18-Wheeler & Trucking Accident Attorneys in Hancock County, Mississippi

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Everything

The impact was catastrophic. One moment you’re driving through Hancock County on I-10, heading toward the Gulf Coast or maybe crossing into Louisiana. The next, an 18-wheeler is jackknifing across three lanes, or barreling through a red light, or drifting into your lane because the driver hasn’t slept in 18 hours.

Every 16 minutes, someone in America is injured in a commercial truck crash. On Hancock County’s busy corridors—where I-10 carries freight from the Port of Gulfport to New Orleans and beyond—that risk is even higher. The Mississippi Gulf Coast’s position as a shipping and logistics hub means heavy truck traffic, tight delivery schedules, and drivers pushed to their limits.

If you’re reading this, you or someone you love has already experienced this nightmare. The medical bills are mounting. The trucking company’s insurance adjuster has already called—probably more than once. And you’re wondering if you’ll ever get back to normal.

You won’t face this alone. At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for trucking accident victims across Mississippi and the Gulf South. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes. And our team includes a former insurance defense attorney—Lupe Peña—who spent years inside the system watching adjusters minimize claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. The consultation is free. You pay nothing unless we win. And we’ll send a spoliation letter within 24 hours to preserve the evidence that will prove your case.

Why Hancock County 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

Hancock County sits at a critical junction of American freight movement. The Port of Gulfport—just minutes from Bay St. Louis and Waveland—handles millions of tons of cargo annually. That cargo doesn’t stay at the port. It moves by truck up I-10 toward New Orleans, across I-59 toward Hattiesburg and Meridian, and throughout the Southeast.

This geographic reality creates unique dangers for Hancock County drivers:

Heavy Port Traffic: Container trucks leaving the Port of Gulfport often run on tight schedules. Drivers may violate federal hours-of-service regulations to meet delivery windows. They may speed on I-10 or take risks at the I-10/I-59 interchange near Diamondhead.

Hurricane Evacuation Routes: When storms threaten the Gulf Coast, I-10 becomes a massive evacuation corridor. Mixing thousands of passenger vehicles with heavy freight trucks creates dangerous congestion—and accidents when drivers panic or trucks can’t stop in time.

Tourism and Casino Traffic: Hancock County’s casinos and beach communities draw visitors year-round. Tourists unfamiliar with local roads, combined with casino shuttle buses and delivery trucks, create complex traffic patterns where accidents happen.

Rural Road Conditions: Outside the interstate corridors, Hancock County’s rural highways—MS 43, MS 53, MS 603—may lack the safety features of major highways. Narrow lanes, limited shoulders, and poor lighting contribute to accidents, especially when trucks exceed safe speeds.

We know these roads. We’ve investigated accidents at the I-10/I-59 split, on the Bay St. Louis bridge approaches, and along the port access corridors. This local knowledge, combined with our understanding of federal trucking regulations, gives us an advantage in building your case.

The 10 Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Hancock County

Not all trucking accidents are the same. Each type involves different causes, different liable parties, and different legal strategies. At Attorney911, we’ve handled every type of 18-wheeler accident on Mississippi’s roads.

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer and cab skid in opposite directions, with the trailer folding at an angle like a pocket knife. On I-10 through Hancock County, where sudden braking can occur due to traffic congestion near the port or weather conditions, jackknives are particularly dangerous.

Why They Happen: Sudden or improper braking, especially on wet roads. Speeding on curves. Empty or lightly loaded trailers that are more prone to swing. Brake system failures.

The Evidence We Pursue: Skid mark analysis showing trailer angle. Brake inspection records. ELD data showing speed before braking. ECM data for brake application timing.

FMCSA Violations: 49 CFR § 393.48 (brake system malfunction), 49 CFR § 392.6 (speeding for conditions).

Rollover Accidents

An 18-wheeler tips onto its side or roof. Given the truck’s high center of gravity and Hancock County’s mix of interstate curves and rural highway turns, rollovers pose serious risks.

Why They Happen: Speeding on curves, ramps, or turns. Improperly secured or unevenly distributed cargo. Liquid cargo “slosh” shifting center of gravity. Overcorrection after tire blowout.

The Evidence We Pursue: ECM data for speed through curve. Cargo manifest and securement documentation. Load distribution records. Driver training records on rollover prevention.

FMCSA Violations: 49 CFR § 393.100-136 (cargo securement violations), 49 CFR § 392.6 (exceeding safe speed).

Underride Collisions

A smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of an 18-wheeler and slides underneath. The trailer height often shears off the passenger compartment at windshield level. These are among the most fatal accidents on Mississippi highways.

Why They Happen: Inadequate or missing underride guards. Worn or damaged rear impact guards. Truck sudden stops without adequate warning. Low visibility conditions.

The Evidence We Pursue: Underride guard inspection and maintenance records. Rear lighting compliance documentation. Guard installation and certification records.

Critical Legal Issue: While 49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998, there is NO federal requirement for side underride guards—despite their proven life-saving potential.

