What Every Driver Should Know about Semi-Truck “Black Boxes”

If you are involved in a trucking accident, certain types of evidence will be critical to proving negligent conduct by the commercial carrier, trucking company, independent maintenance company, or other parties. The truck’s event data recorder (EDR) often constitutes one of the most critical sources of evidence in trucking accident lawsuits. These data recorders (also referred to as “black boxes”) are much like the black box on a commercial airline, so it can be used to determine events that occur immediately prior to a crash to facilitate analysis of the cause of a crash. Because the evidence obtained from an EDR typically has a significant impact on the outcome of a trucking accident claim, this blog answers common questions about this form of evidence in trucking cases.

What is a “black box”?

These devices record data from a motor vehicle prior to and/or during a collision. Law enforcement and regulatory investigators can download this information from the device’s memory to assist in interpreting the accident, evaluating the performance of safety equipment, and determining fault. Many EDRs record data transmitted by the engine control module regarding pre-crash speed, application of brakes, number of impacts, time between impacts, seat belt and air bag performance, speed immediately prior to impact, and throttle position.

Are EDRs mandatory for large trucks?

Vehicles with a weight rating higher than 8,500 pounds are exempt from regulations promulgated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding EDRs. However, many commercial carriers install both data recorders and video inside a semi-truck because the trucking company can use this equipment to improve fuel efficiency, monitor excessive speeds, identify improper routes, defend against lawsuits, and monitor other misuse of fleet vehicles.

There are even more advanced EDRs capable of recording more detailed information. The NHTSA mandates that these more sophisticated recorders store data on driver steering input, activation of electronic stability control (ESC) systems, occupant size, occupant position, and engagement of antilock brakes.

Even when data recorders are not installed, many heavy trucks are equipped with engine recorders. The information recorded by these devices is not nearly as extensive as that recorded by an EDR, but the information can still be critical to a semi-truck accident claim. This more limited information typically includes engine fault codes, hard braking, and the last time the vehicle engine was switched off or the vehicle stopped.

Can EDR data be used in civil or criminal litigation?

Information obtained from an EDR can be extremely helpful during both civil and criminal proceeding following a tractor-trailer collision. When our Mississippi trucking accident attorneys work with accident reconstruction experts, the data from a “black box” can be critical in confirming theories of liability, exposing misrepresentations about the truck’s location or hours of service, and furnishing evidence of liability not available through other sources. State law will dictate when the data can be introduced as evidence in a civil lawsuit.

Must the trucking company preserve data recorded by a large truck’s EDR?

EDRs typically have the ability to record for 30 days or some other period before the device will begin recording over existing data, but older units might have far less recording capacity. Once the recording capacity has been exhausted, the device will begin recording over stored data.

Further, some states have passed laws designating that the data is the property of the trucking company. This means that the trucking company might have the right to destroy the information in the wake of a collision unless legal steps are taken to prevent the commercial carrier from conveniently erasing the information.

Depending on the state, a restraining order might be necessary to ensure preservation of the data. Another option involves a trucking accident attorney sending a letter to the trucking company indicating that the information stored in the EDR is the subject of litigation, so it must be preserved. This form of correspondence, which is referred to as a “spoliation letter,” can expose the trucking company to sanctions from the court if the information is altered or lost. These sanctions might result in an attorney fee award or sanctions like an instruction to the jury that the lost information should be presumed to be favorable to the plaintiff.

While law firms representing injury victims must act promptly to preserve “black box” data, this issue can be complicated based on the jurisdiction where the case is being litigated. The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and many states impose requirements for the preservation of electronic data.

How can an EDR be used in a trucking accident lawsuits to prove liability?

