Jackson Truck Accident Lawyers

Jackson Truck Accident Lawyers

Strong advocates for people hurt by commercial trucks in Mississippi

When you're driving the highways in Jackson, Mississippi, it's impossible to miss the steady stream of big trucks moving through the area. Whether it’s a semi-trailer, semi-truck, truck and trailer, big rig, tractor-trailer, or eighteen-wheeler, these large commercial vehicles play a big role in moving goods across the state and the country. But when accidents happen, they can cause serious harm to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we understand how life-changing truck accidents can be. If you’ve been hurt in a crash with a commercial truck in Jackson, you need experienced legal help to stand up to the trucking companies and their powerful insurance providers. Our team is here to fight for you and help you get the compensation you deserve.

We do not just talk about what we might be able to do for you we back it up with our record of achievement in getting favorable results for our clients who have been injured in truck crashes including:

  • $1 million+ settlement for a client struck by an 18-wheeler. Our client was hit in the rear by an 18-wheeler truck. He suffered several injuries in the crash and died about three weeks later. His case settled for well over a million dollars.
  • Six-Figure settlement amount in commercial truck accident case. Client was injured after striking the rear end of a truck which moved into his lane of traffic while making a right-hand turn.

How can we help?

  • Why truck wrecks differ from passenger car accidents in Jackson
  • What are some of the common causes of truck accidents in Jackson?
  • What types of injuries happen from truck accidents in Jackson?
  • Who’s responsible for truck accidents in Jackson?
  • Insurance considerations in truck accidents
  • Damages recoverable in Jackson truck accident claims
  • What can our Jackson truck accident attorneys do to help your case?
  • Steps to take after a truck accident in Jackson
  • Do you have a Jackson truck accident lawyer near me?

Why truck wrecks differ from passenger car accidents in Jackson

Truck accidents are not like regular car accidents. The size and weight of a semi-truck or tractor-trailer can make even a minor collision extremely dangerous. A fully loaded eighteen-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while a typical passenger car weighs about 3,000 to 4,000 pounds. That huge difference in weight often results in catastrophic injuries or fatal accidents.

And, Jackson is a hub for truck traffic, with several major highways running through it:

  • Interstate 20 (I-20): Runs east-west through Jackson, connecting it to Vicksburg and Meridian.
  • Interstate 55 (I-55): Runs north-south, connecting Jackson to Memphis and New Orleans.
  • S. Highway 49 (US 49): Runs north-south through Jackson toward Hattiesburg and Yazoo City.
  • S. Highway 80 (US 80): Runs east-west, mostly paralleling I-20.

These highways are vital routes for shipping companies and truck drivers, but they are also hotspots for dangerous accidents, especially when drivers are tired, distracted, or speeding to meet delivery deadlines.

What are some of the common causes of truck accidents in Jackson?

Truck crashes have many of the same causes as car accidents. Driver error is the most common cause in the form of the following:

  • Drunk driving
  • Distracted driving
  • Drowsy driving (Hours of Service violations)
  • Drugged driving
  • Speeding
  • Unbalanced loads
  • Overweight trucks
  • Defective parts
  • Mechanical malfunctions

What types of injuries happen from truck accidents in Jackson?

Truck accidents almost always cause severe injuries. Victims often face long hospital stays, surgeries, and months or years of rehabilitation. Some never fully recover. Common injuries from Jackson truck accidents include:

These are catastrophic injuries that not only affect the body but also change a person’s life forever. Many victims can no longer work, enjoy their hobbies, or even perform daily tasks without help.

At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we work hard to make sure our clients are fully compensated for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs.

Who’s responsible for truck accidents in Jackson?

Truck accident cases are complex because there are often multiple parties who could be responsible. It’s not always just the truck driver’s fault. Other potentially liable parties include:

  • The trucking company
  • The company that loaded the truck
  • Maintenance providers
  • The truck or parts manufacturers

At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we conduct thorough investigations by reviewing driver logs, maintenance records, black box data, and cargo loading procedures. We work with accident reconstruction experts to figure out exactly what happened and who should be held accountable.