Rear-End Collisions

An 18-wheeler strikes the back of another vehicle, or a vehicle strikes the back of a truck. Due to the truck’s massive weight and longer stopping distances, these accidents cause devastating injuries.

Why They Happen: Following too closely. Driver distraction. Driver fatigue and delayed reaction. Excessive speed. Brake failures from poor maintenance.

The Evidence We Pursue: ECM data showing following distance and speed. ELD data for driver fatigue analysis. Cell phone records for distraction evidence. Brake inspection records.

FMCSA Violations: 49 CFR § 392.11 (following too closely), 49 CFR § 392.3 (operating while fatigued), 49 CFR § 392.82 (mobile phone use).

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

An 18-wheeler swings wide before making a right turn, creating a gap that other vehicles enter. The truck then completes its turn, crushing the vehicle in the gap. Common at intersections near Hancock County’s port facilities and distribution centers.

Why They Happen: Failure to properly signal. Inadequate mirror checks. Improper turn technique. Driver inexperience with trailer tracking.

The Evidence We Pursue: Turn signal activation data from ECM. Mirror condition and adjustment records. Driver training records on turning procedures.

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)

An 18-wheeler changes lanes without seeing a vehicle in one of its four major blind spots. The right-side blind spot is especially dangerous—larger than the left and directly where passenger vehicles often travel.

Why They Happen: Failure to check mirrors. Improperly adjusted or damaged mirrors. Driver distraction during lane changes. Driver fatigue affecting awareness.

The Evidence We Pursue: Mirror condition and adjustment at time of crash. Lane change data from ECM/telematics. Turn signal activation records.

FMCSA Requirements: 49 CFR § 393.80 requires mirrors providing clear view to rear on both sides.

Tire Blowout Accidents

A tire on an 18-wheeler suddenly fails, causing loss of control. Debris from the blown tire can strike other vehicles. Mississippi’s heat and humidity, combined with heavy port traffic, create conditions where tire failures occur.

Why They Happen: Underinflated tires causing overheating. Overloaded vehicles. Worn or aging tires. Road debris punctures. Manufacturing defects.

The Evidence We Pursue: Tire maintenance and inspection records. Tire age and wear documentation. Vehicle weight records from weigh stations.

FMCSA Requirements: 49 CFR § 393.75 (tire requirements), 49 CFR § 396.13 (pre-trip inspection must include tire check).

Brake Failure Accidents

The braking system fails or underperforms, preventing the driver from stopping in time. Brake problems factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes.

Why They Happen: Worn brake pads not replaced. Improper brake adjustment. Air brake system leaks. Overheated brakes on long descents. Deferred maintenance to save costs.

The Evidence We Pursue: Brake inspection and maintenance records. Out-of-service inspection history. ECM data showing brake application and effectiveness.

FMCSA Requirements: 49 CFR § 393.40-55 (brake system requirements), 49 CFR § 396.3 (systematic inspection and maintenance).

Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Hancock County Trucking Accident

Most law firms only sue the driver and trucking company. We investigate every potentially liable party—because more defendants means more insurance coverage means higher compensation for you.

The Truck Driver

The driver who caused your accident may be personally liable for negligent conduct: speeding, distracted driving, fatigued driving beyond legal limits, impaired driving, or failure to conduct proper inspections.

We pursue the driver’s complete history: driving record, ELD data showing hours of service, drug and alcohol test results, cell phone records, previous accidents, and training records.

The Trucking Company / Motor Carrier

This is often your most important defendant. Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in insurance—far more than individual drivers.

We hold them liable through:

Vicarious Liability: The driver was their employee, acting within the scope of employment.

Direct Negligence:

Negligent Hiring: Failed to check the driver’s background or qualifications
Negligent Training: Inadequate safety training on cargo securement, hours of service
Negligent Supervision: Failed to monitor driver performance and ELD compliance
Negligent Maintenance: Failed to maintain vehicles in safe condition
Negligent Scheduling: Pressured drivers to violate federal rest regulations

We subpoena their complete records: Driver Qualification Files, dispatch logs showing schedule pressure, CSA safety scores, previous violations, and safety culture documentation.

The Cargo Owner / Shipper

The company that owned the cargo being transported may be liable if they:

Provided improper loading instructions
Required overweight loading to maximize profit
Pressured the carrier to expedite delivery beyond safe limits
Failed to disclose hazardous cargo properties

We examine shipping contracts, bills of lading, loading instructions, and weight certification records.

The Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading companies that physically loaded cargo onto the truck may be liable for:

Improper cargo securement violating 49 CFR 393
Unbalanced load distribution causing rollover risk
Failure to use proper blocking, bracing, or tiedowns
Inadequate loader training on federal requirements

We pursue loading company procedures, training records, and securement equipment specifications.

Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

The companies that built the truck or trailer may be liable for:

Design defects in brake systems, stability control, or fuel tank placement
Manufacturing defects like faulty welds or component failures
Failure to warn of known dangers
Defective safety systems (ABS, ESC, collision warning)

We research recall notices, NHTSA complaint databases, and similar defect patterns.

