Jackson Truck Accident Statistics
As the most densely populated region in Jackson, the Jackson Metro Area, encompassing Jackson and Hinds counties, is home to a population of more than 436,000.
The majority of these residents rely on roadways like I-220, I-55, and I-20 for their daily commutes. Given the significant number of semi-trucks and other large vehicles plying these routes, the potential for collisions is extremely high.
Some of the most dangerous roadways in Jackson include:
- US-98/Hardy Street, Hattiesburg
- MS-25/Lakeland Drive, Jackson
- MS-302/Goodman Road, Memphis
- US-90/Bienville Blvd, Biloxi
- US-45, Meridian
- I-20
- I-55
Below are some eye-opening stats regarding truck accidents in Jackson courtesy of the Jackson Department of Transportation (MDOT) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
- 16% of all large commercial truck accidents are caused by over-speeding; only 5% of truck accidents occur in work zones;
- 72% of truck accident victims are occupants of other vehicles;
- One in four truck accidents (27%) occurs on interstates;
- 58% of all deadly large commercial truck crashes happen in rural areas;
- 78% of truck accidents occur during weekdays.
These figures clearly demonstrate the frequency and unexpectedness with which truck accidents can occur in Jackson.
Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in MS
Truck accidents can have devastating consequences due to the immense size and weight of commercial trucks.
Several factors contribute to these accidents in the Magnolia State, including:
- Driver fatigue: One of the leading causes of crashes is prolonged hours on the road without adequate breaks, which can lead to impaired judgment and slower reaction times;
- Distracted driving: Activities like texting, fiddling with the radio, or using GPS can divert a truck driver’s attention, leading to fatal consequences;
- Improper maintenance: Trucks require regular maintenance; neglecting this responsibility can result in a range of malfunctions, from brake failures to tire blowouts;
- Overloading: Trucks carrying cargo beyond their weight limit can become difficult to control, especially during emergency braking situations;
- Speeding and aggressive driving: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway, extends stopping distance, and increases the distance a truck travels while the driver reacts to a dangerous situation;
- Impaired driving: This includes driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, medications, or any other substance that affects driving ability;
- Inadequate training: In some cases, truck drivers aren’t adequately trained for the technical complexities of operating large vehicles;
- Equipment failures: An accident involving equipment failure can be the result of manufacturing defects or poor maintenance standards that lead to mechanical issues;
- Weather conditions: Wet, slippery roads from rain, snow, or ice can make handling a truck difficult, increasing the chances of an accident;
- Poor road conditions: Potholes, uneven road surfaces, or lack of proper signage can be particularly hazardous for large trucks.
Truck drivers – and the motorists around them – must be especially vigilant when driving under adverse conditions like lack of sleep or inclement weather.
Different Classes of Trucks Involved in Accidents in Jackson, MS
In the context of trucks, the term “class” refers to the various weight categories and types of commercial vehicles, as defined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT).
The most common classes of commercial trucks involved in accidents in Jackson are:
- Trash trucks, dump trucks, and garbage trucks
- Semi-trucks
- Big rigs, tractor-trailers, and 18-wheelers
- Cargo trucks
- Fuel tankers
- Concrete trucks
- Box trucks
- School buses
- Tow trucks
The severity and impact of an incident can vary significantly depending on the class of the truck. For instance, an accident involving a tractor-trailer is typically much more catastrophic than one involving a pickup truck, primarily due to the size and weight differences.
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The Most Common Types of Truck Accidents in Jackson
Truck accidents come in many forms, each with its own set of circumstances and potential for destruction. Here are some of the most common types of large truck accidents.
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife occurs when the truck’s trailer folds in on itself, resembling a folding pocket knife. It’s typically caused by abrupt braking or slippery conditions.
Rollovers
Due to their high center of gravity and heavy loads, trucks can easily tip or roll over, especially during sharp turns or when they’re improperly loaded.
Rear-End Collisions
These accidents happen when a truck driver hits another vehicle from behind, often due to distracted driving, brake failure, or following too closely.
Blind Spot Accidents
Large trucks have bigger blind spots than typical passenger cars. Accidents can happen when a driver fails to check these blind spots before changing lanes or merging.
Tire Blowouts
A tire blowout can cause a driver to lose control of their truck, potentially causing it to swerve into other lanes.
Underride Accidents
Underride accidents are particularly dangerous mishaps where a smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of the truck. They often result in severe injuries.
Wide Turn Accidents
Also known as “swinging turn accidents,” these collisions occur when a truck driver swings out left to make a right turn (or vice versa) and crashes into another vehicle.
T-Bone Collisions
T-bone collisions are common at intersections. They happen when a truck hits the side of another vehicle, usually because the driver failed to slow down at a red light or stop sign.
Head-On Collisions
When a truck and another vehicle crash into one another while traveling in opposite directions, it’s known as a head-on collision. These are among the deadliest types of vehicle accidents.
Serious Injuries that Result from Semi-Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can have catastrophic consequences, including injuries that are often more severe than those resulting from standard passenger car collisions.
