Truck Accidents Demanding accountability from those at fault

Truck Accident Lawyer in Mississippi

Helping After 18-Wheeler & Commercial Trucking Accidents in Jackson, Ridgeland & Throughout Madison County

Few traffic accidents are more destructive than those involving large trucks. Whether it’s an 80,000-pound 18-wheeler, a tanker loaded with hazardous materials, or a local delivery truck, the size and weight of these vehicles make any collision potentially catastrophic.

At T. Mark Sledge, Attorney at Law, we represent victims and families affected by serious truck accidents in Ridgeland and across Madison County. Former Circuit Court Judge Mark Sledge knows how to go toe-to-toe with national trucking companies and the insurers that back them. He understands that these cases are more than just traffic collisions. They are life-changing events that require serious legal representation. When a trucking company deploys investigators to the crash scene within hours, you deserve a legal team that moves just as fast.

For the answers and help you need, call Mississippi truck accident attorney Mark Sledge: (601) 768-2165. You can also reach out online.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Truck Accident in Mississippi?

Truck accident cases are rarely straightforward. Multiple parties may be legally liable, including the truck driver, the trucking company, a third-party maintenance provider, the company responsible for loading the cargo, or even a vehicle or parts manufacturer.

In one case handled by our firm, we uncovered that a second truck involved in the crash—operated by Trimac Transportation South—had a driver who had already been on the road for over 12.5 hours, in violation of federal law. Though their defense claimed heroism because the driver avoided striking our client’s girlfriend (who was thrown from the pickup truck when it was rear-ended), we proved that safer choices were available and that negligence played a role.

Proving Negligence in a Truck Accident Claim

If you were injured in a large commercial vehicle crash, or if your loved one was killed by a negligent truck driver, you deserve justice and fair compensation for your damages. But to win your case, you must prove that the defendant—whether the operator of the truck, the company that owns or leases the truck, or some other party—was somehow negligent.

To prove your case, you must prove the following elements:

Duty of Care: You (with the help of your Ridgeland truck accident attorney) must show that the defendant owed you a “duty of care.” This means that they had a legal responsibility to take and/or avoid certain actions that could cause foreseeable harm. For example, a trucking company has a duty to maintain its fleet, truck drivers must follow the rules of the road, and parts manufacturers must create safe systems free of design flaws that put others at risk.
Breach: You and your attorney must prove that the defendant not only owed you a duty of care but also that they breached this duty, usually by acting negligently or wrongfully. A truck driver who gets behind the wheel while intoxicated or a trucking company that turns a blind eye to hours-of-service violations have both breached their respective duties of care, putting innocent people in harm's way.
Injury: To have a case, you and your attorney will need to demonstrate that you were, in fact, injured. This includes both physical injuries and other types of “injuries,” such as emotional distress or trauma. You'll need to prove that your injuries led to measurable losses, such as medical bills or lost income, for which you can be compensated. Intangible losses, like pain and suffering, are also considered “compensable damages.”
Causation: Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, you will need to demonstrate the connection between the defendant's negligent or wrongful conduct and your injuries. In other words, you'll have to show that, if not for the defendant's actions, you would not have been injured. If the truck driver had not violated hours-of-service rules and fallen asleep at the wheel because he was fatigued, if the trucking company had properly maintained its vehicles and found the defective part that caused the crash, you would have never been injured.

At T. Mark Sledge, Attorney at Law, we know how to prove these complex cases. When you need a truck accident lawyer in Ridgeland who understands the law and has real, proven experience getting results, choose our firm. We are here to answer your questions and provide the clarity and guidance you need during this difficult time.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Mississippi’s major trucking corridors, including I-55, I-20, and Highway 49, see a high volume of commercial traffic. In Ridgeland, truck routes near distribution centers, industrial parks, and construction zones pose unique hazards to drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike.

Truck crashes can happen for many reasons, but they’re often the result of preventable negligence, including:

Driver fatigue, often due to pressure to exceed federal hours-of-service limits
Distracted or impaired driving
Speeding or reckless maneuvers
Inadequate driver training or negligent hiring practices
Equipment failures due to poor maintenance
Improperly secured cargo

In one case handled by our firm, a Thompson Transportation driver rear-ended a pickup truck on I-55 after already being involved in another crash the day before. Our investigation revealed that the driver of the 18-wheeler had been speeding. He was ultimately fired.

Types of Trucks Involved in Collisions

Mississippi truck accident attorney Mark Sledge handles cases involving all types of commercial vehicles, including:

18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, and semi-trucks
Refrigerated trucks and dry vans
Flatbed and tanker trucks
Dump trucks and garbage trucks
Delivery vans (Amazon, UPS, FedEx)
Box trucks and utility vehicles

Each type of truck comes with its own set of risks and regulatory requirements. We understand the standards and safety laws that apply to each. What's more, we know how to prove negligence and demonstrate the full extent of your damages, allowing us to seek full and fair compensation for your losses.

Damages in Mississippi Truck Accident Cases

When they are involved in accidents with other, smaller motor vehicles, like passenger cars and pickup trucks, large commercial trucks and vans often cause extensive damage. Survivors may be left with catastrophic injuries, life-changing trauma, and significant financial challenges they never expected. When these crashes are fatal, it's the families that are left to deal with the aftermath. But by filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, you can seek compensation for your losses.

While every case is different, truck accident claims often involve the following damages:

Medical bills
Hospital stays
Prescriptions
Rehabilitative services
Projected future care
Lost income/wages
Loss of earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional trauma
Loss of consortium

If someone else was to blame, you deserve to be compensated for the physical, financial, and emotional suffering you have experienced. Reach out to a truck accident lawyer in Ridgeland today to learn more. T. Mark Sledge, Attorney at Law offers free consultations and contingency fees, so you pay nothing unless we win your case. We proudly represent clients throughout Mississippi.

