Greenville Truck Accident Attorneys

Mississippi lawyers who stand up to big trucking and insurance companies

Truck and trucking companies are responsible for the safety of the vehicles they build, manufacture and put on the roads. Truck drivers, by the same theory, are responsible for the safe operation of those vehicles – obeying traffic laws and rules of the road. When unsafe trucks, or unsafe drivers, cause an accident, the results can be catastrophic.

The personal injury attorneys at Merkel & Cocke, P.A. put their decades of experience to work when you or a loved one were hurt in a truck accident. We understand the significance of these types of accidents, and know how to put together the strongest case possible on your behalf, seeking full compensation for your losses and damages. Talk to us today.

How can we help?

• Why truck wrecks along Highway 82 are so devastating in Greenville
• Frequent causes of truck collisions in and around Greenville
• Injuries caused by truck crashes that demand legal action
• Who’s responsible when a commercial truck crashes in Washington County?
• Insurance considerations in truck accidents
• What is my Greenville truck accident claim worth?
• Steps to take after a truck accident in Mississippi
• How our truck and tractor-trailer accident attorneys can help
• Do you have a Greenville truck accident lawyer near me?

Why truck wrecks along Highway 82 are so devastating in Greenville

Truck wrecks along Highway 82 in Greenville, Mississippi are often especially devastating because of the highway’s layout, traffic patterns, and the types of vehicles that regularly travel this route. Highway 82 is a major east-west corridor that serves as a key connection point for commercial trucking across the Mississippi Delta. The highway sees a constant flow of semi-trailers, big rigs, tractor-trailers, and eighteen-wheelers hauling heavy loads through Greenville and beyond. With these large commercial vehicles moving at high speeds and sharing the road with smaller passenger cars, the chance of severe, high-impact collisions increases significantly.

Another reason truck accidents on Highway 82 are so dangerous is the mix of local and through traffic, often with limited options for safe passing and narrow shoulders in certain areas. Visibility can be reduced in rural stretches, and traffic congestion in Greenville itself makes sudden lane changes or emergency stops more difficult for truck drivers. When a semi-truck or truck and trailer loses control on this busy highway, the crash often results in catastrophic injuries or even fatal accidents due to the sheer force of impact. Victims in these crashes often suffer life-altering injuries like spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, multiple fractures, and internal organ damage. These factors make Highway 82 in Greenville one of the most dangerous roads for truck wrecks in the region.

Frequent causes of truck collisions in and around Greenville

People always say, “Sometimes accidents just happen.” This is true, and sometimes an accident is not anybody’s fault. However, sometimes there is a very real cause to an accident that harms you, and at Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we work to find out why. Common causes of truck accidents include:

• Defective parts. In some cases, a truck driver may not have caused the accident at all. When manufacturing defects occur, issues like faulty brakes or tires that blow out can cause sudden loss of control behind the wheel. Our attorneys know how to pinpoint the issues that went wrong and hold the right people accountable.
• Distracted driving. Everyone is aware of the dangers of distracted driving. Imagine a trucker driving a 10,000-plus vehicle taking their eyes off the road to text or take a video. This one second of distraction can be fatal to any other vehicle around it.
• Driver fatigue. Drowsy driving is a common issue with truckers, who often drive long days and nights hauling cargo. Federal law requires truck drivers to follow hours-of-regulation rules, but if drivers or companies fail to enforce them, accidents will eventually occur.
• Drunk driving. Driving a tractor-trailer under the influence of alcohol or drugs can, and likely will, cause catastrophic or fatal consequences. Drunk drivers have poor judgement and reflex skills, which can cause them to easily lose control of their vehicle or make disastrous driving errors.
• Overloaded cargo. When the trailer of a truck is loaded improperly, or overloaded, it can become unbalanced and cause a loss of control. Overloaded trucks tend to roll over or spill their cargo more easily, which can cause multi-car wrecks.
• Poor or inadequate supervision. Trucking companies have a responsibility to hire and employ safe drivers. This means performing background checks, substance abuse testing and keeping dangerous drivers off the roads. Companies who allow reckless truck drivers on the road can be held liable for any resulting accidents.

Truckers must follow the same traffic rules as everyone else, and that includes refraining from speeding or reckless driving. Any type of injury from a tractor-trailer accident can range from moderate to catastrophic.

