Ridgeland Trucking Accident Lawyer
Experienced Truck Accident Lawyers Serving Ridgeland, Mississippi
Wrecks involving 18-wheelers can be life-altering events, leaving victims with devastating injuries, emotional trauma, and mounting financial burdens. Accidents with these big rigs are often more serious and severe than those involving passenger vehicles. The sheer size and weight of these commercial vehicles can result in catastrophic damage upon impact. These vehicles can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, compared to the average passenger vehicle, which weighs around 3,000 pounds.
Victims of trucking accidents may suffer from severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and internal organ damage. 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. Our Ridgeland, Mississippi 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.
The Unique Challenges of Trucking Accident Cases
Trucking accident cases differ significantly from typical car accident cases due to the specific regulations governing the trucking industry.
While it might not seem like it on the surface, trucking accidents involving large 18-wheelers are far different from accidents involving passenger cars. Trucking accidents are governed by a different set of rules compared to standard car accidents. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets forth stringent rules and regulations that commercial drivers and trucking companies must follow to ensure safety on the roads.
Key FMCSA Regulations
- Hours of Service (HOS): These rules restrict the number of hours a driver can operate a vehicle within a specific timeframe, mandating rest breaks to prevent fatigue.
- Drug and Alcohol Testing: Mandatory testing before employment, randomly during employment, and after certain accidents to ensure drivers are not impaired.
- Driver Qualifications: The FMCSA enforces strict qualifications for commercial drivers, including proper licensing, medical fitness, and background checks.
- Vehicle Maintenance: Regular inspections and maintenance of commercial vehicles are required to prevent mechanical failures that could lead to accidents.
- Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): ELDs are mandated to monitor and record a driver’s hours of service, ensuring compliance with HOS regulations.
At The Hamilton Law Firm, we have a deep understanding of the unique challenges and regulations associated with trucking accident cases. Our experienced Ridgeland trucking accident attorneys are dedicated to thoroughly investigating each case, gathering critical evidence, and building a strong legal strategy to hold negligent parties accountable.
Leading Causes of Trucking Accidents
Some of the most common causes of wrecks involving tractor-trailers include:
- Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to driver fatigue, impairing reaction times and decision-making abilities. Despite regulations on hours of service, some drivers and companies push the limits to meet tight delivery schedules.
- Driving Over the Hours-of-Service Limits: The FMCSA sets strict limits on the number of hours a commercial driver can be on the road without rest. Violating these limits increases the risk of accidents due to fatigue.
- Drug and Alcohol Use: Substance abuse is a serious issue in the trucking industry. Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol pose a significant danger to themselves and others on the road.
- Improper Training: Inadequate training can result in unqualified drivers operating large commercial vehicles. Proper training is essential to ensure drivers can handle the complexities of operating big rigs safely.
- Unqualified Drivers: Some trucking companies may hire drivers who do not meet the necessary qualifications, putting everyone on the road at risk.
- Inadequate Time for Delivery: Tight delivery schedules can force drivers to speed and take risks to meet deadlines, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Failure to Put Out Proper Warning Devices When Stopped: Commercial drivers are required to use warning devices, such as reflective triangles, when stopped on the roadside. Failure to do so can lead to secondary accidents.
- Improper Parking on Roadside: Parking a large commercial vehicle improperly on the roadside can create dangerous situations for other motorists, leading to collisions.
- Failure to Follow the Rules of the Road: Improper lane changes, speeding, following too closely, failure to use turn signals properly, and inattentive and distracted driving are frequent culprits of negligent driving by truckers.
The Hamilton Law Firm: Your Ridgeland Trucking Accident Lawyers
At The Hamilton Law Firm, we work tirelessly to ensure our clients receive the maximum compensation possible for their injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. And we leverage our extensive knowledge of the FMCSA regulations, our team of experts, and our experience in handling complex trucking accident cases to deliver exceptional results.
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 collaborate with industry experts, including accident reconstruction specialists, safety regulation experts, medical professionals, vocational rehabilitation counselors, life care planners, and economists, to build a robust case.
- Aggressive Representation: We are dedicated 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 diligent work in the field has resulted in numerous significant verdicts and settlements for our clients. We have successfully secured numerous multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements, showcasing our commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for those we represent.
Contact The Hamilton Law Firm Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, it is essential to seek legal representation as soon as possible. The complexities of these cases necessitate prompt action to preserve key evidence and conduct immediate investigations to protect your rights.
We are here to assist you. The experienced attorneys at The Hamilton Law Firm will guide you through the legal process and provide the advocacy you need during this challenging time. Contact The Hamilton Law Firm today at our office in Ridgeland, Mississippi for a free consultation. Let us help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve.