Surviving a collision with a big rig or 18-wheeler is traumatic, but you do not have to face what comes next alone. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, roughly 20 times the weight of a passenger car, so even a seemingly minor crash can leave you with serious injuries. If a large truck hurt you or someone you love, a Jackson, MS truck accident lawyer at Richard Schwartz & Associates is ready to listen and help.
When a distracted, tired, or careless driver gets behind the wheel of a commercial truck, the results can be devastating. The blame may not stop with the driver, though. Faulty parts, poor maintenance, or pressure from the trucking company can all play a role.
When you call the Jackson truck accident attorneys at Richard Schwartz & Associates, we help you sort out who was responsible and pursue the compensation you deserve. Our statewide team of Mississippi truck accident lawyers has recovered more than $1 billion for injured people and their families. Reach us anytime at (601) 800-5559 for a free consultation.
Who Can You Sue After a Truck Accident in Jackson, Mississippi?
More than just the driver. After a commercial truck crash in Jackson, the motor carrier, the shipper, the maintenance contractor, and even the parts manufacturer can share liability under Mississippi law, and often several of them do at once. That is what makes these claims different from an ordinary car accident, and it is why identifying every responsible party early matters so much.
Sorting out who can be held liable after a truck accident takes a close look at how the load was booked, who employed the driver, and how the truck was maintained. We commonly examine these parties:
- The truck driver: The person behind the wheel is often the most direct cause of a crash, whether from fatigue, distraction, or impaired driving.
- The motor carrier: The trucking company that employs the driver is responsible for background checks, training, and honest scheduling that allows for rest.
- The shipper or cargo loader: When freight is loaded wrong or overloaded, the company that packed it can share the blame for a shifting-load or rollover crash.
- The maintenance contractor: A company hired to service brakes, tires, and other systems may be liable if poor upkeep led to a failure.
- The parts manufacturer: If a defective tire, brake, or coupling caused the wreck, the maker of that part may be responsible.
- Third-party brokers: Some carriers use a broker to match freight with drivers, and a broker who hired carelessly may share responsibility.
Because several insurance policies may apply, you could recover from more than one party, and our job is to find every source of accountability.
How We Handle Your Jackson Truck Accident Case
From the first call, we move quickly to protect the evidence that proves your claim. Trucking companies often send their own investigators to the scene within hours, so we act fast to secure the same proof before it disappears.
Our team visits the scene to photograph skid marks, debris, and fluid stains, and to record what witnesses saw. We also gather police reports, motor carrier records, safety logs, and the driver’s hours-of-service data. This early work matters because important records can be lost, misplaced, or destroyed if no one acts to preserve them.
We then build your case with help from skilled professionals, including accident-reconstruction engineers, medical providers, and economists. Together, we connect the evidence to your injuries and losses so your story is told clearly and fully. Your only job is to focus on healing while we handle the rest.
How Are Truck Accidents Different From Car Accidents?
Truck accidents differ from car accidents in three big ways: the vehicles are far larger, the insurance policies are bigger, and the drivers must follow strict federal safety rules. Those differences change how a claim is investigated and who can be held responsible.
- More parties involved: In a typical car wreck, one or both drivers are at fault. In a truck case, the motor carrier, a broker, or a parts maker may also share responsibility.
- Bigger insurance policies: A commercial truck carries far more coverage than a personal auto policy, so the insurer works hard to shift blame onto you and avoid a large payout.
- More serious injuries: The size and weight of a large truck make severe injuries more likely, which can mean long recoveries and heavy medical costs.
Because the opposing side is well-funded and organized, having an 18-wheeler accident lawyer in Jackson on your side helps level the playing field.
Common Causes of Tractor-Trailer Crashes
Most large-truck crashes trace back to preventable choices, from fatigue to poor maintenance. When a rig this heavy gets out of control, the results can be catastrophic, which is why federal and state rules exist to keep these trucks safe.
- Fatigued or drowsy driving
- Distracted driving
- Aggressive or impaired driving
- Failure to inspect tires and brakes
- Unsecured or overloaded cargo
- Poor weather conditions
When one of these failures leads to a wreck, our semi-truck accident lawyer in Mississippi team works to show exactly how it happened and who let it happen.
Federal Trucking Rules That Shape Your Claim
Federal rules from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration set the standards that trucking companies must meet, and a violation can become key evidence in your case. These rules cover how long a driver may work and how a truck must be maintained.
Under the FMCSA hours-of-service rules, most property-carrying drivers may drive no more than 11 hours within a 14-hour window before a required rest break. Companies and drivers sometimes push past these limits to meet delivery deadlines. When they do, the electronic logs can reveal it.
The same federal framework requires regular inspection and maintenance of brakes, tires, and other critical systems. When a carrier skips this upkeep, that choice can point straight to liability. We review these records closely as a commercial truck crash attorney in Jackson so no violation goes unnoticed.
How Is Compensation Determined After a Truck Accident?
Compensation is based on the full weight of your losses, both financial and personal. Mississippi lets you recover for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering, even if you were partly at fault for the crash.
Economic damages cover the measurable costs of the crash, such as current and future medical care, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity. Non-economic damages account for physical pain, emotional distress, and the way your injuries affect daily life. In rare cases involving reckless or malicious conduct, a court may also award punitive damages.
