By the Law Firm of Brandt & Sherman

Highway Safety Concerns in Louisiana

Key Takeaways

• Interstate 10, Interstate 20, Interstate 49, US-90, and US-190 see heavy commercial truck traffic and higher crash risks.
• Driver fatigue, weather conditions, congestion, and poor maintenance contribute to many truck accidents.
• Truck crashes often cause catastrophic injuries due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles.
• Multiple parties may be liable, including the trucking company.
• Injured victims may pursue compensation under Louisiana law.

Louisiana’s highways serve as major freight corridors connecting Texas, Mississippi, and the Gulf Coast. With thousands of commercial trucks traveling daily, certain highways have become hotspots for serious collisions.

Because 18-wheelers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, accidents involving large trucks often result in life-changing injuries. Understanding where these crashes happen and why can help drivers stay alert and protect their legal rights.

Louisiana Highways With High Truck Accident Rates

While truck accidents can occur anywhere, several highways consistently report higher commercial vehicle crash activity.

Interstate 10 (I-10)

Interstate 10 runs across southern Louisiana from the Texas border through Lake Charles, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans.

Risk factors include:

• Heavy freight traffic
• Urban congestion
• Frequent construction zones
• Sudden Gulf Coast storms

Construction areas and merging traffic often create dangerous conditions for smaller vehicles traveling near commercial trucks.

Interstate 20 (I-20)

I-20 crosses northern Louisiana and carries substantial long-haul trucking traffic.

Contributing dangers include:

• Long stretches that increase driver fatigue
• High speeds
• Weather-related hazards

Fatigue remains one of the leading contributors to commercial trucking crashes nationwide.

Interstate 49 (I-49)

Connecting Lafayette to Shreveport, I-49 includes rural stretches where higher speeds and reduced traffic enforcement may increase risk.

US Highway 90 (US-90)

US-90 includes narrow lanes, intersections, and stop-and-go traffic, especially near coastal regions and metropolitan areas. These conditions can increase the risk of rear-end and side-impact collisions involving large trucks.

US Highway 190 (US-190)

Often used as an alternative to I-10, US-190 contains two-lane segments with heavy truck presence. Limited passing zones can create hazardous driving situations.

Why Truck Accidents Are Often Severe

Truck crashes tend to cause catastrophic harm due to the force involved. Victims commonly suffer:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Severe neck and back injuries
• Broken bones
• Internal injuries
• Burn injuries from fuel-related fires

You can learn more about claims involving brain and spinal cord injuries and burn injuries.

In fatal crashes, surviving family members may pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents on Louisiana Highways

Truck accidents are often preventable and caused by negligence. Common contributing factors include:

Driver Fatigue

Federal hours-of-service regulations limit how long drivers may operate without rest. Violations increase crash risk.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Brake failures, tire blowouts, and mechanical issues can lead to catastrophic loss of control.

Weather Conditions

Louisiana storms can reduce visibility and create slick roadways. Trucks require longer stopping distances in wet conditions.

Distracted or Impaired Driving

Alcohol or drug impairment significantly increases crash severity. If intoxication played a role, victims may also have claims related to drunk driving accidents.

Who Can Be Held Responsible?

Unlike typical car accidents, truck accident cases often involve multiple parties, including:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• A maintenance provider
• A cargo loading company
• A parts manufacturer

Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 2315, injured victims may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Our experienced truck accident attorneys investigate black box data, maintenance records, and company safety practices to determine liability.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

1. Call 911 and seek medical attention immediately.
2. Request a police report.
3. Document the scene with photographs if it is safe.
4. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies.
5. Contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible.

Truck accident cases require fast action to preserve critical evidence.

If you are unsure how to proceed, you can contact our team for guidance.

Why Choose Brandt & Sherman?

At Brandt & Sherman, we represent individuals and families across Louisiana who have suffered serious injuries in commercial vehicle crashes. You can learn more about our attorneys and why clients choose our firm when facing complex injury claims.

Free Consultation With Brandt & Sherman Injury Lawyers

Truck accidents on highways like I-10 and I-20 can leave victims facing overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, and long-term rehabilitation.

If you or a loved one has been injured, contact Brandt & Sherman today for a free consultation. There are no upfront fees, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.