Parts Manufacturers

Companies that made specific components may be liable for defective:

Brakes or brake components
Tires causing blowouts
Steering mechanisms
Lighting components
Coupling devices

We preserve failed components for expert analysis and research recall histories.

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers may be liable for:

Negligent repairs that failed to fix known problems
Failure to identify critical safety issues during inspections
Improper brake adjustments
Using substandard or incorrect parts
Returning vehicles to service with known defects

We examine maintenance work orders, mechanic qualifications, and parts used.

Freight Brokers

Brokers who arranged the transportation may be liable for:

Negligent selection of carriers with poor safety records
Failure to verify carrier insurance and operating authority
Failure to check carrier CSA scores before hiring
Selecting cheapest carrier despite known safety concerns

We pursue broker-carrier agreements and selection criteria documentation.

Government Entities

Federal, state, or local government may share liability for:

Dangerous road design contributing to the accident
Failure to maintain roads (potholes, debris, worn markings)
Inadequate signage for known hazards
Failure to install safety barriers
Improper work zone setup

Special rules apply: shorter deadlines, notice requirements, and sovereign immunity limits.

The Evidence That Wins Hancock County Trucking Cases

Trucking companies don’t wait to build their defense. Neither should you. Critical evidence disappears fast—and once it’s gone, you can’t get it back.

The 48-Hour Rule

Within 48 hours of a trucking accident, we take immediate action:

Evidence Type	Risk of Loss	Our Action
ECM/Black Box Data	Overwrites in 30 days	Demand immediate download
ELD Records	May be retained only 6 months	Subpoena preservation
Dashcam Footage	Often deleted in 7-14 days	Send preservation notice
Surveillance Video	Business cameras overwrite in 7-30 days	Canvass and secure
Witness Memory	Fades significantly within weeks	Interview immediately
Physical Evidence	Vehicle may be repaired, sold, or scrapped	Photograph and inspect

The Spoliation Letter: Your Evidence Insurance Policy

A spoliation letter is a formal legal notice we send within 24 hours of being retained. It puts the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties on notice that they must preserve all evidence related to your accident.

Once they receive our letter, destroying evidence becomes spoliation—a serious legal violation. Courts can:

Instruct juries to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable to the trucking company
Impose monetary sanctions
Enter default judgment in extreme cases
Award punitive damages for intentional destruction

Electronic Data: The Smoking Gun

Commercial trucks are rolling data centers. The electronic evidence we pursue often contradicts what drivers claim happened:

ECM/Black Box Data Records:

Speed before and during the crash
Brake application timing and pressure
Engine RPM and throttle position
Cruise control status
Steering inputs
Seatbelt usage

ELD (Electronic Logging Device) Data Proves:

Exactly how long the driver was on duty
Whether required breaks were taken
Hours of service violations
GPS location history
Any falsification of logs

Why This Data Wins Cases:

A driver might claim: “I wasn’t speeding. I hit my brakes immediately. I was well-rested.”

The ECM data might show: 72 mph in a 65 zone. No brake application for 4.2 seconds after collision warning. ELD showing 14.5 hours on duty with no 30-minute break.

This objective, tamper-resistant data has led to multi-million dollar verdicts in trucking cases nationwide.

The Records We Subpoena

Our evidence preservation demands include:

Driver Records:

Complete Driver Qualification File
Employment application and background check
Three-year driving history from previous employers
Medical certification and exam records
Drug and alcohol test results (pre-employment and random)
Training documentation and performance reviews

Vehicle Records:

Maintenance and repair records for 1+ years
Inspection reports (pre-trip, post-trip, annual)
Out-of-service orders and repairs
Tire records and replacement history
Brake inspection and adjustment records

Company Records:

Hours of service records for 6 months prior
Dispatch logs and trip records
Bills of lading and cargo documentation
Insurance policies and coverage details
Safety policies and training curricula
CSA scores and safety rating history

Catastrophic Injuries: The Human Cost of Trucking Negligence

The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception. An 80,000-pound truck traveling at 65 mph carries approximately 80 times the kinetic energy of a passenger car. When that energy transfers to your vehicle, the results are devastating.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. In trucking accidents, the extreme forces cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull.

Severity Levels:

Level	Symptoms	Long-Term Impact
Mild (Concussion)	Confusion, headache, brief loss of consciousness	Usually recovers, but may have lasting effects
Moderate	Extended unconsciousness, memory problems, cognitive deficits	Significant recovery possible with rehabilitation
Severe	Extended coma, permanent cognitive impairment	Lifelong disability, may require 24/7 care

Common Symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, sleep disturbances, sensory problems, speech difficulties, personality changes.

Lifetime Care Costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+ depending on severity.

At Attorney911, we’ve recovered $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI victims. As client Glenda Walker told us after her case settled, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord disrupts communication between the brain and body, often resulting in paralysis.

