In an 18-wheeler truck accident, three individuals were sent to the LSU Hospital for treatment. Two of the individuals were taken by ambulance while another was airlifted to the hospital.

It appears that the 18-wheeler while carrying a salt water tanker failed to yield at a stop sign. A van carrying a driver and 6-year old passenger literally ended up driving under the tanker as the collision occurred. The driver of the van is now listed in critical condition.

To litigate such a truck accident, it is best to get an attorney and investigators out to the scene of the crash at the earliest possible moment. Such truck accidents tend to be complex as determination of who owns the truck needs to be determined, and the negligence of the truck driver needs to be established. Also, background checks of the driver and the driver's company need to be done to determine safety patterns and safety practices of the driver and his or her employer.

Other items will need to be investigated as well:

  • Could the accident be avoided?
  • Have there been a number of accidents at this particular intersection?
  • Was the van in a location that was not easily visible to the truck driver?

Determining what party is actually responsible for compensating the injured parties is also essential. Figuring out what insurance coverage would be applicable to the crash is not always easy to establish. Though the truck driver may be at fault, usually such individuals do not have even close to the required assets to compensate individuals when major injuries have occurred.

Source: Shreveport Times, "Major Crash sends three to hospital," Feb. 4, 2012