Mississippi Truck Accident Lawyers

Mississippi Truck Accident Attorneys

Reliable representation from one of the state’s largest plaintiff’s firms

In 2015, almost 4,000 people reportedly lost their lives in tractor-trailer accidents on the roadways of America. Of those deaths, 16% were occupants of the truck. About 22% of these fatalities involved pedestrians, bicyclists or motorcycle operators, while 69% involved occupants of passenger vehicles. These statistics are disturbing, but they represent the substantial risk of harm that 18-wheelers create for everyone on the road around them. Tractor-trailer injuries can lead to extensive medical bills, significant time missed from work and severe physical pain. For the families of individuals killed in a truck accident, there is also the expense of burial costs and the permanent loss of a priceless relationship.

The attorneys of Merkel & Cocke, P.A. have built a reputation for aggressively and passionately representing those injured in big rig wrecks. Our skilled lawyers put decades of knowledge and experience to work in obtaining compensation for our injured clients. Whether the accident was caused by the improper driving habits of the operator or the negligent supervision of the trucking company, we do not back down from fighting for the best possible outcome in your case.

 

How can we help?

Who can be held liable for a truck accident in Mississippi?

When it comes to 18-wheeler accidents in Mississippi, more than one person or company could be held responsible.

Of course, the truck driver can be liable, especially if they were speeding, distracted, or driving under the influence. But liability doesn’t stop there. The trucking company might also be to blame if they hired an unqualified driver, failed to maintain the truck, or pushed their drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines. In some cases, both the driver and the company share the fault.

Other parties can be responsible too, depending on the details of the crash. If a truck’s brakes or tires failed, the manufacturer of that part might be held liable for a defective product. Sometimes, a third-party maintenance crew or a loading company could have done something wrong that contributed to the accident, like overloading the truck or not securing the cargo properly. At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we dig deep into every case to figure out exactly who is at fault and hold them accountable for the harm they caused.

What to do if you are in an accident with a commercial vehicle

If you’re in an accident with a big rig in Mississippi, take the following steps to protect yourself and your legal rights:

  • Call 911 right away. Make sure everyone is safe and get emergency help if needed.
  • Get medical attention. Even if you feel okay, it’s important to get checked out. Some injuries take time to show up, including catastrophic injuries like internal bleeding or brain injuries.
  • Document the scene. If you can, take pictures of the vehicles, the damage, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries.
  • Get information. Ask for the truck driver’s name, contact info, employer, and insurance details.
  • Talk to witnesses. If anyone saw the crash, try to get their names and phone numbers.
  • Avoid talking to the trucking company or their insurance adjuster. They may try to shift the blame or push you to settle quickly.
  • Call an experienced truck accident lawyer. At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we know how to deal with commercial vehicle claims and fight for what you’re owed.

Taking these steps can help protect your health, your rights, and your ability to recover the compensation you deserve.

Investigating your truck accident

After a semi-truck accident, a strong investigation is key to proving what really happened and who should be held responsible. At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we start by gathering as much evidence as possible, including police reports, driver logs, black box data from the truck, photos of the scene, and witness statements. We may also work with accident reconstruction experts who can help show how and why the crash occurred. The goal is to build a clear picture of the events leading up to the accident and uncover any safety violations, driver errors, or equipment failures.

Semi-trailer truck accident cases can be more complex than regular car crashes because of all the parties involved, like drivers, trucking companies, maintenance crews, and even manufacturers. That’s why it’s so important to act quickly. Evidence can disappear, and memories can fade. Our team knows what to look for and where to find it. When you work with us, we get to the bottom of things so you can focus on healing while we focus on holding the right people accountable.

Dealing with insurance adjusters following a truck accident

After an 18-wheeler accident, it’s common to hear from insurance adjusters, sometimes even within just a day or two. They may sound friendly, but it’s important to remember that their job is to protect the trucking company’s bottom line, not to help you. They might ask you to give a recorded statement, downplay your injuries, or offer a quick settlement that doesn’t come close to covering all your costs. That’s why you should never sign anything or give detailed statements without talking to a Mississippi truck accident attorney first.

At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we handle all communication with the insurance companies for you. We know the tactics they use, and we won’t let them take advantage of you while you're recovering. Our job is to make sure you get a fair deal; one that covers your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any future care you may need. Let us deal with the paperwork and negotiations so you can concentrate on getting better.

Time limits for filing truck accident claims in Mississippi

If you’ve been hurt in a semi or big rig accident in Mississippi, it’s important to know that you don’t have forever to take legal action. In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This time limit is called the statute of limitations, and once it runs out, you could lose your right to seek compensation, no matter how strong your case is. At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we’ll make sure your case is filed on time and that every step is handled the right way from the very beginning. Don’t wait. Your future may depend on it.

