Mississippi 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys
The Mississippi 18-wheeler accident attorneys at Southern Counsel help our clients maximize their recovery in wrecks involving 18-wheelers, big rigs, and many other types of commercial vehicles. 18-wheeler accident cases are notoriously complex, thus the need for knowledgeable legal representation.
Leveraging our extensive experience in MS courts, our attorneys are familiar with the tactics and strategy that insurance adjusters use, and we have a firm grasp on how trucking industry operates. With a trustworthy representative in your corner, you will never have to settle for less than you deserve.
Why partner with a Mississippi 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney at Southern Counsel?
Our attorneys are well-versed in state and federal regulations for commercial motor carriers
We have strong working relationships with veteran investigators, medical professionals, and industry experts
We are skilled Mississippi trial attorneys and prepared to argue your case before a jury
We efficiently manage every aspect of your 18-wheeler injury claim, so you can focus on recovering.
18-wheeler accidents a major cause of MS traffic deaths
Accidents involving 18-wheelers are one of the major causes of traffic-related deaths in the US. An 18-wheeler can weigh as much as 80,000 lbs (or 40 tons). In comparison, the average automobile weighs only 5,000 lbs. Due to this size disparity, any collision between an 18-wheeler and a passenger vehicle is likely to result in catastrophic damage and severe injuries. 18-wheelers are subject to federal traffic laws and regulations, aimed to minimize risk to the public. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to uncovering the violation of regulations related to the trucking industry to help victims prevail in their case.
18-wheelers are sophisticated vehicles that require a high-level of required maintenance to function safely. These heavy long-haul vehicles must be properly maintained to ensure the functionality of all parts including brakes, lights, steering, reflectors, fluid levels, and of course, the engine. Failure to perform the required maintenance or failure to keep detailed records of these inspections can result in fatal traffic accidents involving 18-wheelers.
Types of 18-Wheeler accidents
According to federal statistics,18-wheelers are involved in one out of every ten traffic collisions in the United States. Some of the most common types of accidents include:
Rollovers – often caused by tire blowouts, overloading or improper storage of cargo, causing the truck to lose stability
Jacknife Crashes – this happens when the driver breaks too suddenly or loses control of the trailer, causing the back end to swing around up to a 90-degree angle, usually resulting in serious damage
Trailer Detachment – a defective or malfunctioning hitch can cause the trailer to break free, and can also occur during impact with another vehicle
Drive Under and Under Ride Accidents – these accidents are some of the most fatal, occurring when a passenger vehicle slides under an 18-wheeler upon collision
Wide Turn Accidents – 18 wheelers, due to their size, must swing wide when making turns. Passenger vehicles often get sideswiped or squeezed in if they are caught between the truck’s right-hand side and the highway embankment.
Falling Cargo – cargo that is inadequately secured or overloaded can break free and fall out, posing extreme hazards to oncoming traffic
If you were injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Mississippi, you may be eligible to file a trucking accident lawsuit. To learn more about your legal options, contact our office for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Common causes of 18 wheeler accidents
Truck drivers work long hours and are under constant pressure to meet demanding deadlines. The resulting fatigue can severely impair a truck driver’s judgment, reflexes and reaction times, leading to serious accidents and injuries.
Other causes of truck accidents in MS may include:
Distracted driving
Excessive speed
Driver inexperience
Mechanical problems such as brake failure
Driver error/ negligence
Unstable cargo
Unsafe vehicle operation
Inclement weather
Poor road conditions/ road hazards
Reckless 18-wheeler drivers and trucking companies should be held accountable for their actions anytime they fail to adhere to regulations outlined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Department of Transportation (DOT).
There are specific rules outlining truck driver qualifications and licensing, the number of hours per day a trucker can drive, when and how often their 18-wheelers need to be inspected, and other measures ensuring that unsafe vehicles are removed from the highway. The 18-wheeler accident attorneys at Southern Counsel understand Mississippi trucking accident law and can help you prove a 18-wheeler injury claim.
Proving liability in 18-wheeler accidents
Our attorneys have a thorough understanding of federal regulations on truck driver training, transportation of hazardous materials, and requirements for weight allocation, maintenance and loading procedures. Time is of the essence when it comes to investigations. Our lawyers act fast to obtain driver log records and preserve other pertinent evidence. If the vehicle was equipped with a black box data recorder that captures vital information on the truck’s operations right up to the accident, we’ll get that as well.
Truck accident claims can involve multiple defendants, including:
Truck driver
Trucking company, owner, or leasee
Truck manufacturer
Manufacturer of defective vehicle parts
Contractors who performed maintenance on the truck
As a well-established 18-wheeler accident law firm with ample resources, we regularly consult with accident reconstruction specialists who may be called upon to provide expert testimony that clearly explains where fault lies. When investigations point to negligence, we will protect your interests and rights to recovery for truck accident injuries.
Catastrophic injuries caused by 18-wheeler accidents
Nearly 75 percent of all 18-wheeler accident fatalities are the occupants of passenger vehicles. Those that do survive a crash with an 80,000-pound vehicle are often left with severe and life-threatening injuries, such as:
Traumatic brain injury
Back and spinal cord injuries
Paralysis
Broken bones
Third-degree burns
Hospital and medical bills can easily climb into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, pushing victims and their families to the edge of financial ruin. An 18-wheeler accident settlement can make a difficult recovery much easier to navigate, especially when it factors in the future losses and challenges that await.
What to do After a Mississippi 18-wheeler Accident
Follow these steps after a truck accident to protect your rights:
Move to safety if possible
Assess your injuries
Report the accident
Identify other parties and exchange information
Document the scene with photos or video
Seek medical treatment
Contact an injury attorney
18-wheeler accident lawyers helping those injured in Mississippi
Our attorneys have the knowledge and expertise to effectively represent clients injured by negligent truck drivers in Mississippi. Schedule a no-obligation case review with the attorneys at Southern Counsel to review to discuss your options. All initial consultations are confidential and free of charge. Our Mississippi law office is conveniently located in Jackson, MS to serve residents throughout the state.