There is a multitude of ways that this evidence could be useful, but a few examples are provided below:

  • Contradicting distorted entries regarding hours of service in a driver’s logbook
  • Confirming witness testimony that the truck was speeding
  • Verifying that the truck driver did not apply the brakes prior to rear-ending another vehicle
  • Disputing the claim the tractor-trailer was at another location at the time of the collision
  • Exposing neglected maintenance and related failure of the brakes or other vehicle systems

If you have been injured in a tractor-trailer accident in Jacksonville or the surrounding areas, our Mississippi Trucking Accident Lawyers have successfully represented many victims of negligent commercial drivers and trucking companies in obtaining compensation for their injuries. At Barrett Law, we are here to help. Contact our firm today at (601)790-1505 to schedule your free consultation, so we can answer any questions you may have regarding filing your claim.

 

 

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Safety Tips for Avoiding Tractor-Trailer Accidents in Mississippi

The average tractor-trailer can weigh anywhere from 12,000-80,000 pounds. This can be as much as 25 times more than the average passenger automobile. This disparity explains why a collision between the two vehicles will usually result in far more severe injuries to occupants of a passenger car. A disproportionate number of tractor-trailer accidents result in catastrophic injuries that lead to permanent disabilities and fatalities. This makes it imperative that Gulf Coast motorists do everything in their power to avoid an accident with a tractor-trailer. Large truck collisions account for an eighth of all traffic fatalities.

The experienced Mississippi tractor-trailer attorneys at Barrett Law have been representing commercial truck accident victims throughout the Gulf Coast for over 75 years. If you or someone you love has been involved in a serious big-rig crash, our dedicated and compassionate legal team is available to assess your situation and advise you regarding your legal rights and options. We know the best possible outcome is to avoid collisions involving large trucks, so we have provided some suggestions designed to keep you out of harm’s way.

Stay out of the truck’s blind spots

Many trucks have warnings on the trailer in the form of brightly marked signs that say something like “If you can read this, you are driving too close” or “If you can read this, then I cannot see you.” Tractor-trailer drivers cannot see behind their trucks and they have limited visibility to the sides of the trailer. If you cannot see the driver or their mirrors, then there is a good chance the driver of the tractor-trailer cannot see your vehicle. When a semi-truck driver signals to change into your lane, you should back off or move over and let the driver into the lane. Motorist should avoid the risk associated with speeding up and attempting to pass the truck in this situation because the big-rig operator may not see you.

Respect that tractor-trailers are different from cars

A massive 18-wheeler that is fully loaded can be 65 feet long and weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, which means it cannot maneuver like a passenger vehicle. Tractor-trailers take time to turn, to pull over, and to slow down after the brakes are applied. These limitations of commercial trucks make it important for other motorists to keep a safe distance. If you are immediately behind or in front of these massive vehicles, it is imperative not to travel too close. When passing a big-rig, you should be very careful to promptly pass to avoid being in the blind spot along the side of the vehicle for an extended period.

Pull all the way off the road if you must stop

In addition to the risk of being sideswiped by a semi-truck if you are not pulled way off to the shoulder when stopped, you also might be hit and killed. If you have car trouble or are changing a tire, you want to get as far away from the closest lane of traffic as possible. A fatigued commercial driver can get confused and assume he or she is following moving traffic rather than approaching a stopped vehicle. The driver also might not realize how close he or she is to you and pass by too close.

Drive carefully when in bad weather conditions

When it is raining, snowing, foggy, or other factors that reduce visibility, you should be extremely cautious when driving in the vicinity of a tractor-trailer. In these types of conditions, the truck driver might experience difficulty seeing potential road hazards and stopping when an emergency arises. You should give large commercial trucks more room to maneuver.

Do not instigate “road rage” with a tractor-trailer operator

If a tractor-trailer driver engages in rude or unsafe driving practices like tailgating, you should never retaliate. A fatigued tractor-trailer operator may respond with an act of road rage, which can result in a potentially fatal trucking accident.

Mississippi motorists should exercise caution and respect around semi-trucks because it is the best way to stay safe and avoid serious trucking accidents. Our Mississippi Trucking Accident Attorney represents individual injured by unsafe truck drivers and indifferent trucking companies. At Barrett Law, we are here to help. Contact our firm today at (601)790-7577 to schedule your free consultation, so we can answer any questions you may have regarding filing your claim.

