Jackson Truck Accident Attorney

What to Do (and Not Do) After a Commercial Vehicle Collision in Jackson, MS

Being involved in any type of motor vehicle accident is stressful, but when the other vehicle involved is an 18-wheeler, tanker truck, or semi, the aftermath is even more overwhelming. It can be difficult to know what to do next, but the steps you take in the hours, days, and weeks after the accident matter. 

Here's what to do if you were involved in a large truck accident in Jackson or anywhere in Mississippi:

• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: If you are able to, quickly move to safety and call 911. Remember, even seemingly minor injuries should be checked by medical professionals, as some issues may appear hours or days later.
• Report the Crash to Law Enforcement: You should always report commercial vehicle accidents to the police. Most often, when 911 is called, officers make an accident report at the scene, but if this did not happen, you should report the crash to the police right away.
• Document the Scene: If it is safe to do so, take photos of the vehicles involved, the road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect witness statements and contact information if you can. If you were unable to obtain evidence at the scene of the accident, our team can help gather evidence for you.
• Contact an Attorney Right Away: We can begin immediately preserving black box data, obtaining maintenance logs, and take steps to safeguard your rights. The sooner you reach out to our firm, the sooner we can begin building your case. 

Just as there are steps you should take after a commercial vehicle accident, there are also certain mistakes to avoid, as they could potentially jeopardize your recovery:

• Avoid Giving Statements: Refrain from discussing fault or making statements about the accident with anyone except the police. Insurance adjusters and trucking companies often use early statements to minimize their responsibility.
• Do Not Accept a Settlement Without Talking to a Lawyer First: The trucking company or its insurer may pressure you to take a settlement right away, but any early settlement offer is likely going to be far less than what you need and are truly owed. 
• Refrain From Posting About the Accident on Social Media: Avoid posting anything about the accident or your injuries on social media, as this could later be used as evidence against you. Even a seemingly harmless post could come back to haunt you. 

If you were involved in a large truck crash or have a loved one who was injured in a collision with a commercial vehicle, and you are unsure what to do next, we can help. Just reach out, and we can walk you through your next steps.

How We Build Powerful Cases Against Trucking Companies

In Mississippi, truck accident claims are different from other types of personal injury cases. After a crash, trucking companies and their insurance providers usually work fast, conducting their own investigations and doing what they can to minimize payouts. At T. Mark Sledge, Attorney at Law, we work equally fast and fight just as hard to protect our clients. 

While every case is unique, our process usually includes: 

• Rapidly Collecting and Preserving Evidence: We investigate accidents, secure black box data, obtain driver logs, review electronic records, and request maintenance documents right away. This evidence can be decisive when it comes to proving negligence or regulatory violations.
• Strategically Handling Corporate Defenses: Trucking companies often use delay tactics or try to shift blame. We leverage our judicial experience, as well as years in the courtroom, to counter these moves and frame your case for success before judges and juries in Jackson courts.
• Obtaining Expert Testimony: We consult with top investigators, accident reconstruction specialists, and medical professionals who can all provide powerful, concrete evidence to strengthen your claim. Expert witnesses can also help illustrate the full scope of your damages, including projected future losses.
• Preparing Your Case for Trial: Many cases settle before going to trial, but we always prepare for court. This shows the other side that we're serious about getting our clients the just compensation and accountability they deserve. 

Our thorough, proactive approach has played a major role in the verdicts and settlements we have achieved for victims of 18-wheeler accidents and other serious accidents in Jackson and across Mississippi. Everything we do, from gathering evidence to answering your questions, is done with the goal of maximizing your recovery and restoring your physical, financial, and emotional well-being.

Damages in Your Jackson Truck Accident Case

Semi-truck, 18-wheeler, and big rig accidents are often catastrophic, frequently leading to injuries that completely change victims' lives. The emotional, physical, and financial toll is severe, but our goal is always to help clients find stability and security again.

Depending on the specific details of your case, you could be entitled to the following damages:

• Medical expenses, including projected future care costs
• Surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation-related expenses
• Lost income, wages, or employment benefits 
• Loss of earning capacity due to injury or disability 
• Physical and mental pain and suffering 
• Emotional distress and trauma 
• Miscellaneous expenses related to your injuries, such as home modifications or medical travel expenses

At T. Mark Sledge, Attorney at Law, we have secured many multi-million dollar recoveries, including a $100 million verdict in a major injury case and a $4.9 million verdict for an offshore injury. These outcomes have allowed our clients to access the treatment and care they require, support their families, and move forward with greater financial stability and peace of mind. At every stage of the process, our team works to document the full impact of your injuries and pursue every category of damages Missouri law allows.