Partner at Charbonnet Law Firm LLC
Practice Areas: Car Accident, Slip-and-Fall, Work-related Injury
Riding in the back of a pickup truck is an easy way to get somewhere, especially for a short trip. But truck beds don’t have the same safety features as passenger seats, and a sudden stop or crash can cause serious injuries.
Louisiana has laws about who can ride in an open truck bed and where. Breaking these rules can lead to penalties. If someone gets hurt, the accident may also raise questions about who is responsible.
This guide explains Louisiana’s truck bed passenger laws, the risks of riding in the back of a truck, and what you can do if you’re injured.
Louisiana Revised Statute 32:284 sets rules for passengers riding in open truck beds. On a highway, a child under 12 generally cannot ride in the open bed of a pickup truck that weighs 6,000 pounds or less, or in a utility trailer.
There are two exceptions:
The law also prohibits people of any age from riding in the open bed of a pickup truck weighing 6,000 pounds or less on an interstate highway, except during an emergency.
|
Age Limit |
Children under 12 are generally not permitted in open truck beds on highways |
| Exceptions | Certain situations, such as parades or emergencies, may allow exceptions |
| Fines | Violations involving children may result in fines |
| Legal Liability | Drivers may face liability if passengers are injured |
| Safety Recommendation | Riding in truck beds is strongly discouraged |
Drivers who allow a child under 12 to ride illegally in an open truck bed may receive a traffic penalty. Riding in the back of a pickup on an interstate is also prohibited, except during an emergency.
Possible penalties include:
The fine is only part of the concern. If a passenger is thrown from the truck or injured in a crash, the injuries may lead to medical bills, missed work, and an injury claim.
A truck bed is made to carry cargo, not protect passengers. Even when the law allows someone to ride there, they still face risks.
Open truck beds usually lack the safety features found in passenger seats, such as seatbelts, airbags, or a protective cabin. Without these protections, passengers can be badly hurt if the truck stops suddenly or crashes.
A sharp turn, sudden stop, or collision can throw someone out of the truck bed.
This can lead to:
Truck bed passengers can be especially vulnerable in:
Even a crash that causes limited damage to the truck can seriously injure someone riding in the back.
Passengers riding in truck beds can suffer serious injuries, including:
Some injuries may not be obvious right after the crash. Anyone who may be hurt should get medical care promptly.
Responsibility depends on what caused the crash and how each person acted. The truck driver may be responsible if careless driving caused the accident. Another driver may be responsible if their actions led to the collision. In some cases, more than one person may share responsibility.
If the passenger was riding illegally in the truck bed, that may also affect the claim. But it does not automatically mean the passenger cannot seek compensation.
If you were hurt in a truck bed accident, a Louisiana personal injury lawyer can review the facts and explain whether you may have a claim.
Being injured while riding in a truck bed does not automatically prevent you from filing a personal injury claim. If another driver’s actions caused the crash, you may be able to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Louisiana’s comparative fault law may reduce your compensation if you were partly responsible. The insurance company may argue that riding in the truck bed contributed to your injuries.
A lawyer can review the facts and explain your options.
Louisiana allows some truck-bed passengers, but there are restrictions. On interstates, people cannot ride in the bed of pickups weighing 6,000 pounds or less, except during emergencies.
It can be. The law restricts children under 12 on highways and prohibits passengers of any age in certain pickup beds on interstates, with limited exceptions.
Children under 12 cannot ride in certain open truck beds on highways, except in specific situations, such as authorized parades or emergencies.
Yes, you can file a claim. If you share blame for the crash, Louisiana’s comparative fault rules may reduce the compensation you receive.
Louisiana law allows truck bed passengers in certain situations, but the risks can be serious. Without seatbelts or crash protection, passengers are much more vulnerable to severe injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck bed accident, Charbonnet Law Firm can help you understand your legal options.
Contact us for a free consultation.
With over 50 years of legal experience serving families in the New Orleans area and surrounding Louisiana communities, our firm takes pride in providing clients with personalized legal services tailored to individual needs.