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UPS Delivery Trucks Can Be Cause of Serious Mississippi Accidents

Under extreme pressure to meet their deadlines, UPS drivers and other delivery persons sometimes end up in avoidable accidents that cause serious injury or wrongful death.  In a recent two year period, UPS trucks were involved in over 1,399 accidents resulting in over 519 injuries and more than 35 fatalities according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

In UPS accidents, occupants of the other car frequently suffer the most serious injuries because of the weight disparity between the vehicles.  Fairly recently, a UPS semi-truck was traveling down a roadway in a bordering southern state when the driver lost control of the truck.  The truck jack-knifed, then careened into a concrete barrier before hitting an SUV.  The driver of the UPS truck escaped uninjured as the truck burst into flames.  Unfortunately, the driver of the SUV was not so lucky and sustained serious injuries after the truck crashed into the driver’s side of the vehicle. The UPS driver claimed a defect in the UPS truck caused him to lose control.  In another example, a couple pulled over on the side of the highway with their hazard lights on were killed when a UPS delivery truck slammed into them from behind.  Both vehicles burst into flames.  The driver of the UPS truck again was unharmed.

If you are involved in an accident with a delivery truck from UPS, it is important to hire an experienced Mississippi attorney right away who can help develop an effective litigation strategy and conduct an investigation of your accident.  At Barrett Law, we represent those who suffer serious injury or wrongful death in motor vehicle accidents, including UPS truck collisions throughout Mississippi.  We combine state of the art litigation technology, innovative litigation strategies, and persuasive courtroom advocacy as part of our effort to obtain the best results for our clients.

There are many parties to a UPS truck accident who might be liable when you are injured or when there has been a fatality, including but not limited to the following:

  • The owner of the truck (UPS)
  • The driver of the truck
  • The company that made the truck
  • A third-party maintenance company
  • The driver and owner of another vehicle involved in the collision
  • Company that designs or manufacturers a defective component of the vehicle

The frequent pattern of stops and starts in residential neighborhoods increase the risk of a UPS truck colliding with another truck or slamming into a bicyclist or pedestrian.  When UPS drivers are distracted or careless, the driver’s failure to exercise diligence and prudence could result in a tragic crash.

If you are involved in a crash caused by a UPS driver, our experienced large truck accident attorneys zealously represent those who suffer serious injury or wrongful death in all types of trucking collisions.  We are committed to the goal of providing legal representation that is consistent with the highest standards of professionalism.  If you or your loved one is injured in a UPS trucking accident, you are invited to contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Barrett Law to learn how we can help.  Our Mississippi Trucking Accident Lawyers have been representing accident victims throughout Mississippi for over 75 years.  We offer personalized legal representation and zealous advocacy.  We provide a free initial case evaluation so call us today at (601) 790-1505.  No Recovery No Fee!

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What Victims Should Know about Post-Accident Drug Testing of Truck Drivers

While a drug impaired driver barreling down Interstate 55 at 70 mph is an inherently frightening prospect, the potential danger to other motorists increases significantly when the drugged driver is operating a forty-ton fully loaded big-rig.  The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) imposes regulations that require employers to conduct a drug test of drivers involved in trucking accidents as soon as practicable after a crash on a public roadway engaged in interstate commerce (i.e. operating across state lines) though not under all circumstances.  Experienced trucking accident attorneys recognize the importance these regulations.  Critical evidence of negligence can be preserved for victims of stoned truck drivers and indifferent commercial carriers that cut costs by skirting drug testing procedures and ignoring evidence of drug testing violations.  This blog post provides an overview of key information that vehicle occupants injured in a trucking collision should know about post-crash trucking procedures.

Will all truck drivers automatically be tested pursuant to federal regulations following an accident?

