Highway 90, a vital corridor running along the southern United States from Texas to Florida, is a major route for commercial trucks and freight transport. Spanning thousands of miles, it serves as a critical lifeline for goods moving between large cities and rural communities. However, this comes with the risk of truck accidents, many of which are severe and result in life-changing injuries or fatalities.
When truck accidents occur, victims face a complex legal battle that may involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, maintenance providers, and even the manufacturers of the vehicles or parts involved.
In this article, we will explore notable truck accidents on Highway 90, discuss the legal cases that followed, and tell you how a New Orleans truck accident lawyer can help if you were injured in a truck crash.
The 2019 Truck Accident on Highway 90 in Louisiana
In 2019, a fatal truck accident on Highway 90 near the town of St. Martinville, Louisiana, claimed the life of a 28-year-old man. The semi-truck, traveling at high speed in rainy conditions, failed to stop in time and collided with the victim’s car.
The crash sent the passenger vehicle careening into a guardrail, causing fatal injuries to the driver. An investigation revealed that the truck driver had failed to adjust his speed to account for the wet road conditions.
The driver, who had been on the road for over 16 hours without a break, was also found to be suffering from extreme fatigue. Furthermore, the truck’s brakes were found to be in poor condition and had not been properly maintained.
The Legal Case
The victim’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against both the truck driver and the trucking company, arguing that the driver’s fatigue, failure to maintain the vehicle, and excessive speed in hazardous conditions all contributed to the crash.
The case ended in a settlement, which provided financial relief to the victim’s family for their medical bills, funeral costs, and emotional suffering.
2017 Truck Accident on Highway 90 in Texas
In 2017, a multi-vehicle pile-up occurred on Highway 90 near Houston, Texas, involving a semi-truck and several cars. The chain-reaction crash was triggered when the truck driver failed to notice stopped traffic ahead and rear-ended a vehicle at high speed.
The truck’s load, which was not properly secured, caused the truck to jackknife, blocking multiple lanes of the highway and trapping several vehicles. The crash resulted in severe injuries to four individuals, including a 45-year-old woman who suffered spinal injuries and a 61-year-old man who sustained a traumatic brain injury.
The Legal Case
Investigations into the accident revealed that the trucking company had a history of safety violations, including improper loading procedures and failure to properly train its drivers. The truck driver was also found to be using a mobile phone at the time of the crash, further distracting him from the road.
The victims filed lawsuits against the trucking company, the truck driver, and the cargo company responsible for loading the truck. The case was complicated by multiple negligent actions on the part of the trucking company and the driver, leading to a lengthy court battle.
The lawsuit eventually resulted in a large settlement for the victims, compensating them for their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The 2015 Truck Accident on Highway 90 in Mississippi
In 2015, a tragic truck accident occurred on Highway 90 near Gulfport, Mississippi, when a semi-truck lost control on a stretch of highway that was under construction.
The truck swerved and struck a passenger vehicle head-on, killing a 32-year-old woman and injuring her two children. The truck had been carrying heavy construction equipment, which was not properly secured, causing the vehicle to become unstable.
The Legal Case
Following the accident, it was revealed that the trucking company had failed to ensure that the load was properly secured and that the truck’s tires were properly inflated, which contributed to the driver’s loss of control. The truck driver was also found to have ignored warnings about road conditions due to construction work.
The woman’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the truck driver and the trucking company. The case focused on the failure of the company to properly train the driver and ensure proper loading procedures.
A substantial settlement was reached, providing compensation to the victim’s family and ensuring that the trucking company was held accountable for its negligence.
The 2020 Highway 90 Crash in Florida
In 2020, a devastating crash occurred on Highway 90 near Tallahassee, Florida, when a semi-truck, traveling in dense fog, collided with a car at an intersection. The driver of the truck, who had been driving for over 12 hours, failed to slow down in the poor visibility, resulting in the truck rear-ending the passenger vehicle.
The impact caused the car to spin off the road, striking a tree and injuring the occupants inside. The crash resulted in the hospitalization of two people, one of whom sustained life-threatening injuries.
The Legal Case
Upon investigation, it was revealed that the truck driver had ignored required rest breaks and had exceeded the federal hours-of-service regulations. The trucking company was also found to have failed to monitor the driver’s logs and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
The victims filed a lawsuit against the truck driver and the trucking company for violating federal regulations and causing the crash. The case ultimately resulted in a settlement, which covered the victims’ medical expenses and compensated them for pain and suffering.
Legal Assistance for Victims of Highway 90 Truck Accidents
Truck accidents on Highway 90 can be life-altering events, and victims often face long-term physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Whether caused by driver negligence, improper maintenance, or failure to secure cargo, these accidents require thorough investigation and expert legal assistance.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident on Highway 90, please speak to one of our experienced New Orleans personal injury lawyers at Cueria Law Injury Lawyers. We can help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.