Understanding the Danger: Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different
Highways and interstates crisscross Mississippi, and with them come thousands of commercial trucks hauling freight across the state. When a crash involves a fully loaded 18-wheeler, the impact can be devastating. These accidents often result in life-changing injuries, permanent disability, and even death.
At Barrett Law, PLLC, we’ve worked with countless families across Mississippi—people who were seriously hurt or who lost loved ones in trucking accidents. I’m Jonathan Barrett, a Mississippi 18-wheeler truck accident injury lawyer with decades of experience fighting on behalf of crash victims and their families. Our goal is simple: make sure you’re treated fairly, and help you recover the compensation you’re owed.
This blog will walk you through what to do if you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident and how Barrett Law, PLLC can help you protect your future.
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are So Severe in Mississippi
Unlike standard car accidents, 18-wheeler crashes often involve:
- Catastrophic injuries
- Multiple vehicle pileups
- Federal regulations
- Corporate defendants
Victims of truck accidents often suffer from traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, multiple fractures, internal bleeding, and psychological trauma. For many, the road to recovery is long and expensive.
Commercial trucks are subject to both Mississippi traffic laws and federal regulations governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). When these laws are violated—such as when a driver exceeds hours-of-service limits or a company fails to maintain its fleet—injured victims can hold those parties accountable in court.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
At Barrett Law, we routinely handle cases involving:
- Driver fatigue from violating hours-of-service rules
- Distracted driving or cell phone use
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Poor truck maintenance or brake failure
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Every truck accident case begins with a thorough investigation to identify the root cause and the liable parties.
Who Is Affected by Truck Accidents in Mississippi
Truck accidents impact far more than just the injured driver. The ripple effects include lost income, mounting medical debt, emotional distress, and sometimes the death of a loved one. Our clients have included:
- Everyday drivers rear-ended or sideswiped by a truck
- Passengers injured in smaller vehicles
- Families of victims killed in fatal crashes
- Commercial drivers injured because another trucker or company broke the law
At Barrett Law, we understand what’s at stake. You don’t just need compensation for your bills—you need the resources to rebuild your life.
Legal Duties of Truck Drivers and Trucking Companies
Truck drivers and their employers are subject to specific legal duties. Under Mississippi Code Title 63, and federal law via 49 CFR Part 395 and other FMCSA rules, these parties must:
- Operate vehicles safely and within regulated driving hours
- Inspect and maintain their trucks regularly
- Follow weight, cargo, and inspection requirements
- Avoid distractions and impairment while driving
- Hire qualified, trained drivers
Failure to meet these duties can constitute negligence or gross negligence, giving rise to personal injury or wrongful death claims.
Additionally, trucking companies may be held liable for:
- Negligent hiring or retention of unsafe drivers
- Failing to enforce safety protocols
- Destroying or failing to preserve important records (such as driver logs and maintenance files)
What You Should Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Mississippi
The steps you take after a truck crash can greatly impact your case. Here’s what we recommend:
- Get medical treatment immediately. Even if you feel okay, injuries like brain trauma or internal bleeding can take hours to show symptoms.
- Call law enforcement. A police report will be essential to your legal claim.
- Document everything. Take pictures, write down what happened, and collect witness information.
- Do not talk to the trucking company or their insurance representatives. They are not on your side.
- Call a qualified truck accident attorney. At Barrett Law, we move quickly to preserve evidence and begin building your case.
FAQs About 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Claims in Mississippi
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Mississippi? Mississippi’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the accident. It’s critical to start early to preserve evidence and build a strong case.
Can I sue the trucking company and the driver? Yes. In many cases, both the individual driver and their employer may be held liable for your injuries. Trucking companies are often responsible for negligent hiring, training, or supervision.
What if I was partially at fault? Mississippi follows a comparative negligence rule. Even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover damages—your compensation will just be reduced by your percentage of fault.
How much is my case worth? Every case is different, but compensation often includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, future treatment costs, and, in severe cases, punitive damages.
What kind of evidence do I need? Important evidence includes police reports, black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, witness statements, dashcam footage, and medical records. An attorney will help gather and protect this evidence.
Do I have to go to court? Many truck accident cases settle out of court. However, if the trucking company refuses to offer fair compensation, we’re fully prepared to litigate aggressively on your behalf.
Should I talk to the insurance adjuster? No. The insurance adjuster works for the trucking company and may try to get you to accept a low settlement or say something that can be used against you. Always consult an attorney first.
What if the driver was an independent contractor? Depending on the facts, the company may still be liable. These cases often involve legal analysis of the relationship between the driver and the company.
Can I recover for emotional distress? Yes. Non-economic damages such as pain, suffering, and emotional trauma are part of most injury claims.
How can Barrett Law help? We handle everything—from investigating the crash, dealing with insurers, and filing your lawsuit, to fighting for maximum compensation in court if needed. Our job is to let you focus on healing while we handle the legal battle.
Harmed in an 18-wheeler truck accident in Mississippi? Call Mississippi 18-wheeler truck accident injury claim Attorney Jonathan Barrett 24/7/365 at (601) 790-1505 for Your FREE Consultation
Truck accidents can change your life in an instant. If you’ve been injured—or lost a loved one—because of a trucking company’s carelessness, you have the right to fight back. Let us help you pursue justice.
Barrett Law, PLLC serves clients across the entire state of Mississippi, including the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Central Mississippi, Southern Mississippi, and Northern Mississippi. We proudly represent clients in Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, Hattiesburg, Biloxi, Olive Branch, Tupelo, Meridian, Pearl, Madison, Greenville, Oxford, Clinton, Horn Lake, and Brandon, MS.
