A truck collision in Jackson, MS can result in devastating consequences. Beyond the potential for extensive medical bills and property damage, seeking compensation from the trucking company’s insurance provider can be an uphill battle. In the aftermath of such a tragic incident, you may find yourself disoriented and unsure of your next steps. This is when you require the expertise of a seasoned Jackson truck accident lawyer with the knowledge, resources, and experience to secure maximum compensation for you.

At the Giddens Law Firm, our experienced Jackson, Mississippi truck accident attorneys understand the challenges you face when recovering from a semi-truck collision. We are dedicated to safeguarding your rights, investigating the accident scene thoroughly, and gathering crucial evidence before it vanishes. We are committed to vigorously pursuing insurance adjusters to ensure all your needs are met. If necessary, we will represent you in court to ensure the success of your truck accident claim.

Our truck accident lawyer is ready to represent you if you were involved in a truck accident anywhere in Mississippi. Reach out to us immediately to speak with our truck accident lawyer.

How Can Our Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers Assist You?

If you or someone you know has suffered serious injuries in an 18-wheeler accident in Jackson, MS, you may be facing mounting financial debt, lost wages, and emotional trauma. The pressure from the insurance company to accept their initial settlement offer can be overwhelming. What you need is the guidance of an experienced truck accident attorney who can handle the claims process while you focus on your recovery.

Here is how our knowledgeable trucking accident lawyers can help with your accident claim:

In-Depth Knowledge of Trucking Regulation and Industry Practices

Truck accidents often involve factors such as overloaded freight, driver fatigue, and excessive speed. Federal and state laws regulate how trucks are maintained, and drivers are required to complete vehicle inspection reports. These reports can be crucial evidence in reconstructing the accident by establishing the condition of the truck at the time of the crash.

Given the heightened risk of severe injuries and fatalities in trucking accidents, the trucking industry is subject to complex federal and state regulations aimed at promoting highway safety. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) primarily governs interstate trucking, which involves commercial drivers operating across multiple states. Trucking companies and drivers that exclusively operate within Mississippi fall under the jurisdiction of the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT). These extensive regulations aim to mitigate the elevated danger posed by large trucks and cover various safety aspects, including:

• Pre-employment screening and hiring standards for the truck company.
  Inspection and maintenance of commercial trucks.
• Hours of service (HOS) rules to prevent fatigued truck drivers from driving.
• Pre-employment and random drug and alcohol screenings.
  Maximum length and weight requirements for commercial trucks.
  Proper securing of cargo.
• Assessment of commercial drivers’ medical fitness.
• Recordkeeping requirements to verify compliance, such as driver logbooks.

Many truck accidents in Mississippi occur because truck drivers and trucking companies disregard these safety regulations, prioritizing profit over the safety of other drivers on the road.

Preservation and Collection of Evidence in Jackson, MS Trucking Lawsuits

Trucking litigation can be complex, as commercial carriers and truck drivers have little incentive to preserve evidence that could establish liability. Trucking companies often deploy rapid response teams to accident scenes almost immediately. These experts conduct immediate investigations to develop strategies for minimizing or evading liability.

The success of a Jackson trucking accident lawsuit often depends on promptly contacting experienced trucking accident lawyers. Our truck accident lawyer in Jackson sends written notices to trucking companies, indicating that the commercial truck and data stored in the rig’s black box are the subjects of litigation and must not be destroyed or altered.

When a truck is quickly repaired and returned to service, the black box data, which contains information about events leading up to and during the accident, is erased. Since logbooks can be easily manipulated to hide non-compliance, black box data becomes critical in uncovering safety violations and determining the cause of the trucking accident.

Our truck accident lawyers also conduct extensive discovery to uncover other records that might reveal negligence on the part of the commercial carrier or truck driver. This may include:

• The truck driver’s personnel file.
• The truck company’s hiring procedures and criteria.
• Maintenance and inspection records.
• The driver’s lodging and fuel receipts.
• Documents related to any prior safety regulation violations.

