Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer in Denham Springs

Denham Springs sits at the intersections of two busy east-west highways, US 190 and Interstate 12. A thriving city in its own right, Denham Springs is situated in Livingston Parish between Baton Rouge and Hammond. While businesses are booming and the population is growing, traffic issues continue to increase.

With current technological advancements, cars are safer than ever, but sadly this does not erase the devastating possibility of being a victim of an 18-wheeler collision. If you find yourself in a vehicle crash with an 18-wheeler, you are vulnerable to losing your property, sustaining severe injuries, and even death. 

When the worst happens and you or your loved ones suffer from a tractor-trailer accident near Denham Springs, you need a trustworthy Denham Springs personal injury attorney who will advocate for your rights and fight for the justice & compensation you deserve.

Unfortunately, trucking and insurance companies prioritize their success over your well-being. You deserve a lawyer who will give you peace of mind when facing injustices brought on by these companies. We will provide the best representation for you during your case and stand up for you in court. 

Call Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys at (225)888-8888 today or contact us below for a free consultation.

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What Type of Louisiana Truck Accident Cases Do We Handle?

It doesn’t matter if it was a semi-truck, 18-wheeler, or any other large commercial vehicle – a crash like that can turn your life upside down. Our Louisiana personal injury attorneys at Gordon McKernan understand the impact these accidents have, and we’re here to help.

We handle all kinds of truck accident cases across Louisiana, from box trucks and delivery vans to dump trucks and tow trucks. No matter the size or type of commercial vehicle involved, our team is dedicated to fighting for your rights and getting you the compensation you deserve.

What Causes 18-Wheeler Accidents?

Just like car collisions, countless factors come into play that can cause a semi-truck accident.

Some commonly found causes include:

• Larger blind spots that can obstruct a truck driver’s view of other vehicles on the road.
  
  
• Improperly loaded or overweight cargo, leading a driver to lose control of their big rig.
  
  
• Drowsy or fatigued driving, causing a truck driver to have concentration issues or even fall asleep at the wheel.
  
  
• Speeding or otherwise disregarding the posted speed limits and traffic signs on the road.
  
  
• Mechanical malfunctions caused by improper truck maintenance such as brake failures, tire blowouts, or powertrain malfunctions.
  
  
• Road hazards, distracted driving, & negligence.

Common Types of Truck Wreck Injuries

Larger trucks often weigh 20–30 times more than passenger cars, and a tractor-trailer travels 20–40 times farther when coming to a stop (FMCSA). These semi-trucks are not only more difficult to operate—the drivers are often fatigued from long hours, and uncertain weather conditions can make matters worse.

It is uncommon to leave these situations unscathed, even if you survive a collision with a big rig.

The various types of injuries include the following:

Whiplash

Whiplash is an injury of the muscles and ligaments of the neck that occurs when they extend beyond their typical range of motion.

• It happens any time the head suddenly moves backward or forward with great force, which is common in truck collisions.
• Though whiplash is relatively minor, it can cause long-term discomfort, and symptoms may not appear for days or weeks after your collision.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Other Head Injuries

Serious injuries to the head and brain occur when a victim’s head hits hard surfaces like car windows, steering wheels, and doors.

• After surviving a traumatic brain injury, a victim’s quality of life can decline significantly in the aftermath of the accident, and they can become susceptible to long-term memory loss, mood changes, and other symptoms. 

Spinal Cord Injuries

When a victim experiences a spinal cord injury or other neck and back injuries, the outcome can result in long-term or permanent disability, and even paralysis in the worst cases.

• Life-changing and costly devices like wheelchairs are often needed and can lead to a person losing their job and missing out on important milestones in their life.

Broken Bones

A common and inconvenient injury from tractor-trailer accidents are skeletal dislocations and fractures.

• When the force on your body is greater than your bones can handle, your bones can break, shatter, or dislocate.
• The victim experiences major pain and loses mobility, increasing their risk of other health issues like blood loss and infection down the line.

Burn Injuries

In particularly serious truck wrecks, the gasoline and diesel in each vehicle can ignite and burn.  If you’re unable to exit your vehicle fast enough, you could experience serious burns. 