Types of Paralysis:

Type	Definition	Impact
Paraplegia	Loss of function below the waist	Cannot walk, may affect bladder/bowel control
Quadriplegia	Loss of function in all four limbs	Cannot walk or use arms, may need breathing assistance
Incomplete Injury	Some nerve function remains	Variable—may have some sensation or movement
Complete Injury	No nerve function below injury	Total loss of sensation and movement

Lifetime Care Costs:

Paraplegia: $1.1 million to $2.5 million+
Quadriplegia: $3.5 million to $5 million+

These figures represent direct medical costs only—not lost wages, pain and suffering, or loss of quality of life.

Our firm has secured $4.7 million to $25.8 million for spinal cord injury victims.

Amputation

Traumatic amputation occurs when a limb is severed at the scene due to crash forces. Surgical amputation becomes necessary when limbs are too severely damaged to save.

Ongoing Medical Needs:

Initial surgery and hospitalization
Prosthetic limbs ($5,000 to $50,000+ per prosthetic)
Replacement prosthetics throughout lifetime
Physical and occupational therapy
Psychological counseling
Home modifications

Impact on Life: Permanent disability, career limitations, phantom limb pain, body image trauma, dependency on others for daily activities.

We’ve recovered $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation victims.

Severe Burns

Burns in trucking accidents typically result from fuel tank ruptures, hazmat cargo spills, or electrical fires. The Mississippi Gulf Coast’s petrochemical industry means some trucks carry particularly dangerous cargoes.

Burn Classification:

Degree	Depth	Treatment
First	Epidermis only	Minor, heals without scarring
Second	Epidermis and dermis	May scar, may need grafting
Third	Full thickness	Requires skin grafts, permanent scarring
Fourth	Through skin to muscle/bone	Multiple surgeries, possible amputation

Internal Organ Damage

The crushing forces of trucking accidents frequently cause liver lacerations, spleen damage, kidney injury, lung contusion, and internal bleeding. These injuries may not show immediate symptoms but can be life-threatening without emergency surgery.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one, Mississippi law allows surviving family members to pursue wrongful death claims. Damages may include lost future income, loss of companionship and guidance, mental anguish, funeral expenses, and—in cases of gross negligence—punitive damages.

Our firm has recovered $1.9 million to $9.5 million for families in wrongful death trucking cases.

Federal Regulations That Protect You—And Prove Negligence When Violated

Every 18-wheeler on American highways must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. These rules exist to prevent exactly the kind of accidents that devastate Hancock County families. When trucking companies and drivers violate them, they create dangerous conditions—and legal liability.

49 CFR Part 390: General Applicability

These regulations apply to all commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) with a gross vehicle weight rating over 10,001 pounds, vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, and vehicles carrying hazardous materials requiring placards.

Why This Matters: If the truck that hit you meets these criteria—and virtually all 18-wheelers do—the driver and company were subject to strict federal safety requirements.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards

Federal law establishes who may legally operate a commercial truck. Key requirements include:

Minimum age of 21 for interstate commerce
Ability to read and speak English sufficiently
Valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) with proper endorsements
Current medical examiner’s certificate (maximum 2 years)
Successful completion of entry-level driver training
Clean driving record or proper documentation of any violations

The Driver Qualification File: Motor carriers must maintain a complete file for every driver containing employment application, driving record checks, previous employer verification, medical certifications, drug test results, and training documentation.

Why This Matters for Your Case: If the trucking company failed to maintain a proper DQ file, hired a driver with a poor safety record, or allowed an unqualified driver to operate their vehicle, they can be held liable for negligent hiring. We subpoena these records in every case.

49 CFR Part 392: Driving of Commercial Motor Vehicles

These rules govern how drivers must operate their vehicles safely.

Ill or Fatigued Operators (§ 392.3): “No driver shall operate a commercial motor vehicle… while the driver’s ability or alertness is so impaired, or so likely to become impaired, through fatigue, illness, or any other cause, as to make it unsafe.”

Drugs and Alcohol (§ 392.4, § 392.5): Drivers cannot operate CMVs while under the influence of controlled substances or alcohol. The federal blood alcohol limit for commercial drivers is 0.04—half the standard for passenger vehicles.

Speeding (§ 392.6): No motor carrier shall schedule runs requiring speeds exceeding posted limits.

Following Too Closely (§ 392.11): Drivers must maintain reasonable and prudent following distances.

Mobile Phone Use (§ 392.82): Hand-held mobile telephone use and texting while driving are prohibited.

Why This Matters: Violations of these rules directly prove negligence. If the driver was texting, speeding, or driving while fatigued, they broke federal law—and that violation caused your injuries.

49 CFR Part 393: Parts and Accessories for Safe Operation

These regulations establish equipment standards, including critical cargo securement and brake requirements.

Cargo Securement (§ 393.100-136): Cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured to prevent leaking, spilling, blowing, falling, or shifting that affects vehicle stability. Securement systems must withstand:

Forward: 0.8 g deceleration
Rearward: 0.5 g acceleration
Lateral: 0.5 g side-to-side force

Brake Requirements (§ 393.40-55): All CMVs must have properly functioning service brakes on all wheels, parking/emergency brake systems, and air brake systems meeting specific requirements.

