Given the immense size and weight of 18-wheelers, truck crashes are among our roads’ most terrifying and dangerous accidents. Seeing a semi-truck or other large commercial vehicle barreling down in your rearview mirror can be incredibly intimidating. Accidents where one of these massive commercial vehicles crashes into the rear-end of smaller passenger vehicles can be catastrophic. If a negligent truck driver leaves you or a loved one with severe injuries in a rear-end truck accident, you need the compassionate and skilled legal representation of an experienced Mississippi personal injury attorney who specializes in truck accident claims by your side.

Talk to a Mississippi Rear-End Truck Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation Today

John Giddens of Giddens Law Firm is passionate about pursuing justice for his clients. His practice was first established in 1999, offering hope for many accident victims. Mr. Giddens has successfully handled multi-million dollar cases for truck accident victims and is recognized as a Mid-South Super Lawyer and Top 100 Trial Lawyer in America.

Trucking laws in Mississippi refer to a wide range of regulations around commercial truck operation. They can involve large truck size and weight limitations, hours of service restrictions for truck drivers, equipment configuration requirements, and licensing and insurance coverage for trucking companies. A truck crash lawyer from Giddens Law Firm knows Mississippi’s federal and state truck driving laws and has expertise in all types of trucking accident claims.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a rear-end truck collision in Mississippi, contact an experienced truck accident lawyer at Giddens Law Firm for a free consultation on your case today.

Common Causes of Mississippi Rear-End Trucking Collisions

According to the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHSTA), drivers of large trucks involved in fatal traffic crashes in 2021 showed a 20.8 percent higher percentage of previously recorded crashes than other vehicle types. Some commercial vehicles rear-end collisions causes include:

• Distracted driving: Truckers frequently look at their cell phones, GPS, and other distractions, significantly impair their reaction time.
• Driver fatigue: Long hours on the road can weaken a truck driver’s judgment, making rear-end collisions more likely.
• Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for road conditions can make it difficult to stop a large truck, like a garbage truck, causing a devastating accident.
• Following too closely: Tailgating shortens the necessary stopping distance, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision
• Mechanical failures: Issues like brake failures can lead to rear-end accidents.

What Types of Injuries Are Common in Rear-End Truck Accidents?

There was a 3.9% increase in injuries in large-truck crashes in 2022, totaling 161,000. Just like the large-truck crash deaths, the injuries occurred more in other vehicle occupants, accounting for 73%. Truck occupants followed with 26%, and non-occupants had the least 1% of the truck crash injuries (National Safety Council (NSO), 2024). Common injuries from commercial vehicles include:

• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries: Occurs due to the back-and-forth movement of the neck and head, resulting in neck pain, strains, sprains, or tears.
• Spinal cord injuries: This includes spinal fractures and herniated discs.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): A traumatic brain injury caused by a rear-end accident may have substantial and long-term consequences on the cognitive, physical, and emotional abilities of victims.
• Broken bones: The force of a semi-truck collision makes bones vulnerable to fractures or breaks.
• Internal injuries: Such as organ damage or internal bleeding.

How a Mississippi Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help You with Your Rear-End Truck Accident Case

In addition to explaining your rights and options, a Mississippi tractor-trailer accident lawyer can be instrumental to your case in several ways. Your truck accident attorney will:

• Investigate the accident and gather evidence of witness statements, accident reports, and the truck’s black box electronics to determine the liable party.
• Negotiate on your behalf with negligent parties and insurance companies to seek maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma.
• Litigation When no fair compensation has been offered, your lawyer will take your case to court.
• Emotional and moral support: A rear-end collision lawyer can help you process the emotional distress of your accident by representing your interests during the legal process so that you can focus on recovery.

Protect Your Legal Rights After a Rear-End Trucking Accident

If you are injured in a rear-end trucking accident, you must protect your legal rights. A knowledgeable Mississippi semi-truck crash attorney will explain the negligence and liability regulations in Mississippi and the lawsuit process and guarantee that all relevant information is properly documented and filing deadlines are met.

The period for filing a truck accident claim is called the “statute of limitations.” The statute of limitations in Mississippi is typically three years from the day of the incident for personal injury lawsuits.

Call an experienced truck accident attorney to ensure you do not forfeit your rights to compensation.

