Being involved in a collision with a commercial truck is overwhelming and frightening. The steps you take immediately after the crash can significantly impact your health, your financial recovery, and your legal rights. A knowledgeable Mississippi commercial truck accident lawyer can help guide you, but there are critical actions you should take from the very beginning.
Call 911 and Prioritize Safety
After a truck accident, call 911 immediately. Law enforcement officers will document the scene, and emergency medical personnel can assess injuries. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, seeking medical attention is essential. Many truck accident injuries — including internal bleeding and traumatic brain injuries — are not immediately apparent.
A Mississippi truck accident lawyer relies heavily on early medical documentation to connect injuries directly to the crash.
Get Medical Treatment and Follow Up
Never refuse medical care after a commercial truck accident. Delayed treatment can be used by insurance companies to argue that your injuries were not serious or were caused by something else. Follow all medical advice and attend follow-up appointments.
Medical records are one of the strongest pieces of evidence a Mississippi commercial truck accident lawyer uses to calculate damages.
Preserve Evidence at the Scene
If you are physically able, take photographs of vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and the truck’s company markings. Obtain contact information for witnesses and note the truck’s DOT number.
This evidence can disappear quickly, which is why commercial truck crash lawyer often sends preservation letters to trucking companies immediately.
Avoid Speaking With Trucking Company Insurers
Trucking companies and their insurers often contact victims within hours of a crash. Their goal is to limit liability, not to protect your interests. Do not provide recorded statements or sign documents without legal advice.
Mississippi truck accident lawyers like our attorneys at Campbell Law handle all communication with insurers to protect your claim.
Understand Mississippi Truck Accident Laws
Mississippi follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. However, insurers aggressively attempt to shift blame.
An experienced Mississippi truck accident lawyer counters these tactics with evidence and expert analysis.
For more information visit the Mississippi Department of Transportation website.
What to Do After Being Hit by a Commercial Truck in Mississippi
1. What should I do immediately after a truck accident?
Call 911, seek medical attention, cooperate with law enforcement, and avoid discussing fault at the scene.
2. Should I go to the hospital even if I feel okay?
Yes. Many serious truck accident injuries are not immediately noticeable, and medical records are crucial for your claim.
3. Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Mississippi follows a pure comparative negligence rule, allowing recovery even if you share fault, though compensation may be reduced.
4. How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Mississippi?
Generally, the statute of limitations is three years, but certain circumstances can shorten or extend this period.
5. What if the truck driver is from another state?
You can still file a claim in Mississippi if the accident occurred there. Federal trucking laws often apply.
6. Will the trucking company contact me directly?
Often, yes. Their insurer may attempt to get a recorded statement or offer a quick settlement.
7. Should I give a recorded statement to the insurer?
No. Always consult a Mississippi truck accident lawyer before speaking with trucking company insurers.
8. What compensation may be available?
Compensation may include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, future treatment costs, and property damage.
9. How long do truck accident cases take?
Some cases resolve in months, while others take longer depending on severity, liability disputes, and whether litigation is required.
10. When should I contact a Mississippi truck accident lawyer?
As soon as possible. Early legal involvement helps preserve evidence and protect your rights.