Why This Matters: Violations of cargo securement cause rollover, jackknife, and spill accidents. Brake failures cause rear-end collisions. We investigate every vehicle system when building your case.

49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations

These are the most commonly violated regulations in trucking accidents—and the most important for proving driver fatigue.

Property-Carrying Drivers (Most 18-Wheelers):

Rule	Requirement
11-Hour Driving Limit	Cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
14-Hour Duty Window	Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
30-Minute Break	Must take 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
60/70-Hour Weekly Limit	Cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
34-Hour Restart	Can restart 60/70-hour clock with 34 consecutive hours off duty

Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Mandate: Since December 18, 2017, most CMV drivers must use ELDs that automatically record driving time, synchronize with the vehicle engine, and cannot be altered after the fact.

Why ELD Data Is Critical Evidence:

ELDs prove exactly how long the driver was on duty, whether breaks were taken, speed before and during the accident, GPS location history, and any HOS violations.

We send spoliation letters immediately to preserve this data.

49 CFR Part 396: Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance

These regulations ensure CMVs are maintained in safe operating condition.

General Maintenance (§ 396.3): “Every motor carrier… must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain… all motor vehicles subject to its control.”

Driver Inspection Requirements:

Pre-Trip Inspection (§ 396.13): Before driving, drivers must verify the CMV is in safe operating condition.
Post-Trip Report (§ 396.11): After each day’s driving, drivers must prepare written reports on vehicle condition covering brakes, steering, lighting, tires, and other critical systems.

Annual Inspection (§ 396.17): Every CMV must pass a comprehensive annual inspection. Records must be retained for 14 months.

Why This Matters: Brake failures cause 29% of truck accidents. If the trucking company failed to maintain proper records or deferred maintenance, they are liable for negligence.

Your Legal Rights Under Mississippi Law

Understanding Mississippi’s specific laws helps you protect your rights after a Hancock County trucking accident.

Statute of Limitations

In Mississippi, you have three years from the date of your trucking accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, you also have three years from the date of death.

Don’t wait. While three years sounds like plenty of time, evidence disappears much faster. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Witnesses forget what they saw. The trucking company is building their defense right now.

We recommend contacting an attorney within days, not months.

Comparative Negligence in Mississippi

Mississippi follows pure comparative fault rules. This means you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident—your recovery is simply reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you were found 20% at fault and your damages total $500,000, you would recover $400,000.

This is more favorable than some neighboring states. Alabama, for instance, follows contributory negligence—if you’re even 1% at fault, you recover nothing. Mississippi’s pure comparative fault system protects accident victims.

Damage Caps

Mississippi caps non-economic damages (pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life) at $1,000,000 in most personal injury cases. However, there is no cap on economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, future care costs).

For punitive damages (designed to punish reckless or intentional misconduct), Mississippi imposes a $20,000,000 cap.

These caps make it even more critical to identify all liable parties and all available insurance coverage. A single $750,000 policy may not cover catastrophic injuries—but multiple defendants with multiple policies can provide full compensation despite the caps.

Why Hancock County Trucking Accidents Require Specialized Legal Experience

Trucking accident cases are fundamentally different from car accident cases. The regulations are federal, not just state. The insurance policies are larger and more complex. The defendants are corporations with teams of lawyers, not individual drivers.

You need an attorney who understands:

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations: The FMCSA rules that govern every aspect of commercial trucking—from driver qualifications to vehicle maintenance to hours of service. Violations of these rules prove negligence.

Electronic Evidence: How to obtain, preserve, and interpret ECM data, ELD logs, GPS tracking, and telematics. This evidence often contradicts driver statements and proves what really happened.

Multiple Liable Parties: How to identify and pursue all potentially responsible parties—driver, trucking company, cargo owner, loading company, manufacturers, maintenance providers, brokers, and government entities.

Commercial Insurance: How trucking insurance works, including primary liability, excess coverage, MCS-90 endorsements, and trailer interchange agreements. How to access policies that insurance companies don’t want you to find.

Catastrophic Injury Valuation: How to calculate and prove the full value of life-changing injuries—future medical care, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and family impact.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent 25+ years developing this expertise. Ralph Manginello has secured multi-million dollar verdicts against the largest trucking companies in America. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows every tactic they’ll use against you.

We’ve handled cases involving Walmart trucks, Amazon delivery vehicles, FedEx and UPS trucks, Coca-Cola distribution fleets, and countless regional carriers. We know how they operate, how they defend cases, and how to beat them.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Hancock County

If you’ve been in a trucking accident, the actions you take in the hours and days afterward can determine whether you recover full compensation or get nothing.

Immediately at the Scene

Call 911. Report the accident and request emergency medical services even if injuries seem minor. Adrenaline masks pain, and internal injuries may not be immediately apparent.

