One person has died after a semi-truck rolled over on Interstate 10 in Biloxi on January 9. According to news reports, the semi-truck driver was traveling on the Coast making deliveries for a steel company in Alabama. He veered off the road in the far right lane and then overcorrected. He lost control of the vehicle, causing the truck to roll over. Officials say he was not wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash.
The crash closed all westbound lanes of traffic after the Cedar Lake Road exit. The interstate reopened later in the day.
No other cars were involved in the crash. Police are investigating the accident.
Semi-Truck Rollover Accidents in Mississippi
Rollover truck accidents represent some of the most devastating truck accidents. These accidents often occur when large commercial vehicles lose stability, causing them to tip onto their side or roll completely. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks make these incidents particularly dangerous, not just for the truck driver but for everyone sharing the road.
Several factors commonly contribute to truck rollovers in Mississippi. Sharp turns taken at excessive speeds, improper load distribution, and sudden steering corrections can all destabilize a truck. Weather conditions unique to Mississippi, like the heavy rains and strong crosswinds common along the Gulf Coast, can increase rollover risks. Furthermore, the state’s numerous rural highways, with varying elevations and curved sections, can create challenging driving conditions for large trucks.
Under Mississippi law, truck accident victims have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, the legal landscape becomes more complex when dealing with commercial trucking accidents. Multiple parties may bear responsibility, including the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, or even vehicle manufacturers if mechanical defects contribute to the rollover.
Mississippi follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning that accident victims can recover damages even if they were partially at fault for the accident. However, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if a court finds a victim 20% responsible for the accident, they can still recover 80% of their awarded damages.
Commercial trucks in Mississippi must carry substantially higher insurance coverage than regular vehicles, with minimum requirements set by federal law. The minimum coverage for trucks carrying non-hazardous cargo is typically $750,000, though many carriers maintain higher limits. This higher insurance requirement recognizes the potentially catastrophic nature of truck accidents and the extensive damages that often result.
If you were involved in a rollover truck accident, speak with an experienced Mississippi truck accident lawyer to protect your rights. Giddens Law Firm has been helping truck accident victims throughout the state for nearly three decades. Don’t wait – contact us now for a free case evaluation.
Note: Our team of writers uses secondary sources to produce this post, including local and state media and news sources, regional and state police incident reports, social media platforms, and eyewitness accounts about serious accidents in Mississippi. For that reason, if you find any information that is not correct, be sure to contact Giddens Law Firm as soon as possible so that we can update the post with the most exact information available. A post will be removed upon request. All information in this post is informational and not intended to be considered legal or medical advice. This post is not a solicitation for business.