Biloxi Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accidents result in some of the most devastating types of motor vehicle collisions, often resulting in severe injuries, significant property damage, and tragic loss of life. In Biloxi, where major highways and bustling routes like Highway 90 and Interstate 110 see a constant flow of heavy trucks, crashes that involve these vehicles can have catastrophic consequences.

When such a tragedy strikes, victims and their families need a dedicated advocate to help them deal with the complexities of the legal process and get the compensation they deserve. This is where the legal professionals at Owen, Owen & Smith, PLLC, can help. Our Biloxi truck accident lawyers are uniquely equipped to provide the support you need.

The Severity of Truck Accidents

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that nearly 160,000 truck-related accidents in the United States in 2023. These resulted in almost 75,000 injuries and 5000 fatalities.

Truck accidents differ significantly from standard car accidents due to the much larger weight and sheer size of these commercial vehicles. An average fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, in contrast to the 3,000 to 4,000 pounds of most passenger vehicles.

This huge difference in size and weight means that collisions can result in far more severe damage to smaller vehicles, more serious injuries, and even fatalities.

Victims of truck accidents are often left facing long-term consequences, including debilitating injuries like spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, and permanent disabilities. Losses can go far beyond the physical impact, however, leaving victims struggling with massive medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma.

In situations like these, a truck accident lawyer can help you seek justice and the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

Why Truck Accidents Are So Complex

Commercial truck accidents have their own unique factors that make them much more complex than a typical motor vehicle collision. These cases often include multiple parties, such as truck drivers, trucking companies, vehicle manufacturers, and even cargo loaders. Being able to accurately calculate your total liability typically requires a legal professional who can thoroughly investigate your accident, identify all of the responsible parties, and establish what part they played in the accident.

Federal regulations also play a significant role in truck accident cases. The trucking industry is governed by strict regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules cover aspects like driver hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and cargo loading procedures.

A truck accident attorney’s knowledge of these rules is crucial for building a strong case.

Keep in mind, also, that these trucking companies usually have legal teams and larger insurance providers working to minimize their liability. These groups may use aggressive tactics to reduce or deny your claim, making it that much more essential that you have experienced legal representation.

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Common Causes of Truck Accidents

To establish liability, it’s critical to understand why truck accidents happen. Many of these collisions are due to driver negligence, or that of the trucking company, or other parties.

Common causes include:

  • Driver fatigue
  • Speeding
  • Driving under the influence (DUI)
  • Improper maintenance
  • Overloaded or improperly secured cargo

Sometimes, external factors like poor road conditions or bad weather can also contribute to accidents.

Driver fatigue is a particularly prevalent issue in the trucking industry. Despite federal regulations limiting the number of hours a driver can be on the road, some companies pressure drivers to meet tight delivery deadlines, leading to exhaustion and impaired judgment.

On top of that, poor vehicle maintenance—like failing to check brakes or tires—can result in mechanical failures that cause accidents.

A truck accident lawyer’s role is to thoroughly investigate these factors, collect evidence, and hold all negligent parties accountable.

How a Biloxi Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help

When truck accidents happen, victims often find themselves confused and overwhelmed by the aftermath. Medical treatment, insurance claims, and the emotional toll of recovery cause difficulties in the focus on recovery.

A Biloxi truck accident lawyer can step in and alleviate many of these burdens, guiding you through the legal process.

The first step they’ll take is to conduct a comprehensive investigation of your accident. This usually involves gathering key evidence, like police reports, witness statements, medical records, and electronic logging device (ELD) data from the truck. Your attorney may also partner with experts in accident reconstruction to better establish exactly how the collision happened and who’s at fault.

Once they’ve determined who’s liable, you will deal with all contact and negotiations with insurance companies and opposing legal teams. This is to ensure that you and your family aren’t subjected to manipulative tactics or pressured into accepting a lower settlement. This alone can make the entire process far less stressful.

Instead, your lawyer will fight to get you fair compensation to cover your medical cost, lost wages, damage to your property, and any non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

If a settlement can’t be agreed on, your attorney will take your case to court. Their goal is to present their most compelling argument, one that holds responsible parties accountable and maximizes your compensation.

Types of Compensation

Victims of truck accidents may be entitled to various types of compensation, depending on the specifics of their case. Economic damages address tangible losses, such as medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost income, and property repair or replacement. Non-economic damages focus on intangible losses, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and any losses to your quality of life.

Our skilled truck accident lawyers meticulously evaluate every case to determine the full extent of the damages and then fight to get you a comprehensive settlement.

The Importance of Acting Quickly

Time is another important factor in truck accident cases. Mississippi imposes a statute of limitations on all personal injury claims, including truck accidents, giving you just three years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit.

While this may seem like plenty of time, delays in starting the legal process can weaken a case. Evidence may become more difficult to obtain, and eyewitnesses’ memories can fade over time.

Moreover, trucking companies often act quickly to protect their interests, sometimes dispatching investigators to the scene of the accident within hours. Having a truck accident lawyer on your side ensures that critical evidence is preserved and that your rights are protected from the outset.

Choosing the Right Biloxi Truck Accident Lawyer

Choosing the right lawyer is the most important decision you’ll make and one that can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

At Owen, Owen & Smith, PLLC, our personal injury attorneys have experience in successfully handling these complex cases. With a clear understanding of federal trucking regulations and a proven track record, they’ll provide the representation and advocacy you need.

Our dedication to your case and willingness to go the extra mile for you can make all the difference in achieving a favorable resolution.

Truck accidents often leave victims and their families reeling, but you don’t have to face the challenges alone. Our lawyers provide the legal expertise and compassionate support that will help you navigate this difficult time. By holding negligent parties accountable and securing the compensation you deserve, a lawyer helps you focus on healing and rebuilding your life.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, don’t wait to seek legal assistance.

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.

Owen, Owen & Smith, PLLC