Unfortunately, the requirement that commercial drivers submit to a drug test following a crash is not a universal requirement.  Federal regulations set forth at 49 CFR 382.303 establish the conditions that make testing mandatory.  An employer must compel a post-accident drug test in the following situations:

  • The trucking accident resulted in a fatality.
  • The commercial driver received a citation for a moving violation under state or local law within 32 hours of the crash and either of the following apply: (1) a vehicle was disabled and had to be towed from the scene of the collision; or (2) someone needed to be transported away from the scene for medical attention.

The obvious gaps in this testing policy involve situations where a trucking collision causes injury or disables a vehicle but no citation is issued by law enforcement authorities to the truck driver.  The scenarios above are the only post-accident circumstances that mandate or authorize post-crash testing under FMSCA/DOT authority.  Therefore, our Mississippi trucking accident lawyers also investigate the internal drug testing policies of the commercial carrier, which often go beyond the federal requirements.  Drug use violations detected through these supplemental testing procedures or failure of a trucking company to comply with its own procedures also can provide evidence of negligence.

Can law enforcement drug or alcohol testing serve as a substitute for mandatory post-collision drug testing?

When law enforcement authorities administer DUI chemical testing of breath, blood, or urine under state law, this drug testing can take the place of employer testing under specific circumstances.  Because there can be delays that result in delays in testing by employers, individuals injured in trucking accidents can benefit from calling certain facts to the attention of law enforcement investigators.  Motorists who notice signs of potential intoxication, such as slurred speech, lack of coordination, erratic driving, watery bloodshot eyes, or other evidence of impairment should alert crash investigators.  This information can furnish facts justifying a chemical test that identifies a substance impaired truck driver.  If law enforcement administers a DUI chemical test test, the results must be made available to the attorneys of the parties and the commercial carrier in subsequent trucking litigation.

What procedural requirements ensure that drug testing results will be an accurate reflection of violations of drug or alcohol use rules for commercial drivers?

When testing is necessitated under FMSCA regulations following a collision, the testing must be conducted by a lab authorized by the Department of Health and Human Services.  An injury victim’s attorney has a right to obtain the results if the outcome of the test is positive.  However, the accuracy of FMSCA drug screening is compromised to some extent because only urine testing can be mandated.  Illicit narcotics and prescription drugs can be detected for a much longer period through hair follicle testing, which has prompted legislative proposals to authorize the use of hair follicle testing.

What penalties must be imposed if a truck driver fails a post-crash drug test?

A number of penalties will be imposed on a commercial driver who does not pass a drug test after a collision, which include the following:

  • Evaluation by a substance abuse professional
  • Removal from safety-sensitive functions
  • Minimum of six periodic drug test during the subsequent year following a return to duty
  • Successful passage of a test

Our Mississippi Trucking Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law recognize the hardships that face individuals injured in semi-truck crashes, and we are here to help.  Contact our firm today at (601)790-1505 to schedule your free consultation, so we can evaluate your situation and discuss your right to financial compensation.

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Broker Can Be Liable for Trucking Accidents Caused by Negligent Hiring of Motor Carriers

Commercial truck drivers who have not been properly screened pose a significant danger to the safety of Mississippi motorists.  Tractor-trailers transporting a maximum load dwarf the average economy car by 75,000 pounds or more.  Given the devastating consequences of negligent operation of these large motor vehicles, commercial carriers have a duty to exercise prudence and care when evaluating potential drivers who will be entrusted with the task of navigating our roadways.  The size of these trucks means that collisions tend to result in more severe injuries than a collision between two passenger cars.  However, safe operation of a big-rig also requires special skill because of challenges posed by their size, weight, required braking distance, blind spots, and similar features.  In recent years, the issue of negligent hiring has become a more pervasive basis for liability involving brokers who facilitate arrangements between commercial carriers and shippers.

Generally speaking, a broker in this context involves an entity or individual that accepts a fee to coordinate a shipping arrangement between a motor carrier and a shipper transporting property.  Brokers function as the middleman who facilitates the relationship between the parties to the shipping relationship (i.e., the shipper and commercial carrier/driver).  The drivers typically are signed on as independent contractors, so the broker has no direct involvement in the transportation of the goods.  This scheme often is used by brokers to avoid liability claims for the negligent practices of truck drivers who are involved in accidents.

