Pascagoula Trucking Accidents
Lawyer Aiding Parties Hurt in Pascagoula Trucking Accidents in the Pursuit of Justice
Pascagoula is a major industrial and shipping center on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, home to shipyards, refineries, and manufacturing facilities that rely heavily on the movement of goods by commercial trucks. As a result, the city’s roadways are regularly traveled by large trucks transporting equipment, raw materials, and finished products throughout the region. While all motorists have an obligation to drive safely, serious truck accidents nonetheless occur frequently on heavily trafficked routes like U.S. Route 90, Chicot Street, and Highway 613, as well as near the entrances to the Port of Pascagoula and major industrial parks. Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, collisions involving these vehicles are often severe and may result in life-altering injuries or fatalities. Although numerous factors can contribute to a crash, the root cause is often negligence, and if you or someone you love was hurt in such a collision, you should speak to an attorney regarding your rights. J. Michael Parsons of Parsons Law Group is a capable Pascagoula trucking accident attorney who dedicates his practice to helping victims of catastrophic crashes, and if he represents you, he will fight to help you seek the results you deserve.
Obtaining a Police Report for a Pascagoula Trucking Accident
It is smart for anyone involved in a Pascagoula trucking accident to obtain a police report for the collision, as it is a critical step in preserving evidence. This report typically contains important information such as the time and location of the accident, the names of the parties involved, the statements of witnesses, and the responding officer’s preliminary conclusions. In Pascagoula, police reports for accidents occurring within city limits can be requested from the Pascagoula Police Department, located at 611 Live Oak Avenue, Pascagoula, Mississippi 39567. The department may be contacted at (228) 762-2211. When requesting a report, be prepared to provide the report number if known, or other details such as the date and location of the crash. Reports are generally available within several business days.
Liability for Trucking Accidents Under Mississippi Law
A person injured in a truck accident may be able to recover damages for their losses, but to do so, they typically must demonstrate that their injuries were caused by another party’s negligence. In Mississippi, negligence is comprised of four components: a duty, breach, causation, and damages. The plaintiff must establish each component to prove liability. The duty owed may be to act with reasonable care under the circumstances, or to comply with a motor vehicle statute, or federal safety regulations. These regulations, issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, establish standards for driver training, hours of service, weight limits, and vehicle inspections. A breach of this duty can take many forms, such as distracted or impaired driving, speeding, failure to inspect or maintain the vehicle, or violations of laws or regulations. Causation is established by showing that the accident would not have occurred if the defendant had not breached the duty owed. Damages constitute actual harm.
If the truck driver was operating within the scope of their employment at the time of the crash, the trucking company may be held legally responsible under the doctrine of vicarious liability. The company may also be independently liable for negligent hiring, training, or supervision. Because truck accident cases often involve multiple parties and complex regulations, legal representation is essential to properly investigate the circumstances of the crash and determine who may be held accountable.
Compensation Available After a Pascagoula Trucking Accident
Mississippi law permits individuals harmed by negligence to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages may include past and future medical expenses, lost income, and the cost of rehabilitation or assistive services. Non-economic damages may be awarded for physical pain, emotional suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and disfigurement. In some cases, a spouse may also be entitled to recover damages for the loss of companionship or support.
Speak With a Trusted Pascagoula Trucking Accident Lawyer
Pascagoula’s role as a center of commerce and industry makes it particularly vulnerable to serious truck accidents, and people involved in such crashes often suffer permanent losses. If you were injured in a Pascagoula trucking accident, you have the right to pursue damages, and it is advisable to consult an attorney about your potential claims. Attorney J. Michael Parsons of Parsons Law Group is a trusted Pascagoula trucking accident attorney with extensive experience helping victims of negligence recover damages, and if you hire him, he will advocate aggressively on your behalf. Mr. Parsons’ office is located in Gulfport, and he regularly represents injured parties in lawsuits in Pascagoula, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, and in New Orleans, Louisiana. To schedule a free and confidential consultation, contact our office at (228) 687-0011 or reach out through our website.