Trucking litigation is complex, so it is advisable to schedule a consultation with an experienced trucking accident law firm promptly to explore your rights. We invite you to contact our truck accident attorneys today at (601) 355-2022 to arrange a free consultation.

What Compensation Can I Receive After a Truck Accident in Jackson, MS?

Following a trucking accident, you likely find yourself burdened by substantial debt. With medical bills mounting due to your injuries, lost wages, and emotional distress, you may need compensation to get back on your feet.

One of the most common questions from our truck accident clients is what compensation is available after a truck crash. You may be eligible to receive the following damages:

Economic Damages

These compensate for any financial losses resulting from the truck accident, including:

• Medical expenses such as hospital and urgent care visits, doctor appointments, surgery, lab tests, medical equipment, and long-term medical care.
• Lost wages, including any vacation or personal time used due to the accident.
• Loss of earning capacity: If you are forced to take a lower-paying job due to injuries from the truck accident, you may receive compensation to bridge the gap between your previous and current income.
• Property damage.
• Rehabilitation costs.
• Funeral and burial costs if you lost a loved one in the tractor-trailer accident.

Non-Economic Damages

These compensate for non-financial losses you endured. Pain and suffering are the most common non-economic damages, encompassing physical pain and mental trauma stemming from the accident. Other non-economic damages may include:

• Loss of companionship or consortium.
• Emotional distress.
• Loss of enjoyment of life.

In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party for their reckless behavior leading to the truck accident.

Who Is Liable for a Catastrophic Tractor Trailer Accident?

When a collision involves a large truck, it differs significantly from a typical car accident. While all car accidents can lead to severe permanent injuries for drivers and passengers, accidents involving trucks pose a disproportionate risk of serious harm and come with unique challenges when seeking compensation.

Large semi-trucks can outweigh a small economy car by 25 times or more. This stark difference in size means that these collisions are particularly perilous for occupants of smaller passenger vehicles. Data from the federal government shows that in over three out of four fatal trucking accidents, the person who loses their life is an occupant of the other vehicle involved.

The distinctions between a car accident and an accident with an 18-wheeler extend beyond the sheer size of the truck and its potential for causing more extensive damage. In typical accidents involving two passenger vehicles, there are usually only two parties involved: the driver and the injured victim. However, when large trucks are involved in accidents, there can be additional parties beyond just the truck driver. This is because the truck driver may not be the owner of the truck, which is often a business entity.

Understand Your Rights as a Truck Accident Victim

It’s essential for truck accident victims to understand that trucking companies swiftly deploy teams to the accident scene to gather as much evidence as possible. If you find yourself in an accident with an 18-wheeler, it’s essential to cooperate fully with the police and other authorities. However, exercise caution when dealing with individuals from the accident response team. These individuals work on behalf of the trucking company and are at the scene to gather information that supports their client’s position, which may be contrary to your best interests.

Furthermore, commercial trucks typically carry more substantial insurance policies compared to personal vehicles. As these insurance policies can entail significant costs for the company if they pay out, insurance adjusters often go to great lengths to avoid providing you with the full compensation you deserve. Any statement or action you make can be used against you to deny your claim or even place blame on you for the truck accident. For this reason, it’s wise not to engage with the other party’s insurance carrier until you’ve had an opportunity to consult with our experienced Jackson personal injury attorney at Giddens Law Firm.

In addition to the truck driver and company, other parties can become involved in commercial truck accident cases. These parties may include truck parts manufacturers, the shipping company responsible for loading the cargo, or those responsible for the vehicle’s maintenance. The involvement of multiple parties in personal injury cases arising from accidents between trucks and cars can complicate the claims resolution process.

Fortunately, our knowledgeable 18-wheeler accident attorney in Jackson, MS, possesses the expertise to navigate the complexities of such cases and work towards achieving the best possible outcome for you.

What Are the Major Causes of Truck Accidents in Jackson, MS?

Accidents are sometimes unavoidable, but when negligence contributes to a truck accident, pursuing legal action against the responsible party becomes your right. Here are some common causes of truck accidents that result from driver negligence:

Drowsy Driving

Following hours of service regulations can help ensure that truck drivers start their shifts well-rested and alert. Many drivers take breaks during the day to refresh themselves and give their eyes a rest. Some even incorporate brisk walks or exercise breaks to stay alert. Of course, coffee and other caffeinated stimulants also play a role in helping drivers stay awake.

