Dealing with the aftermath of a Tupelo truck accident requires the guidance of a seasoned legal professional. At Hearn Law Firm, we have over twenty-five (25) years of experience and we are ready to assist you. With more than hundreds of cases handled in truck accident litigation, we know what it takes to be successful in these cases, from deciphering federal and state transportation laws to challenging large trucking companies. Our dedicated Tupelo personal injury lawyers are committed to advocating for victims who have suffered due to truck accidents. We will make sure you receive the compensation you need for recovery and rebuilding. With an understanding of the Tupelo legal landscape and a proven track record of success, Hearn Law Firm is your trusted ally in seeking justice for your claim. Contact our Tupelo truck accident lawyers today for your free consultation.
Why Hearn Law Firm is the Choice for a Tupelo Truck Accident Claim
Choosing Hearn Law Firm for your Tupelo truck accident claim brings numerous advantages. Here’s why Hearn Law Firm stands out as the premier choice for your representation in a Tumelo truck accident:
- Knowledge of Trucking Laws: Our Tupelo truck accident attorneys understand the nuances of federal truck regulations. This experience allows us to shape the arguments so that these laws are in your favor.
- Personalized Client Focus: At Hearn Law Firm, our clients are not just case numbers. We pride ourselves on our personalized approach, ensuring each client receives the attention, respect, and dedication they deserve. Our founder Philip C. Hearn is a University of Mississippi law school graduate who is committed to serving members of the Tupelo community.
- Proven Track Record: We let our firm’s history of successful outcomes in truck accident claims speak for itself. Our success for our clients is a reflection of our dedication and persistence to getting our clients the most favorable result possible.
- No Upfront Costs: Our firm understands the financial strain that follows a truck accident. Hearn Law Firm operates on a contingency fee basis. This means our clients pay no upfront legal fees. We win if you win, aligning our success with yours.
How a Lawyer Assists in a Tupelo Truck Accident Claim
A Tupelo truck accident lawyer is crucial to helping victims secure just compensation following a Tupelo Truck Accident. Our lawyers will use their negotiation skills and knowledge of truck regulations to assist you. Here’s how we can help:
- Gather the Evidence for Your Case: Our lawyers will gather the evidence to strengthen your claims, including police reports, witness statements, trucking company records, driver logs, and black box data from the truck.
- Understanding Federal Truck Regulations: Truck accidents are governed by a complex web of federal regulations by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Our lawyers understand how these regulations, such as hours of service for drivers, maintenance standards, and load requirements, can be used to your benefit.
- Handling Insurance Negotiations and Litigation: Insurance companies will look to offer you a low-ball amount for your accident. Our lawyers will not back down and will negotiate for the compensation you deserve. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we will take your claim to court.
- Determining the Valuation of your Claim: Truck accidents frequently result in severe injuries or fatalities, leading to complex calculations for damages. Our lawyers will assess both the economic and non-economic damages in your claim, including future medical costs, loss of earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering.
Insurance Requirements in Tupelo Truck Accident Claims
The insurance requirements for commercial trucks are listed in 49 CFR § 387.9 and enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. These regulations are designed to ensure sufficient coverage for damages resulting from accidents. These regulations set minimum insurance levels based on cargo type:
- General Freight: Trucks transporting non-hazardous materials across state lines must carry a minimum of $750,000 in liability insurance.
- Hazardous Materials: Depending on the specific type of hazardous material being transported, trucks may be required to have insurance coverage ranging from $1,000,000 to $5,000,000. This requirement ensures a higher level of coverage due to the increased risk and potential for damage associated with transporting hazardous substances.
- Oil Transport: Trucks carrying oil for transport must have a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance.
- Other Hazardous Substances: For trucks transporting certain hazardous materials, including explosives and toxic substances, a minimum of $5,000,000 in liability insurance is required.
Compliance with these insurance levels is crucial for the protection of all road users and can significantly impact the compensation process for accident victims.
Comparative Negligence in Tupelo Truck Accident Claims
Mississippi follows the pure comparative negligence rule, as detailed in Mississippi Code Ann. § 11-7-17:
“In all actions hereafter brought for personal injuries, or where such injuries have resulted in death, or for injury to property, the fact that the person injured, or the owner of the property, or person having control over the property may have been guilty of contributory negligence shall not bar a recovery, but damages shall be diminished by the jury in proportion to the amount of negligence attributable to the person injured, or the owner of the property, or the person having control over the property.”
Under pure comparative negligence, if a plaintiff is determined to have contributed to the cause of the accident, their compensation is adjusted to reflect their degree of fault. For instance, in a truck accident where the plaintiff is found to be 20% responsible for a collision due to failing to signal a lane change, and the damages amount to $100,000, the plaintiff’s recoverable compensation would be reduced by 20%, resulting in an award of $80,000.
Contact Our Tupelo Truck Accident Attorney Today
If you’ve been involved in a Tupelo truck accident, don’t face the challenge alone. The complexities of truck accident claims require the legal skill of an experienced attorney. At Hearn Law Firm, PLLC, we are here to provide the comprehensive support and representation you need. With an understanding of the legal intricacies of truck accidents, including insurance regulations and liability, our firm is committed to advocating for your rights to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. We aim to make the legal process as smooth and effective as possible for our clients. Contact Hearn Law Firm today to discuss your case and how we can help you move forward from this challenging time.