Document everything. If you’re able, photograph:

All vehicles involved and their damage
The accident scene, including road conditions and skid marks
Street signs, traffic signals, and mile markers
Your injuries
The truck’s DOT number, license plates, and company name

Gather information:

Truck driver’s name, CDL number, and contact information
Trucking company name and insurance information
Witness names and phone numbers
Responding officer’s name and badge number

Do NOT:

Admit fault or apologize
Give a recorded statement to any insurance company
Sign anything from the trucking company or their insurer
Post about the accident on social media

Within 24-48 Hours

Seek medical attention. Even if you declined treatment at the scene, see a doctor immediately. Internal injuries, TBI, and spinal damage may not show symptoms for hours or days. Medical documentation creates the foundation of your injury claim.

Contact an experienced trucking accident attorney. The trucking company has already notified their lawyers and insurance adjusters. They’re building their defense right now. You need someone building your case with the same urgency.

When you call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911, we:

Answer 24/7—trucking accidents don’t wait for business hours
Send a spoliation letter within hours to preserve critical evidence
Deploy investigators to the accident scene immediately
Begin building your case before evidence disappears

In the Days and Weeks Following

Follow your doctor’s orders exactly. Attend all appointments, take prescribed medications, and follow treatment recommendations. Insurance companies use gaps in treatment or non-compliance to argue your injuries aren’t serious.

Keep detailed records:

All medical bills and receipts
Documentation of missed work and lost wages
A pain journal describing your symptoms, limitations, and how injuries affect daily life
Photographs of injury healing progression
Records of all communications with insurance companies

Stay off social media. Insurance investigators monitor claimants’ social media accounts. Even innocent posts—photos of you at family events, comments about feeling “okay”—can be used to argue you’re not really injured.

Let your attorney handle all insurance communications. Once you hire Attorney911, we handle all contact with the trucking company’s insurer. You focus on healing; we focus on winning.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hancock County 18-Wheeler Accidents

How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Mississippi?

You have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, and three years from the date of death for wrongful death claims. However, you should never wait that long. Critical evidence—black box data, ELD records, witness statements—disappears much faster. Contact an attorney within days, not months.

What if the truck driver says the accident was my fault?

Mississippi follows pure comparative fault rules. Even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover damages—your recovery is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. Only if you were 100% at fault would you recover nothing. Our job is to investigate thoroughly, gather objective evidence (especially ECM and ELD data), and prove what really happened. Drivers often lie to protect their jobs—the data tells the true story.

How much is my Hancock County trucking accident case worth?

Case values depend on injury severity, medical expenses (past and future), lost income and earning capacity, pain and suffering, the degree of defendant negligence, and available insurance coverage. Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in insurance—far more than typical car accidents. We’ve recovered amounts ranging from hundreds of thousands to multi-millions, depending on case specifics. The only way to know your case’s potential value is through a detailed evaluation by an experienced trucking accident attorney.

What if I can’t afford a lawyer?

You can afford us. Attorney911 works on contingency fee—you pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case. We advance all investigation costs, expert fees, and litigation expenses. You never receive a bill from us. When we win, our fee is a percentage of the recovery (typically 33.33% pre-trial, 40% if trial is necessary). This makes experienced legal representation accessible to everyone, regardless of financial situation.

Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?

No. Do not give any recorded statements. Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you. They’re trained to get you to say things that minimize your claim. Anything you say can and will be used against you. Let your attorney handle all communications. Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how these adjusters operate—now he uses that knowledge to protect you.

What is a “black box” and why does it matter?

Commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECM) and Event Data Recorders (EDR) that continuously record operational data—similar to airplane black boxes. This data shows speed before and during the crash, brake application timing, engine performance, throttle position, and often contradicts what drivers claim happened. This objective evidence is crucial for proving negligence—but it can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. That’s why immediate legal action is essential.

How quickly should I contact an attorney after a Hancock County trucking accident?

Immediately—within 24-48 hours if possible. Critical evidence disappears fast. The trucking company has already notified their lawyers and rapid-response investigators. They’re building their defense while you’re still in the hospital. When you call Attorney911, we send spoliation letters within hours, deploy investigators to preserve evidence, and begin building your case immediately.

What if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident?

We are deeply sorry for your loss. Mississippi allows wrongful death claims by surviving spouses, children, and parents. You may recover lost future income, loss of companionship and guidance, mental anguish, funeral expenses, and—in cases of gross negligence—punitive damages. Time limits apply, and the emotional toll makes legal navigation difficult. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing. Call us for a compassionate, confidential consultation.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Hancock County Trucking Accident Case

25+ Years of Experience Fighting Trucking Companies

Ralph Manginello has been representing injury victims since 1998. He’s secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements against the largest trucking companies in America. He’s admitted to federal court in the Southern District of Texas, giving him the capability to handle complex interstate trucking cases that cross state lines.

Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Your Side

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working at a national insurance defense firm. He watched adjusters minimize claims. He learned exactly how trucking insurers evaluate, delay, and deny legitimate claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight FOR accident victims. That’s your advantage.

Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our documented case results include:

$5+ million for traumatic brain injury (falling log at logging company)
$3.8+ million for partial leg amputation (car accident with medical complications)
$2.5+ million for commercial truck crash recovery
$2+ million for maritime back injury under Jones Act
Millions recovered for multiple wrongful death trucking cases

Three Office Locations Serving the Gulf South

With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve trucking accident victims across Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, and beyond. We’re never far from where you need us.

