make the process as stress-free as possible. From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, we handle the legal burden so you can focus on healing.