Injuries caused by truck crashes that demand legal action

For a truck accident survivor, injuries can take a long time from which to recover (if ever) as well as require years of medical care. For some injured individuals, medical care may last a lifetime. The following are some of the more common injuries from truck accidents:

• Broken bones
• Burn injuries
• Loss of limb
• Spinal cord injury
• Traumatic brain injury(TBI)

These types of injuries may require a great deal of medical care or physical therapy, which can cause you to miss weeks or months of work. And while this all happens, your bills are piling up. Merkel & Cocke, P.A. can help ease your stress.

Who’s responsible when a commercial truck crashes in Washington County?

When a commercial truck crashes in Washington County, Mississippi, figuring out who’s responsible isn’t always simple. Unlike typical car accidents, truck crashes can involve multiple parties who may share liability. It’s not always just the truck driver’s fault. At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we know how to investigate these complex accidents to find out exactly who should be held accountable. Here are some of the parties that may be responsible:

• If the truck driver was speeding, driving while distracted, under the influence, or breaking hours-of-service rules, they can be held directly responsible for the crash.
• Sometimes, trucking companies push drivers to meet tight deadlines or fail to properly train or supervise them. If the company encouraged unsafe driving practices or skipped required maintenance, it may be legally liable.
• If the truck and trailer were improperly loaded or unbalanced, the company responsible for loading the cargo could be at fault, especially if a shifting load caused the truck to tip or jackknife.
• Trucks need regular inspections and repairs. If a mechanic or maintenance company did poor-quality work or skipped safety checks, they could be held responsible for mechanical failures that led to the accident.
• If the accident was caused by a defective part, like faulty brakes, tires, or steering systems, the manufacturer could be responsible.

In Washington County, truck accidents on highways like Highway 82, U.S. Highway 61, and local Greenville routes often involve a mix of local trucking companies, national carriers, and third-party contractors. Determining who is liable takes a thorough investigation, and that’s where Merkel & Cocke, P.A. can help. We work to uncover the full story of your accident and fight to hold all negligent parties accountable so you can get the compensation you deserve.

Insurance considerations in truck accidents

When it comes to truck accidents, the insurance process is very different from what you might experience in a typical car accident. Commercial trucks—like semi-trailers, semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, big rigs, and eighteen-wheelers—are required to carry large insurance policies because the damage they can cause is often much more severe. These policies may have coverage limits in the millions of dollars because truck accidents frequently lead to catastrophic injuries, property damage, and even fatal accidents.

However, even though there’s more coverage available, that doesn’t mean the insurance company will make it easy for you to get fair compensation. In fact, the opposite is often true. Trucking companies and their insurers usually act fast after a crash to protect themselves, sending investigators and lawyers to the scene to look for ways to minimize their responsibility. They may quickly offer you a low settlement, hoping you’ll accept it before you understand the full extent of your injuries and future medical needs.

That’s why it’s so important to have an experienced truck accident lawyer on your side. At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we know how to deal with trucking insurance companies. We thoroughly investigate your case, carefully review the insurance policies, and handle all communications with the insurance adjusters. Whether the accident happened on Interstate 20, Interstate 55, U.S. Highway 49, U.S. Highway 80, or local roads like Highway 82 in Greenville, we are prepared to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Truck accident insurance claims can quickly become complicated, especially when multiple companies are involved, but we know how to navigate these challenges and protect your rights.

What is my Greenville truck accident claim worth?

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Greenville, Mississippi, one of the first questions you probably have is, “What is my truck accident claim worth?” The honest answer is that every case is different, and the value of your claim depends on several important factors. At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we work closely with you to calculate the true value of your damages and fight to get you full and fair compensation. Here’s what can affect the value of your Greenville truck accident claim:

• Truck accidents involving semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, big rigs, and eighteen-wheelers often cause catastrophic injuries, such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, multiple fractures, or severe burns. The more serious your injuries, the higher your medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and long-term care needs. Serious or permanent injuries typically increase the value of your claim.
• Your compensation should cover all medical costs, including emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, medication, and any future treatments you may need.
• If your injuries keep you from working temporarily or permanently, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income and future loss of earnings.
• Truck accidents can cause physical pain, emotional distress, and a reduced quality of life. These damages can be harder to measure, but they are a crucial part of your claim.
• If your vehicle or personal property was damaged in the crash, the cost of repairs or replacement should be part of your compensation.
• If you lost a loved one in a fatal truck accident along highways like Highway 82, U.S. Highway 61, or major routes in Greenville, you may be able to pursue wrongful death damages, including funeral expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship.
• The value of your claim can also depend on how many parties are responsible (the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, etc.) and how much insurance coverage is available. Trucking companies often carry large insurance policies, but getting full payment can require tough negotiations.

