The driver of a pickup was killed on June 10 in a crash with a semi near Jackson. The accident happened around 7:30 a.m. along North U.S. 49 close to the exit for Star Road. The Mississippi Highway Patrol reported that Joseph Cook, age 26, was driving a Dodge Ram and going north on the highway when he crashed with a tractor-trailer. Cook died at the accident scene.
Pickup Truck Passenger Injured in Crash With a Semi
A passenger in the pickup suffered unknown injuries and was transported by air to the University of Mississippi Medical Center for treatment. The tractor-trailer driver was uninjured. The accident is under investigation by detectives with the MHP to determine how the crash occurred.
Negligence by Big Rig Drivers That Can Cause an Accident
Distracted driving is one of the primary types of negligence by big rig drivers that causes a crash with a semi. This can include texting, using a GPS, eating, or any other activity that takes the driver’s attention away from the road. Another common factor is fatigue. Truckers drive for hours and might not get enough rest, which causes drowsiness and impaired reaction times.
Failure to adhere to traffic laws, such as speeding or ignoring traffic signals, can also result in a crash with a semi. Another critical issue is improper cargo loading, which can cause the load to shift and make the truck difficult to control.
More Than the Semi Driver May Be Found Negligent in a Truck Accident
In many cases, liability in a crash with a semi extends beyond the driver to include other parties involved in the vehicle’s operation and maintenance.
- The trucking company may be held responsible if it is found that it failed to enforce safety regulations or pressured drivers to exceed legal driving hours.
- Maintenance providers could be liable if the accident resulted from improper or insufficient truck maintenance.
- Cargo loaders can be at fault if the cargo is not properly secured, leading to dangerous shifts during transit.
- The truck parts manufacturers might bear responsibility if a defective component contributed to the accident.
Staying Within the Statue of Limitations
In Mississippi, the statute of limitations to file an injury claim after an injury crash with a semi is three years. This means that if the claim is filed too late, the court will refuse to hear it. Getting started as soon as possible is recommended because case evidence and witnesses may disappear if you wait too long.
Getting Help From a Jackson Truck Accident Lawyer
A Mississippi truck accident lawyer plays a vital role in helping individuals recover the compensation they deserve following a collision with a big rig. An experienced attorney can thoroughly investigate the accident, gathering evidence to build a strong case. This may include reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts. They will also identify all potentially liable parties, ensuring that claims are made against not just the driver, but also the trucking company, maintenance providers, cargo loaders, and any other responsible entities.
A knowledgeable attorney can negotiate with insurance companies on behalf of the injured party. Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, but a lawyer can advocate for fair compensation that covers medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the attorney can take the case to court, providing skilled representation throughout the litigation process. By handling the legal complexities and fighting for maximum compensation, a Mississippi truck accident lawyer allows the injured individual to focus on their recovery.
The Diaz Law Firm: Jackson Trucking Accidents
At Diaz Law Firm, our team offers professional legal support if you’ve been injured in a commercial truck accident. Take advantage of our free case evaluation service, where we will address your questions and assess your options for compensation. For a no-cost consultation, contact us here or call us at (601) 607-3456 or (800) 459-2222.