1. Morris Bart, LLC
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, semi-truck collisions, commercial vehicle accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, wrongful death from truck accidents, catastrophic injuries from trucking collisions, delivery truck accidents, bus accidents
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions with trucks, jackknife accidents, rollover accidents, head-on truck collisions, wide turn accidents, blind spot accidents, cargo spill accidents, brake failure accidents, driver fatigue accidents, multi-vehicle truck accidents
Legal Services: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSA) compliance investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, hours of service violation investigation, black box data retrieval, electronic logging device (ELD) data analysis, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical lien resolution, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims
Background: Morris Bart has over 40 years of experience in personal injury law. The firm has recovered over $6,500 cases won for accident victims in 2019. Reported truck accident recoveries include $337,500 for a tractor-trailer truck accident resulting in traumatic brain injuries and $490,000 for neck and back injuries. The firm operates 16 offices throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas. Morris Bart holds an AV Preeminent Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating. Multiple attorneys at the firm have been selected to Super Lawyers lists.
Location: 601 Poydras Street, 24th Floor, New Orleans, LA 70130
Contact: (504) 613-4771 | (800) 537-8185 | https://www.morrisbart.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available, contingency fee basis (no fee unless case is won), available 24/7
2. Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, big rig accidents, semi-truck collisions, commercial vehicle accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, wrongful death from truck accidents, catastrophic injuries, delivery truck accidents, cargo truck accidents
Case Types Handled: Wrong-way truck accidents, multi-vehicle truck accidents, head-on collisions, rear-end collisions, rollover accidents, failure to yield accidents, distracted driving accidents, fatigue-related accidents, speeding truck accidents, overloaded cargo accidents
Legal Services: FMCSA compliance investigation, trucking company negligence claims, hours of service violation investigation, electronic logging device analysis, CDL requirements verification, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, catastrophic injury claims, property damage claims
Background: Dudley DeBosier operates multiple offices throughout Louisiana including Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Lafayette, Shreveport, and Houma. The firm focuses exclusively on personal injury and workers compensation cases. Their attorneys are experienced in federal trucking regulations and state transportation laws. The firm offers their No Fee Guarantee, meaning clients pay nothing unless compensation is recovered.
Location: New Orleans Office (serves Greater New Orleans area)
Contact: (866) 897-8495 | https://www.dudleydebosier.com/
Consultation: Free case review available, No Fee Guarantee (contingency fee basis), available 24/7
3. Kiefer and Kiefer
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, semi-truck collisions, commercial vehicle accidents, delivery truck accidents, wrongful death from truck accidents, catastrophic injuries from trucking collisions, Jones Act claims, maritime accidents
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions with trucks, rollover accidents, head-on truck collisions, wide turn accidents, jackknife accidents, underride accidents, brake failure accidents, cargo shift accidents, driver negligence accidents
Legal Services: FMCSA compliance investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering claims, event data recorder analysis
Background: Kiefer and Kiefer was established over 60 years ago and has been representing New Orleans families for three generations. The firm was founded by Senator Nat G. Kiefer, Sr. Current attorneys include Nat G. Kiefer, Jr., Kris P. Kiefer, Megan Kiefer, Ford T. Hardy, Jr., and Christopher J. Kiefer. The firm has recovered tens of millions of dollars for clients over the years.
Location: 1100 Poydras Street, Suite 1300, New Orleans, LA 70163
Contact: (504) 828-3313 | https://kieferandkiefer.com/
Consultation: Free and confidential consultation available, contingency fee arrangement
4. Charbonnet Law Firm, LLC
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, commercial truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, semi-truck collisions, catastrophic injuries from truck accidents, wrongful death from truck accidents, delivery truck accidents, maritime and offshore injury
Case Types Handled: Rear-end truck collisions, T-bone crashes, rollover accidents, head-on collisions, distracted driving accidents, cargo spill accidents, brake failure accidents, wide turn accidents, multi-vehicle truck accidents
Legal Services: FMCSA compliance investigation, trucking company negligence claims, black box data retrieval, driver log analysis, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering claims
Background: Charbonnet Law Firm, LLC has been in business serving the legal needs of New Orleans and surrounding areas since 1975. The firm has over 50 years of combined legal experience. Attorneys are members of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys. Robert P. Charbonnet, Jr. has been selected to Super Lawyers. The firm handles complex cases involving federal trucking regulations and multiple liable parties.
Location: 3750 S. Claiborne Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70125 (additional office at 501 Clearview Parkway, Metairie, LA 70001)
Contact: (504) 891-5841 | (504) 294-3910 | https://www.charbonnetlawfirm.com/
Consultation: Free consultation and case evaluation available, no recovery/no fee, evening and weekend appointments available, hospital or home visits offered
5. The Law Offices of Blaine Barrilleaux
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, semi-truck collisions, offshore and maritime injuries, wrongful death from truck accidents, catastrophic injuries, delivery truck accidents
Case Types Handled: Commercial truck accidents, big rig accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, cargo accidents, brake failure accidents, driver fatigue accidents, defective truck part accidents, overloaded truck accidents, rear-end collisions
Legal Services: Federal trucking regulations investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, defective part liability claims, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, workers compensation for truck drivers, Jones Act claims
Background: Blaine J. Barrilleaux has over 25 years of legal experience. He earned his J.D. from Loyola Law New Orleans in 1998 and his B.A. in Marketing from USL. He is licensed in all Louisiana State and Federal Courts. Blaine is an active member of LTLA (Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association), ATLA (Association of Trial Lawyers of America), and AAJ (American Association for Justice). He has received recognition from The National Trial Lawyers and Elite Lawyers organizations. The firm has achieved multi-million dollar settlements for families.