Not Just Motorists: Protecting Pedestrians & Truck Drivers

Truck crashes don’t only affect drivers of other vehicles. Pedestrians and cyclists can be seriously injured or killed in crosswalk collisions or when trucks make wide turns. Even truck drivers themselves may be victims, particularly when their employer pushes unsafe schedules or fails to properly maintain equipment. In fact, truck drivers are often left with serious injuries after a crash and with few options. For those that qualify for workers' compensation, benefits may fall far short of what an injured driver really needs.

If you were injured while driving a commercial vehicle, you may have a third-party work injury case outside of workers' compensation—especially if another party was responsible for the crash. If you were involved in a truck accident as a pedestrian or cyclist, or lost a loved one in a tragic commercial vehicle collision, you have options and you deserve answers. We can help you understand your rights and what comes next.

Truck Accidents Are Dangerous

And Occupants of Other Vehicles Usually Pay the Price

The average passenger vehicle weighs about 4,000 pounds. A fully loaded tractor-trailer weighs 20 times that. When they collide, the outcome is rarely fair. Truck accidents often cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, severe fractures, internal organ trauma, and fatalities—primarily involving the occupants of other vehicles. According to large truck accident statistics compiled by the National Safety Council (NSC), 70% of injuries and deaths in 2023 were occupants of other vehicles, not trucks.

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$8,000,000 18-Wheeler Accident

From Circuit Court Judge to Personal Injury Advocate Driven to Make a Real Difference for You

For over 15 years, Mark has actively represented plaintiffs in major mass tort cases, including breast implant and phen-phen litigation, leading successful drug litigation such as Parlodel, Duract, and Stadol, securing strong recoveries for his clients. From Circuit Court Judge to Personal Injury Advocate — Driven to Make a Real Difference for You

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Why You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer Early On

Trucking companies often have teams of lawyers and crash response investigators on call 24/7. Their job is to start building a defense before the victim has even left the hospital. That’s why it’s critical to involve an attorney as soon as possible.

At T. Mark Sledge, Attorney at Law, we act fast to:

Send preservation-of-evidence letters
Secure black box (ECM) data
Analyze hours-of-service logs and dispatch records
Review truck maintenance logs
Interview eyewitnesses and reconstruct the crash

Our aggressive approach helps level the playing field for injured victims and ensures no opportunity for justice is missed.

At T. Mark Sledge, Attorney at Law, we don’t let trucking companies and their insurers call the shots. If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a crash with an 18-wheeler or other commercial vehicle, we’re here to fight for the answers and compensation you deserve.

Call (601) 768-2165 for a free consultation with a local trucking accident lawyer in Mississippi who cares about you and the outcome of your case.

Mississippi Truck Accident FAQ

What Should I Do After a Truck Accident?

The first step after any accident is to check yourself and others for injuries. Seek immediate medical attention, even if it seems like you are not seriously injured. In many cases, victims are severely and obviously injured, but even minor injuries can have lasting impacts, so you should always see a medical provider after a truck accident. Once you have sought medical care, report the accident to the police. If you were transported to a hospital or other healthcare facility, this was likely done at the scene of the accident, but it's a good idea to make sure an official report was filed. You can also request a copy of that report, which can serve as valuable evidence for your claim.

Avoid speaking to anyone from the trucking company or their insurance provider. Often, trucking companies will dispatch investigators and insurance adjusters mere hours after an accident to try to get victims to agree to settlements before the full scope of damages can be determined. DO NOT sign anything or agree to a settlement before first speaking with a Mississippi truck accident lawyer. It is always in your best interests to talk to legal counsel before taking any money from the trucking company or any other liable party.

How Much Is my Truck Accident Case Worth?

The value of your claim depends on many factors unique to your case, such as the severity of your injuries and the cost of your medical care, whether your injuries stopped you from working, if you are able to return to work once you reach maximum medical improvement, how much income you lost if you were out of work, and the overall impact of your injuries on your daily life, including the amount of pain and suffering they have caused, whether they limit your ability to care for yourself, and whether they have forced you to make modifications to your home or hire in-home assistance or care. At T. Mark Sledge, Attorney at Law, we carefully evaluate the many ways in which your injuries have affected your life. Then, we present this evidence in a way that clearly demonstrates what you have lost and what it will take to make you “whole” again.

Will I have to Go To Court?

Not necessarily; many truck accident cases settle outside of court. When a case settles, it means that both parties, the defendant and the plaintiff (the person bringing the claim), agree on the amount the defendant will pay to the plaintiff. However, if the defendant offers a lowball settlement or simply refuses to pay what you are owed, our Mississippi truck accident attorney is fully prepared to take your case to trial. Often, this is the only way to fight for a truly fair amount that actually covers your damages.

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Mississippi?

In most cases, you have three years to file a truck accident lawsuit in Mississippi. This three-year statute of limitations usually begins on the date of the accident. However, there are some exceptions. It's always a good idea to talk to a lawyer right away so that they can begin investigating your case and gathering critical evidence to support your claim. Remember: the trucking company will likely start its investigation immediately. You want an attorney by your side who can work just as fast to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

How Much Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Cost?

At T. Mark Sledge, Attorney at Law, we offer our legal services on a contingency fee basis. This means that our fees are contingent on us winning your case; if we don't recover compensation for you, you do not pay. This means there are no out-of-pocket costs for you and no financial obligations to our firm if we are not successful in securing a settlement or verdict on your behalf. Get in touch with our truck accident attorney in Ridgeland to learn more.

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