A common misconception in commercial truck wrecks is that the driver is the only party at fault. In reality, liability often extends to the trucking company, the cargo loader, and even parts manufacturers. Let a Greenville truck accident lawyer investigate your accident and build a robust claim for compensation on your behalf.
At Richard Schwartz & Associates, we focus on uncovering the complete story of the incident to pursue the full recovery you need. Start the conversation with our team today to protect your interests. Contact us at (601) 988-8888 for a free evaluation of your case.
Why Choose Richard Schwartz & Associates for Your Commercial Truck Claim
Our firm has served clients across Mississippi for decades. We understand the specific challenges that arise when a family in the Delta faces the consequences of a serious truck wreck. The team at Richard Schwartz & Associates offers steadfast representation grounded in a deep commitment to the people we serve.
We Know Greenville
Richard Schwartz & Associates is a Mississippi law firm through and through. Our attorneys live and work in the communities we serve. Our local connection to Greenville gives us a distinct familiarity with the roads and highways in Washington County, from U.S. 82 to the smaller local streets that see heavy commercial traffic.
Our local knowledge strengthens every aspect of the claims we manage. Our commitment is to our Mississippi neighbors, not to a corporate headquarters in another state. We fight for the residents of Greenville because we’re part of this community too.
We’re Unafraid To Take On Trucking Companies
Trucking companies and their large insurance providers employ specific strategies to minimize their liability following a crash. They deploy rapid response teams to the accident scene to gather evidence that serves their interests.
An insurer may contact you quickly with a low settlement offer, hoping you’ll accept it before you know the full extent of your damages. Our team knows these tactics and provides a fierce defense for our clients.
We act with equal speed to protect your rights and preserve the evidence that supports your claim. We manage all interactions with these corporations so you can have peace of mind.
Over $1 Billion Recovered for Our Clients
Our history of results speaks for itself. The attorneys at Richard Schwartz & Associates have secured significant recoveries for clients injured in complex commercial vehicle accidents.
While past results don’t predict future outcomes, our record demonstrates our capacity to handle high-stakes litigation against powerful opponents. We prepare every claim with the thoroughness required for a successful resolution.
Our approach combines aggressive investigation with a client-focused strategy. Contact our team to learn more about how we can assist you. Call (601) 988-8888 to speak with a Greenville truck accident lawyer today about your situation.
The Complexities of Mississippi Truck Wreck Claims
A collision with an 18-wheeler or other large commercial truck presents a set of challenges distinct from those of a standard car wreck. These cases involve complex state and federal laws that govern the trucking industry.
A successful claim demands a law firm with the specific knowledge and resources to address these unique factors. Our attorneys have the experience to handle the intricate details of semi-truck accident cases.
We develop a complete picture of the events that led to the incident, strengthening your case with evidence that can withstand the scrutiny of aggressive corporate defense teams.
Identifying All Liable Parties
One of the most complicated aspects of a truck wreck is determining which parties share fault. The responsibility often extends beyond just the truck driver. A comprehensive investigation may reveal liability on the part of multiple entities.
We regularly investigate the following parties:
- The Truck Driver: We analyze the driver's qualifications, training, logbooks, and driving history for any signs of negligence, fatigue, or violations.
- The Trucking Company: We scrutinize the carrier's hiring practices, maintenance records, safety protocols, and compliance with federal regulations.
- The Freight Shipper or Loader: When improperly loaded or secured cargo contributes to an accident, we may find the company that loaded the trailer liable for the wreck.
- Vehicle and Parts Manufacturers: A mechanical failure caused by a defective component, such as brakes or tires, can make the original manufacturer a defendant in the case.
Federal and State Trucking Regulations
The trucking industry is governed by a complex network of rules established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and state law in Mississippi. A violation of these rules can serve as direct evidence of negligence.
Regulations cover everything from how many hours a driver can operate the truck to specific maintenance schedules and cargo securement procedures. Our team has a thorough understanding of these regulations, using our knowledge to pinpoint violations that contributed to the accident.
For example, we review the driver's Hours of Service logs to check for illegal driving times, a common factor in fatigue-related crashes. We also examine the truck's inspection and repair records for failures to comply with mandatory upkeep.
Establishing a regulatory violation provides a stronger foundation for your claim. It demonstrates a clear breach of the duty to operate safely on public roads, such as Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and other busy routes in Greenville.
Accessing and Analyzing Electronic Evidence
Modern commercial trucks are equipped with sophisticated electronic systems that record vast amounts of data. This information offers an unbiased account of the truck's operation immediately before, during, and after a collision.
Securing and correctly interpreting this data is a critical component of a successful investigation. We act quickly to demand the preservation of this electronic evidence before the trucking company has a chance to erase it.
Key sources of electronic data include:
- Electronic Control Module (ECM): Often referred to as the black box, this device records critical information, including vehicle speed, brake application, engine RPM, and steering inputs.
- Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): These systems automatically track a driver’s service hours, providing a more reliable record than traditional paper logbooks.
- GPS and Fleet Tracking Systems: This data can show the truck's route, stops, and speeds, which can help verify the driver's activities.
- In-Cab Camera Footage: Many trucking companies utilize forward-facing and driver-facing cameras that can capture critical moments leading up to the impact.
Our Approach To Investigating Greenville Truck Accidents
A thorough and immediate investigation forms the backbone of any successful truck accident claim. The Greenville truck accident lawyers at Richard Schwartz & Associates move quickly to secure and analyze all available evidence.
We know that physical evidence can disappear and memories can fade over time. Our proactive approach aims to build a fact-based narrative of what happened and who is responsible.
We coordinate with a team of professionals to document every detail related to the collision. This comprehensive method of case development demonstrates to trucking companies and their insurers that we’re fully prepared to pursue the claim.
Scene and Vehicle Analysis
Our investigation often begins at the location of the crash, whether on a busy highway like U.S. 82 or a local road near Lake Ferguson. We document the scene with high-resolution photographs and videos, capturing skid marks, debris fields, road conditions, and sightline obstructions.
We can also arrange for a detailed inspection of the commercial truck and all other vehicles involved. We dispatch mechanical and systems analysts to examine the wreckage. They look for evidence of equipment failure, such as faulty brakes, blown tires, or defective steering components.
Preserving Critical Company and Driver Records
Trucking companies possess a large volume of internal documents that can shed light on the cause of an accident. We send formal spoliation letters that legally require the company to preserve all relevant evidence.
This action prevents them from destroying records in the ordinary course of business. Having a skilled Greenville truck accident lawyer on your side from the beginning is highly advantageous for this reason alone.
We demand access to these records and meticulously review them for any indication of negligence or non-compliance with safety standards.
We collect many types of evidence, including:
- Driver Qualification File: This file contains the driver's application, driving record, training certificates, and medical examination results.
- Post-Collision Drug and Alcohol Test Results: Federal regulations require testing after any serious accident, and these results can indicate impairment.
- Dispatch Records and Communications: These documents show the instructions given to the driver and can reveal pressure to violate safety rules.
- Maintenance and Repair Histories: A detailed look at the truck's service history can uncover a pattern of neglected or improper maintenance.
Working With Respected Professionals
Building the strongest possible claim often requires input from professionals in various fields. Richard Schwartz & Associates maintains a network of respected analysts who can provide authoritative opinions on complex technical and financial matters.
These professionals help us reconstruct the accident, demonstrate the full scope of your injuries, and calculate your total economic and non-economic damages. Their work translates complex evidence into clear, compelling arguments that support your case.
We frequently collaborate with accident reconstructionists, medical life care planners, and economists.
Pursuing Full Compensation With a Greenville Truck Accident Lawyer
A commercial truck accident in Greenville can generate immense financial pressure on you and your family. Medical bills may begin to arrive while you’re still unable to work. The purpose of a truck accident claim is to provide the financial resources necessary for you to recover and regain stability.
The legal team at Richard Schwartz & Associates conducts a detailed assessment of all your losses. We work to make sure that any resolution addresses both your immediate needs and your future challenges.
Calculating Your Economic Losses
Economic damages refer to the specific, calculable financial costs that result from the accident. Our firm uses a methodical process to document these expenses. We collect bills, receipts, and employment records to create a precise accounting of your monetary losses.
Your claim can include a variety of economic damages, such as:
- Medical Expenses: We account for every dollar spent on emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and prescription medications.
- Future Medical Care: For lasting injuries, we work with medical and life care planning professionals to project the costs of ongoing treatment, assistive devices, and home modifications.
- Lost Wages: We pursue the income you have lost from being unable to work during your recovery.
- Diminished Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or working at the same capacity, we seek compensation for the reduction in your future earnings.
Valuing the Non-Economic Impact
Beyond the measurable financial costs, a truck accident inflicts other serious, personal losses. These non-economic damages acknowledge the physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life that often follow a traumatic event.
While these losses don’t have a simple price tag, they represent a significant part of the harm you have endured, and Mississippi law allows you to seek recovery for these personal impacts.
FAQ for Greenville Truck Accident Lawyer
How Long Do I Have To File a Truck Accident Claim in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations. A failure to file your claim within this period typically bars you from ever seeking recovery.
Contact a truck accident attorney in Greenville well in advance of this deadline to facilitate a thorough investigation.
What Evidence Is Important in a Commercial Truck Accident Case?
Key evidence includes the official police report, photographs of the accident scene and the vehicles involved, witness statements, and your medical records. Perhaps the most crucial evidence is the data from the truck's black box and the driver's logbooks.
The trucking company controls the digital data from the truck, making it nearly impossible for you to get by yourself. A Greenville truck crash lawyer from Richard Schwartz & Associates will act quickly to secure this evidence before the trucking company destroys it.
Do I Have To Talk to the Trucking Company’s Insurance Adjuster?
You’re not required to give a recorded statement to the at-fault party's insurance adjuster. It’s always in your best interest to decline this request until you have consulted with a lawyer. Adjusters are trained to ask questions that may hurt your own claim, so direct them to your attorney instead.
Why Is a Greenville Truck Accident Lawyer Necessary for My Case?
A Greenville truck accident lawyer brings the resources and specific industry knowledge required to stand against large trucking companies and their insurers. These corporations have teams of lawyers working to protect their financial interests.
An experienced lawyer levels the playing field, manages the complex investigation, handles all communications, and builds a case designed to secure a full and fair recovery for you.
What If the Truck Driver Was Speeding or Distracted?
If a truck driver was violating traffic laws, such as speeding or using a handheld phone, their behavior can be used as strong evidence of negligence. Your attorney can use evidence from the truck’s black box, witness testimony, and cellphone records to prove the driver's negligence.
Let Us Handle the Legal Fight
You don’t have to carry the legal burdens of a truck accident claim alone. Richard Schwartz & Associates will handle all of the legal complexities, allowing you to direct your energy toward your well-being.
We manage the investigation, paperwork, and difficult negotiations so that you can move forward with confidence. Let our team take charge of your legal fight. Call Richard Schwartz & Associates today at (601) 988-8888.