Meridian Truck Accident Lawyers

Meridian Truck Accident Lawyers

More than 200 years of combined representation for personal injury victims in Meridian, MS

Commercial trucks and smaller personal trucks drive through Meridian every day. These trucks are often difficult to operate, making it hard for other drivers to see and often causing catastrophic injuries when they collide with smaller cars or pedestrians. At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we understand the unique challenges in holding truck drivers and trucking companies accountable when rigs, tractor-trailers, semis, and other trucks cause accidents. Our Meridian truck accident lawyers understand the federal laws, state laws, and industry standards that govern safe truck driving.

Our team demands full compensation for all your injuries. Our record of success in truck accident cases includes these significant recoveries:

  • $1.7 Million. We obtained a settlement in this amount for a woman and her family “who were run off the road by a "phantom" tractor-trailer. We were able to use dash cam footage and surveillance from a local fast-food restaurant to find out who the truck driver was.
  • $1.1 Million. Our lawyers obtained a $1.1 million judgment, the full amount of compensation available on the trucking company’s insurance in a fatal truck accident.
  • $1 Million. Our lawyers obtained this settlement for a client who sustained injuries and died three weeks later – when our client’s truck was rear-ended by an 18-wheel truck.

How can we help?

What different types of truck accidents do you handle?

At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we represent the victims of all types of truck accidents including accidents with:

  • Tractor-trailers, semis, 18-wheelers, rigs, HAZMAT trucks, and other types of commercial trucks.
  • Garbage trucks, flatbeds, delivery trucks, pickup trucks, and other types of local trucks.
  • All other types of trucks of all shapes and sizes.

Our Meridian truck accident lawyers have the experience and professional relationships with the trucking industry to handle the following types of truck accidents:

  • Jackknifes. These accidents occur when a tractor and trailer travel at different speeds or take different paths – due to skidding, speeding, or other causes. The end result is that the tractor and trailer close in on each other at angles like the blades of a jackknife instead of staying directly in line with each other.
  • Truck rollovers.Trucks are more likely to flip over than cars because of the location of their center of gravity. Trucks are especially likely to roll over if they take a curve too fast or if the truck isn’t properly loaded. Truck rollovers are often deadly. Truck spills that occur when a truck rolls over can be extremely dangerous.
  • Blind spot accidents.Truck drivers need to use extra caution and the best technology available to see on all sides of their trucks.
  • Wide-turn accidents. Truck drivers should understand the proper procedures for turning at intersections so they don’t crush any smaller vehicles near the truck.
  • Underride accidents. Our Meridian truck accident lawyers hold truck drivers accountable for rear-end collisions and trucking companies accountable for failing to have rear underride guards.
  • Cargo spills. At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we hold truck drivers and companies accountable when they overload their trucks or fail to properly secure the cargo. Inventory that shifts can cause a driver to lose control. Truck spills can endanger everyone on the road.

Our Meridian truck accident lawyers also handle head-on truck accidents, T-bone crashes, tire blowouts, intersection accidents, rear-end collisions, and accidents resulting from defective brakes, hydraulic systems, tires, and other truck parts.

How dangerous are truck accidents?

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were 79 fatal truck accidents in Mississippi in 2022 and 100 fatal crashes in 2021.

Trucks are dangerous because of their blind spots, their dimensions (height, width, and length), their need for more time and distance to stop, their cargo, their weight, and other factors.

Why do truck accidents happen in Meridian?

At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we conduct our own investigation by examining the accident site, speaking with any witnesses, and determining if any business or residence nearby has video of the accident. We work with the police, state and federal trucking officials, truck safety experts, and others to determine the cause of your accident. Our lawyers also formally question everyone involved and review all relevant evidence, including black boxes and electronic logging devices.

Some of the causes of truck accidents in Meridian include:

Driver negligence

Driver negligence includes:

  • Driving while intoxicated
  • Driving while distracted
  • Driver fatigue
  • Speeding and other traffic violations
  • Failing to inspect the truck before each trip
  • Failing to use caution when changing lanes

Trucking company negligence

Negligence by trucking companies includes:

  • Not vetting their driver’s license, driving record, and experience
  • Not inspecting their trucks and ensuring the trucks have updated technology including electronic logging devices
  • Failing to educate their drivers about their trucks, the proper way to back out, and other driver safety issues
  • Failing to monitor the performance of their drivers
  • Pressuring truck drivers to meet unreasonable delivery schedules
  • Improper cargo loading

Generally, truck employers are responsible for any negligence by their employees.

Other types of truck accident negligence

  • Defective truck parts. Our Meridian truck accident lawyers hold truck manufacturers accountable for defective design and workmanship of their truck parts – and for failing to warn truck owners of known dangers.

What laws govern truck driving in Meridian, MS?

At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we understand the federal and state laws that regulate truck driving in Mississippi – including the following laws:

  • The FMCSA Hours of Service Rules. These rules govern how long truck drivers can operate their trucks for certain shifts before they need to take a mandatory rest.
  • The OSHA Loading and Unloading Rules. These rules govern the proper methods and materials for loading different types of cargo.
  • Other laws. Some of these rules include CLD requirements, the legal weight of the truck, black box and ELD requirements, truck maintenance rules, and other truck safety rules.

What injuries do truck accidents cause?

Our personal injury lawyers represent truck accident victims who suffer any type of serious injury, including:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Paralysis and other types of spinal cord injuries
  • Broken bones/fractures
  • Loss of limb/traumatic amputation
  • Burns
  • Neck, back, and shoulder injuries
  • Muscle and nerve damage
  • Ligament, tissue, and tendon damage
  • Internal bleeding and organ damage
  • Loss of hearing or sight
  • Severe bruises and cuts
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Psychological trauma
  • Other severe injuries

Who is responsible for truck accidents in Meridian?

Our Meridian truck accident lawyers file complaints against every person and company responsible for your injuries, including:

  • The truck driver
  • The truck driver’s employer
  • The owner of the truck
  • The companies involved in arranging the shipment
  • Truck manufacturers
  • Repair and maintenance companies
  • Other responsible parties

We demand compensation for all your financial and personal damages – current and future – including:

  • Medical expenses
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of income
  • Property damage
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Loss of bodily function
  • Inability to enjoy life’s pleasures
  • Loss of consortium

Do you have a Meridian truck accident lawyer near me?

Yes. We meet clients at our Meridian office located at Regions Bank Building, Suite 205, 406 22nd Avenue. If you’re not mobile enough to come to our office, we can arrange to see you away from our office. We also discuss cases by phone and through online video conversations.

Our lawyers are here to answer your questions and explain how the claims process works.

Talk with our experienced Meridian personal injury lawyers today

Many truck accidents cause catastrophic injuries or deaths. At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we understand how scared you are. Our lawyers have helped many personal injury victims like you obtain strong recoveries. We’re able to settle many cases because of our record of impressive results in the courtroom. We have the experience to anticipate and counter the arguments insurance companies and defense lawyers often use. Please call us today or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.