Steps to take after a truck accident in Mississippi

If you’re involved in a truck accident in Mississippi, knowing what to do next is critical to protecting your health, your legal rights, and your ability to pursue fair compensation. Crashes with semi-trailers, big rigs, tractor-trailers, and eighteen-wheelers are often serious and can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Here are the key steps you should take after a truck accident in Mississippi:

• Your safety and the safety of others should always come first. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical help. Police will arrive to secure the scene and create an official accident report, which is essential for your case.
• Even if you feel fine at first, you should always seek medical attention right away. Some injuries, like traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding, don’t show immediate symptoms. Documenting your injuries as soon as possible can protect your health and support your claim later.
• If you are physically able, gather key details, like the truck driver’s name, contact info, driver’s license number, and insurance information. Also note the truck’s license plate number and any identifying numbers on the truck and trailer. Collect contact information from any witnesses, and take photos or videos of vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs and signals, and any visible injuries. These details are important evidence for your truck accident case.
• Even if you’re unsure what happened, never admit fault or apologize. Truck accidents often involve complex factors, and fault is not always immediately clear. Stick to the facts when speaking to the police and others at the scene.
• Let your insurance company know about the accident as soon as possible, but do not provide a recorded statement to the trucking company’s insurance without first speaking to your lawyer. Insurance companies will often try to use your words against you.
• Truck accidents are not simple fender benders. They involve large insurance policies, federal trucking regulations, and multiple responsible parties. The trucking company’s insurance team will move quickly to protect themselves. You need a skilled truck accident attorney, like those at Merkel & Cocke, P.A., to start protecting your rights right away.
• The trucking company’s insurance adjusters may contact you soon after the crash. They may offer a quick settlement or ask for a recorded statement. Do not accept any offers or answer detailed questions without your lawyer present. These companies are often trying to minimize what they pay you.
• Be sure to attend all doctor’s appointments, take prescribed medications, and follow your treatment plan. This not only helps your recovery but also shows that you are taking your injuries seriously. Insurance companies may try to argue that your injuries aren't severe if you skip treatments.
• Save all receipts, medical bills, accident reports, and repair estimates. Keep a personal journal where you record your pain levels, emotional struggles, and how your injuries are affecting your daily life and work. These records can be powerful evidence in your truck accident claim.

Remember, truck accident cases in Mississippi, especially those involving semi-trucks, big rigs, and tractor-trailers, can take time. It’s important to be patient and allow your legal team to thoroughly investigate your case and negotiate with the trucking company’s insurance.

How our truck and tractor-trailer accident attorneys can help

Because trucks deliver the goods and supplies we need across the country, there are federal regulations set in place to protect everyone on the road, including the drivers themselves. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has outlined these regulations, which are also available for public search. Trucking companies risk penalties, fines and possibly criminal prosecution when they violate or allow their employees to violate these regulations.

Merkel & Cocke, P.A.’s experience with both state and federal law makes our firm an excellent choice when you need representation for a complex accident claim.

It is also important to keep in mind that the state of Mississippi’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases could, in some cases, be as short as one year. The sooner you contact a personal injury attorney, the better. Our legal team helps ensure your claim is documented and handled properly.

Do you have a Greenville truck accident lawyer near me?

Merkel & Cocke, P.A. is located at 540 Main Street, ICON Building, Suite 302, Greenville, MS. If you’re too hurt or too sick to come see us, we can come see you at home or in any medical center.

Reputable Greenville truck accident lawyers

After an accident with a tractor-trailer, you may be facing a confusing maze of state and federal law. The attorneys at Merkel & Cocke, P.A. can take that stress and uncertainty off your hands. Let us take your case while you take time to heal. We help clients seek fair and full compensation when they are injured due to others’ negligence. To learn more about our services, or to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with a lawyer, please call our offices or fill out our contact form. We have offices in Greenville at 540 Main Street in the ICON Building.