The following are some of the most serious injuries sustained in truck accidents:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): TBIs can range from concussions to severe brain damage and often have lasting cognitive, physical, and emotional impacts;
- Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, significantly altering the victim’s quality of life;
- Broken or fractured bones: The force of a semi-truck accident can break bones in different parts of the body, requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation;
- Internal injuries: Damage to internal organs, internal bleeding, or ruptured organs can be life-threatening and often call for immediate medical intervention;
- Burns: If a truck is carrying hazardous materials or there’s a post-collision fire, victims can suffer burns of varying degrees;
- Amputations: Extreme accidents can cause limbs to be crushed or severed, sometimes necessitating surgical amputation;
- Neck and back injuries: Whiplash, disc injuries, and other musculoskeletal injuries in the neck and back can produce chronic pain and mobility issues;
- Lacerations and abrasions: Deep cuts from broken glass or metal can lead to significant blood loss, scarring, and potential infections;
- Wrongful death: Tragically, many truck accidents result in fatalities, leaving families grieving the loss of a loved one.
If you or someone you care about has experienced any of these injuries in a collision with a commercial truck in Jackson, a truck accident lawyer can help you seek the financial restitution you need to recover.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for an 18-Wheeler Accident?
Determining responsibility after a truck wreck can be challenging due to the numerous parties involved in the operation, maintenance, and management of these large vehicles. Multiple entities can be held liable, either individually or in combination, depending on the specifics of the accident.
Here are some potential parties that can be held responsible:
- Truck drivers: If the driver acted negligently, made errors, or violated established regulations (like driving under the influence, speeding, or not taking mandatory rest breaks), they could be deemed responsible;
- Trucking company: The truck company may be held liable for various reasons, including negligent hiring practices, inadequate driver training, pushing drivers to violate Hours of Service regulations, or failing to maintain their fleet properly;
- Truck owner: The truck owner, if different from the trucking company, could also be liable, especially if the accident was caused by mechanical issues they should have addressed;
- Cargo loaders/shippers: When improperly loaded or unsecured cargo shifts during transport and causes the driver to lose control, the party responsible for loading the truck may be on the hook legally;
- Maintenance and repair companies: If a third-party maintenance company fails to properly maintain or repair a truck and their negligence leads to an accident, they could be targeted for a lawsuit;
- Truck or parts manufacturer: If a defect in the truck or one of its components caused the accident, the manufacturer of the vehicle or that specific part might be held liable;
- Government entities: When poor road conditions, lack of proper signage, or other infrastructure issues contribute to an accident, the government agency responsible for road maintenance can be held accountable;
- Other drivers: If the actions of another motorist forced the truck into a dangerous situation, that driver might share some or all of the blame.
Determining liability in a truck accident requires thorough investigation, including reviewing logbooks, maintenance records, witness statements, and any available electronic data from the truck’s onboard systems.
Due to the complexity of the circumstances, it’s shrewd to work with a team of Jackson truck accident lawyers experienced in trucking accidents. These professionals will be able to guide you through the legal intricacies of your case.
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What Compensation Can I Receive After a Jackson Truck Accident?
If you’ve been involved in a truck crash in Jackson and another party is found to be at fault, you may be eligible for various forms of compensation. While the specifics can vary based on individual circumstances, there are some general categories of compensation that victims might receive:
Medical Expenses
This includes compensation for hospital bills, doctor visits, surgeries, physical therapy, medication, and any future medical care you may need as a result of the accident.
Lost Wages
If injuries from the accident have left you unable to work, you can seek compensation for the wages you’ve lost. This can also include diminished earning capacity if you can’t return to your previous job or occupation.
Pain and Suffering
Compensation for pain and suffering relates to the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve endured owing to the accident. It can cover both current and anticipated suffering.
Property Damage
This category can compensate you for the damage done to your vehicle, along with any personal property inside it at the time of the accident.
Loss of Consortium
If the accident negatively impacts your relationship with your spouse, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of companionship or the inability to maintain a sexual relationship.
Wrongful Death
If a loved one dies as a result of a truck accident, their family members can pursue compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are awarded in cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly reckless or malicious. The purpose is not just to compensate the victim but also to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future.
It’s vital to consult with an experienced Jackson truck accident attorney to understand the specific types of compensation you stand to receive based on the details of your case.
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Wreck Lawsuit in Jackson?
In Jackson, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit after a truck accident is generally three years from the date of the accident. That means you have three years from the day the incident occurred to initiate legal proceedings. That said, there are some exceptions and nuances to consider.
For example:
- Wrongful death: If an accident results in death, the family or representatives of the deceased have three years from the date of death, not the accident, to file a wrongful death lawsuit;
- Claims against government entities: If you believe a government entity (city, county, or state agency) is at fault, the time frame to file a claim is typically much shorter; in many cases, you must provide notice of the claim within 90 days;
- Minors: If the injured party is a minor, the statute of limitations may be tolled (paused) until they reach the age of majority, after which they typically have three years to file a lawsuit;
- Discovery rule: In cases where the injuries or damages from a truck accident aren’t immediately apparent, the “discovery rule” allows the statute of limitations to start from the date when the injury was discovered.
It’s best to consult a Jackson attorney who deftly handles truck accidents as soon as possible after the incident to ensure that you don’t miss critical deadlines and preserve your right to seek compensation.
Why Should I Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer in Jackson?
Truck accident claims can be complicated, even when it seems clear who’s at fault. Fortunately, the esteemed trial lawyers and personal injury attorneys at Brown, Bass & Jeter are skilled at confronting trucking companies’ crash response teams and insurance representatives.
Our team will identify and interview eyewitnesses and ensure that crucial evidence from the crash scene, such as the driver’s log book, is preserved. We’ll also collaborate with renowned accident reconstructionists to faithfully recreate the accident scene. By doing so, we can prevent the blame from being unfairly shifted to you.
Our firm’s deep understanding of the nuances of truck crashes, combined with our proven negotiation and courtroom prowess, positions us to consistently deliver favorable results for our clients.