While this approach has been used in the past to circumvent liability, brokers can be held responsible for negligence in hiring a carrier.  Brokers have a legal duty to exercise reasonable care when retaining a carrier, which involves examining the trucking company’s claim history, safety records, and insurance status.  Despite this duty, many brokers place the maximization of profits above ensuring that the trucks transporting goods on our roads are driven by competent drivers and properly maintained fleets.  The selection of a driver often is based on which carrier provides the lowest bid with much less attention paid to records regarding the performance and safety of the carrier.  This focus on cost is important because carriers with drivers that are the least experienced and that have the worst records in terms of accidents and safety violations tend to be the least expensive.  Further, carriers who have poor maintenance records also tend to submit lower bids because of the competitive advantage that comes from spending less on compliance cost and fleet maintenance.

When individuals are injured in a jackknife crash, rollover, runaway trailer, carriage underride, or other trucking accident, the broker will not usually be determined to be directly negligent since someone else was operating the tractor-trailer.  However, the broker can still be liable for negligence by the commercial carrier and its driver for exercising a lack of care in hiring the carrier to undertake the job.  At a minimum, the broker must review the carrier’s safety statistics, evaluations and internal records regarding the trucking company’s safety performance.

The use of independent contractor arrangements are just one strategy used by the trucking industry to mitigate liability for catastrophic injuries and wrongful deaths caused by commercial drivers and carriers.  An experienced trucking accident lawyer can help you navigate your way through these tactics.  At Barrett Law, our Mississippi Trucking Accident Attorneys understand car accident victims often feel overwhelmed, and we are here to help.  Contact our firm today at (601)790-1505 to schedule your free consultation, so we can answer any questions you may have regarding your right to financial compensation.

 

 

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One Killed in Mississippi Accident Involving Three 18 Wheelers

Recently, a truck driver died following an accident involving three 18 wheelers on Interstate 10 near Diamondhead. Local authorities report that the driver became trapped inside his truck when it caught fire.  The 44 year old victim was from Georgia. The Mississippi Highway Patrol reports that two of the trucks were rear-ended, creating a domino effect.  The first truck collided into the rear of a semi truck, causing the trucks to become entangled and a fire to erupt.  One of the semi trucks then rammed into a tanker.  The tanker was transporting a corrosive chemical, but fortunately none of the chemical leaked out of the truck.  An accident reconstructionist is still working to uncover the cause of the accident.

Chain Reaction Truck Accidents

Any tractor trailer accident has the potential to cause serious injury or death. When multiple tractor trailers or multiple vehicles are involved in an accident, often many people will be injured or killed.  Chain reaction crashes are defined as any accident involving several vehicles with one or more vehicles starting a series of events that led to the accidents.

There are several types of chain reaction crashes. An example of a simple form of a chain reaction accident would be several vehicles stopped at a light and one slams into the vehicle in front of it, sending that car or truck into the following car.  In this instance, the vehicle that stated the chain reaction would likely be the vehicle liable for the damages inflicted.

Another common chain reaction accident is as follows: Vehicle A rear ends Vehicle B, and Vehicle C hits Vehicle A because it was following too closely.  In this scenario, it is likely the driver of Vehicle A who would be liable to the driver of Vehicle B for any injuries and damages inflicted, but the driver of Vehicle C may be liable to the driver of Vehicle B as well.