• Burns range in severity from first-degree, which only impact the outer layer of skin, to third- or even fourth-degree burns, which damage deep tissues and can require skin grafting, lead to loss of mobility, or other serious complications.

Catastrophic Injuries

Due to the size disparities between smaller passenger vehicles and semi-trucks, many truck crash victims experience a variety of other catastrophic injuries.

• This can include eye damage or limb amputations that dramatically alter their quality of life, ability to work, and long-term, lifelong complications. 

What To Do After a Truck Accident Near Denham Springs

The initial shock of a truck accident can leave you disoriented, hurt, and unsure of what to do after your wreck. First and foremost, you should always call 911 immediately after the accident so you and your loved ones can get proper medical attention.

Once you have given your statement to an officer from the Denham Springs Police Department or Highway Patrol and they’ve assessed the scene, you need to do the following:

• Contact Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys at 225.888.8888 for a free consultation, or fill out a simple online form to see if your case qualifies.
  
  
• Do not talk to your insurance agency beyond notifying them of the accident. They will likely offer you a settlement offer soon after your accident; this settlement will almost certainly be a low offer that won’t cover your costs. An experienced Louisiana truck accident attorney will know how to maximize your compensation.
  
  
• After we start to process your case, our team will gather evidence to build your case and assist you in getting the compensation you need to heal.

Truck Wreck Compensation Claim Eligibility

Our previous clients who were victims of crashes involving tractor-trailers have received substantial settlements ranging from thousands of dollars to some even in the lower millions.

The compensation you can expect is dependent on various factors, which is why you need a knowledgeable injury attorney. We can relieve some of your stress and take care of the fine details including possible vehicle repairs or replacement, medical bills, wage compensation, attorney fees, and trauma you may be suffering. 

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?

Time is of the essence after a Denham Springs truck accident.

Statute of Limitation Changes in Louisiana

In 2024, Louisiana law extended the statute of limitations for personal injury claims occurring on or after July 1, 2024, from one year to two years. Any injuries that occurred before July 1, 2024, will still have a 1-year statute of limitation. Learn more about Louisiana’s New Statute of Limitations here.

• 1 year for injuries sustained before July 1, 2024.
• 2 years for injuries suffered after July 1, 2024.

The statute of limitations is a legal deadline that sets a time frame for filing a lawsuit. In Louisiana, this is known as the “prescriptive period,” which determines how long you have to take legal action against the responsible party after an injury occurs.

Missing that deadline could mean you lose your chance to get the compensation you deserve.

Here’s why acting fast is crucial: Insurance companies often use delay tactics to try and push you past that one-year mark. That’s why contacting a lawyer right away after your accident is so important. We can get the legal process started quickly and fight for what you deserve – without any unnecessary delays.

How Can a Denham Springs Truck Accident Lawyer Help?

Things can get complicated fast, legally speaking after a truck crash. A truck accident lawyer near Denham Springs can be your champion throughout this whole process. Here’s how they can help:

• Figure out what happened: They’ll investigate your case, gather evidence, and piece together exactly what happened in the accident.
  
  
• Build a strong case: They know the laws inside and out, so they can make sure your claim is solid.
  
  
• Fight for what you deserve: They’ll handle the tough negotiations with insurance companies, aiming to get you the most money possible for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
  
  
• Go to court, if needed: If a fair settlement can’t be reached, they’ll represent you in court, arguing your case powerfully.

A Denham Springs truck accident lawyer helps take the weight off your shoulders and fights to get you the best possible outcome.

Consult With Our Truck Accident Attorneys near Denham Springs

If you or a loved one have suffered injuries from an 18-wheeler crash near Denham Springs, contact Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys today to get started on your case.

With 679+ years of combined legal experience & over $3 Billion recovered for accident victims, we are committed to helping you get back on your feet after experiencing a horrible life-altering car crash.

We won’t charge you for anything until we win or settle your case, that’s the G Guarantee. Get Gordon and Get It Done!

Denham Springs Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me

225.888.8888