On this page
- Car Accidents in West Monroe
- I-20 Accidents in West Monroe
- 18-Wheeler Accidents
- Truck Driver Fatigue
- Distracted Truck Driving
- Truck Maintenance
- Out-of-State Trucking Companies
- Multiple Defendants
- Multi-Vehicle Accidents
- Company Vehicle Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Catastrophic Injury Claims
- Medical Evidence
- Future Medical Care
- Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
- What Compensation May Be Available?
- Louisiana's 51% Comparative Fault Rule
- Louisiana's General Two-Year Filing Period
- Preserve Trucking Evidence Early
- Wrongful Death in West Monroe
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact a West Monroe Personal Injury Lawyer
Because Interstate 20 runs through the Monroe-West Monroe area, serious collisions can involve trucking companies and drivers from across Louisiana and the United States.
If another driver, trucking company, employer, or business caused your injuries, Louisiana law may allow you to pursue compensation.
Jacqueline Scott & Associates represents accident victims in West Monroe, Ouachita Parish, and throughout Louisiana.
Our personal injury practice includes:
- car accidents;
- I-20 accidents;
- 18-wheeler wrecks;
- commercial vehicle accidents;
- motorcycle accidents;
- company-vehicle accidents;
- catastrophic injuries;
- wrongful death; and
- other serious personal injury claims.
Call (318) 746-5997.
Make ’Em Pay.
Car Accidents in West Monroe
Potential causes include:
- distracted driving;
- speeding;
- following too closely;
- failure to yield;
- unsafe lane changes;
- improper turns;
- impaired driving;
- aggressive driving; and
- failure to maintain control.
I-20 Accidents in West Monroe
Potential I-20 accidents include:
- 18-wheeler wrecks;
- rear-end collisions;
- merging accidents;
- unsafe lane changes;
- multi-vehicle crashes;
- driver-fatigue accidents;
- distracted-driving crashes; and
- construction-related collisions.
18-Wheeler Accidents
Potential commercial trucking evidence includes:
- electronic logs;
- GPS;
- telematics;
- dashcam footage;
- driver-facing camera footage;
- dispatch communications;
- driver qualification records;
- inspection documents;
- maintenance records; and
- cargo information.
Truck Driver Fatigue
Covered commercial drivers are subject to federal hours-of-service requirements.
When fatigue may have contributed to a collision, investigators may compare electronic logs with:
- GPS;
- dispatch;
- fuel transactions;
- delivery information; and
- other time-stamped records.
Distracted Truck Driving
Potential distractions include:
- phones;
- messages;
- navigation devices;
- dispatch systems;
- paperwork;
- food; and
- other activity.
Legally obtainable electronic evidence may help establish whether distraction contributed to the wreck.
Truck Maintenance
Potential mechanical issues can involve:
- brakes;
- tires;
- steering;
- lighting;
- suspension; and
- coupling systems.
The vehicle itself can become critical evidence when mechanical failure is suspected.
Out-of-State Trucking Companies
An I-20 motor carrier may be headquartered outside Louisiana.
Potential issues can include:
- jurisdiction;
- venue;
- service;
- commercial insurance;
- corporate relationships; and
- preservation of out-of-state records.
Multiple Defendants
Potential defendants may include:
- driver;
- motor carrier;
- employer;
- tractor owner;
- trailer owner;
- maintenance provider;
- cargo-loading company; and
- another negligent business.
Each party's actual involvement must be investigated.
Multi-Vehicle Accidents
A chain-reaction I-20 collision may require reconstruction of:
- sequence of impacts;
- vehicle speeds;
- following distances;
- braking;
- lane positions;
- traffic conditions; and
- driver reactions.
Company Vehicle Accidents
Serious commercial crashes can also involve:
- delivery trucks;
- work pickups;
- contractor vehicles;
- service vans;
- utility vehicles; and
- other business-owned vehicles.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists can suffer catastrophic injuries when another driver fails to yield, turns across their path, changes lanes unsafely, follows too closely, or drives distracted.