24/7 Availability—Because Trucking Accidents Don’t Wait

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 any time, day or night. We answer. We respond. We act.

Hablamos Español

Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish. We provide direct representation to Spanish-speaking clients without interpreters. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.

The Attorney911 Difference: What Our Clients Say

Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what trucking accident victims and other clients have said about working with Attorney911:

Chad Harris: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

Glenda Walker: “They make you feel like family and even though the process may take some time, they make it feel like a breeze. They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

Donald Wilcox: “One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”

Kiimarii Yup: “I lost everything… my car was at a total loss, and because of Attorney Manginello and my case worker Leonor, 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.”

Ernest Cano: “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.”

Angel Walle: “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”

These aren’t just testimonials. They’re proof of what happens when you hire a firm that treats you like family, fights for every dollar, and has the experience to win against the largest trucking companies and insurers.

Mississippi Law: What You Need to Know

Statute of Limitations: Three Years, But Don’t Wait

Mississippi gives you three years from your accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death, you have three years from the date of death.

But three years is a legal maximum, not a practical guideline. Critical evidence—black box data, ELD logs, driver qualification files—can be destroyed or overwritten within weeks. The trucking company has already started building their defense.

Contact an attorney immediately. We send spoliation letters within 24 hours to preserve evidence before it disappears.

Pure Comparative Fault: You Can Recover Even If Partially at Fault

Mississippi follows pure comparative fault. This means you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault—your recovery is simply reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you were found 20% at fault and your damages total $500,000, you would recover $400,000. Only if you were 100% at fault would you recover nothing.

This is more favorable than Alabama or other contributory negligence states, where any fault bars recovery entirely. But it also means the trucking company will try to shift blame to you. Our job is to gather objective evidence—ECM data, ELD logs, witness statements—that proves what really happened.

Damage Caps: Limits on Non-Economic and Punitive Damages

Mississippi caps non-economic damages at $1,000,000 in most personal injury cases. However, there is no cap on economic damages—medical bills, lost wages, future care costs, and other quantifiable losses.

For punitive damages, Mississippi imposes a $20,000,000 cap.

The Port of Gulfport Factor

Hancock County’s proximity to the Port of Gulfport creates unique legal considerations. Container trucks leaving the port may be subject to:

International shipping regulations
Multiple layers of liability (port operator, shipping company, trucking company, driver)
Specialized cargo securement requirements for international containers
Hazmat regulations for certain cargoes

We’ve handled port-related trucking accidents and understand the complex web of regulations and liable parties these cases involve.

The Evidence We Preserve—And Why Speed Matters

Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that arrive at accident scenes before the ambulance leaves. Their job is to protect the company’s interests—not yours. If you don’t act just as quickly, critical evidence will be lost forever.

Electronic Control Module (ECM) / “Black Box” Data

Commercial trucks record operational data continuously—speed, braking, throttle position, engine performance, and fault codes. This data often contradicts driver claims and proves negligence.

Critical Timeline: ECM data can be overwritten in 30 days or with new driving events. Some systems overwrite sooner.

Our Action: We demand immediate download and preservation of all ECM data within 24 hours of being retained.

Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Records

Since December 18, 2017, federal law requires most commercial drivers to use ELDs that automatically record hours of service. These devices prove whether drivers violated federal rest requirements and were driving while fatigued.

Critical Timeline: FMCSA only requires 6 months retention, but carriers may delete sooner.

Our Action: We subpoena ELD records immediately, including historical data showing any pattern of HOS violations.

Driver Qualification File

Federal law requires trucking companies to maintain comprehensive files on every driver: employment application, background checks, driving records, medical certifications, drug test results, and training records.

Why This Matters: Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring. A driver with a history of accidents or violations should never have been behind the wheel.

Maintenance and Inspection Records

Trucking companies must maintain records of all vehicle inspections, repairs, and maintenance for at least one year.

Why This Matters: Brake failures cause 29% of truck accidents. If the company deferred maintenance, ignored known defects, or failed to conduct required inspections, they are directly liable for resulting injuries.

Dashcam and Surveillance Footage

Many trucks have forward-facing dashcams, and some have cab-facing cameras showing driver behavior. Nearby businesses may have surveillance cameras capturing the accident.

Critical Timeline: Dashcam footage is often deleted within 7-14 days. Business surveillance typically overwrites in 7-30 days.

Our Action: We immediately canvass the accident scene for all potential video sources and send preservation demands.

Witness Statements

Memories fade and witnesses become unreachable. We interview witnesses immediately, while their recollections are fresh and before the trucking company’s investigators can influence their statements.

The Spoliation Letter: Your Evidence Insurance Policy

A spoliation letter is a formal legal notice we send to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties within 24 hours of being retained. It demands preservation of all evidence related to your accident and puts them on legal notice of their obligation.

