A truck on the roadways in Mississippi can be an intimidating sight to the average motorist. 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.
Should the two vehicles collide, the driver and passengers in the car are almost certainly going to suffer significant injuries—or even death—because of the weight disparity between the two vehicles. These injuries could require lengthy hospitalization, leave the injured person unable to work, and result in a reduction of quality of life.
To protect your right to seek damages, you may want to consider hiring a Biloxi truck accident lawyer to help with your case. The Morris Bart law firm knows how insurers typically treat victims in truck accident cases, and we are ready to negotiate on your behalf and argue for the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (228) 357-9621 for a free no-obligation case evaluation with a team member.
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. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that in 2017, of the 690 fatalities that occurred on roads in Mississippi, 102 of those fatalities involved a large truck.
Truck drivers must follow all regulations at both the state and federal level 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 have a duty to 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 Biloxi truck accident lawyer from our team can help with your case. Call the Morris Bart law firm today at (228) 357-9621, so we can get started working on your behalf.
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 in a safe manner 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 Biloxi truck accident lawyer can study the facts in the case to determine which parties should be held liable.
Biloxi Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me 800-537-8185
We Work on a Contingency Fee Basis
The Morris Bart law firm understands 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 damages to compensate you for your medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact the Morris Bart law firm today at (228) 357-9621 for a free review of your case with a Biloxi truck accident lawyer. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we do not accept payment for our services before taking your case. Instead, our fees only come from any successful settlement or judgment that you might receive.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
