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.
What are the potential causes of serious truck crashes?
Truck crashes can happen for a variety of reasons, which often creates a situation where multiple parties are liable for the resulting injuries. Our team of experienced accident lawyers has seen individuals injured in accidents caused by:
- Reckless driving. Drivers are responsible for operating their 18-wheelers in a manner that does not place others in danger. Speeding and following too closely can lead to catastrophic or fatal injuries.
- Distracted driving. Distracted driving is among the leading causes of accidents. It only takes a second for a truck operator to glance at a cell phone and cause a serious accident.
- Impaired driving. Truck drivers may spend days on the road at a time, working under strict deadlines to deliver their loads. Unfortunately, some of these operators use alcohol or other substances in their attempts to remain awake. These substances impair the operator’s ability to react quickly and maintain the truck in a safe manner.
- Improper loading. Heavy cargo adds to the danger of big rig vehicle accidents, particularly when it is not loaded or distributed properly. Heavy items moving around in the back of the truck may cause it to jackknife or flip over onto other vehicles.
- Negligent hiring practices. Trucking companies have a duty to hire drivers who are adequately trained and capable of handling the complexities of operating an 18-wheeler. Negligent companies may be held liable for accidents caused by inexperienced or improperly credentialed drivers.
- Improper truck maintenance. As with any vehicle, trucks require regular maintenance by a credentialed specialist. If truck owners fail to maintain the mechanics of the truck, our seasoned lawyers fight to hold them financially responsible for any injuries that result.
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, 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 at 662-627-9641 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.