Catastrophic Injury Claims
Potential catastrophic injuries include:
- traumatic brain injury;
- spinal cord injury;
- paralysis;
- amputations;
- severe burns;
- crush injuries;
- multiple fractures;
- internal organ damage; and
- permanent neurological impairment.
Medical Evidence
Potential evidence includes:
- emergency treatment;
- diagnostic imaging;
- specialist evaluations;
- surgical records;
- therapy;
- physician opinions;
- medical restrictions; and
- relevant prior medical records.
Future Medical Care
Potential future needs can include:
- surgery;
- rehabilitation;
- physical therapy;
- medication;
- prosthetics;
- medical equipment;
- attendant care; and
- home modifications.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
Potential evidence can include:
- payroll records;
- tax documents;
- employment history;
- medical restrictions;
- vocational evidence; and
- economic analysis.
What Compensation May Be Available?
Depending on Louisiana law and the evidence, potential damages may include:
- past medical expenses;
- future medical expenses;
- rehabilitation;
- lost wages;
- diminished earning capacity;
- property damage;
- physical pain;
- mental anguish;
- disability;
- loss of enjoyment of life; and
- other legally recoverable damages.
Louisiana's 51% Comparative Fault Rule
For claims governed by Louisiana Civil Code Article 2323 as amended effective January 1, 2026, a claimant found 51% or more negligent cannot recover damages.
When claimant negligence is below 51%, damages are reduced according to the assigned percentage.
Louisiana's General Two-Year Filing Period
Louisiana Civil Code Article 3493.1 generally provides a two-year prescriptive period for delictual actions beginning when injury or damage is sustained.
The legislation establishing the period became effective July 1, 2024.
Older accidents and specialized claims may involve different deadlines.
Preserve Trucking Evidence Early
Potential evidence can disappear before the general lawsuit deadline.
Important evidence may include:
- dashcam footage;
- electronic logs;
- telematics;
- surveillance video;
- vehicle condition;
- roadway evidence; and
- witness recollections.
Wrongful Death in West Monroe
Fatal interstate, truck, car, motorcycle, and commercial-vehicle accidents may potentially create survival and wrongful-death actions under Louisiana law.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have after a West Monroe accident?
Louisiana's current general rule provides two years for delictual actions. Accident dates and specialized claims may affect the deadline.
What if an 18-wheeler hit me on I-20?
Potential evidence may include electronic logs, GPS, dashcam footage, maintenance records, driver records, cargo information, and other commercial documents.
What if the trucking company is located outside Louisiana?
An out-of-state carrier may still potentially face liability for a Louisiana collision. The specific jurisdiction, venue, and service issues depend on the circumstances.
What if the trucking company blames me?
The company's position does not determine legal fault. Physical evidence, electronic data, witnesses, trucking records, and reconstruction may provide additional evidence.
Can I recover if I was partially responsible?
For claims governed by current Article 2323, claimant negligence below 51% may reduce damages without necessarily barring recovery.
What if I need future medical treatment?
Reasonably supported future medical treatment may potentially be part of a serious injury claim.
What if my injuries prevent me from returning to my previous career?
Diminished earning capacity may potentially be recoverable when supported by appropriate medical, employment, vocational, and economic evidence.
Contact a West Monroe Personal Injury Lawyer
If you were seriously injured in West Monroe or elsewhere in Ouachita Parish, contact:
Jacqueline Scott & Associates
(318) 746-5997
Make ’Em Pay.
Every case is different. Results depend on the specific facts and circumstances of each individual matter. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This article provides general educational information and is not legal advice.
This article is general information about Louisiana law and is not legal advice. Laws and deadlines can change, and every case depends on its own facts. Past results do not guarantee or predict future outcomes. Reading this page or contacting the firm does not by itself create an attorney-client relationship.
