Understanding Liability and Compensation After a Crash with a Delivery Truck, Semi, or Work Vehicle

Car accidents involving commercial vehicles—such as delivery trucks, semis, utility vehicles, or company cars—present unique challenges for injury victims in Mississippi. These crashes are often more severe due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles, and the process of determining liability is more complex than in typical two-car collisions.

If you’ve been injured in a collision with a commercial vehicle, understanding how liability is assessed and how to pursue compensation can make a major difference in the outcome of your case. Commercial vehicle operators and their employers are held to high safety standards, but their insurance providers are often aggressive in fighting claims.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Mississippi Commercial Vehicle Accident?

Unlike standard accidents involving private vehicles, commercial vehicle crashes may involve multiple liable parties. Determining who is responsible requires a thorough investigation and a clear understanding of state and federal transportation laws.

1. The Commercial Driver

The driver may be at fault for:

• Speeding or reckless driving

• Fatigue from exceeding hours-of-service limits

• Distracted or impaired driving

• Failing to yield or obey traffic signals

• Improper lane changes or wide turns

Commercial drivers are held to a higher standard of care under both Mississippi law and federal regulations enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

2. The Driver’s Employer (Trucking Company or Business Owner)

Employers can be held liable under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, which holds companies responsible for the negligent actions of employees who are acting within the scope of their employment.

Employers may also be independently liable if they:

• Failed to properly train the driver

• Ignored safety violations

• Pressured the driver to meet unreasonable delivery deadlines

• Failed to maintain or inspect the vehicle

• Hired a driver with a poor safety record

3. The Vehicle Manufacturer or Maintenance Company

If the accident was caused by a mechanical failure—such as brake failure or a tire blowout—a parts manufacturer, maintenance provider, or repair shop may be partially or fully liable.

4. The Cargo Loading Company

Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can cause rollovers, jackknife accidents, or spilled loads. If a third party loaded the truck improperly, that company may be liable as well.

Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Mississippi

• Fatigued driving due to over-scheduling or hours-of-service violations

• Inadequate training or supervision by the employer

• Mechanical failures due to poor maintenance

• Distracted driving (e.g., texting, using GPS while driving)

• Speeding to meet delivery deadlines

• Unsafe lane changes or wide turns on narrow Mississippi roads

Commercial vehicles are often equipped with electronic logging devices (ELDs), GPS trackers, and event data recorders. These can be key sources of evidence in proving how the crash occurred and whether rules were violated.

What to Do After a Mississippi Commercial Vehicle Crash

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Prioritize your health and document your injuries. Prompt treatment also helps support your legal claim.

2. Call the Police and Get an Official Report

A police report provides an official record of the accident and may include citations or observations that support your claim.

3. Document the Scene

Take photos of the vehicles, your injuries, road conditions, skid marks, signage, and anything else relevant. If there are witnesses, collect their contact information.

4. Do Not Speak to the Commercial Driver’s Insurance or Employer

The insurance company or trucking company may try to get a recorded statement. Politely decline and direct all communication to your attorney.

5. Consult a Personal Injury Attorney

Commercial vehicle claims are complex. You’ll be dealing with corporate insurers, legal teams, and potentially multiple responsible parties. Legal representation helps level the playing field and ensures evidence is preserved and deadlines are met.

Why Commercial Vehicle Claims Are More Complicated

Commercial vehicle crashes typically involve:

• Larger insurance policies — which means insurers fight harder to limit payouts

• Corporate defendants — with legal teams that try to shift blame or minimize damages

• Federal regulations — that may impact driver schedules, vehicle maintenance, and logging procedures

• Severe injuries — due to the size and weight of commercial trucks

If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries or a wrongful death due to a crash with a commercial vehicle, it’s important to have a legal team that understands both Mississippi personal injury law and federal trucking regulations.

Call Attorney Bill Kellum For a Free Consultation 

If you’ve been injured in a car accident involving a commercial vehicle in Mississippi, don’t go up against the trucking company or their insurer alone. The attorneys at Kellum Law Firm, P.C. know how to investigate these complex claims, preserve critical evidence, and pursue full compensation for your losses. Call our Jackson office at (601) 969-2709 or our Port Gibson office at (601) 590-9000 to schedule a free consultation and protect your legal rights.