As you can see, chain reaction accidents can be quite complex and there are often several potentially liable parties. When one or more commercial trucks are involved, the accident becomes even more complicated with the involvement of multiple trucking companies.  Some of the most common trigger events of chain reaction crashes include:

  • Rear end accidents
  • Jackknifing trucks
  • Accidents resulting from speeding
  • Sudden stops
  • Bad weather accidents
  • Drunk driving accidents
  • Distracted driving accidents
  • Failure to stay in a lane

If you have been injured in a chain reaction crash that involved one or more trucks, contact a licensed truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney will review the accident and uncover all possible parties that may have been liable for your injuries or damages inflicted in the accident.  These complicated cases will require thorough investigation and an experienced attorney who will fight for you to receive compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Barrett Law, PLLC: Seeking Justice for Truck Accident Victims

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a truck accident, contact the Mississippi Truck Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law, PLLC. Our preeminent Mississippi law firm has assisted injured truck accident victims and their families for over 75 years.  We fight for our injured clients to receive the coverage they deserve for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and much more.  Do not delay in seeking legal assistance as you have a limited time within which to file a claim after your injury.  Call Barrett Law, PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free initial consultation.

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Our Mississippi Truck Accident Attorneys Discuss the Complex Matrix of Trucking Regulations

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The trucking industry is subject to an extensive regulatory framework due to the inherent dangers posed by sharing Mississippi roadways with massive 18-wheelers that dwarf sedans and other passenger cars.  Many of the detailed regulations that govern the trucking industry are designed to implement safety standards that make our roadways safer.  When tractor-trailer drivers and the commercial carriers for whom they work disregard these standards, deadly trucking accidents are the all too common consequence.  Our Mississippi Trucking Accident Attorneys carefully analyze potential cases to identify violations of trucking regulations or other laws that often serve as a basis for holding trucking companies accountable for unsafe practices.

In the broadest sense, there are two major types of trucking schemes that regulate a commercial carrier and their drivers.  Trucks that operate exclusively within the boundaries of Mississippi are governed by “intrastate trucking” regulations, whereas carriers that operate across state lines are subject to “interstate trucking” rules.

Because violations of important trucking safety regulations often constitute the basis for imposing liability on commercial drivers and trucking companies, effective litigation of semi-truck accident cases requires thorough knowledge of trucking regulations.  Examples of issues addressed by these safety standards include:

  • Vehicle inspections and maintenance;
  • Maximum weight and length;
  • Medical fitness of drivers;
  • Proper loading which includes the amount and securing of loads;
  • Testing for impairing substances like alcohol, prescription drugs, and narcotics;
  • Anti-Fatigue regulations;
  • Recordkeeping regarding maintenance, hiring practices, and HOS; and
  • Pre-employment screening and monitoring of drivers.

Although trucking companies and commercial drivers are subject to regulations that require keeping track of certain safety practices, the process of proving negligence is often compounded by failure to abide by these rules.  Truck drivers keep personal logbooks that are supposed to document hours of service.  These logs are so routinely falsified that those in the trucking industry often joke about the widespread practice of maintaining two sets of books.  Our Mississippi trucking lawyers often combat such tactics in some or all of some of these ways:

  • Sending a “Spoliation” Letter:  This notice will advise the trucking company  that the truck and the vehicle’s data recorder (similar to a commercial airplane’s black box) are the subject of litigation.  This correspondence will also warn of the consequences associated with repairing the big-rig, or failing to preserve the black box data.  We can seek financial sanctions or ask the judge to unfavorably rule on certain issues if the trucking company disregards our warning.
  • Filing for an Injunction: Situations might arise where we suspect that the carrier is prepared to destroy evidence and disregard our admonishment regarding spoliation of evidence.  Our law firm might file for an injunction in such cases, so altering or destroying such evidence will constitute a violation of the judge’s order.
  • Using Discovery Aggressively: Because we know that alterations or omission of important records can be a standard practice of certain commercial carriers.  Our Mississippi semi-truck lawyers engage in aggressive discovery to obtain documents and records that can used to expose inconsistencies.

Contact an Experienced Mississippi Truck Accident Attorney Today to Schedule a Free Consultation 

At Barrett Law, PLLC, our compassionate Mississippi Truck Accident Attorneys understand tractor-trailer accident victims often feel overwhelmed, and we are here to help.  Contact our firm today at (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free consultation, so we can answer any questions you may have regarding filing your truck accident case.