Once they receive our letter, destroying evidence becomes spoliation—a serious legal violation with severe consequences:

Adverse Inference: Courts can instruct juries to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable to the trucking company
Sanctions: Monetary penalties imposed on the defendant
Default Judgment: In extreme cases, courts may rule against the defendant automatically
Punitive Damages: Additional damages awarded for intentional destruction of evidence

The spoliation letter is one of the most powerful tools in trucking litigation. It transforms the case dynamic—from the trucking company controlling information to them being legally obligated to preserve and produce it.

Damages You Can Recover in a Hancock County Trucking Accident

Mississippi law allows recovery of three categories of damages in trucking accident cases.

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses)

Category	What’s Included
Medical Expenses	Emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, medication, medical equipment, future projected care
Lost Wages	Income lost due to injury and recovery time
Lost Earning Capacity	Reduction in future earning ability due to permanent limitations
Property Damage	Vehicle repair or replacement, personal property destroyed in accident
Out-of-Pocket Expenses	Transportation to medical appointments, home modifications, childcare during recovery
Life Care Costs	Ongoing care for catastrophic injuries: nursing care, home health aides, specialized equipment

No Cap: Mississippi imposes no limit on economic damages. You can recover every dollar of calculable losses.

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life)

Category	What’s Included
Pain and Suffering	Physical pain from injuries, both immediate and ongoing
Mental Anguish	Psychological trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD
Loss of Enjoyment	Inability to participate in hobbies, activities, and life pleasures
Disfigurement	Scarring, visible injuries, amputation
Loss of Consortium	Impact on marriage: loss of companionship, affection, sexual relations
Physical Impairment	Reduced physical capabilities, disability

Cap: Mississippi limits non-economic damages to $1,000,000 in most personal injury cases.

Punitive Damages (Punishment for Gross Negligence)

Punitive damages may be awarded when the trucking company or driver acted with:

Gross negligence: Conscious disregard for substantial risk
Willful misconduct: Intentional wrongdoing
Fraud: Falsifying logs, destroying evidence, lying about qualifications
Reckless indifference: Pattern of safety violations ignored for profit

Cap: Mississippi limits punitive damages to $20,000,000.

When Punitive Damages Apply:

Punitive damages transform cases. They’re awarded when trucking companies knowingly put dangerous drivers on the road, ignore repeated safety violations, destroy evidence after accidents, or falsify hours-of-service logs to maximize profits over safety.

We’ve seen punitive damages awarded when:

A trucking company hired a driver with multiple DUI convictions
A carrier ignored repeated brake violations that led to a fatal crash
A company instructed drivers to falsify ELD records to meet delivery deadlines
A trucking company destroyed black box data after receiving a preservation notice

These aren’t just accidents—they’re choices. Choices that prioritize profit over human life. And when companies make those choices, punitive damages send a message that the community won’t tolerate such recklessness.

The Attorney911 Advantage: Real Results for Real People

Our track record speaks for itself. But more important than numbers are the people behind them—families we’ve helped rebuild their lives after devastating trucking accidents.

Client Success Stories

Donald Wilcox came to us after another firm rejected his case. “One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”

Glenda Walker appreciated our persistence: “They make you feel like family and even though the process may take some time, they make it feel like a breeze. They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

Kiimarii Yup found comprehensive recovery: “I lost everything… my car was at a total loss, and because of Attorney Manginello and my case worker Leonor, 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.”

Chad Harris felt like family: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

Angel Walle experienced our efficiency: “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”

These aren’t cherry-picked reviews. They’re representative of how we treat every client—because when an 18-wheeler changes your life, you deserve a law firm that treats you like family, fights for every dollar, and gets results.

Our Hancock County and Gulf Coast Presence

While our main offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we regularly handle trucking accident cases throughout Mississippi and the Gulf South. Our proximity to Hancock County—just a few hours from our Houston and Beaumont offices—means we can respond quickly when you need us.

We know the territory:

The I-10 corridor through Hancock County and the Mississippi Gulf Coast
The Port of Gulfport and its heavy truck traffic
The I-10/I-59 interchange and its congestion patterns
The rural highways connecting Bay St. Louis, Waveland, Kiln, and Diamondhead
The local courts and their procedures

This local knowledge, combined with our deep expertise in federal trucking regulations, gives us an advantage in building your case.

Call Attorney911 Today: Your Fight Starts Now

The trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to pay you less. Their rapid-response team is already at the accident scene protecting their interests.

What are you doing?

Every hour you wait, evidence disappears. Black box data gets overwritten. Dashcam footage is deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. The trucking company builds a stronger defense while your case gets harder to prove.

You don’t have to face this alone. At Attorney911, we fight for trucking accident victims across Hancock County and the Gulf South. We have the experience, the resources, and the determination to take on the largest trucking companies and win.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911.

The consultation is free. You pay nothing unless we win. And we’ll start protecting your evidence today.

Don’t let the trucking company win. Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

1-888-ATTY-911

We’re available 24/7. We answer. We fight. We win.

Attorney911 / The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC

Houston: 1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600 | Austin: 316 West 12th Street, Suite 311 | Beaumont: Available for meetings

1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | lupe@atty911.com

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.