Many trucks on the road transport goods to stores that will later reach consumers. Garbage trucks are also essential as they dispose of our garbage. While trucks are necessary, they are also dangerous.
When a pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorist is struck by a truck, resulting in life-altering consequences. The recovery process is long and medical expenses will quickly exceed your financial resources. To hold negligent parties responsible, you need to discuss your case details with a Southaven, MS truck accident lawyer from Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi PLC.
A Variety of Trucks Travel the Roads of Mississippi
Most people will think of commercial and semi-trucks when they think of truck accidents. There are several other trucks on the road, such as:
- Tractor-trailer
- Fire truck
- Garbage truck
- Delivery trucks
- Big rig
- Dump truck
- 18 wheeler
While commercial trucks are the most common culprits in truck accidents, you can be in an accident with any of the above trucks. Depending on the type of truck, there will be specific laws for your claim.
For a free legal consultation with a truck accidents lawyer serving Southaven, call (901) 526-2126
Different Types of Southaven Truck Accidents
Many contributing factors can cause a truck accident. The causes we see over and over are:
- Prescription drug use
- Construction sites
- Driver fatigue
- Inattention
- Not stopping at stop signs, crosswalks, or a traffic signal
- Faulty brakes
- Speeding
These are just a few examples, and there are many other ways a truck accident can happen.
Southaven Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me (901) 526-2126
Parties that Can Be Liable for a Truck Accident
Trucks of all kinds have different state and federal guidelines they must adhere to, and when they do not, it leaves families devastated. These regulations will determine how much a truck can carry, how long a driver can work, and who can get a trucking license. With so many hands in the operation of one truck, there are multiple liable parties such as:
The Trucking Company
When a truck company is in charge of the operation of the vehicle and the driver, they are liable for anything the driver does. The driver is not exempt from liability since they also play a role in truck accidents. We will file a claim against both parties in these cases.
An Independent Truck Driver
There are cases where a truck driver is independently employed. For this classification, the driver will own and operate their truck. If a trucking company or other entity is involved in the vehicle’s operation, then the driver is not a fully independent contractor.
When you are in an accident with an independent trucker, they will bear sole responsibility for your accident and damages.
Freight Brokers and Shippers
A truck driver will have a freight broker who assigns specific cargo to them. When the freight broker makes a mistake in giving freight to the wrong truck, it can cause weight problems. The truck will tip over, or the cargo can fall off.
Some shippers are involved in the loading process. They can mistakenly overload a commercial truck to meet a shipping deadline. Shippers can also tell the truck driver the cargo is safe and secure when it is not.
Many parties can play a role in causing a truck accident. You must immediately contact a truck accident lawyer in Southaven to begin an accident investigation and a claim.
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Southaven Truck Accidents and the Serious Injuries They Cause
Trucks come in all shapes and sizes, which means they will cause serious injury to those involved in an accident. You may be unable to recover to your pre-accident physical state because you have suffered a permanent impairment. Truck accidents will commonly result in these injuries:
- Broken bones or fractures
- Spinal cord trauma
- Spinal disc injuries
- Loss of limb
- Open head wounds
- Soft tissue injuries
- Dislocations
- Concussions
- Scars and burns
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Compensation Available for Truck Accident Claims
When you file a claim against a negligent party, you will recover compensation for your losses and damages. There are economical and noneconomic options available depending on your specific circumstances. The possible types of payment you can obtain include:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages and income
- Permanent disability
- Disfigurement
- Loss of guidance and companionship
You can make other compensation claims depending on the stress and loss you suffer from an accident. A spouse can file a claim for loss of consortium. In some cases, there is also the possibility of filing an emotional distress claim. If a loved one passes away from a truck accident, the next of kin will be eligible to file a wrongful death claim.
Deadlines to File a Truck Accident Claim in Mississippi
Truck accident injuries are devastating, and it cannot be easy to focus on your case’s legalities when trying to heal. Unfortunately, there are statutes of limitations that you cannot miss when you are filing a claim for truck accident damages. Depending on who is liable for your accident, you can have only a year to file a claim.
In most truck accident cases, you will have three years from the accident date to file a claim. If you file a claim after these deadlines, you will lose all of your rights to compensation. The court will not extend these deadlines and will not even look at your case if it is past a deadline. You must move quickly to file a claim.
Truck Accident Numbers Are Scary
The Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) says that one in every 10 highway accident deaths involves a truck. It is also reported that 96% of large truck fatalities are victims in passenger vehicles. Truck accident deaths account for 10% of all motor vehicle accident deaths.
Fatalities are unfortunately widespread in truck accidents. When victims survive, they will suffer immense medical difficulties that require years of treatment.
Contact a Southaven, MS Truck Accident Attorney Today
You need a Southaven, MS truck accident lawyer with experience fighting for truck accident victims. A truck accident attorney in Southaven, MS, will work to compile evidence for your claim and get you the compensation you deserve for your losses. It is vital to move fast since the evidence does not stay around forever, and insurance companies will be working to cover their tracks.
Contact Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi PLC for an initial consultation today by calling our office or completing our contact form.
Call or text (901) 526-2126 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form