Mississippi follows a rule called pure comparative negligence (Miss. Code Ann. § 11-7-15). This means that if you share part of the blame, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you are never completely barred from recovering. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of your damages.
How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Mississippi?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the crash to file a truck accident lawsuit in Mississippi. This deadline comes from the state’s statute of limitations, Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-49.
Waiting too long can cost you the right to recover anything at all, no matter how strong your case is. Some exceptions can shorten or extend this window, so it is wise to talk with a lawyer early. Acting quickly also helps us preserve the evidence that fades with time.
Catastrophic and Fatal Truck Accident Injuries
A large-truck crash can cause life-changing injuries, and our team is prepared to handle the most serious cases. When a wreck leads to permanent harm or the loss of a loved one, compensation is about securing the care, stability, and justice your family needs.
Severe truck accidents often cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, and other lasting conditions. These injuries can require years of treatment and change how a family lives and works. We build claims that account for the full future cost of that care.
When a crash takes a life, no amount of money can undo the loss. Still, fatal truck accident claims can provide for a family’s financial security and hold the responsible parties accountable. We handle these cases with compassion and care for what your family is going through.
What Is a Truck’s Black Box, and How Can It Help Your Case?
A truck’s black box is an electronic device that records data like speed, braking, and hours driven, and it can be powerful evidence in your claim. This information shows what the truck and driver were doing in the moments before a crash.
Because each system is different, not every lawyer knows how to find and preserve this data. Commercial trucks are required to record and report certain information through several devices. The three most useful are described below.
Electronic Control Modules
An ECM records core functions such as fuel use, engine performance, airbag status, and mechanical warnings. It runs diagnostic checks and alerts the driver to problems through dashboard lights. This data can show whether the truck was well maintained.
Electronic Logging Devices
An ELD tracks a driver’s hours of service by syncing with the engine to record driving, idle, and rest time. Federal rules require these devices so drivers do not exceed their legal driving limits. When a driver logs too many hours, the ELD often proves it.
Event Data Recorders
An EDR captures details in the seconds before, during, and after a crash. It records the truck’s speed, location, braking, and whether the driver used cruise control or a seat belt. This snapshot can be decisive in showing how a wreck happened.
An EDR can capture:
- The truck’s speed before and at impact
- The vehicle’s GPS location
- Braking force and timing
- Steering angle and engine RPM
- Whether the airbag deployed
- Whether the driver wore a seat belt
We know how to request this data quickly and use it to build a clear picture of what went wrong.
Why Choose Richard Schwartz & Associates
Injured people across Mississippi choose us because we pair deep local roots with the resources to take on major trucking companies. For more than 40 years, we have fought for families throughout the state and recovered more than $1 billion for our clients.
From our Jackson office at 162 East Amite St, just steps from the Hinds County Courthouse downtown, we serve drivers across the metro and beyond. We know the roads where these crashes happen, from I-55 and I-20 to the busy stretches near the County Line Road corridor.
Here is what you can count on when you work with us:
- No fee unless we win. You pay nothing up front, and we are only paid if we recover for you.
- Free consultations, 24/7. We are available any time, day or night, to answer your questions.
- Statewide resources. Our team brings the funding and connections needed to stand up to large carriers.
- A track record of results. We have recovered more than $1 billion for injured Mississippians and their families.
When you are ready, we are here to help you take the next step. Call (601) 800-5559 for your free case review, and let us carry the legal burden while you focus on getting better.
FAQs Answered by Our Jackson, MS Truck Accident Lawyers
Here are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from truck accident clients in Jackson.
How much does hiring a Jackson truck accident lawyer cost?
Nothing up front. We work on a contingency-fee basis, which means you pay no fee unless we win your case, and your first consultation is always free. This lets you get strong legal help without adding to your financial stress after a crash.
How soon after a crash should I contact a truck accident attorney?
As soon as possible, ideally within days. Trucking companies begin their own investigations almost immediately, and key evidence like electronic logs and vehicle data can be lost or overwritten quickly. Reaching out early gives us the best chance to preserve the proof your claim depends on.
What should I do when the trucking company’s insurer calls?
Be polite, but avoid giving a recorded statement or accepting any offer before you talk with a lawyer. Insurance adjusters are trained to limit what the company pays, and early statements can be used to reduce your recovery. We can speak with them on your behalf so your words are not used against you.
Can I recover money if I was partly at fault for the crash?
Yes. Mississippi follows pure comparative negligence, so you can still recover even if you share some blame, though your award is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, being 30% at fault means you can recover 70% of your damages.
How long will my Jackson truck accident case take to resolve?
It depends on the facts, but many cases take several months to a few years. Straightforward claims may settle sooner, while serious injuries and disputed liability can take longer. We keep your case moving and keep you informed at every stage.
Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company already made an offer?
Usually, yes. A first offer is often far lower than what your claim is truly worth, especially with serious injuries. We can review the offer for free and tell you honestly whether it reflects the full value of your losses.
One Call, That’s All
If a truck accident has turned your life upside down, help is one call away. At Richard Schwartz & Associates, our Jackson truck accident lawyers are ready to fight for the compensation and justice you deserve.
You do not have to face the insurance companies or the trucking firm alone. We handle everything from preserving evidence to negotiating with insurers, all with no fee unless we win. Our team is available 24/7, and your consultation is always free.
Call (601) 800-5559 or reach out through our contact form to get started today. One call, that’s all.