Understanding the Main Causes of Truck Accidents in Mississippi

Truck accidents are among the most devastating crashes on Mississippi roads, often leading to serious injuries or fatalities. Understanding the main causes of truck accidents can help you stay safer behind the wheel and strengthen your case if you’ve been involved in a crash. At Diaz Law Firm, we help victims across Mississippi hold trucking companies and drivers accountable for negligence.

1. Driver Fatigue: A Leading Cause of Truck Accidents

Long hours behind the wheel contribute to driver fatigue, one of the top causes of truck accidents. Federal regulations limit how long truckers can drive without rest, but pressure from employers or tight deadlines often lead to violations. Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times, poor judgment, and a higher risk of falling asleep at the wheel.

Tip: If a tired truck driver caused your crash, they—and their company—may be liable for violating federal hours-of-service rules.

2. Distracted Driving: One of the Main Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck drivers, like all drivers, can fall victim to distractions. Whether it’s a phone, GPS, food, or even paperwork, any distraction takes the driver’s eyes off the road and hands off the wheel. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is a leading factor in commercial vehicle crashes nationwide.

3. Improperly Loaded Cargo and Its Role in Truck Accidents

When cargo isn’t properly secured or is too heavy, it affects the truck’s center of gravity and handling. A poorly loaded trailer can cause rollovers, jackknifing, or lost cargo—all of which can create serious road hazards. In many cases, the loading company may share liability for the accident.

4. Speeding: A Common Cause of Serious Truck Accidents

Despite their massive size, some commercial truck drivers speed to meet tight delivery schedules. Unfortunately, speeding trucks take longer to stop and are harder to control—especially in traffic or poor weather. Aggressive lane changes, tailgating, and failure to yield also put everyone at risk.

5. Mechanical Failures and Lack of Maintenance

Trucking companies must inspect and maintain their vehicles regularly. When they skip maintenance or ignore mechanical issues like brake failures, tire blowouts, or steering problems, serious accidents can follow. If maintenance lapses contributed to the crash, the trucking company may be held accountable.

6. Inexperienced or Poorly Trained Drivers

Driving a commercial vehicle requires skill and proper training. Inexperienced drivers may not know how to handle sharp turns, braking systems, or emergency situations. Some trucking companies cut corners during training, putting unqualified drivers on the road—at your risk.

7. Alcohol or Drug Use

While strict regulations prohibit truck drivers from using drugs or alcohol on the job, some drivers still violate these laws. Impaired driving remains a serious threat, especially when a large vehicle is involved. If the driver failed a drug or alcohol test after your crash, that’s critical evidence in your favor.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Mississippi

If you’ve been hurt in a truck crash, here’s what to do right away:

1. Call 911 and get medical attention
2. Take photos of the scene, injuries, and vehicles
3. Get contact information from the truck driver and witnesses
4. Avoid giving statements to the trucking company or their insurer
5. Call Diaz Law Firm to protect your rights and start your case

How Diaz Law Firm Can Help After a Truck Accident

Truck accident cases are more complex than regular car crashes. You may face large trucking companies, national insurers, and aggressive legal teams. That’s why you need experienced legal representation.

At Diaz Law Firm, we investigate every detail of your crash, collect evidence like black box data and driver logs, and build a strong case to hold the right parties accountable. Whether it’s the driver, the trucking company, a maintenance crew, or the cargo loader—we’ll get to the bottom of it.

Talk to a Truck Accident Lawyer in Mississippi Today

If a truck accident turned your life upside down, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Let the experienced team at Diaz Law Firm fight for the compensation you deserve—medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Call us now at 601-607-3456 or 800-459-2222 for a free consultation, or visit our website to schedule online. You pay nothing unless we win your case.