Meridian Truck Accident Attorney
Skilled Truck Accident Attorneys Serving Meridian, Mississippi
Victims of trucking accidents may suffer from severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and internal organ damage. And the aftermath of such accidents can lead to long-term medical treatment, permanent injuries, and disability.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident involving an 18-wheeler, it is crucial to seek legal representation from a firm with the expertise and resources to handle these complex cases. Based out of our main office in Meridian, Mississippi, the personal injury lawyers at The Hamilton Law Firm are here to help you navigate the legal process, fight for your rights, and secure the compensation you deserve.
Complexities of Accidents Involving Tractor-Trailers
Trucking accident cases differ significantly from typical car accident cases due to the specific regulations governing the trucking industry. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets forth stringent rules and regulations that commercial vehicle drivers and trucking companies must follow to ensure safety on the roads. Established to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses, the FMCSA sets forth comprehensive regulations that trucking companies and drivers must follow. Knowing these rules, and being equipped to fully explore the driver’s and company’s compliance with all applicable rules, is of utmost importance.
Key FMCSA Regulations
- Hours of Service (HOS): These regulations limit the number of hours a driver can operate a vehicle within a given period, requiring rest breaks to combat fatigue.
- Drug and Alcohol Testing: Mandatory testing before employment, randomly during employment, and following certain accidents helps to ensure that drivers are not impaired.
- Driver Qualifications: The FMCSA outlines stringent qualifications for commercial drivers, including proper licensing, medical fitness, and background checks.
- Vehicle Maintenance: Regular inspections and maintenance of commercial vehicles are mandated to prevent mechanical failures that could lead to accidents.
- Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): ELDs are required to monitor and record a driver’s hours of service, ensuring compliance with HOS regulations.
At The Hamilton Law Firm, we understand the complexities and challenges associated with these cases. Our experienced team has a proven track record of securing substantial verdicts and settlements for clients in Meridian and the surrounding areas who have been injured in accidents involving tractor trailers.
Leading Causes of Trucking Accidents
Several factors contribute to the high incidence of trucking accidents, many of which are preventable if proper precautions are taken and safety regulations are followed. The following are some of the most common causes of injuries due to the negligence of a truck driver or a trucking company:
- Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to driver fatigue, reducing reaction times and decision-making abilities. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has strict regulations on the number of hours that a truck driver can operate a tractor trailer within a certain time period in order to mitigate this risk.
- Driving Over Hours of Service Limits: Despite regulations limiting the number of hours that a truck driver can drive within a certain timeframe, some drivers and companies push the limits, leading to dangerous situations on the road.
- Drug and Alcohol Use: Substance abuse remains a significant issue in the trucking industry. The FMCSA mandates drug and alcohol testing for commercial drivers, especially after accidents.
- Improper Training: Adequate training is crucial for handling large vehicles and knowing proper spacing between it and other vehicles. Training is absolutely necessary to ensure that drivers of these dangerous vehicles take the utmost precautions given the catastrophic damage that can result when they are involved in a collision.
- Unqualified Drivers: Hiring unqualified drivers poses a significant risk to everyone on the road. Ensuring that all drivers meet the FMCSA qualifications is essential.
- Unrealistic Delivery Schedules: Companies sometimes set unrealistic delivery schedules, pressuring drivers to speed or skip rest breaks, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Failure to Use Warning Devices: Proper warning devices must be used when a truck is stopped on the road. Failure to do so can lead to severe accidents, especially in low-visibility conditions.
- Improper Parking: Parking on the roadside without proper signals can cause serious accidents, especially at night or in bad weather.
- Failure to Follow the Rules of the Road: Truck drivers changing lanes without verifying that they can safely do so is a frequent cause of serious injuries from wrecks with tractor-trailers. Speeding, following too closely given the speed of travel, failure to use turn signals, and careless and inattentive driving are also frequent causes of collisions with a big rig.
The Hamilton Law Firm: Your Advocate in Trucking Accident Cases
Navigating the complexities of trucking accident cases requires a deep understanding of both state and federal regulations, as well as extensive experience in dealing with large trucking companies and their insurers. The Meridian trucking accident attorneys at The Hamilton Law Firm have a proven track record of handling these challenging cases with the expertise and determination needed to secure favorable outcomes for our clients.
Our Approach
- Comprehensive Investigation: We conduct thorough investigations to uncover all contributing factors, which can include downloading the truck’s event data records (EDR), securing driver logs, obtaining truck and trailer maintenance records, and conducting a complete review of the accident scene and documenting all evidence.
- Expert Witnesses: We work with industry experts, including accident reconstruction specialists, safety regulation experts, medical professionals, vocational rehabilitation counselors, life care planners, and economists, to build a strong case.
- Aggressive Representation: We are committed to fighting for the maximum compensation available, covering medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
- Client-Centered Service: Our clients are our top priority. We provide personalized attention, keeping you informed and involved throughout the legal process.
At The Hamilton Law Firm, we have a proven track record of successfully representing clients in trucking accident cases. Our team of dedicated attorneys in Meridian at The Hamilton Law Firm have extensive experience in dealing with the intricacies of trucking regulations and insurance claims. We understand the devastating impact that these accidents can have on your life and are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Our dedication to excellence has resulted in numerous significant verdicts and settlements for our clients. We have successfully secured numerous multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for our clients to help them rebuild their lives after devastating accidents with an 18-wheeler.
Contact The Hamilton Law Firm Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, it is crucial to seek legal representation as soon as possible. The complexities of these cases require immediate action to preserve key evidence and conduct immediate investigations so that we can protect your rights.
We are here to help. Our experienced attorneys at The Hamilton Law Firm will guide you through the legal process and give you the advocacy you need during this challenging time. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.