While most truckers adhere to these safety practices, there are some who engage in risky behavior that impairs their ability to operate their trucks safely. The long hours and demanding conditions experienced by truck drivers can lead to extreme fatigue. Drowsy truck drivers can be just as dangerous as those under the influence of alcohol.

Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol

Unfortunately, some truck drivers resort to illegal substances to stay awake, compromising the safety of everyone on the road. One such illegal stimulant is methamphetamine, or meth, which is easily accessible to truck drivers. While meth may help them stay awake, it can also lead to hallucinations and vertigo. Meth also impairs a driver’s reaction time and depth perception, which are highly undesirable when operating a massive eighteen-wheeler.

Meth users are at an increased risk of health issues like heart attacks and strokes, which can occur suddenly and potentially lead to accidents if the affected individual is behind the wheel.

Aggressive Driving

Spending extended hours on the road can be stressful, especially when under tight deadlines. This stress can lead to irritability and aggressive driving behavior, which can result in devastating crashes.

Aggressive driving encompasses various unsafe behaviors, including speeding, tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, running red lights and stop signs, illegal passing, cutting off other drivers, brake checking, and failure to yield the right of way.

Distracted Driving

The rise of cell phones has made distracted driving alarmingly common, and it poses a significant danger. In 2020 alone, 3,142 people lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers.

Taking one’s eyes off the road for just five seconds may not seem risky, but at a speed of around 55 mph, a truck can travel the length of an entire football field without attention to the road.

Why Choose Giddens Law Firm for Your Truck Accident Case?

When your injuries result in a lifetime of pain and suffering, a quick settlement from the insurance company is insufficient to cover future medical expenses and the suffering caused by the truck driver’s negligence. Catastrophic injuries like amputations, paralysis, burns, brain damage, or even death often occur in accidents involving large trucks and have lifelong consequences for you and your family. In such cases, you need the guidance of a compassionate and experienced Mississippi truck accident lawyer dedicated entirely to your cause.

Meticulous in its approach, the Giddens Law Firm has the time and resources to maximize the chances of a favorable outcome for your trucking accident case. We collaborate with some of the top trucking accident attorneys in the country to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve after an accident.

If you have been seriously injured in a truck accident, it is critical to take immediate action.  Please contact us today for a free case evaluation and analysis by calling toll-free at 1-888-335-2022.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jackson, MS Truck Accidents

What is the value of my truck accident case?

The value of every personal injury case is unique, and there is no fixed amount. To estimate the value of your accident, we must consider various factors. Once we have a better understanding of your claim and the losses resulting from another party’s negligence, we can provide a rough estimate of the value of your truck accident case.

How much does a truck accident lawyer cost?

Our 18-wheeler accident attorneys, like most Mississippi truck accident attorneys, work on a contingency basis. This means you are not required to pay for our services until the case concludes. If we successfully secure a settlement or a favorable verdict on your behalf, we will retain a portion of the award. If we cannot obtain the necessary compensation, you owe us no fee.

What should I do if a trucking company representative calls me?

It is essential to consult with an attorney before providing a recorded statement to the trucking company or its insurance provider. Insurance agents may attempt to pressure you into accepting a settlement immediately. Furthermore, avoid signing any documents until you have spoken with a truck accident attorney.

How much time do I have to file a lawsuit after a truck accident in Jackson?

Under Mississippi law, truck accident claimants generally have a three-year window from the date of the accident to file their claims. While this may seem like a considerable amount of time, evidence can deteriorate rapidly after an accident. Filing your accident claim as soon as possible increases your chances of success.

Contact John Giddens, a Top-Rated Truck Accident Attorney in Jackson Today

Reach out to Giddens Law Firm, P.A. at (601) 355-2022 or (888) 335-2022 if you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle. Our initial consultation is free, and we operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay us if there is a financial recovery.