Truck Accidents

The trucking industry is one of the largest employment generators in Mississippi and a major contributor to the state’s economy. Data shows that commercial trucks play a vital role in delivering the everyday goods needed for communities across the state.

As essential as commercial trucks are to Mississippi’s economy, the fact is that they pose a danger to other road users – largely due to their size and weight. When a commercial truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the resulting injuries are almost always life-threatening in nature.

Boyce Holleman and Associates have been helping truck accident victims in Gulfport since 1950. We know that a collision with a big rig or semi-truck can cause pain and suffering that will affect your whole family. Our experienced and meticulous attorneys can investigate every facet of your case to determine who is liable for your injuries.

Causes of Truck Accidents in Mississippi

Data shows that driver error or negligence is the leading cause of commercial truck accidents in Mississippi. Common examples of driver negligence include speeding, checking the phone while driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving while fatigued, running red lights, and making unsafe lane changes and turns.

Other factors that often contribute to commercial truck accidents in Mississippi include cargo overload, poorly secured cargo, lack of proper maintenance, mechanical issues caused by defective parts, and bad weather.

Dangerous Roads and Intersections for Truckers in Mississippi

The most dangerous roads in Mississippi are:

• I 69
• I 59
• I 55
• I 10
• I 20

The most dangerous intersections in Mississippi are:

• State Highway 49 and Creosote Road in Gulfport
• State Highway 49 and Community Road in Gulfport
• Robinson Street and Lindsey Driver in Jackson
• State Highway 98 and Westover Drive in Hattiesburg

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident in Mississippi?

Depending on the circumstances, one or more of the following parties can be held financially responsible for the accident.

The Truck Driver

If the truck driver was distracted, speeding, or drunk, or if they violated traffic laws in any other way, they can be held personally liable for the accident.

The Truck Company

There are two ways in which the truck company can be held liable for their driver’s actions.

Direct Liability

If the company was negligent in hiring the driver, it can be held liable for the accident caused by the driver. For example, if the company hired an unqualified or untrained driver or if they hired a driver with a history of DUI or traffic law violations, they can be held liable for the accident.

Similarly, if the truck company forced the driver to meet unrealistic deadlines and pressured them to drive in violation of federal Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, they can be held liable for the accident.

Indirect or Vicarious Liability

If the driver in question was on duty and was performing employment-related duties at the time of the accident, the truck company can be held liable for the accident under the legal concept of vicarious liability.

Loading Company

If the accident was caused by overloaded, improperly loaded, or poorly secured cargo, the loading company can be held liable for the accident.

Truck Part Manufacturer

If the accident was caused by a defective part, the company that designed or manufactured the part (depending on whether it was a design defect or a manufacturing defect) can be held liable.

Truck Repair and Maintenance Company

If a third party (whether it is a company or an independent contractor) was responsible for inspecting and maintaining the truck, and if they failed in their duty, they can be held liable for the accident.

How Much Compensation Can You Recover in a Mississippi Truck Accident Claim?

It depends on a wide range of factors including:

• Cost of treating your injuries, including surgery, medical treatment, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
• Whether you will make a full recovery by the time your claims are resolved or whether you will need treatment for the foreseeable future.
• Whether you will need long-term rehabilitative treatment and physical and/or psychological therapy.
• Amount of lost earnings.
• Amount of earnings you stand to lose due to ongoing treatment and care.
• Whether your earning capacity has been affected due to a physical or mental disability caused by your injuries.
• Whether you have been permanently disabled (physically or cognitively) as a result of your injuries.
• Extent of damage caused to your vehicle and personal belongings.
• Whether your injuries affect your ability to perform activities of daily living.
• Whether your injuries prevent you from enjoying your life like you used to prior to the accident.
• Whether your injuries have impacted your marital relationship with your spouse.

What Kind of Evidence is Needed to Establish Liability in a Mississippi Truck Accident Claim?

Establishing the liability of at-fault parties in a commercial truck accident claim can be a challenging task. Depending on the circumstances, your Mississippi truck accident lawyer might use a wide range of evidence to support your claim. These include:

• Data from the truck’s electronic data recorder (commonly referred to as the black box).
• Driving logs and GPS data.
• Footage from surveillance cameras at the site of the accident.
• The truck driver’s alcohol and drug test results.
• Vehicle inspection and maintenance reports.
• Police report.
• Reports from accident reconstruction experts.
• Medical reports.
• Statements from eyewitnesses.

How Our Experienced Mississippi Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help You

We can help with all aspects of your truck accident claim including:

• Working with private investigators and accident reconstruction experts to investigate the facts of your case.
• Collecting the evidence from the truck’s electronic data recorder (EDR), photos and video evidence from the crash site, reports from the accident reconstruction experts, trucker’s log books and trucking company’s employment records, and eyewitness accounts needed to support your claim.
• Making sure you get the medical care you need by working out a lien arrangement with healthcare providers if needed.
• Consult with medical professionals to determine the extent and severity of your injuries.
• Calculating the value of your claim.
• Communicating with your insurance company and the at-fault party’s insurance company on your behalf.
• Negotiating with the at-fault party’s insurance company to get a fair settlement.
• Taking your case to trial if needed to recover the damages you are owed.

Apart from this, we will also listen to your concerns, update you on the progress of your case, and provide you with the support and guidance you need at every step of the legal proceedings.

Let an Expert Law Firm Help You Obtain Rightful Compensation for Your Injuries

If you or someone you love has suffered from a truck accident, we at the Boyce Holleman law firm can provide you with passionate and trustworthy representation. To schedule a free consultation with one of our dedicated lawyers, contact us 24/7 by phone at 228-863-3142 or via our convenient online form. We have flexible office hours, readily available parking, and are located near public transportation.