Common Types of Commercial Truck Accidents in Lafayette

Accidents involving large trucks are some of the most dangerous and deadly incidents that occur on Louisiana’s roadways. These wrecks have the potential to cause catastrophic amounts of damage to vehicles and occupants alike, and accident victims are frequently left with serious injuries and financial losses.

Securing justice in these cases begins with determining how these accidents happen and who’s to blame. An experienced Lafayette truck accident lawyer will be familiar with the most common types of truck accidents and know how to investigate these complex collisions. If you were hurt in a collision with a commercial truck, contact The Thibeaux Firm for a free initial consultation to discuss your case.

Why Choose Attorney Omar Thibeaux for Your Lafayette Truck Accident Case

The process of pursuing compensation and justice after an 18-wheeler wreck begins with finding the right attorney to represent you. Attorney Omar Thibeaux brings over 20 years of experience to his work on behalf of clients like you who have suffered severe injuries due to the careless actions of commercial truck drivers and their employers. He’s ready to provide the respectful and understanding legal support you deserve.

Attorney Thibeaux is “The 25% Attorney” – he charges a flat 25% fee when he recovers compensation, which means you’ll never have to go into your legal case worried about taking on additional financial burdens at a time when money may be a serious concern. He and The Thibeaux Firm are committed to recovering every dollar you’re owed. As one satisfied client wrote:

“I had gotten in an accident. I was at the red light on Louisiana Avenue turning, and there was a truck that had sideswiped me while I was turning into the turning lane. I hired The Thibeaux Firm because I needed a lawyer and it’s a Black business, so why not support Black law firms? I was beyond happy with my settlement. I would definitely recommend The Thibeaux Firm to everyone who gets in an accident, or anyone who needs a lawyer in general. The Thibeaux Firm is your personal injury law firm to go to.” – Brooke H.

When you trust The Thibeaux Firm with your truck accident claim, Attorney Thibeaux can help by:

• Gathering evidence to prepare a robust legal claim
• Negotiating with the trucking companies’ attorneys and insurers to pursue full compensation
• Filing a lawsuit and taking your case to trial if necessary
• Managing every aspect of your claim and keeping you informed throughout the process

For trusted legal representation, contact The Thibeaux Firm.

Common Types of Truck Accidents in Lafayette

Large commercial trucks share the road with thousands of passenger vehicles traveling through Lafayette on I-10, Highway 90, and other busy corridors. When these heavy trucks are involved in crashes, the results can be devastating. With their understanding of the most common truck accident types, personal injury lawyers can more easily identify how these life-changing accidents occur and who may be responsible:

• Rear-End Collisions – A rear-end crash involving an 18-wheeler often happens when the truck driver cannot stop in time due to speeding, tailgating, or distracted driving. Because of the truck’s size and weight, even a low-speed impact can crush the rear of a passenger car and cause serious or fatal injuries. These crashes are common in stop-and-go traffic along Lafayette’s busy roadways.
• Jackknife Accidents – A jackknife accident occurs when a truck’s cab and trailer fold toward each other at an angle and create a shape that resembles a folding knife. Sudden braking, slippery roads, or improper cargo loading can cause this loss of control. Once a jackknife begins, the driver often cannot recover, and the trailer may sweep across multiple lanes of traffic, striking nearby vehicles.
• Rollover Accidents – Rollover and tip-over accidents are among the most destructive types of commercial truck accidents. They frequently result from speeding around curves, abrupt steering maneuvers, or unbalanced cargo loads. In truck rollovers, the truck may land on top of other vehicles, trapping occupants, blocking several lanes of traffic, and potentially leading to a multi-vehicle pileup.
• Wide-Turn Accidents – Tractor-trailers require extra space to make right turns. When a truck driver misjudges the distance or fails to check their blind spots, nearby vehicles can be pinned between the truck and the curb or sideswiped as the trailer swings outward. These crashes often occur on narrow city streets and at intersections.
• Underride Accidents – An underride accident happens when a smaller vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer, usually in a rear-end or side collision. These crashes are often catastrophic, as the top of the smaller vehicle can be sheared off. Federal safety regulations require guards on trailers, but some are missing or defective.
• Tire Blowouts – When a truck tire bursts, the driver can quickly lose control of the vehicle. Blowouts often result from poor maintenance, worn tread, or overloading. Flying debris and swerving vehicles make these accidents uniquely dangerous for nearby motorists.

An experienced attorney will have handled other cases involving Louisiana truck accidents and be familiar with the most common causes of truck accidents. They can conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause and identify the liable party in your truck accident lawsuit.

How Truck Driver Accidents Happen

Truck accidents in Lafayette often result from driver error, vehicle malfunctions, company negligence, or a combination of these factors. Some of the most common reasons truck accidents happen include:

Begin the process of determining the cause of your truck accident by contacting our personal injury law office today.

Financial Compensation You Can Recover in a Truck Accident

Accidents involving large commercial vehicles tend to result in more serious injuries, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Crush injuries
• Broken bones
• Burn injuries

Truck accident victims can pursue a legal claim against the at-fault party to seek compensation for the following accident-related losses:

• Medical bills, ongoing medical treatment, and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Property damage or replacement
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, mental distress, and loss of enjoyment of life

An experienced lawyer can prepare a personal injury claim on your behalf to seek a fair settlement.

How a Lafayette Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help You Recover

Larger trucking companies and their insurers employ tactics designed to protect their profits and have high-powered legal teams ready to defend their interests. You need a hardworking, determined Lafayette truck accident attorney on your side to preserve your right to pursue financial recovery. The Thibeaux Firm will apply our considerable experience and resources to investigate the accident that injured you and prepare your legal claim while you focus on healing. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your next steps and begin pursuing the justice you deserve.