Your attorney will advocate obtaining a settlement offer covering your personal liabilities, medical expenses, lost wages, and frustration and anguish. While you recover from your rear-end accident, you can feel at ease knowing that the skilled legal team at Giddens Law Firm is fighting hard for you and aiming for the best possible outcome.

Rear-End Accidents in Mississippi: Who Can Be Held Liable?

What entity can be held liable in Mississippi rear-end accidents varies depending on the case. Some of the potential parties involved in liability claims include the following:

• Truck driver: Liability in a rear-end collision is determined by whether the driver abided by traffic laws, the driver’s conduct, and whether the driver conformed to safety regulations.
• Trucking company: If Truck companies don’t maintain their fleet, they can be held negligent when failures cause accidents.
• Vehicle Manufacturer: Due to product liability claims in manufacturing and design defects.
• Other drivers: if the actions of another motorist forced the truck into a dangerous situation, the driver may be held partly responsible.

How Is Liability Determined in Commercial Truck Accidents?

Various methods are usually used to determine liability claims in a rear-end collision. The black box data and any other recording equipment are typically analyzed, evidence from the accident scene is collected, and an accident reconstructionist reconstructs the accident. These steps help determine the truck speed, before- and after-vehicle braking, and adherence to road safety and other relevant regulations. Such primary investigations help determine who is responsible for the accident.

Compensation for Damages for Your Mississippi Rear-End Truck Accident

You could get money for harms that you for which you are financially affected, categorized as:

Economic damages cover financial losses such as medical bills, lost wages, ongoing medical care, and property damage.

Noneconomic damagesare awarded as compensation for your pain and suffering serious injuries, including physical and emotional recovery, loss of enjoyment

Punitive damages are intended to penalize the defendant for outrageous actions.

Lawyers You May Encounter During Your Rear-End Truck Accidents Claim

In a truck collision with catastrophic injuries and significant property damage, you could encounter lawyers with different specializations:

• Personal injury lawyers represent individuals who have been injured and help obtain compensation for the harm they have experienced.
• Trucking accident lawyers focusing on commercial truck collisions have experience in truck regulations and industry standards.
• Wrongful death lawyers specialize in cases where a fatality occurred and work to obtain compensation for the surviving family members.
• Product liability lawyers specialize in cases when defective truck parts or equipment have caused the accident and pursue manufacturers.
• Insurance defense lawyers represent insurance companies in proceeding with commercial vehicle accident claims, either reducing the payoff or canceling the liability.

Get the Legal Help You Need from an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney in Mississippi

To ensure that you receive a fair settlement in a rear-end truck wreck case, an attorney will:
Investigate the accident thoroughly. This includes obtaining evidence from the accident site and statements from witnesses who saw what happened.

Gather relevant documents. Your attorney will examine your accident record, ocean medical records, and other relevant documents to prepare a strong argument in your name.

Identify liability. An attorney will assess whether the driver’s fault caused the accident or whether maintenance concerns, product faults, or another factor were to blame.

Negotiate with insurance adjusters and other entities. Ensure that the insurance provider offers you the necessary financial compensation for injuries.

Take the necessary steps to take your case to court. If the insurer does not offer enough money in the bargaining process, a skilled attorney pursue the compensation you are entitled to by bringing your case to court.

Your Attorney Will Handle the Insurance Company

Your attorney will speak with the insurance company on your behalf. If the insurance company reaches out to you, do not discuss anything regarding the accident, including accepting any offers. Since Mississippi is an at-fault state, it is imperative to contact a personal injury lawyer who will make sure your rights are protected.

What If the Insurance Company Contacts Me?

If the insurance company contacts you, do not discuss the accident, including accepting any offers; doing so prematurely can lock in your settlement and deprive you of future renegotiations.

How Much Will it Cost to Hire a Truck Wreck Lawyer for My Rear-End Accident?

In most cases, you won’t have to pay any upfront expenses when hiring a truck wreck lawyer. Generally, personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning that if they don’t win, they don’t charge: the fee is a proportion of your compensation.

Contact a Rear End Collision Lawyer at Giddens Law Firm Today for a free initial consultation.
Most attorneys offer a complimentary consultation or case report, allowing you to speak with them about your issues for free. Call the legal team at Giddens Law and start today with a free consultation and case review. Whether it is an insurance claim or court litigation, a Giddens rear-end truck collision lawyer will assist you in getting your life back on track.