Insurance considerations in truck accidents

One of the most difficult parts of truck accident cases is dealing with the insurance companies. Trucking companies often carry large insurance policies because the damage from an accident can be so severe. Unfortunately, these insurance companies will do everything they can to limit what they pay you. Common tactics insurance companies use include:

  • Blaming the victim for the accident
  • Offering a low settlement quickly
  • Denying the seriousness of your injuries
  • Delaying payment to pressure you into accepting less

That’s why you need strong legal representation. At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we know how to handle tough insurance negotiations. We fight to get you the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Damages recoverable in Jackson truck accident claims

When you or someone you care about has sustained injuries in a truck crash, if you are successful in proving negligence, you may be able to recover compensation from the party or parties at fault. Damages are the financial compensation you may receive in both economic (quantifiable) and non-economic losses, such as:

  • Medical expenses, current and future
  • Lost wages and benefits
  • Diminished earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Severe emotional distress
  • Loss of consortium (for the spouse)

What can our Jackson truck accident attorneys do to help your case?

As we mentioned, getting into a collision with a commercial truck is different from another passenger vehicle. If the other driver caused the crash because they were drunk or speeding, you deal with that driver's car insurance company. An 18-wheeler is a commercial vehicle, which means that while the driver may have caused the crash, you may also be able to hold their employer responsible for their actions which led to the crash. If defective equipment played a role in the crash, you may also be able to name the manufacturer of the part in question in a products liability action. You require the services of a skilled Mississippi truck accident lawyer who knows how to determine the value of your case, find the parties at fault in the crash and hold them responsible.

Investigating a truck crash is always far more extensive than a car accident. We use many kinds of experts, accident reconstructionists, medical experts and economists to compile the most accurate and compelling case for compensation for your injuries. When you work with a distinguished and experienced team of Jackson truck accident attorneys, you benefit from our knowledge of the complex nature of these cases, and our firm has the resources to make sure that every possible option is explored so that you get the maximum compensation.

Steps to take after a truck accident in Jackson

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Jackson, Mississippi, knowing what steps to take can make a big difference in protecting your health, your rights, and your ability to seek fair compensation. Accidents involving semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, big rigs, or eighteen-wheelers can quickly become complex, so following the right steps is key. Here’s what you should do after a truck accident:

  • Your safety comes first. Call 911 right away to report the accident and request emergency medical help. Truck accidents can block major roads like Interstate 20 (I-20), Interstate 55 (I-55), U.S. Highway 49 (US 49), or U.S. Highway 80 (US 80), so quick police response is critical to secure the scene and assist injured drivers.
  • Even if you don’t feel seriously hurt, it’s important to get checked by medical professionals as soon as possible. Truck crashes often cause catastrophic injuries that may not show symptoms immediately, like internal bleeding or head trauma. Always follow up with your doctor to document your injuries.
  • If you’re physically able, take photos and videos of the vehicle damage (yours and the truck), road conditions, skid marks, traffic signs and signals, and your injuries. Also, write down the truck’s license plate number, the trucking company’s name, and the truck driver’s information. Try to collect witness names and contact information, too.
  • When talking to the truck driver, witnesses, or police, stick to the facts. Never apologize or say the accident was your fault, even if you feel partially responsible. Truck accidents can have many causes, and determining fault takes a full investigation.
  • Call an experienced truck accident attorney like Merkel & Cocke, P.A. as soon as possible. Trucking companies and their insurance providers often begin building their defense right away. You need a legal team on your side to protect your rights, handle complex paperwork, and deal with aggressive insurance adjusters.
  • The trucking company’s insurance representative may contact you quickly after the crash. They might try to get a recorded statement or offer a fast, lowball settlement. Do not agree to anything or sign any paperwork without speaking to your lawyer first.
  • Attend all follow-up appointments and stick to your doctor’s treatment plan. This shows you’re taking your recovery seriously and helps strengthen your injury claim.
  • Save all medical bills, repair estimates, lost wage documentation, and receipts related to the accident. Keep a personal journal of your pain levels, emotional distress, and how your injuries impact your daily life.

By taking these steps after a Jackson truck accident, you can protect your health and give yourself the best chance at securing full compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and other losses. Merkel & Cocke, P.A. is here to guide you through the process and fight for the justice you deserve.

Do you have a Jackson truck accident lawyer near me?

Merkel & Cocke, P.A. is located at 622 Duling Avenue, Suite 221, Jackson, 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.

Call an experienced Jackson truck accident lawyer to discuss your injuries today

If you were injured in a truck accident, you may be dealing with serious injuries and other losses. At Merkel & Cocke, we take your case seriously and commit ourselves to obtaining a fair award that covers medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You are welcome to visit our office, where we serve injured clients throughout the rest of Mississippi, Tennessee and Arkansas. If you or a loved one was hurt in a collision with a truck, call us now or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation.

Types of Cases We Handle

Our Oxford attorneys handle a variety of cases, including:

Jackson Office

622 Duling Avenue
Suite 221
Jackson, MS 39216
Phone: (601) 653-1103