Oxford, MS Truck Accident Lawyers

We rely on trucks to deliver goods we use every day. However, trucks and trucking companies cause many serious accidents each year. If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident in Mississippi, speak with an experienced Oxford truck accident lawyer immediately.

At Smith Murphy Law, our attorneys understand the complexities and seriousness of truck accident cases. We know dealing with insurance companies can be stressful and confusing. Our legal team has the experience and dedication to guide you through every step of your claim. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Why Truck Accidents in Mississippi Are So Serious

Truck accidents often cause serious injuries or fatalities because of the size and weight of commercial trucks. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), large truck crashes increased 47% from 2009 to 2019, with nearly 100 fatal accidents annually in Mississippi alone. Many more result in severe injuries and property damage.

Semi-trucks are challenging to operate because they have wide turns, more blind spots, and take longer to stop compared to passenger vehicles.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents

Most truck accidents can be prevented if truck drivers and companies follow the federal safety rules and procedures established by the FMCSA. Common reasons for truck crashes include:

• Distracted Driving — Texting, eating, and looking at maps while driving a large truck are common causes of serious and fatal accidents.
• Driver Fatigue — Truckers are asked to keep tight delivery schedules, and many drivers travel long distances without rest, even though this violates federal regulations. Fatigued driving hinders a driver’s ability to react and process their surroundings.
• Driving Under the Influence — Many truck drivers turn to alcohol or drugs to stay alert or combat the boredom of long hours on the road. This can have deadly consequences for other drivers.
• Speeding — The NHTSA reports that one in five truck drivers in fatal crashes had at least one prior speeding conviction. Speeding and reckless driving can increase the frequency and severity of these crashes.
• Equipment Failure — Poor maintenance or defective equipment can cause trucks to malfunction, resulting in accidents.
• Improper Cargo Loading — Poorly loaded cargo can cause trucks to rollover or jackknife.
• Poor Driver Training — Inexperienced drivers may not safely handle difficult conditions like bad weather.

Severe Injuries from Big Rig Truck Crashes Can Last a Lifetime

A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. The size and weight of these vehicles make truck accidents terrifying and their results so long-lasting. Accidents can happen from rollovers, lost loads, rear-end crashes, underrides, jackknifes, head-on collisions, and more. Some of the most common injuries that result from commercial trucking accidents include:

• Broken or crushed bones
• Internal bleeding
• Concussion
• Burns
• Soft tissue or internal organ damage
• Lost limbs
• Paralysis
• Traumatic brain injury
• Neck and spinal cord injuries
• Death

Determining Liability After an 18-Wheeler Truck Crash

There’s nothing simple about a truck accident case. According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 82 percent of fatal crashes involving trucks are multi-vehicle crashes. Even though a trucker or trucking company may be at fault, there are multiple parties that could be held responsible. And each party has an insurance company and team of lawyers ready to defend their position.

It’s not uncommon for evidence to disappear quickly after a truck accident. A trucking company might get a truck off of the road and demolish it or repair it before an investigator can document evidence. At the same time, witnesses might be difficult to locate or logbooks challenging to obtain.

There are a number of parties who may be responsible for a truck accident. Among them are the truck driver, trucking company, truck owner, shipper, cargo loader, and vehicle or parts manufacturers.

Vicarious liability

Vicarious liability makes the employer responsible for the driver as long as they were working within the scope of their employment when the accident occurred. You may hold the truck company liable for your damages if the truck driver that caused the crash was employed. An experienced truck accident attorney will be able to help you determine all the parties that may be held liable for your accident, including large corporations and shipping companies.

Truck drivers

Truck drivers are bound by special rules and regulations on a federal scale. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has ensured the safe operation of large commercial vehicles by putting several laws into place. For instance, one of the key safety measures of FMCSA for preventing drowsy driving is the hours-of-service regulations.

An experienced truck accident attorney understands the challenges involved with pursuing truck accidents cases. The team at Smith Murphy Law provides aggressive and effective representation to clients throughout Mississippi who have been victims of these tragedies.

Insurance Considerations in Truck Accidents

Trucking companies are required to carry the right type of insurance. In relation to this, the insurer doesn’t necessarily need to reveal the amount of coverage until litigation begins.

MSC90 endorsement is another unique aspect of truck insurance. This states that an insurance company is required to provide coverage even to those vehicles which are not listed on the policy. These intricacies may be confusing for the average person, but they are routine for a proven truck accident attorney.

What Damages Are Available in Truck Accidents Cases?

When you or a loved one have been seriously hurt, you need strong legal counsel who will level the playing field to secure the compensation you need and deserve. The at-fault parties are responsible for paying your full and fair damages, which may include:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and benefits
• Reduced earning capacity
• Severe emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium

Your attorney will attempt to negotiate a fair settlement when the time is right. But, if the other side isn’t reasonable, we will never hesitate to take your case to court.

Speak With an Experienced Mississippi Truck Accident Lawyer

If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident, you may be facing a range of physical, emotional, and financial consequences. At Smith Murphy Law, we take your case seriously and are committed to holding the responsible parties accountable for the harm they’ve caused.

Unlike most standard car accident cases, truck crashes can involve multiple insurance companies, large corporations, and violations of various federal laws and regulations. In short, they are complex and require a well-thought-out legal strategy to achieve the best possible results.

Our law firm has a proven track record of successful settlements in these cases, and we are ready to provide the assistance you need. We don’t charge any fees upfront and are only paid if we are successful in obtaining compensation on your behalf.

Contact our Oxford, MS office at (662) 832-7879 or reach out to us online to schedule a free consultation and case assessment.