Truck accidents are not as common as regular car accidents, but the injuries they cause can be much more serious and even fatal. Truck accident victims often require extensive medical treatment, resulting in an incredible amount of debt.
An experienced Jackson truck accident lawyer can help you with what might prove to be a challenging compensation process. Truck accident lawsuits are some of the most complex cases in personal injury law. Many parties could potentially be liable for your injuries, depending on the facts of your case. However, once you have identified the responsible parties, you will have limited time to file your lawsuit.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, our Jackson truck accident lawyers can fight for the compensation you deserve. For a free assessment of your case, contact Howe Law today at (844) 876-4357.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Truck Accident Injuries in Jackson, MS
Truck accident cases are complex because of the number of parties involved who could potentially be held liable. Depending on the facts of your case, the driver and the trucking company that employs them might both be liable for your injuries. It is also possible that your injuries were caused by another party entirely. Our Jackson truck accident lawyers can review your case to determine each party that bears responsibility for your injuries.
Truck Driver
Mississippi has many rules and regulations that truck drivers must follow. For example, truck drivers are required to hold operating licenses for the class of truck they are driving. Of course, truck drivers must also follow all state and federal traffic laws, including not driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Following a 10-hour break, truck drivers can drive for 11 hours over the course of a 14-hour period. A truck driver that fails to follow these guidelines and drives negligently could be held liable for the injuries they cause.
Trucking Company
In some cases, you might also be able to name the trucking company in your lawsuit. Numerous state and federal regulations guide how trucking companies should operate safely. Trucking companies could be held liable if they were negligent during the hiring process. For instance, trucking companies could be held accountable if they hired a driver that they knew to be dangerous or if they failed to train their drivers adequately.
Trucking companies must also ensure drivers meet certain standards, such as avoiding drivers with physical disabilities, drivers with a history of DUI, or drivers without a CDL. They are also responsible for conducting drug screenings for potential employees.
Third-Party Truck Mechanic or Repair Shop
Truck mechanics and repair shops not employed by the trucking company could be held liable if they failed to perform the duties they were hired for. Third-party truck mechanics and repair shops are typically used to regularly inspect and maintain a trucking company’s vehicles to prevent malfunctions. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and other system malfunctions are some of the causes of devasting truck accidents that could have been prevented if the truck mechanics and repair shops had taken their responsibilities seriously.
Truck Manufacturer
Sometimes a truck accident occurs because a part or a system important to a truck’s operation fails. Manufacturers of defective truck parts can be held liable for the injuries their negligence causes. For instance, if the steering system fails because of a defective design, causing an accident, the manufacturers of those parts of the system that broke down might be held responsible for the resulting damages.
Dangerous Intersections and Roads in Jackson, MS, Where Truck Accidents Occur
Jackson provides pleasant opportunities for both rural and urban driving. However, there are some roads and intersections where truck accidents occur more often. Intersections can be very dangerous for those sharing the road with large trucks. Some intersections are more hazardous during rush hour or have low visibility to see oncoming trucks. Many interstates also run through Jackson, increasing the chances of a devasting truck accident. The following are some of the dangerous roads and intersections in Jackson:
- Silas Brown Street and Jefferson Street
- Robinson Street and Lindsey Drive
- County Line Road and Old Canton Road
- Lakeland Drive and East University Drive
- Interstate-220
- Interstate-55
- Interstate-20
Additionally, downtown Jackson has roundabouts and sudden lane changes that can lead to unexpected truck accidents. Our Jackson truck accident lawyers are ready to help you no matter where in Jackson your accident occurred.
Statute of Limitations to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Jackson, MS
The statute of limitations is the time limit to file a truck accident lawsuit in Jackson. According to Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-49, you will have three years from the accident date to file your lawsuit. This means that unless you qualify for one of the rare exceptions, you will not be able to litigate your case if you do not file within three years. However, the statute of limitations only applies to filing your lawsuit. Once it is properly filed, there is no time limit for litigation and what is needed to close your case satisfactorily.
Still, it is important to start your case as quickly as possible. Typically, an incredible amount of investigation is needed to collect the various pieces of evidence necessary to prove your truck accident case. Driver employment records, inspection reports, and maintenance records are usually kept by the trucking company involved in your accident. These records can get lost or even purposefully destroyed if too much time passes before you seek assistance. Our experienced Jackson truck accident lawyers can contact employers and other parties and direct them to preserve any evidence that you are entitled to use in your case.
Our Jackson, MS, Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help
Our Jackson truck accident lawyers can help you hold the negligent parties that caused your injuries responsible. Call Howe Law at (844) 876-4357 for a free case review.