Location: 1 Galleria Boulevard, Suite 1900, Metairie, LA 70001 (serves New Orleans area)
Contact: (504) 475-2429 | https://barrilleauxlaw.com/
Consultation: Free case evaluation available, no upfront fees, contingency fee arrangement (no payment unless case is won), available 24/7 including holidays
Truck Accident Laws and Regulations in Louisiana
Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Personal Injury Claims: Two years from the date of injury for accidents occurring on or after July 1, 2024. For accidents that occurred before July 1, 2024, the prescriptive period is one year from the date of injury. This change was enacted through House Bill 315, Act 423, which took effect July 1, 2024.
Statute of Limitations for Property Damage Claims: Two years from the date of injury for claims arising on or after July 1, 2024.
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims: One year from the date of death.
Fault vs. No-Fault Insurance State Status: Louisiana is an at-fault (tort) state. The driver determined to be responsible for causing the accident is held accountable for paying the damages.
Comparative Negligence Rules: Louisiana follows a pure comparative negligence standard under Louisiana Civil Code Article 2323. This means even if you are partially at fault for an accident, you can still recover damages. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 25% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would recover $75,000.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements: Louisiana requires minimum liability insurance coverage of $15,000 per person for bodily injury, $30,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage (15/30/25).
Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements: Louisiana follows federal requirements set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Trucks weighing less than 10,000 pounds carrying non-hazardous cargo require minimum insurance of $300,000. Trucks weighing 10,000 pounds or more carrying non-hazardous cargo require minimum insurance of $750,000. Trucks carrying oil and weighing 10,000 pounds or more require minimum insurance of $1,000,000. Trucks carrying certain hazardous materials require minimum insurance of $5,000,000.
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Requirements: Louisiana requires truck drivers operating commercial vehicles to obtain a CDL. Requirements include passing drug and alcohol screening, possessing a clean driving record, and obtaining a physical exam. Drivers must undergo annual drug and alcohol screenings and physical exams. Drivers transporting hazardous materials must obtain a hazardous materials endorsement from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
Hours of Service Requirements: Louisiana truck drivers must comply with federal Hours of Service regulations. Drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours at one time with consecutive 10-hour breaks required. Drivers cannot drive beyond the 14th hour after coming on duty. A 30-minute break is required after eight hours of continuous driving. Drivers cannot exceed 60 or 70 hours during a seven or eight day period.
Vicarious Liability and Employer Liability: Trucking companies can be held liable for the negligent acts of their drivers under the doctrine of respondeat superior. Companies may also be directly liable for negligent hiring, inadequate training, failure to maintain vehicles, or setting unrealistic delivery schedules.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations Applicability: FMCSA regulations apply in Louisiana state courts and can be used as evidence of negligence. Violations of federal trucking regulations such as hours of service rules, maintenance requirements, and driver qualification standards can support liability claims.
Evidence Preservation: Louisiana recognizes spoliation of evidence claims. Trucking companies are required to preserve electronic logging device (ELD) data, driver logs, maintenance records, and other relevant documentation. Failure to preserve evidence can result in adverse inference instructions or sanctions.
Damage Caps: Louisiana does not impose caps on compensatory damages in personal injury cases. Punitive damages may be available in cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct.
No Pay, No Play Law: Louisiana has a “no pay, no play” law which restricts uninsured drivers from recovering certain damages in accidents where they are not at fault.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline to file a truck accident lawsuit in Louisiana?
For truck accidents occurring on or after July 1, 2024, Louisiana law provides a two-year prescriptive period to file a personal injury lawsuit from the date of the accident. For accidents that occurred before July 1, 2024, the prescriptive period is one year. Wrongful death claims must be filed within one year of the date of death regardless of when the accident occurred. If your claim involves a government entity, special notice requirements and shorter deadlines may apply. Missing these deadlines typically results in losing your right to pursue compensation through the courts.
How does Louisiana’s pure comparative negligence rule affect my truck accident compensation?
Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 2323, Louisiana follows a pure comparative negligence standard. This means you can recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for the accident. However, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if a jury determines you were 30% at fault and awards $200,000 in damages, you would receive $140,000. Unlike modified comparative negligence states, Louisiana allows recovery even if you are more than 50% at fault, though your recovery would be significantly reduced.
What are the minimum insurance requirements for commercial trucks operating in Louisiana?
Commercial trucks in Louisiana must carry liability insurance based on vehicle weight and cargo type. Trucks under 10,000 pounds carrying regular cargo need minimum coverage of $300,000. Trucks over 10,000 pounds carrying regular cargo require $750,000 minimum coverage. Trucks over 10,000 pounds hauling oil require $1,000,000 minimum coverage. Trucks carrying certain hazardous materials require $5,000,000 minimum coverage. These requirements follow Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations and provide a source of compensation for accident victims.
Can I sue multiple parties after a truck accident in Louisiana?
Yes, Louisiana law allows you to pursue claims against all parties whose negligence contributed to your truck accident. Potentially liable parties may include the truck driver for negligent operation, the trucking company for negligent hiring or supervision, the company that loaded the cargo if improper loading caused the accident, the maintenance company if mechanical failure contributed to the crash, and the manufacturer if a defective truck part was involved. An experienced truck accident attorney can investigate all potential sources of liability to pursue full compensation.
What evidence is important in a Louisiana truck accident case?
Critical evidence in Louisiana truck accident cases includes the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD) data showing hours of service compliance, the event data recorder (black box) information showing speed and braking patterns before impact, driver qualification files and employment records, vehicle maintenance and inspection records, cargo loading documentation, witness statements and police reports, photographs and video of the accident scene, and medical records documenting injuries. Louisiana law requires trucking companies to preserve this evidence, and failure to do so can result in legal consequences. Contacting an attorney quickly helps ensure evidence is preserved before it can be lost or destroyed.