Jackson, MS - Truck accidents are by far the most dangerous type of crash, due to the sheer difference in size and weight between an 18-wheeler and a regular car. Even if you do make it out alive, you may be left with severe injuries which entail considerable financial losses. If you want to get the compensation you deserve, you’ll have to reach out to experienced truck accident lawyers in Jackson, MS, and here is why.
You need to even out the odds
Truck drivers are instructed to call their boss immediately if they’re involved in a crash. You may be lying on the ground waiting for the ambulance, while the trucker is on the phone with his employer. You have no idea how much it’s going to cost you, but trucking companies know very well a lot of money may be at stake. As soon as they learn of the accident, they’ll dispatch their lawyers to take care of things. Their main mission is to avoid being held accountable for what happened. You can sue the trucker for all you want, just leave them out of it.
You must find out who’s liable for damages
Most truckers only carry minimum insurance coverage, which won’t even cover your medical expenses, let alone your lost earnings or the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering.
Yet, in a truck accident, you may have more than one liable party. Your lawyers need to start investigating the crash as soon as possible.
For one thing, they’ll want to know whether the driver was fatigued. If so, seasoned Mississippi truck accident lawyers may be able to build a case against the employer. If the boss encouraged the trucker to ignore Hours of Service regulations and keep driving, they need to pay for it. Or, if the trucker was intoxicated, your lawyers will investigate whether the employer submitted its drivers to drug and alcohol tests, which are mandatory under FMCSA regulations. Failure to do so amounts to negligence, so you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim against both trucker and his employer.
If a mechanical failure led to the crash, your lawyers will want independent experts to examine the vehicle. Also, they will request maintenance records from the company. According to the law, trucking companies are responsible for vehicle maintenance, so if the brakes failed or the truck had a tire blowout, the employer may be held accountable.
Or, if it was a problem with the cargo that led to the accident, your lawyers may be able to file a lawsuit against the shipping company or those responsible for loading the truck.
You need to know how much your claim is worth
Soon after the crash, you may get a call from the trucking company’s insurer. You’ll be surprised they’re so quick and they already have an offer for you. You shouldn’t be surprised. If they offer a quick settlement it’s a clear sign your claim is worth much more. What they’re doing is called lowballing. Never accept the first offer the insurance company makes you. Reach out to trustworthy truck accident lawyers and let them tell you how much money you’re entitled to. They can negotiate with the insurer while you rest comfortably at home and see about your health. Most claims are settled eventually. However, if your lawyers feel you stand a better chance by going to court, they will advise you to sue.