Commercial trucking accident statistics

The following are some important statistics regarding semi-trailer and truck accidents across the country:

  • Large trucks were involved in 5,375 fatal crashes in 2023, a 43% increase from the last ten
  • Commercial trucks made up 9% of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes.
  • 114,552 commercial trucks were involved in crashes involving serious injuries.
  • “The majority of deaths in large-truck crashes are occupants of other vehicles (70%), followed by truck occupants (18%), and non-occupants, primarily pedestrians and bicyclists (12%).”
  • The majority of semi-truck accidents happened during the daytime (62.09%), as compared to accidents that happened at night (37.91%).

Is the trucking company liable for an accident that caused wrongful death?

Yes, in many cases, the trucking company can be held liable for a wrongful death caused by a truck accident. If the truck driver was working at the time of the crash, the company may be legally responsible for their employee’s actions under a principle called vicarious liability. The company can also be directly at fault if it hired an unqualified driver, failed to train them properly, didn’t keep up with truck maintenance, or encouraged unsafe driving practices like skipping rest breaks to meet deadlines.

Wrongful death cases are especially serious because families are left dealing with emotional pain, financial stress, and a future without their loved one. At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we understand how devastating this kind of loss is. Our team works to hold the trucking company and any other responsible parties accountable.

Seeking compensation after serious truck accidents in Mississippi

If you’ve been seriously hurt in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation that covers more than just your immediate medical bills. In Mississippi, accident victims can pursue a wide range of damages, including:

  • Medical expenses, like hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and future medical care
  • Lost wages, the income you missed while recovering from your injuries
  • Loss of earning capacity, if you can’t return to the same kind of work you did before the accident
  • Pain and suffering, which is the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries
  • Property damage, including the cost to repair or replace your vehicle and other personal items
  • Punitive damages, in cases of gross negligence or reckless behavior by the trucking company

At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we’re here to make sure you get the full compensation you deserve.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Should I file a claim against the truck driver's insurance company or the trucking company?

It depends on your situation, but often you can file against both, especially if the driver was working at the time of the crash and the company shares responsibility.

Q: How can I prove that the truck driver who hit me was distracted or intoxicated behind the wheel?

Evidence like police reports, witness statements, dash cam footage, phone records, or toxicology tests can help prove distraction or intoxication.

Q: What should I do immediately after a truck accident in Mississippi?

Call 911, get medical attention, take photos of the scene, and exchange information. However, avoid speaking with insurance adjusters until you’ve talked to one of our lawyers.

Q: How long after a Mississippi truck accident can I file a claim?

You generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim in Mississippi.

Q: What sort of compensation can I receive after a truck accident in Mississippi?

You may be able to recover money for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and in some cases, punitive damages.

Q: How do you prove who is responsible in a truck accident case in Mississippi?

We use evidence like accident reports, black box data, maintenance records, and expert testimony to determine and prove fault.

Q: What should I expect during the legal process of a Mississippi truck accident claim?

You can expect a thorough investigation, negotiations with insurers, and possibly a lawsuit if a fair settlement isn’t offered.

Q: Why are Mississippi truck accidents more complicated than car accidents?

Truck accidents involve more serious injuries, multiple parties, complex regulations, and aggressive insurance companies, making them tougher to navigate.

Q: What are the most common causes of truck accidents in Mississippi?

Common causes include driver fatigue, distracted driving, speeding, poor maintenance, and overloaded or improperly loaded cargo.

Q: Can I sue the trucking company if the driver was at fault in Mississippi?

Yes, if the driver was working at the time, the trucking company can often be held legally responsible for their employee’s actions.

Do you have a Mississippi truck accident lawyer near me?

Yes. Our lawyers meet personal injury victims and families throughout Mississippi at the following locations:

  • Jackson Office (Hinds County): 2630 Ridgewood Road, Suite D. Jackson, MS 39216
  • Clarksdale Office (Coahoma County): 30 Delta Avenue. Clarksdale, MS 38614
  • Greenville Office (Washington County): 540 Main Street, ICON Building, Suite 302. Greenville, MS 38701
  • Oxford Office (Lafayette County): 2084 Old Taylor Road, Suite 110. Oxford, MS 38655
  • Meridian Office (Lauderdale County):Regions Bank Building, Suite 205, 406 22nd Avenue. Meridian, MS 39301

If you cannot physically come to one of our offices, we can make arrangements to meet you away from the office. We also consult with clients by phone and through online video consultations. We’ve helped many people like you obtain strong recoveries.

Call us today to discuss your legal options following a crash with an 18-wheeler in Mississippi

When a passenger vehicle, motorcycle, or pedestrian is struck by an 18-wheeler, the outcome is likely to be tragic. At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we take these cases seriously and commit ourselves to obtaining an award that adequately covers medical expenses and lost wages, as well as pain and suffering. If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident, call us today or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation. While we primarily work from our offices in Jackson and Clarksdale, we also serve injured clients throughout Mississippi, Tennessee, and Arkansas.