Why Mansfield Bars Matter In Louisiana – And the Danger of Missing One

Regardless of where you drive in Louisiana, you are likely to encounter at least one tractor-trailer. After all, commercial vehicles transport necessary goods across the Pelican State. However, if a semi-truck is missing a crucial safety feature known as a Mansfield bar, your life may be in danger.

While large trucks may be more dangerous than other vehicles, semitruck safety has advanced significantly in recent decades. That is, modern commercial vehicles have a variety of collision-avoidance systems. If an accident happens, tractor-trailers also have features to help minimize injuries. One of these is the Mansfield bar.

What Is a Mansfield Bar on a Truck?

While large trucks may be more dangerous than other vehicles, semi-truck safety has improved significantly in recent years. Modern commercial vehicles have a variety of collision-avoidance systems, but one of the most critical safety features is the Mansfield bar.

A Mansfield bar is an under-ride guard located at the rear of tractor-trailers. Its purpose is to prevent smaller vehicles from sliding underneath a semi-truck in a rear-end collision.

The Purpose Of The Mansfield Bar

In 1967, Jayne Mansfield, an American screen legend, was traveling down a highway in her car. Unfortunately, anti-mosquito fog blocked visibility on the highway, causing the actress’s vehicle to collide with the back end of a tractor-trailer.

After the smoke cleared, the accident scene was catastrophic. Mansfield’s vehicle had driven beneath the truck’s trailer, resulting in the actress’s instant death. To keep other motorists safe, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requires all semitrucks to have under-ride bars. These bars prevent vehicles from passing beneath commercial vehicles.

The Importance of Mansfield Bars for Louisiana Drivers

Underride accidents pose a unique risk to Louisiana drivers, as the state sees a high volume of commercial truck traffic on major routes like Interstate 10 and Interstate 20. Mansfield bars are crucial in preventing these tragic incidents by:

1. Reducing Fatalities: In Louisiana, underride crashes account for a significant percentage of fatalities involving large trucks. Mansfield bars mitigate these risks effectively.
2. Protecting Diverse Road Users: From bustling cities like New Orleans and Baton Rouge to rural areas, Mansfield bars enhance safety for all road users.
3. Adapting to Local Conditions: Louisiana’s unique mix of urban and rural roads necessitates robust safety measures, such as well-maintained Mansfield bars.

The Danger of a Missing Mansfield Bar on a Semi-Truck

Despite federal regulations requiring Mansfield bars on all commercial trucks, some operators may modify their vehicles by removing this vital safety feature. Doing so is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous. A missing Mansfield bar increases the risk of severe or fatal injuries in the event of a rear-end collision.

If you or a loved one sustain serious injuries after colliding with a semi-truck in Louisiana, it is crucial to investigate whether the vehicle had a properly installed and functional Mansfield bar.

Louisiana-Specific Trucking Regulations

While federal regulations from the FMCSA and NHTSA mandate the use of Mansfield bars on commercial trucks, Louisiana also enforces additional safety measures:

• Regular inspections by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) ensure compliance with these standards.
• Increased enforcement during peak trucking seasons, particularly for agricultural and oil-related transport, emphasizes safety on rural highways.

Common Truck Modification Injuries

If a tractor-trailer is missing its Mansfield bar, drivers and passengers are vulnerable to severe injuries, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Neck and spinal cord injuries
• Facial fractures and disfigurement
• Severe chest and torso trauma
• Decapitation in extreme cases

Recovering from injuries you sustain in a collision with a modified tractor-trailer may take a significant amount of time and money. Nevertheless, if the owner of the semitruck chose to modify the vehicle illegally, you may be able to pursue fair compensation for your injuries and other damages.

Seeking Compensation for Mansfield Bar-Related Injuries

Recovering from injuries sustained in a collision with a modified tractor-trailer may take significant time and financial resources. If the truck owner or operator illegally removed the Mansfield bar, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Rehabilitation costs
• Funeral and burial expenses in wrongful death cases

FAQs

1. Are Mansfield bars required on all semi-trucks?

Yes, federal law requires all tractor-trailers to have properly installed and maintained Mansfield bars.

2. What should I do if I’m injured in a truck accident involving a missing Mansfield bar?

Seek medical attention immediately, then consult with a personal injury lawyer experienced in truck accident lawyer cases to investigate potential negligence.

3. Can I sue a trucking company if their vehicle was missing a Mansfield bar?

Yes, if the trucking company violated federal regulations by removing the Mansfield bar, you may have grounds to pursue legal action for your injuries.

Key Takeaways

• A Mansfield bar is a crucial safety feature that prevents vehicles from sliding under semi-trucks during rear-end collisions.
• Missing Mansfield bars increase the risk of catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
• Victims injured in truck accidents involving missing Mansfield bars may be entitled to compensation.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision with a semi-truck missing its Mansfield bar, consulting with an experienced Lake Charles truck accident attorney like Lee M. Schwalben, M.D., J.D., LLC. can help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve.