What to Do if You Are Involved in an 18-Wheeler Accident in Michoud, LA?

Accidents with semi trucks and 18-wheelers are some of the scariest collisions on the road. The aftermath can be stressful and uncertain to navigate. The steps you take after a truck accident are essential for your own safety, the well-being of others, and your financial future. What should you do if you are involved in an 18-wheeler accident in Michoud, LA? Some of the crucial steps include:

1. Ensure Safety

First, it is important to get yourself and others to safety and out of the roadway. If vehicles cannot be moved out of the way, people should move out of the way without leaving the scene.

Severe injuries are unfortunately common in 18-wheeler accidents. In Orleans Parish, there were 265 total vehicle crashes involving commercial motor vehicles in 2024. Two of these crashes were fatal. Out of 8,183 suspected injuries in vehicle collisions in the parish, 335 of those suspected injuries were in crashes involving a commercial motor vehicle.

If someone is injured to the point that they cannot move themselves out of a vehicle, don’t attempt to move them. Only move them if there is immediate danger.

2. Call 911

Report the accident to the authorities and report the injuries you are aware of. This is essential to ensure speedy medical treatment for those who are injured.

3. Get Medical Treatment

When emergency responders arrive, ensure you are looked at by medical professionals. Do this even if you think you weren’t injured. Truck accidents are serious, and you may have suffered internal injuries or other damage that shock or adrenaline has prevented you from noticing.

4. Collect Information

When you are able to, document the scene of the accident and collect other important information, including the contact and insurance information of other drivers, passengers, and eyewitnesses. Get information about the trucking company and the identification for the commercial vehicle. Take photos and videos of the traffic conditions, weather, and road conditions, your injuries, and damage to vehicles.

5. Give a Police Report

When requested by the onsite officer, provide information for an accident report. Be honest, but don’t admit fault.

Getting a copy of the police report is important for your case. At the scene, you can ask the responding officer about the process of getting a copy once the report has been made. For the New Orleans Police Department, Michoud is served by the 7th District NOPD. Their non-emergency number is (504) 658-6070. Your accident may have also been responded to by the Louisiana State Police or the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office.

6. Avoid Insurers

If the trucking company insurer or other insurers try to talk with you, avoid discussing with them if possible. Otherwise, be sure you do not give a statement, agree to a settlement, or admit fault.

7. See a Doctor

Don’t leave the scene of the accident early, as you could be accused of a hit-and-run. When you are able to leave, get further medical treatment.

8. Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer in Michoud

Hire an experienced Michoud truck accident lawyer to protect your rights, help you navigate an insurance or civil claim, and protect your financial future.

Manage Your Truck Accident Claim With Murphy Law Firm

At Murphy Law Firm, we have 30 years of experience in personal injury claims in southeast Louisiana. Reach out to our firm today.

About The Author

Peyton Murphy

Peyton Murphy, is the founder of Murphy Law Firm, LLC, based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, specializing in personal injury law. Peyton obtained his law degree from the prestigious Tulane School of Law in 1991 and has been licensed to practice law in Louisiana since 1993. With over 28 years of experience, Peyton is dedicated to representing injured victims and actively contributing to his community. Education: Obtained his law degree from Tulane School of Law in 1991. Professional Associations: Member of the Louisiana State Bar and active in the Baton Rouge Bar Association and the Louisiana Association for Justice. Experience: Founder of Murphy Law Firm, LLC, with extensive experience in personal injury law and licensed in multiple federal courts and the U.S. Supreme Court.

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