Accidents involving 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, and other commercial trucks can be much more devastating because they usually weigh 20-30 times as much as passenger vehicles. This fact makes a passenger’s survival rate in the smaller car much lower, and if the injuries are not fatal, they are usually life-altering.
At Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys, we dedicate our time and knowledge to assisting citizens in Harrison County, Jackson County, Biloxi, D’Iberville, Ocean Springs, Pascagoula, and other surrounding Mississippi areas. If you think you might be eligible for compensation after an accident and are looking to file a claim, consult with a Pascagoula injury lawyer from our team.
What Causes Truck Accidents in Mississippi?
According to the Mississippi State Department of Health, vehicle crashes are the “leading cause of injury-related deaths in the state.” Unfortunately, they stated that Mississippi also has “the highest per-capita motor vehicle fatality rates in the nation.” But, of course, semi-truck accidents contribute to these statistics, so what are the causes of these fatal accidents?
Driver Fatigue
Driving under exhaustion is not a strange thing for many people. Those who are making their daily commute to work in the morning are often tired, and truck drivers for big corporations are no strangers to driver fatigue. These accidents are deadly and frequently occur on highways or rural roads like, highway 613 in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
Improper Cargo Loading & Maintenance
A semi-truck or 18-wheeler can cause an accident if a worker does not load it properly. For example, suppose the cargo placed within the truck is unbalanced, overloaded, or not secure. In that case, it experiences unnecessary strain, leading to decreased mobility on the road, content within it falling, and potential accidents.
Drug or Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol-impaired driving in Mississippi also happens frequently, with 170 fatalities occurring in 2019. Driving under the influence and any distraction or impairment is against the law but sadly still occurs. These accidents are reckless and dangerous, and the damages are often irreversible and life-changing.
What You Should Do After Being in an Accident
Being involved in a truck crash on Highway 90, on the Pascagoula Bay Bridge, Myrtle Street, Howard Avenue, or anywhere on Biloxi’s busiest roads is a terrifying experience. It is normal to feel confused in the minutes, hours, and days following the accident, and trying to follow the correct protocols is all that more difficult. Here are the key steps you should take after a truck accident occurs:
- Contact emergency services. If you have been in an auto or commercial truck accident, you must call 911 immediately! Medical professionals can help on the scene if you have sustained any injuries. If you are in a minor incident, calling the police to the scene is still vital for filing a report.
- Exchange contact information. After being involved in a truck accident, exchange names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance company information, policy numbers, driver’s license numbers, and license plate numbers with the other party.
- Capture photographs of the scene. Visual reminders of the accident might be painful, but you will need pictures of yourself, any injuries you sustained, and your vehicle. These photographs will be helpful evidence for your case.
- Get a medical examination. Whether you are experiencing severe pain after the accident or none, you must seek out a medical professional after the accident. They can diagnose unseen issues or treat any current physical trauma that the crash caused.
- Gather all documentation. You will need the police report, medical documents, insurance paperwork, repair receipts, and other documentation about your accident. This evidence will only make your case stronger.
- Consult with a Mississippi truck accident lawyer. Your best bet at getting justice on your case is seeking legal consultation from an experienced attorney near you in Biloxi, Mississippi.
Who is at Fault for My Mississippi 18-Wheeler Accident?
Many factors determine who is at fault for an 18-wheeler accident in Mississippi and who will ultimately be responsible for covering any personal injury expenses or compensatory claims for mental hardships. Mississippi law considers the truck driver’s training, the weight of cargo the truck was transporting, and the management of said cargo. As a result, the 18-wheeler or semi-truck accident claim will involve multiple defendants, which typically include:
- The Driver: They’ll assess whoever was driving the truck at the time of the accident.
- Trucking Company: Whoever hired the driver will be taken into consideration.
- Truck Maintenance Company: The company responsible for the truck’s maintenance might take partial responsibility.
- Manufacturer: The truck’s manufacturer and any faulty parts produced might cause blame.
Bills from hospital visits and repairs after an accident with an 18-wheeler can cause immense financial, physical, and emotional burdens. Whether you have sustained a head injury, broken bones, burns, or dealing with a wrongful death after an accident, it is crucial to have an 18-wheeler accident attorney by your side.
Consult With a Knowledgeable Pascagoula Injury Lawyer
Building knowledge over three decades of experience, the Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys team is here to provide the best legal support during your trying times. We understand what it is like to grapple with the aftermath of a semi-truck accident and the stress of handling bills while trying to overcome a personal injury or grief.
If you or a loved one has been hurt or killed due to the negligent actions of a truck driver and are battling with insurers and trucking companies, give us a call today for a free consultation. No one should go through this alone. Our injury lawyers have an extensive history of fighting for our Mississippi clients, find us in the following communities across the Gulf Coast:
- Montgomery Truck Accident Lawyer
- Pascagoula Truck Accident Lawyer
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