Truck Accident Attorneys Holding Responsible Parties Accountable After An Accident
Due to their sheer size and power, truck accidents are typically much more devastating than auto collisions. When a large semi truck collides with a smaller passenger vehicle, the consequences can be catastrophic, resulting in severe injuries for those in the smaller vehicle.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a commercial truck accident, and you believe negligence may be the cause, it’s imperative that you speak with an experienced Mississippi truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Litigating semi truck crash accidents can be complicated for a number of reasons, and only an attorney with experience in this type of law will have the in-depth knowledge of federal regulation laws required to effectively advocate on your behalf.
Our skilled attorneys at Kilpatrick & Philley have years of experience with truck accident cases. We understand the ins and outs of the legal system and can aggressively fight for your rights after a devastating truck accident.
Call the firm at 601-707-4669 today to set up a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
Determining Liability And Advocating For Your Rights
The most important step in filing a truck accident claim is determining liability. At Kilpatrick & Philley, your Mississippi truck accident attorney can help you determine who was at fault for the accident.
To determine liability, an attorney will look at various possible factors, including:
- Truck driver inexperience
- Overworked/tired truck drivers
- Inadequate training
- Mechanical failure
- Loss of control
- Overloaded trucks
- Oversized trucks
- Tire blowouts
- Poorly maintained brakes
- Bad driving conditions
- Aggressive driving
- Suddenly stopped traffic
- Failure to yield
- Poor maintenance/upkeep
- Drug or alcohol use
Once liability is established, your attorney will help you devise a plan for legal action. If you or a loved one was involved in a semi-truck crash that resulted in serious injury or even preventable death, Kilpatrick & Philley will tirelessly strive for the maximum compensation you are owed. We offer open and honest communication, as well as answers to your questions and updates on the status of your case.
Improperly Loaded Trucks Are More Dangerous Than Many People Realize
Before a truck hits the road, trucking companies and their drivers are responsible for loading and securing their cargo. When a company fails to follow Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) laws in regard to cargo, it could put the driver and everyone else on the road at risk. An improperly loaded or overloaded truck can be more difficult to control and may become imbalanced, causing tire blowouts, rollover incidents, brake failure, jackknifing incidents or other part breakdowns. If you were injured in a truck accident as the result of an improperly loaded truck trailer, you may qualify for compensation.
Trucking Weight Regulations
Truck manufacturers assign each vehicle a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, which designates how much weight the vehicle may safely convey. These numbers are determined by the brakes, axles, frame, suspension, and powertrain of the vehicle and what it can safely handle. If a trucking company or driver loads a vehicle beyond its carrying capacity, the results could be disastrous and could put everyone on the road in danger.
Cargo Guidelines For Trucks And Trailers
According to FMCSA loading laws, truck cargo should be loaded according to specific guidelines. These laws vary according to cargo type, weight, and the type of truck or trailer used. In general, cargo should be secured with tie-down restraints; rolling cargo should be restrained with wedges, chocks or cradles; and inflatable bags or shoring bars should be used when necessary in order to prevent cargo from shifting.
Extremely large loads that extend over the back of the vehicle by four inches or more should be marked with colored lights to indicate an overhanging load. Trucks or trailers carrying specialized machines or heavy objects (such as steel beams, crane booms or heavy machinery) should be restrained by specialized restraining systems.
Potential Dangers Of Overloading And Improper Loading
When a truck or trailer is not loaded correctly, the balance or distribution of weight in the vehicle could be extremely dangerous. Trucks transporting chemicals or other potentially dangerous liquids may spill cargo if it is loaded incorrectly, leading to road spills. If the chemicals are flammable, this could be especially dangerous for the truck driver and anyone else on the road.
Loose cargo could swing about in the trailer, which could cause the driver to lose control of the heavy vehicle, possibly leading to a rollover or jackknifing incident. Accidents like these can be catastrophic and often lead to multiple-vehicle incidents that may result in serious or fatal injuries.
Contact Our Jackson Truck Accident Attorneys Today
Need a truck accident attorney in Mississippi? Contact Kilpatrick & Philley today by 601-707-4669 to get started with your free consultation. You can also send us an email.