Hattiesburg Truck Accident Lawyer

The steady stream of commercial trucks along major arteries like I-59 and US Highways 49 and 98 is a constant, driving force for the Hattiesburg economy. But the sheer size and weight of these vehicles present an undeniable risk on our roadways. When a fully loaded, 80,000-pound tractor-trailer collides with a passenger car, the consequences are rarely minor. They are often catastrophic, leaving victims with devastating injuries, immense financial pressure, and a future that has been irrevocably altered.

After such a traumatic accident, victims and their families are thrust into a complex legal landscape, facing off against powerful trucking corporations and their aggressive insurance carriers. Successfully navigating this terrain to secure justice requires more than just a lawyer; it requires a firm with a deep understanding of federal trucking regulations and a proven history of holding negligent parties accountable. 

For decades, Richard Schwartz & Associates has been that firm for Mississippians. Whether your accident was in the Pine Belt or you need a Hattiesburg truck accident lawyer to handle a claim further north, our statewide experience is your strategic advantage. Contact our team to understand your rights and get the facts about your case.

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Why Choose Richard Schwartz & Associates for Your Hattiesburg Truck Accident Claim

Choosing the right legal team after a devastating truck accident is one of the most important decisions you will make. You need a firm with the resources to take on powerful trucking companies and their aggressive insurance carriers, but also a team that sees you as a person, not just a case number. At Richard Schwartz & Associates, we combine statewide strength with compassionate, local care.

Our mission is simple: "Leading with Compassion. Winning with Excellence." This guiding principle is at the heart of everything we do. For over 40 years, we have been a pillar of support for Mississippi families, recovering over $1 billion for our clients and ensuring their voices are heard.

Here’s why so many Mississippians trust us with their fight:

• A Compassionate, Client-Centered Approach: We know this is more than a legal case; it’s your life. Our team is comprised of knowledgeable and caring people who will treat you with integrity, accountability, and respect. Your fight is our fight.
• Deep Mississippi Roots: We are Mississippi’s Law Firm. With offices in Hattiesburg, Jackson, Tupelo, and across the state, we have an intimate understanding of our local communities and court systems. This local presence is backed by the extensive resources of a major firm.
• No Fee Unless We Win: We operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay us absolutely no attorney’s fees unless and until we win your case. You can afford to have a powerful legal team on your side, with no upfront costs or financial risk.

When you choose Richard Schwartz & Associates, you are choosing a team that cares for you both inside and outside the courtroom. We are committed to helping you rebuild your life.

Who May Be Held Liable in a Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Truck Accident Lawsuit?

After a car crash, liability is often straightforward, typically resting with the at-fault driver. Truck accidents, however, are significantly more complex. The massive commercial trucking industry is a web of different companies and contractors, any of whom could share responsibility for the accident that caused your injuries. Identifying every potentially liable party is a critical step in securing the maximum compensation you are owed.

At Richard Schwartz & Associates, our experienced Hattiesburg truck accident attorneys will launch a thorough investigation to determine all sources of fault. Liable parties may include:

• The Truck Driver: The most obvious potential defendant is the driver. If they were speeding, driving while fatigued, distracted, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or violated any traffic laws or federal trucking regulations, they can be held directly liable for their negligence.
• The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier): Trucking companies have a legal duty to ensure their operations are safe. They can be held liable for negligent hiring practices (e.g., hiring drivers with poor safety records), inadequate training, encouraging drivers to violate hours-of-service rules to meet deadlines, or failing to properly maintain their fleet of vehicles.
• The Cargo Shipper or Loader: If the cargo on the truck was improperly loaded, unbalanced, or not secured correctly, it can shift during transit. This can cause the driver to lose control or the load to spill onto the roadway, leading to a catastrophic accident. The company responsible for loading the trailer may be held liable in these situations.
• The Truck or Parts Manufacturer: Sometimes, an accident is caused not by human error, but by a mechanical failure. If a critical component like the brakes, tires, steering system, or coupling fails due to a design or manufacturing defect, the company that produced the faulty part can be held responsible under product liability laws.
• A Third-Party Maintenance Company: Many trucking companies outsource their vehicle maintenance and repairs. If a mechanic or repair shop performed shoddy work, used substandard parts, or failed to identify a dangerous mechanical issue, their negligence could be a direct cause of the crash.

