At the law firm of Smith & Holder, PLLC, we’ve seen what happens when trucking companies and drivers don’t take safety seriously. People get hit by massive trucks because someone is exhausted, distracted, or rushing to meet a deadline. People wake up in the hospital, wondering how they’ll pay for everything—the medical bills, the lost paychecks, the uncertainty of how long recovery will take. It’s a lot.
That’s where we come in. A Pascagoula truck accident lawyer from our team can help ensure you aren’t stuck paying for someone else’s reckless choices. Contact us today.
Why Are Truck Wrecks So Bad?
Car accidents are dangerous enough, but throw in an 80,000-pound truck, and everything changes. Here’s why:
- Massive size. A fully loaded semi-truck isn’t just heavy—it’s a rolling battering ram. Even at low speeds, the force is enough to crush a smaller vehicle.
- Drowsy driving. Truckers are supposed to take breaks, but some push limits. Exhaustion slows reaction time, and that split-second delay can cause a wreck.
- Bad loading. If cargo isn’t secured correctly or overloaded, it can shift mid-drive, throwing the truck off balance. That’s how rollovers and jackknife accidents happen.
- Poor maintenance. Brakes, tires, and lights need regular checks, but some trucking companies cut corners. A mechanical failure at the wrong moment can send a truck barreling into traffic.
Every truck wreck has a cause. The question is—who’s responsible for what happened to you?
It’s Not Just the Driver—Who Else Is Responsible?
At first glance, it might seem like the trucker is the only one at fault. However, trucking companies, cargo loaders, and manufacturers can play a role.
- The trucking company. Some companies push drivers to meet impossible schedules. If they pressure drivers to skip rest breaks or ignore safety rules, they should be held accountable.
- The cargo company. If an overloaded or poorly balanced load contributed to the wreck, the company that loaded the truck could be at fault.
- The maintenance crew. If brakes fail, tires blow out, or another mechanical failure occurs, the company in charge of upkeep might be responsible.
These companies will do anything to avoid paying. That’s why the truck accident attorneys at Smith & Holder, PLLC, look at every detail to uncover the truth.
What Can You Get Compensation For?
After a wreck, the bills pile up fast. But it’s not just about money—it’s about making sure you don’t get stuck carrying the weight of someone else’s mistake. Compensation can cover:
- Medical expenses. From ER visits to physical therapy, if the accident forces you to get medical attention, those costs should be covered.
- Lost wages. Your paycheck shouldn’t take a hit if you’re missing work, whether temporarily or long-term.
- Pain and suffering. The physical and emotional toll of a wreck isn’t something you just “get over.” That impact deserves recognition.
- Vehicle damage. If your car was wrecked—or totaled—you shouldn’t have to fight to get it repaired or replaced.
Trucking companies and insurance adjusters will try to pay as little as possible. We don’t let them. Our truck wreck attorney takes on insurance companies, so you don’t get pushed around.
Mississippi Trucking Laws Affecting Your Case
Mississippi law gives accident victims the right to seek financial recovery, but there are rules to be aware of:
- Comparative fault. If you share fault for the accident, the law reduces your compensation based on your level of responsibility. We work to make sure fault is assigned fairly.
- Deadlines to file. You generally have three years to file a claim, but waiting too long can weaken your case. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and trucking companies may rush to cover their tracks.
The sooner you act, the better your chances of getting the full compensation you deserve.
What Makes Truck Wreck Cases Different?
Truck accidents aren’t like regular car crashes. The injuries are usually worse, and the legal side of things gets complicated quickly. Why? Because big trucking companies have entire teams of lawyers working to shut claims down.
These companies have:
- Deep pockets. They can afford to drag things out, hoping you’ll take a low offer to make it all stop.
- Data that can disappear. Trucking companies control a lot of key evidence, like black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records. Knowing the right things to look for and the right questions to ask is vital.
- Insurance companies that play dirty. Their job is to pay as little as possible. They’ll twist your words, downplay your injuries, and push you to settle fast.
Without a strong legal team, you could get far less than you should. That’s why having a truck accident lawyer on your side is so important.
How Our Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help You
We’re not a law firm that treats you like a case number. When you call us, you’ll talk to truck accident attorneys who care about what you’re going through. Attorneys Chris Smith and Morgan Holder will investigate the accident, hold trucking companies accountable, and not let insurance adjusters walk all over you.
If a semi-truck crash injured you, we’ll explain your options and how we can help. No pressure. No nonsense. Just straight answers from a Pascagoula truck accident lawyer who knows how these cases work.
Speak with an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Truck accidents don’t just shake you up for a day or two—they can throw life off course in ways you never saw coming. The last thing you need is an insurance company lowballing you or a trucking company dodging responsibility.
At Smith & Holder, PLLC, we take these cases seriously. Whether a distracted trucker, a reckless company, or a maintenance failure caused your wreck, we go after the truth and make sure you get what you need to move past this.
Call us today or fill out our online form to set up a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer who will advocate for you.
