Injured by a Big Rig in Mississippi? Van Every Wins

Why Big Rig Cases Are Different

Collisions with commercial trucks often cause severe injuries and complex claims. Multiple parties may be responsible, including the truck driver, motor carrier, cargo loader, maintenance contractors, and manufacturers. Federal and state safety rules, electronic logging devices, hours-of-service limits, and trucking company records can all affect liability. Early action to secure evidence is critical.

What To Do After a Truck Crash in Mississippi

• Get medical care immediately, even if symptoms are delayed.
• Call law enforcement and obtain the report number.
• Photograph vehicles, roadway marks, debris, and visible injuries if safe to do so.
• Gather witness names and contact details.
• Avoid giving recorded statements to insurers before speaking with counsel.
• Contact a Mississippi truck accident lawyer to preserve evidence such as electronic logs, GPS data, dashcam video, driver qualification files, drug/alcohol test results, maintenance records, and bills of lading.

Proving Fault in a Trucking Case

We build liability using Mississippi negligence law and applicable federal motor carrier safety regulations. Common fault theories include:

• Unsafe speeds, following too closely, improper lane changes
• Fatigue and hours-of-service violations
• Improper loading or securement
• Negligent hiring, training, or supervision
• Inadequate maintenance or inspections
• Violations discovered through electronic control module and telematics data

We work with accident reconstructionists, human factors experts, and medical specialists to connect rule violations to the crash and your losses.

Damages You May Recover

Depending on the facts and proof, recoverable damages can include medical expenses, future care, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and property damage. In cases of egregious conduct, punitive damages may be available under Mississippi law, subject to statutory standards and limits (including a clear-and-convincing evidence standard and net-worth-based caps). See Miss. Code Ann. § 11-1-65.

Comparative Fault in Mississippi

Mississippi follows a pure comparative negligence system: your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you are not barred from recovery solely because you share fault. See Miss. Code Ann. § 11-7-15.

How Van Every Secures the Evidence

Trucking companies and their insurers move fast after a crash. We send preservation demands, coordinate inspection of the tractor-trailer, download electronic data, and obtain corporate safety and maintenance records. We subpoena driver qualification files, dispatch communications, and drug/alcohol testing, and we canvass for third-party videos and 911 audio. Early retention helps prevent spoliation and strengthens negotiations and trial presentation.

Dealing With the Insurance Companies

Commercial carriers often deploy rapid response teams to control the narrative. We take over communications, document all economic and non-economic losses, and prepare every case as if it will be tried. This approach helps resolve many claims favorably without trial while keeping your case ready for a jury when needed.

Timing Considerations

Legal deadlines for injury and wrongful death claims vary and can be shorter when government entities are involved. Evidence and electronic data can be lost quickly. Speak with counsel promptly to protect your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can be liable?

Potentially the driver, employer motor carrier, brokers, shippers/loaders, maintenance providers, and manufacturers if a defect contributed.

What if I am partly at fault?

You may still recover, but any award can be reduced by your share of fault under Mississippi’s comparative negligence rule (§ 11-7-15).

Do I need a lawyer right away?

Early legal action helps preserve critical electronic and paper records and can improve case outcomes.

Will my case settle?

Many do, but we prepare for trial from day one to maximize results.

Van Every Wins for Mississippi Truck Crash Victims

Our firm has the resources, trucking law knowledge, and courtroom experience to take on national carriers and their insurers. From the first call, we map out a strategy, help coordinate medical care, and pursue full compensation. No fee unless we recover for you.

Free Consultation

Injured by a big rig anywhere in Mississippi? Contact Van Every today for a free, no-obligation case review. We’ll explain your options and start preserving evidence immediately.

Sources

• Miss. Code Ann. § 11-7-15 (comparative negligence).
• Miss. Code Ann. § 11-1-65 (punitive damages).
• Mississippi Code (official unannotated site).

Disclaimer

This blog post is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Legal outcomes and deadlines depend on the specific facts and applicable Mississippi law, and deadlines may be shorter for claims against government entities. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. “No fee unless we recover” refers to contingency-fee representation; court costs and case expenses are typically deducted from a recovery. This communication is attorney advertising.