Uncovering these layers of liability requires immediate action, legal knowledge, and significant resources. Our team knows exactly what evidence to look for and how to hold each responsible party accountable for the harm they have caused you.

Should I Accept the First Settlement Offer from the Insurance Company?

In the days and weeks following a serious truck accident, you will likely be contacted by an insurance adjuster representing the trucking company. They may sound friendly, sympathetic, and eager to help. They might even offer you a quick settlement check, explaining that it’s to help you with your immediate bills. While it may be tempting to accept this offer, especially when you are out of work and facing financial pressure, it is almost always a mistake.

You must remember that insurance companies are for-profit businesses. Their primary goal is to protect their bottom line, not to ensure you receive fair compensation. The first offer they make is almost always a "lowball" offer, calculated to be just enough to make you go away for the smallest amount of money possible.

They are counting on the fact that you do not yet know the full extent of your damages.

• Have your doctors determined if you will need future surgeries or long-term physical therapy?
• Do you know how this injury will impact your ability to earn a living five or ten years from now?
• How can you place a value on the chronic pain or emotional trauma you may endure for the rest of your life?

The initial offer will not account for these future and non-economic damages. Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you forfeit your right to seek any further compensation for this accident, even if your medical condition worsens dramatically. 

Before you speak to an adjuster or sign any documents, you must speak with an experienced truck accident lawyer in Hatiesburg. We will protect you from these predatory tactics and calculate the true, full value of your claim to ensure your financial security for the future.

Hattiesburg Truck Accident FAQs

We know that after a traumatic event like a truck accident, you are left with countless questions and uncertainties. We are here to provide clear, honest answers. Below are some of the common questions we hear from our clients in Hattiesburg and throughout Mississippi.

How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, the time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations, is generally three years from the date of the accident. While this may seem like a long time, it is crucial to act much sooner. Vital evidence can disappear, witnesses' memories can fade, and the trucking company will use any delay to its advantage. Waiting too long can severely weaken or even completely bar your claim. Contacting a lawyer immediately allows them to begin the critical investigation and evidence preservation process right away, giving you the best chance of success.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident? Can I still recover compensation?

Yes, you can. Mississippi follows a "pure comparative negligence" rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially to blame for the crash. However, your total compensation award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a jury determines you were 20% at fault for the accident, you would still receive 80% of your compensation. Insurance companies are experts at trying to shift blame onto the victim to reduce their payout. This is a key reason why you need a skilled attorney to protect your rights and fight back against unfair allegations of fault.

The trucking company's insurance adjuster wants to take my recorded statement. Should I give one?

No, you should never give a recorded statement to the opposing insurance company without first consulting your attorney. The adjuster is not on your side. They are highly trained to ask leading questions designed to get you to say something that can be used against you later to minimize or deny your claim. They may try to twist your words to make it seem like your injuries aren't that severe or that you were somehow at fault for the crash. Politely decline their request and refer them to your lawyer. Your attorney will handle all communications with the insurance company to protect your rights and interests.

Contact Our Trusted Hattiesburg Truck Accident Lawyers Today

The path to recovery after a serious truck accident is long and challenging, but you do not have to walk it alone. The physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial strain can feel insurmountable. Let our family help yours. At Richard Schwartz & Associates, we will lift the legal burden from your shoulders so you can focus on what truly matters: your health and your family. We will be your voice, your advocate, and your unwavering support system through every step of this journey.

Your fight is our fight. We are committed to using our extensive resources, decades of experience, and compassionate approach to ensure you receive the justice and the maximum compensation you deserve. When you entrust us with your case, our dedicated Hattiesburg legal team — led by an experienced Hattiesburg personal injury lawyer — will immediately get to work for you.

Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Do not wait another day to get the answers and the help you need. Contact us today at (601) 988-8888 or through our online form for a free, confidential, and no-risk consultation with our trusted Hattiesburg truck accident attorney.

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