Every year, Gulfport sees an alarming number of accidents involving commercial trucks, leaving victims with life-altering injuries and devastating financial burdens.
Given the massive size of these vehicles, even a seemingly minor collision can have dire consequences, including permanent disabilities and significant property damage.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from such an accident, this article aims to offer guidance on what you can do next. We understand the challenges you’re facing, and more importantly, we want to show you that help is available.
At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers’s Gulfport office, we are committed to making the process as seamless as possible for you. Call our truck accident lawyer in Gulfport today at (205) 957-4995 to begin your journey toward justice. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Why Choose Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers?
At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we have a proven track record of successfully fighting for victims' rights and securing substantial compensation for those injured by the negligence of truck drivers and trucking companies.
Our experience in truck accident litigation has led to numerous multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts, bringing financial relief and justice to our clients.
Extensive Legal Experience and Success
Truck accidents are far more complex than typical car accidents due to the various parties involved and the regulations that govern the trucking industry.
Our attorneys are deeply familiar with these cases and have a long history of navigating the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. These regulations govern everything from driver hours to maintenance checks and are essential in building a strong case to prove negligence.
At Alexander Shunnarah, we take the time to thoroughly investigate every detail of your case. Our team works with accident reconstruction professionals and collects key evidence like logbooks, maintenance records, and electronic data from the truck's systems. This allows us to build the strongest possible case on your behalf, leaving no stone unturned.
How Much is My Case Worth?
While it’s impossible to pinpoint an exact amount at the outset, the compensation you may be entitled to will depend on several factors. Mississippi law allows accident victims to recover damages under three main categories: economic, non-economic, and punitive.
Economic Damages
Economic damages include all the direct financial costs associated with the accident, including:
- Medical Bills: This covers everything from initial emergency care to long-term treatments like rehabilitation and surgeries.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, either temporarily or permanently, you may be entitled to recover lost wages, including projected future earnings.
- Property Damage: You can receive compensation based on the cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any personal belongings damaged in the accident.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages address the more subjective, but equally important, effects of the accident.
These can include:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve endured as a result of the accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment: If the injuries have significantly affected your ability to engage in hobbies or other activities you once enjoyed, you may receive compensation for this loss.
- Disfigurement or Disability: If the accident results in permanent disfigurement or disability, these impacts can greatly increase the compensation owed.
Punitive Damages
In certain cases where the truck driver or company acted with reckless disregard for safety—such as driving while intoxicated or knowingly violating FMCSA safety regulations—you may receive punitive damages. Unlike economic and non-economic damages, which compensate you for your losses, punitive damages punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.
Where Do Truck Accidents Occur in Gulfport?
Gulfport’s roadways, particularly U.S. Highway 49 and Interstate 10, are notorious for dangerous traffic conditions, especially with the high volume of commercial trucks using these routes.
In one recent year alone, Gulfport experienced 12 fatal accidents, with 16 vehicles involved and 13 fatalities based on local accident statistics. Out of these, 7 pedestrians tragically lost their lives.
The conditions under which these accidents occurred were varied:
- 33.3% happened in daylight,
- 33.3% occurred in dark but lighted areas,
- 25% happened in completely dark and unlit areas, and
- 8.3% occurred at dawn.
According to data from the National Safety Council, large trucks account for 10% of fatal crashes nationwide despite only representing 4% of registered vehicles. Over the past decade, the number of large trucks involved in fatal crashes has increased by 43%.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Gulfport
Several factors contribute to truck accidents in Gulfport.
The top causes include:
- Driver fatigue: Truckers often push beyond the limits of legal hours, leading to exhaustion.
- Distracted driving: Texting or other distractions have become increasingly common.
- Speeding: Truckers may exceed speed limits to meet tight delivery schedules.
- Driving under the influence: Whether from alcohol or drugs, impaired driving poses a major threat.
- Improper truck maintenance: Many trucks fail to meet safety standards due to neglected upkeep.
- Equipment failure: Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues often cause accidents.
Truck Accident 101
Due to their unique dynamics, truck accidents are often more complicated than typical vehicle collisions. Depending on the circumstances of the crash, multiple parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and even the vehicle manufacturer, can be held liable.
Types of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents come in various forms, and each type presents different legal and safety challenges. Here are some common types of truck accidents seen on Gulfport roads:
- Rear-end Collisions: Trucks take longer to stop, which often results in them colliding with vehicles ahead, especially in congested areas like U.S. Highway 49.
- Jackknifing: This occurs when a truck’s trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab, often caused by sudden braking or icy roads.
- Rollovers: Trucks are more prone to tipping over due to their high center of gravity. This can happen during sharp turns or with overloaded trucks.
- Underride Accidents: In these accidents, smaller vehicles can slide underneath the truck’s trailer, often leading to devastating injuries or fatalities.
Common Injuries in Truck Accidents
The sheer size and weight of trucks make accidents especially dangerous for smaller vehicle occupants.
Common injuries in these accidents include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Caused by severe impact or violent shaking of the head.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These can lead to permanent paralysis or reduced mobility.
- Internal Injuries: Damaged organs, internal bleeding, or other non-visible injuries that require immediate medical attention.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: Often the result of the intense force of a truck collision.
Relevant Mississippi Trucking Laws
Mississippi follows the FMCSA regulations, which set strict limits on truck driver work hours, require routine vehicle maintenance, and mandate regular safety inspections.
Violations of these regulations, such as driving beyond legal hours or failing to properly maintain the truck, can be used as evidence of negligence in a legal claim.
Additionally, Mississippi operates under a pure comparative negligence rule (Miss. Stat. Ann. § 11-7-15), which means that if you are partially at fault for the accident, your compensation can decrease by the percentage of your fault.
Fighting the Insurance Company
Dealing with insurance companies after a truck accident can be a daunting task. These companies often have one primary goal—protecting their bottom line by minimizing payouts to accident victims.
They may employ various tactics to devalue or deny your claim, hoping that you’ll accept a lower settlement than what you’re rightfully owed.
Common Tactics Used by Insurance Companies
- Low Initial Settlement Offers: Insurance adjusters often provide a quick, lowball settlement in the hopes that you’ll accept it before understanding the full extent of your damages.
- Shifting Blame: In Mississippi, insurance companies may argue that you were partially at fault for the accident, taking advantage of the state’s pure comparative negligence rule to decrease the amount they have to pay out.
- Delaying Payments: Some companies may drag out the claims process, hoping that financial pressures will force you into accepting a lower offer.
How Your Attorney Can Help
Your attorney will ensure you aren’t exploited during this stressful time.
Here’s how legal representation can strengthen your case:
- Accurate Damage Calculations: Your lawyer will help assess the true value of your claim, factoring in not just current medical expenses but also future care costs, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
- Gathering Evidence: Attorneys often work with accident reconstruction experts to demonstrate the truck driver's fault. They will also collect essential records like police reports, truck driver logs, and witness statements to build a strong case.
- Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney can take the case to court, putting additional pressure on the insurer to settle fairly.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
The steps you take in the chaotic and overwhelming immediate aftermath of a truck accident can significantly improve the success of your legal claim.
Key Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
- Follow Your Treatment Plan: If you skip appointments or fail to follow medical advice, the insurance company may argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim.
- Document Everything:
- Medical Records: Keep all records of doctor visits, treatments, and medical expenses. These documents help establish the severity of your injuries and support your compensation claim.
- Receipts: Hold on to receipts for any accident-related costs, including out-of-pocket expenses like transportation to medical appointments or home modifications due to disability.
- Injury Journal: Maintain a personal injury journal where you document your physical pain, emotional distress, and the daily impact the accident has had on your life. This can be valuable evidence for non-economic damages.
- Obtain a Copy of the Police Report: It will include details about the accident scene, witness statements, and the officer’s conclusions about what caused the crash.
- Avoid Social Media: Refrain from posting about your accident or injuries on social media. Insurance companies may scour your profiles for any information they can use to discredit your claim. Even innocent posts can be twisted to imply that your injuries are not as serious as you claim.
- Bring All Information to Your Attorney: The more information you can provide to your lawyer, the stronger your case will be. This includes police reports, medical records, witness contact information, and any photographs or videos of the accident scene. Your attorney will use this evidence to build a compelling case for maximum compensation.
Get the Compensation You Deserve with Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers
When it comes to securing justice after a devastating truck accident, the legal team at Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers is ready to fight for you. We understand the intricacies of Mississippi’s trucking regulations, and we will leverage our experience to hold negligent parties accountable, whether it’s the truck driver, the company, or even a vehicle manufacturer.
Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Contact Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers today at (205) 957-4995 for your free consultation. Let us take the burden of the legal battle off your shoulders, so you can focus on healing and moving forward with confidence.