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You likely have heard the expression “speed kills,” and ample research supports that conclusion. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that over 330,000 people nationwide suffered injuries in speeding accidents during one recent year. That same year, close to 12,000 people died in speeding-related collisions. Speeding semis on interstates are especially dangerous and frequently cause catastrophic or fatal injuries. Let’s look closer at what makes speeding semi-trucks so hazardous, particularly for interstate drivers.
The Dangers of Speeding Semis on Interstates
While speeding is one of the most dangerous behaviors that Mississippi drivers routinely engage in, some factors that make speeding semis on interstates especially hazardous include:
- Large size and weight: Semi-trucks can weigh 10-20 times more than passenger vehicles, which means they hit with greater force in a crash. High speeds further increase the force of impact in a collision. The sheer mass of a speeding truck can cause devastating injuries and extensive property damage.
- Longer stopping distance: A semi-truck requires much more distance to slow down or stop, even under normal conditions. When the driver speeds, the truck’s stopping distance grows, leaving little room to avoid a collision, particularly if another car is stopped in front of the truck.
- Greater risk of rollover: High speeds raise the chance of a truck tipping over, especially when the driver makes sudden steering movements or encounters curves on the interstate. Furthermore, rollovers often spread across multiple lanes and create deadly pileups.
- Reduced reaction times: A speeding driver has less time to react to traffic changes, construction zones, or sudden obstacles. This delay increases the likelihood of catastrophic accidents involving multiple vehicles.
Who’s Liable for a Speeding Truck Accident on an Interstate?
In Mississippi, the person or organization liable for an accident is usually whoever had a duty to prevent the crash and acted carelessly. The potentially liable parties in these cases include:
- The truck driver: Driving over the limit or too fast for traffic conditions often shows carelessness or a lack of proper judgment. Accordingly, a truck driver who chooses to speed on the interstate can be responsible for a resulting collision.
- The trucking company: The truck driver’s employer may share liability if it encouraged a driver to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines or violated federal driver hour regulations. Trucking companies can also be responsible for speeding-related collisions if they hired or kept unsafe drivers on the road.
- Cargo loaders: Improperly balanced or overloaded cargo can make a speeding truck harder to control. If unsafe loading practices contributed to the crash, the loading company may be partly responsible.
- Maintenance providers: A shop that failed to maintain a truck’s brakes, tires, or other critical systems could be liable for a truck accident if poor maintenance led to a collision or worsened the outcome.
- Vehicle or parts manufacturers: If a mechanical defect played a role in the accident, such as faulty brakes, the manufacturer could share responsibility.
What To Do After a Speeding Truck Crash in Mississippi
Once you call 911 and seek medical attention after a truck accident, make sure you hold on to all your medical records, treatment notes, and receipts. Continue following your doctor’s advice and attend every appointment to avoid jeopardizing your health or legal rights.
You should notify your insurance company promptly and provide accurate information about the accident, but don’t speculate about who caused the collision. Avoid giving recorded statements to the trucking company’s insurer without first seeking legal guidance.
Collect your pay stubs or business records if your injuries prevent you from working, since these documents help prove your lost income. Finally, consult a lawyer who handles truck accident cases so they can evaluate your options.
Contact Our Mississippi Truck Accident Lawyers
Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman has almost 100 years of experience representing people in North Mississippi. We understand truck accident cases and can hold the person or company that caused the collision accountable for your injuries. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
