At Hearn Law Firm, we understand the effect that devastating truck accidents can have on individuals and their families. Our firm is dedicated to providing victims of truck accidents with the support they need during such a challenging time. Our team is dedicated to advocating for the rights of those affected by these often catastrophic incidents. We leverage our knowledge of Mississippi’s trucking regulations and personal injury law to fight for the justice and compensation our clients deserve.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident in Madison, trust Hearn Law Firm to fight for you. Contact us today for your free consultation.
Why Choose Hearn Law Firm in a Madison Truck Accident
Choosing Hearn Law Firm in your Madison truck accident claim offers distinct advantages. Here’s why Hearn Law Firm stands out as the preferred choice:
- Year of Experience: Our team, led by Philip C. Hearn, brings over twenty-five (25) years of experience handling truck accidents. Our thorough understanding of both state and federal trucking regulations will give you an advantage over the legal counsel of the opposing side.
- Firm Advocacy for Your Rights: We understand the stakes are high in truck accident claims given that they typically lead to significant injuries and losses. We have a reputation in the Madison legal community for being fierce advocates who never back down.
- Commitment to Maximum Compensation: Our goal is not just to win your case, but to secure the maximum compensation possible and get you what you are legally entitled to. We will calculate every avenue possible, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Proven Track Record: We take pride in our firm’s history of successful outcomes. We have numerous referrals from former clients whose results we let speak for themselves.
- No Fee Unless We Win: Our contingency fee structure means that you won’t pay any attorney fees unless we win your case. This policy reflects our confidence in our ability to help you and aligns our interests with a positive outcome for you.
What an Attorney Provides in a Madison Truck Accident Claim
Having a qualified personal injury lawyer in Madison is essential in Madison truck accident claims. Some ways that our experienced staff of attorneys will help include:
- Knowledge of Trucking Regulations: Regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) are crucial for identifying violations that may have contributed to the accident, such as hours of service breaches, improper loading, or maintenance failures.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Truck accident claims require thorough investigations to establish liability. We will collect crucial evidence in the discovery process, such as driver logs, truck maintenance records, and data from electronic logging devices (ELDs).
- Identifying Liable Parties: Due to the complex nature of the trucking industry, multiple parties may be liable in a truck accident. We’ll inform you of the potential defendants to maximize your sources of compensation.
- Negotiations and Litigation: Our Jackson truck accident attorneys are skilled in negotiating with large trucking companies and their insurance carriers. If a fair proposal is not given, we are prepared to litigate your case in court using our experience in the courtroom, understanding of legal procedures, and ability to present a persuasive case.
Vicarious Liability in Madison Truck Accidents
Vicarious liability is a legal principle that allows truck companies to be liable for the actions of their employees. Trucking companies can be held vicariously liable for accidents caused by their drivers when those drivers are acting within the scope of their employment. This means if a truck driver, employed by a trucking company, causes an accident while performing job-related duties, the company can be held responsible for the damages. Trucking companies may also be held liable for their negligence in hiring, supervising, and retaining drivers. If a company fails to conduct proper background checks, ignores a driver’s history of traffic violations, or does not provide adequate training and supervision, and this negligence contributes to an accident, the company can be liable for the resulting damages.
For victims of truck accidents, the principle of vicarious liability increases the potential compensation. Trucking companies typically carry more substantial insurance policies than individual drivers, providing a resource pool for compensating damages. This is particularly important in severe accidents, where the victim’s damages likely exceed the individual driver’s ability to pay.
Trucking Regulations in Madison Truck Accidents
Trucking regulations are established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and complemented by Mississippi state laws. Violation of these regulations can be a clear establishment of liability. Some relevant regulations include:
- Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations: FMCSA’s Hours of Service regulations are found in Title 49, Part 395 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR 395). These rules limit the number of daily and weekly hours a commercial truck driver can drive and mandate rest periods to ensure drivers remain well-rested on the road. For instance, the 11-hour driving limit after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- Vehicle Maintenance Requirements: Maintenance standards are detailed in 49 CFR 396, requiring regular inspection, repair, and maintenance of all commercial motor vehicles to ensure they are in safe and proper working condition.
- Cargo Loading Standards: The FMCSA outlines specific requirements for securing cargo in 49 CFR 393. These regulations specify how different types of cargo should be secured to prevent shifting and spilling, which could lead to accidents. The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) also enforces weight limits on highways under Miss. Code Ann. § 63-5-51.
Contact Our Madison Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident in Madison, it is crucial to understand your rights. At Hearn Law Firm, our experienced truck accident lawyers are ready to help you face the aftermath of your truck accident. We are committed to providing you with the personalized attention and representation needed to compensate you for your injuries and losses. We will effectively navigate the federal trucking laws to make sure they work in your favor. Don’t wait to seek the legal support you need. Contact the experienced Madison truck accident lawyers at Hearn Law Firm today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist you with your claim.