 

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Mississippi Truck Accident Attorneys Discuss Jackknife and Rollover Crashes

Tractor trailer drivers work hard every day to transport essential goods across the country.  Though truck drivers serve an important role in society, whenever a large truck enters the roadway, there is a risk of serious accidents.  Tractor trailers are massive vehicles, often weighing 80,000 pounds when fully loaded.  Huge tractor trailers can inflict devastating damage and injuries to the occupants of passenger motor vehicles in the event of an accident.  There are several common types of truck accidents, two of which include jackknifing and rollover accidents.  These crashes are discussed below, as follows:

Large Trucks are Prone to Rollover

Tractor trailers stretch some 13 to 14 feet into the air.  These tall vehicles are extremely prone to rollovers.  Rollover accidents can occur from a variety of circumstances, including being hit from the side or running off the road.  Rollover accidents can also occur due to a variety of truck driver behaviors, such as driving fatigue, speeding, driving while impaired by alcohol abd/or drugs, and more.  These negligent behaviors can lead to loss of control, side collisions, and running off the road, which can all cause the truck to flip.  A rollover truck accident will send a massive vehicle spiraling to the ground, holding the potential to injure not just the truck driver, but drivers and passengers travelling in surrounding vehicles.

Braking Issues Can Cause Trucks to Jackknife

Tractor trailers are generally equipped with three different braking mechanisms, required to control a vehicle so large.  If one of these brakes locks up, the truck could jackknife.  Jackknifing occurs when the trailer swings out from the truck at an angle.  A jackknifing truck can create a major road hazard as it travels across the roadway, often leaving other drivers without sufficient time to stop to avoid a collision.  Inexperienced or poorly trained truck drivers can make a jackknife situation worse by failing to promptly regain control of the truck when it begins to jackknife.

Fighting for the Compensation You Deserve Following a Truck Accident

Jackknife and rollover accidents most frequently result from negligence on the part of the truck driver, trucking company, or manufacturer of a component within the truck.  If you have been injured in a jackknife or rollover truck accident or involved in a chain reaction crash that included a tractor trailer, you may be entitled to compensation.  Truck accident lawsuits will often involve multiple defendants and can become quite complex.  Your experienced truck accident attorney will investigate the crash to uncover the parties responsible and gather evidence in support of your claim.

Injured truck accident victims may be entitled to receive compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.  Truck accidents often result in serious injuries that could have long term implications on your life and career.  Retain the assistance of an attorney as soon as possible after your crash to protect your legal rights.

Barrett Law PLLC:  Mississippi Truck Accident Attorneys With Decades of Experience and a Proven Track Record of Success

If you have been injured in a truck accident, contact the Mississippi Truck Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC.  We understand the serious nature of any truck accident and the long term impact an accident can have on your life and livelihood.  Our prominent Mississippi law firm has assisted injured truck accident victims for over 75 years.  Allow our zealous attorney team to fight for your full recovery following any truck accident.  Do not delay in seeking legal assistance as you have a limited time within which to file a claim after your injury.  Call us today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free initial consultation.

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Mississippi Trucking Accident Attorneys Talk About Rental Truck Accidents

When people need to move large amounts of stuff from one place to another, they may choose to rent a truck to get the job done. With a truck like those that you can rent from U-Haul, Ryder, and other truck rental businesses, you can do tasks like moving the contents of a home or an apartment to another home or apartment, hauling building materials for a big home improvement project home from the store, and much more, without hiring a moving company or a driver. Rental trucks range in size from fairly small to surprisingly large, considering that non-commercial drivers are allowed to operate them. Unfortunately, some of the people who rent trucks are completely unfamiliar with how to safely drive vehicles that are larger than the car that they drive every day.

As you might imagine, inexperienced, careless, or unskilled drivers in rental trucks can cause some serious accidents. One fatal rental truck accident in Pennsylvania was caused by a driver who was very tired because of a prescription medication that they were taking. The driver of the rental truck rear-ended a vehicle that was stopped at a red light, pushing the car over two hundred and fifty feet and killing the driver of the vehicle.

