One Dies in Fiery Crash Involving 18-Wheeler and Dump Truck

4WWL reports on a tragic collision on Interstate 310 that killed one woman and left one man with severe burns. According to authorities, the accident occurred at around 8 a.m. when an 18-wheeler rear-ended a dump truck.

Investigators determined that the dump truck was traveling at a slow speed when the tractor-trailer struck it. At the time, the 18-wheeler was carrying 8,000 gallons of gasoline, which ignited after the collision. The force of the impact also caused the dump truck to tip onto its passenger side.

The dump truck driver died at the scene. The driver of the 18-wheeler was able to escape the cab of his truck, and responders airlifted him to the burn center at Baton Rouge General Hospital for treatment.

If you were injured or lost a family member in a truck wreck, contact the Laborde Earles Law Firm to find out if you have grounds for a claim. Our lawyers have recovered more than $200 million for our clients in successful settlements and verdicts. Call 800-522-6733 to schedule a free consultation with an auto accident attorney in Baton Rouge.

Who Might Be Liable for Damages after a Truck Accident?

Truck accidents are often more complicated than collisions involving two passenger vehicles because multiple parties may be liable for damages. For example, if the collision occurred because the truck driver was drowsy or drunk, then the driver would be considered liable; however, depending on the cause of the crash, the following parties may also be liable:

• The owner of the cab;
• The owner of the rig;
• The company that loaded the truck;
• A mechanic; or
• The manufacturer of the truck or its parts.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents?

Researchers from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration investigated the causes of truck accidents over a 33-month period. Approximately 22 percent of the collisions occurred because a truck rear-ended another vehicle in its travel lane. Other common causes of these crashes included lane drifting and losing control due to poor road conditions, speed, or shifting cargo.

What Should I Do after a Truck Accident?

Your statements and actions in the immediate aftermath of a collision can have a profound impact on the success of your personal injury claim. You can protect your interests by following these steps:

• Check yourself and other people for injuries;
• Call the police and, if necessary, request emergency medical assistance;
• Record the contact information of eyewitnesses;
• Take photos of the scene;
• Exchange insurance and contact details with all drivers involved;
• Write down the truck’s DOT number;
• Visit your doctor; and
• Contact a personal injury attorney.

If you sustained debilitating injuries in a collision with a negligent truck driver, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and non-economic damages. An auto accident attorney from the Laborde Earles Law Firm can evaluate your case, gather evidence, and help you fight for the maximum compensation.

Call 800-522-6733 to schedule a free consultation with a car wreck lawyer in Baton Rouge.