Commercial truck accidents can be financially and physically devastating for victims, which is why it’s so important to talk to a truck accident attorney after a collision. There are a lot of people fighting for the truck driver and their employer, trying to ensure that they aren’t on the hook for tens of thousands of dollars—you deserve an attorney who is committed to getting you what you deserve.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident, the team at Reeves & Mestayer is here to help. Call us at 228-374-5151 to set up a consultation now.
Why You Need a Truck Accident Attorney
At this point, you might be wondering if you truly need a Gulfport truck accident attorney. In your mind, it’s obvious the truck driver was at fault. They changed lanes without checking and totaled your vehicle, or maybe they lost control of their truck and shut down the entire highway. However, regardless of the circumstances of your accident, you need an attorney.
Truck accidents cause an extraordinary amount of damage, often costing hundreds of thousands of dollars in total. There are many people who are determined to make sure that the trucking company never has to pay out that amount.
When you seek compensation from the liable party, they will do whatever they can to deny or diminish your claim. They could undervalue your vehicle, downplay the role of the driver in the accident, or try to push some of the blame to you. They could make it extremely difficult for you to get access to important evidence, such as the trucking log or the truck’s black box.
An attorney knows how to circumvent these common issues and hold the liable parties accountable. We can use our expertise to assess your losses, calculate a fair amount of compensation, and help you fight for a full and fair settlement or court award. The sooner you hire an attorney for your truck accident claim, the sooner we can begin working on your case.
Common Causes of Gulfport, MS Truck Accidents
Figuring out the cause of a truck accident can make it much easier to figure out who is to blame. Some commonly reported causes include:
- Drowsy driving, often caused by long trips and not enough breaks
- Intoxicated driving
- Improperly loaded truck or an improperly secured load
- Missed truck maintenance that leads to mechanical breakdowns
- Distracted driving
- Malfunction of vehicle components
- Poor or inadequate training, especially in inclement weather conditions
This is a key component of your case, so your attorney will likely narrow down the cause of your crash early in the process. In crashes involving passenger vehicles, the most common liable parties are the two drivers. However, in a commercial truck crash, there are many more parties who could be liable. Possible liable parties include:
- The truck driver
- The truck driver’s employer
- The owner of the truck
- The owner of the load
- The company responsible for loading the truck
- The truck manufacturer
- The party responsible for maintaining the truck
Injuries Caused by Truck Collisions
Injuries vary widely in truck accidents, but as a general rule, they tend to be more severe than injuries sustained in passenger vehicle crashes. Some of the injuries you may experience in a truck crash include:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
- Burns and disfiguring injuries
- Internal injuries or bleeding
- Amputations
- Damage to the spinal cord
- Paralysis
Fighting for Compensation
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a truck accident, you’re likely concerned about who will cover medical bills, lost wages, and other related expenses. This is why it’s crucial to have an attorney handling your Mississippi truck accident claim. They can get a full view of your injuries and expenses, then use that information to fight for a fair settlement from the insurance company.
In personal injury cases, your potential compensation is usually limited by the policy limits of the liable party’s insurance. However, truck drivers and trucking companies have much larger insurance policies than those who drive standard passenger vehicles. This is due to the fact that trucks have the potential to cause much more damage than passenger vehicles. This makes it easier for accident victims to get fair compensation for their injuries, property damage, and pain and suffering.
The amount you ultimately receive for your truck accident claim depends largely on the details of the crash, how much evidence you and your attorney were able to gather, and the extent of your injuries. In the end, you may be compensated for:
- Medical bills and related expenses
- Future medical care
- Lost wages
- Lost future income if your ability to work is permanently affected
- Property damage
- Disability and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
Getting the compensation you deserve involves hiring an attorney. At Reeves & Mestayer, we understand the profound impact a truck accident can have on your life. We know that you’re likely overwhelmed, struggling to heal, and not sure what your next step is. The good news is that there is plenty of evidence in truck accident cases.
Truck drivers are required to keep logs of their mileage, how many breaks they take and when they take them, and any issues that come up with the truck. This is crucial, as federal and state laws heavily regulate how often a truck driver must take breaks and how many miles they can drive in a day. The truck’s black box may contain evidence regarding the driver’s unsafe driving habits leading up to the accident. A maintenance log can help your attorney determine whether or not the trucking company properly cared for the vehicle.
Contact Reeves & Mestayer for Help with Your Accident Claim
A truck accident can derail your plans and leave you feeling scared, overwhelmed, and uncertain. We are here to help. To set up a meeting with our team and plan out your next steps, contact us online or call us at 228-374-5151.