In addition to the dangers posed by rental trucks, rental companies often rent trailers to people who don’t need a big truck. This may appear to be a safer alternative to renting a box truck to an inexperienced driver, but drivers who are not experienced with towing things behind their vehicles may not be able to do so safely. Rental trailers, like any other trailers, can detach from the towing vehicle if they are not connected correctly. Many people who rent trailers do not have previous experience with towing trailers, and they may not connect them to the towing vehicle properly. Also, vehicles handle differently when there is a trailer behind them, and the trailer itself can cause an accident if it sways back and forth with too much force.

Whether a driver rents a truck or a trailer, it can handle poorly if it is overloaded. Unfortunately, there is often a temptation to overload rental trucks and trailers so as to complete a task during an allotted time or reduce the amount of miles that the vehicle travels so that the cost is kept to a minimum.

Barrett Law PLLC:  Serving Those Who Have Been Injured in Mississippi Rental Truck Accidents

If you have suffered an injury or a loss due to an accident involving a rental truck or a rented trailer, the Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC would like to speak with you. You deserve prompt and adequate compensation for the injuries, damages, and losses that you have experienced. Accident claim involving rental trucks can be complicated, because there are likely to be multiple parties involved. We can cut through the confusion and delay to get the results you need. Please call us today, at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule an initial consultation.

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Mississippi Truck Accident Attorneys Explore Discovery of the Truck Driver

The discovery process will prove critical to the ultimate success of any truck accident case.  Discovery is multi-faceted, and will involve an investigation as to the truck driver, the truck, and much more.  Your attorney should be well versed in the realm of truck accident discovery and able to guide you through this important but time consuming process.

The following is a look at the steps to a comprehensive discovery on the truck driver:

Analyze the truck driver’s employment records.

It will be critical to obtain the truck driver’s employment records so as to uncover his or her work history.  Delve into the reasons the truck driver left each prior job, as negligent conduct is a frequent motivator for departure from a company.

Examine the truck driver’s training.

Focus on the training that the driver received at his or her current job.  Also, focus on the driver’s training as it relates to the cause of the current Mississippi truck accident.  For instance, if the accident was caused by an improper turn, question the trucker and trucking company on the driver’s training as to turning.

Establish the driver’s level of knowledge of the law.

All truck drivers should understand the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s rules that govern the trucking industry.

Dig into the driver’s medical history and current medications.

Many truck drivers will get behind the wheel despite being on medications that impact their alertness and perception.  Other drivers will have disabilities that make driving dangerous.  Find out the driver’s current and past medical condition to determine whether it played a role in the accident.

Request copies of the incident report and photographs from the scene.

Ask the police department in charge of the investigation to provide you with a copy of the incident report and any photographs taken.  In addition, many truck drivers will keep cameras in their truck to take pictures in the event of an accident.  If such photographs were taken, be sure to request copies.  The trucking company may also have generated an incident report to be used internally.  Request copies of this as well.

Investigate the trucker’s personal information.

It can be useful to look into the truck driver’s personal information.  Minor details such as the driver’s nickname could be useful.  For instance, a nickname like Speed Demon could go a long way in proving negligence in your speed related truck accident case.

Obtain the truck driver log book.

The log book will contain substantial information about each trip a trucker makes and the total hours driven each day.  It will also include information about the period right before the accident, including the driver’s starting time, the name of additional drivers, remarks, and more.  Log books can prove important in showing a driver exceeded the number of allowable hours or had to have been speeding in order to reach the accident site at the time the crash occurred.

Barrett Law PLLC:  Exceptional Representation for Injured Truck Accident Victims

Truck accidents often result in severe injuries such as paralysis, brain injury, back injury, broken bones, spinal cord damage, and much more.  Hundreds of thousands of these accidents will also result in death.  If you or a loved one is hurt or killed in a truck accident, the Mississippi Truck Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC can help.  Our attorneys understand the intense discovery process necessary to build a successful case.  We offer skilled representation to truck accident victims seeking a full recovery for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.  Call the experienced truck accident attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free consultation.

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