Sharing the road with a truck can be intimidating for other motorists. While an average car weighs about 1.5 tons, a fully loaded semi-truck in the United States could weigh as much as 40 tons. A collision between the two will leave the car’s occupants with more significant injuries.
An overturned truck on the highway after an accident. Our truck accident lawyers in Biloxi can help you determine your options if you have been injured in a similar crash.
To protect your right to seek damages, you may want to consider hiring a Biloxi truck accident attorney. Our law firm knows how insurance companies typically treat victims in truck accident cases. We are ready to negotiate on your behalf and argue for the compensation you deserve.
Operating a Truck Safely
Because trucks are so much larger than the average car, those who drive a truck for a living need training and driver’s license classifications that go beyond what a typical driver needs. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, there were 4,119 fatalities from truck crashes in 2019. Most fatalities in truck crashes are occupants of passenger vehicles.
Truck drivers must follow all regulations at both the state and federal levels to be in compliance. Because truck drivers often cross state lines during work, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets rules for where and how a driver should obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in their home state.
After a crash, should the driver be found in violation of any state or federal rules—including not holding a CDL—they could be considered to have been operating the truck negligently. This determination could be a key piece of evidence in helping you win your personal injury lawsuit against the other driver.
Driver Error in Truck Accidents
Any time a truck driver starts a route, they must operate the truck safely, ensuring that they do not place other drivers on the road in harm’s way unnecessarily. Should a driver make a choice that affects their ability to drive safely, this could result in a finding of negligence against the driver.
Some of the most common reasons for truck driver error in a crash on Mississippi roadways include:
- Unsafe operation: The truck driver could have been drinking alcohol, using drugs, texting, eating food, or taking other actions inside the cab of the truck that pulls their attention away from the road.
- Fatigue: A truck driver may be driving a route that is too long or may have driven for too many hours, causing fatigue behind the wheel and increasing the possibility of a crash.
- Traffic law violations: The truck driver may not obey all traffic laws, such as by speeding or ignoring traffic signs, causing a crash with another driver.
- Poor road conditions or weather: The truck driver may drive at too high a rate of speed in poor weather or on unsafe roads, causing them to lose control of the truck and crash.
If you believe that driver error played a role in the truck crash where you or a loved one sustained injuries, you have the right to seek damages for your injuries, pain, and suffering. A truck accident lawyer in Biloxi from our team can help with your case.
For a free legal consultation with a Truck Accident lawyer serving Biloxi, call 800-537-8185
Other Negligent Parties
Although it is common for truck driver error to play a role in an injury crash, sometimes the driver did not do anything wrong. In some instances, the negligent party could be the owner of the truck or the employer of the truck driver. Some of the ways that others could have played a role in the accident include:
- Improper training: The company that hired the truck driver did not train them properly, leaving the driver unable to operate the truck safely and placing others on the road in danger.
- Improper licenses: The company did not verify that the truck driver had a CDL or that the driver had the proper endorsements to operate the type of truck in use.
- Improper maintenance: The company that owns the truck did not ensure that it was receiving proper maintenance and repair, leaving it with faulty brakes, broken safety lights, or other problems that played a crucial role in your accident and injuries.
- Improper cargo loading: Those involved in loading the trailer with cargo did not follow proper procedures, creating a load that could shift while in transit, leading to the driver losing control.
- Overloaded truck: The trailer carried too much cargo for the number of axles on the truck, resulting in an unsafe operating situation.
Indeed, in some cases, more than one party could be found negligent in your accident. A truck accident attorney in Biloxi can study the facts in the case to determine which parties should be held liable.
Will My Truck Accident Lawsuit Go to Trial?
It’s unlikely that your truck accident case will go to trial. About 90% of all personal injury lawsuits settle out of court. Our team is experienced at negotiating settlements and will try to get the settlement you deserve.
If we cannot reach a settlement agreement, your truck accident lawyer will represent you in court to secure fair compensation for your injuries. We understand the thought of going to court can be stressful, especially if this is your first time filing a lawsuit. Rest assured, we will prepare you for court so you know what to expect.
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Can I Afford to Hire a Biloxi Truck Accident Lawyer?
We understand how devastating injuries like the ones you suffered in your truck accident can be for you and your family. A truck accident can affect the quality of your life and change how you work, enjoy your free time, and interact with loved ones.
If the truck driver was negligently operating the vehicle, leading to the crash, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. Our truck accident lawyers in Biloxi work on a contingency-fee basis, which means we don’t out-of-pocket expenses. Instead, our fee comes from the successful settlement or judgment that you receive.
When Should You Call a Truck Accident Lawyer?
It’s important to reach out to an attorney soon after your accident. Our team is available 24/7 for your convenience. Your legal representative will protect you from common mistakes plaintiffs make, such as:
- Organizational errors
- Self-incrimination
- Making inconsistent statements
- Accepting a low settlement offer
The sooner you call a truck accident lawyer, the sooner your case can benefit from legal expertise. In addition, legal deadlines apply. Under Mississippi Code section 15-1-49, Mississippi law gives you the right to pursue legal action for three years after the accident that injured you. Once this deadline passes, you cannot pursue compensation.
Team Up With Experienced Biloxi Truck Accident Lawyers
If a negligent truck driver caused the accident that injured you, you shouldn’t have to suffer the consequences on your own. We will assist you with the claims process and address any concerns you may have.
Contact the Morris Bart law firm today for a consultation. We’re available to take your call 24/7. Our Biloxi truck accident attorneys can review your case and offer legal guidance.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
