When an 80,000-pound semi-truck slams into a family vehicle on the rural highways of Lincoln County, Mississippi, lives change in the time it takes to draw a breath. One moment you’re driving home along MS-28 or heading toward Brookhaven on US-51. The next moment, you’re facing catastrophic injuries, mounting medical bills, and a trucking company that already has lawyers working to minimize your claim.
We see this tragedy play out far too often on the winding roads and busy interstates serving Lincoln County. If you or someone you love has been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Lincoln County, you don’t just need a lawyer—you need fighters who understand federal trucking regulations, who know how to preserve evidence before it disappears, and who have the resources to stand up to billion-dollar insurance companies.
At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years recovering millions for families devastated by commercial truck accidents. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar settlements against the largest trucking companies in America—including Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, and Coca-Cola. And here’s what gives our Lincoln County clients a real advantage: our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working as an insurance defense attorney before joining our team. He knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate claims, deny coverage, and pressure victims to settle for pennies on the dollar. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Lincoln County Are Different
Lincoln County isn’t just another dot on the map—it’s a community where agricultural shipping, timber transport, and interstate commerce converge on roads that weren’t always built for 80,000-pound vehicles. Located in southwestern Mississippi, Lincoln County sits at a critical junction where heavy truck traffic from I-55 (the main north-south freight corridor through the state) spills onto rural highways like MS-28, MS-84, and US-51.
The geography and economy of Lincoln County create unique trucking hazards. The county’s proximity to Brookhaven—the county seat and a major distribution hub—means constant heavy truck traffic moving goods between Jackson, Louisiana, and the Gulf Coast. Timber trucks haul through rural roads not designed for their weight. Agricultural carriers rush during harvest seasons. And when these massive trucks share narrow rural highways with passenger vehicles, the results are often catastrophic.
Unlike a typical car crash between two sedans, an 18-wheeler accident involves federal regulations, multiple potentially liable parties, and evidence that gets destroyed fast. The trucking company has already sent a rapid-response team to the scene. Their insurance adjuster has already called you. And somewhere in their computer system, the truck’s black box data is sitting there—data that could prove the driver was speeding, fatigued, or distracted—but that data could be overwritten in as little as 30 days.
That’s why the first 48 hours after a Lincoln County trucking accident are critical. While you’re in the hospital or grieving a lost loved one, the trucking company is building their defense. But here’s the good news: we’re building yours just as fast.
The Physics of Devastation: Why Trucking Accidents Cause Catastrophic Injuries
Your average sedan weighs about 4,000 pounds. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—twenty times heavier. When that much mass hits a passenger vehicle at highway speeds on I-55 or a rural Lincoln County road, physics isn’t on your side.
An 80,000-pound truck traveling at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop. That’s nearly two football fields. When a truck driver is fatigued from violating federal hours-of-service rules, or when brakes fail because a company skipped maintenance to save money, or when a trailer swings wide on a turn on MS-28—there simply isn’t enough time or space to avoid tragedy.
We’ve seen the results in Lincoln County: traumatic brain injuries that change personalities, spinal cord injuries that leave victims paralyzed, amputations that require lifelong care, and worst of all, families torn apart by wrongful death.
As client Chad Harris told us after we handled his case: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” That’s how we treat every Lincoln County family we represent—because when a trucking company’s negligence destroys your life, you deserve more than a case number. You deserve justice.
The 10 Potentially Liable Parties in Your Lincoln County Trucking Accident
Here’s what most accident victims don’t know: in an 18-wheeler crash, you’re not limited to suing just the driver. Unlike a simple car accident, commercial trucking involves a web of companies and individuals who may all share responsibility for your injuries. More defendants means more insurance coverage available to compensate you—and we investigate every single one.
1. The Truck Driver
The person behind the wheel may have been speeding, driving while fatigued, texting, or under the influence. We subpoena their cell phone records, drug test results, and driving history immediately.
2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)
Under a legal doctrine called respondeat superior, employers are responsible for their employees’ negligent acts. Plus, trucking companies can be directly liable for negligent hiring (putting an unqualified driver on the road), negligent training (failure to teach safety protocols), negligent supervision (ignoring hours-of-service violations), and negligent maintenance (skipping brake inspections).
3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper
If the load was overweight, improperly secured, or hazardous materials were mislabeled, the company that shipped the cargo may be liable.
4. The Loading Company
Third-party warehouses or dock workers who loaded the truck improperly can be held responsible when shifting cargo causes rollovers or jackknifes.
5. The Truck Manufacturer
Defective brakes, steering systems, or truck frames that fail during operation create product liability claims against manufacturers like Freightliner, Peterbilt, or Volvo.
6. Parts Manufacturers
When defective tires, brake components, or air brake systems fail, we pursue claims against the companies that made and sold those parts.
7. The Maintenance Company
Third-party mechanics who performed shoddy repairs or failed to identify critical safety issues can be held liable for negligent maintenance.
8. The Freight Broker
Brokers who arrange shipments but fail to verify carrier safety records or hire fly-by-night trucking companies with poor safety ratings can be sued for negligent selection.
9. The Truck Owner (if different from the carrier)
In owner-operator situations, the entity that owns the equipment leases it to drivers and may share liability for equipment failures.
10. Government Entities
If poor road design, inadequate signage, or lack of guardrails on Lincoln County roads contributed to the accident, we may have claims against state or local government agencies.
Finding all liable parties requires immediate investigation. As client Donald Wilcox told us: “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.” We don’t give up when other firms turn you away.
FMCSA Federal Regulations: The Rules They Broke
Every commercial truck on Lincoln County roads must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations found in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. When trucking companies violate these rules, it proves negligence and strengthens your case.
Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)
Federal law is clear: truck drivers cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty. They must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving. And they cannot exceed 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days.
Yet we see drivers pressured to violate these rules constantly—especially on lucrative routes serving I-55 between Jackson and New Orleans. When an ELD (Electronic Logging Device) shows a driver was on the road for 16 hours straight, or when dispatch records show impossible delivery schedules, that’s evidence of negligence.
Driver Qualification Standards (49 CFR Part 391)
Before a driver ever turns the key, the trucking company must verify they have a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), pass a medical exam, have a clean driving record, and complete proper training. The company must maintain a Driver Qualification File proving all this.
If the driver who hit you had a suspended license, failed a drug test, or had a history of accidents the company ignored, that’s negligent hiring—and the company pays for putting a dangerous driver on Lincoln County roads.
Vehicle Safety Standards (49 CFR Part 393)
Brakes must be properly adjusted. Tires must have adequate tread. Cargo must be secured with chains or straps rated to withstand 0.8g forward deceleration. Lights must function. Underride guards must be properly installed.
When a tire blowout causes a truck to jackknife on I-55 near the Lincoln County line, we inspect the tire maintenance records. When a trailer’s cargo spills onto MS-28, we check the securement compliance. These aren’t just violations—they’re evidence of a company that put profits over your safety.
Inspection and Maintenance (49 CFR Part 396)
Every truck must undergo systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance. Drivers must complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections every single day. Maintenance records must be kept for at least 14 months.
The brake system failures that cause rear-end collisions on rural highways? The worn tires that blow out in Mississippi heat? The trailer hitches that detach on rough county roads? These are almost always maintenance violations that could have been prevented if the company had followed federal law.
The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Crisis
Here’s the truth that keeps us awake at night: evidence in trucking cases disappears fast. While you’re dealing with trauma or funeral arrangements, the trucking company is already working to erase the proof of their negligence.
Critical Evidence at Risk:
- ECM/Black Box Data: Records speed, braking, and engine performance. Overwrites in 30 days or with the next ignition cycle.
- ELD Logs: Proves hours-of-service violations. Legally required to be kept only 6 months.
- Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days.
- Driver Qualification Files: Can be “lost” or altered.
- Maintenance Records: May be destroyed if we don’t act fast.
Our Immediate Response:
When you call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 within 24-48 hours of your Lincoln County accident, we send spoliation letters immediately to every potentially liable party. These legal notices put them on notice that destroying evidence will result in severe court sanctions, adverse jury instructions, and potentially punitive damages.
We also deploy accident reconstruction experts to the scene on MS-28, US-51, or I-55 while skid marks and debris are still fresh. We interview witnesses before memories fade. And we secure the physical truck before it can be repaired or “lost.”
As client Glenda Walker said: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” We can’t fight for you if the evidence is gone. That’s why urgency matters.
When 18-Wheelers Kill: Wrongful Death in Lincoln County
There’s no preparing for the knock on the door that tells you a loved one won’t be coming home. When a texting truck driver crosses the center line on a rural Lincoln County highway, or when an overloaded logging truck rolls over on MS-84, families are left shattered.
In Mississippi, you have three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim (Mississippi Code § 15-1-35). But waiting even one day risks losing critical evidence. The trucking company’s insurance adjuster will call you within hours, offering condolences and a quick settlement. They know you’re vulnerable. They know you’re grieving. And they know that if you sign their release before understanding the full value of your case, they save millions.
Wrongful death damages in Mississippi can include:
- Lost future income and benefits your loved one would have earned
- Loss of consortium (companionship, guidance, support)
- Mental anguish and emotional suffering
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses incurred before death
- Punitive damages when the trucking company acted with gross negligence
We’ve recovered multi-million dollar wrongful death settlements for families across the South. One recent confidential settlement involved a fatal collision on an interstate corridor similar to I-55. The trucking company initially claimed the car driver was at fault, but our preservation of ECM data proved the truck driver had been speeding and never applied brakes before impact.
Hablamos Español. For our Spanish-speaking families in Lincoln County’s Hispanic community, Lupe Peña provides fluent representation without interpreters. When you’re mourning a loss, you shouldn’t struggle to understand your attorney. Llame hoy al 1-888-ATTY-911.
Catastrophic Injuries and Your Future
Not every trucking accident results in death, but many result in life-altering injuries that require millions in lifetime care.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): When the force of a truck impact causes your brain to collide with your skull, the result can be cognitive impairment, personality changes, memory loss, and permanent disability. Our firm has recovered between $1.5 million and $9.8 million for TBI victims, depending on severity and required care.
Spinal Cord Injury: Herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, or severed spinal cords can result in paraplegia or quadriplegia. These cases often command settlements between $4.7 million and $25.8 million to cover lifetime medical care, home modifications, and lost earning capacity.
Amputation: Crushing injuries common in underride accidents or override collisions sometimes require surgical amputation. We’ve secured settlements between $1.9 million and $8.6 million for amputation victims, accounting for prosthetics, rehabilitation, and permanent disability.
Severe Burns: When fuel tanks rupture or hazmat cargo ignites on hot Mississippi asphalt, victims suffer third and fourth-degree burns requiring skin grafts, multiple surgeries, and psychological treatment.
Internal Organ Damage: The blunt force trauma of a truck collision can cause internal bleeding, liver lacerations, spleen ruptures, and other injuries that require emergency surgery and lifelong monitoring.
These aren’t just medical conditions—they’re life sentences requiring constant care. Client Ernest Cano put it best: “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.” When you’re facing a lifetime of medical bills and lost wages, you need an attorney who understands the true value of your case, not just quick settlement.
Insurance Coverage: The $750,000 Minimum and Beyond
Federal law requires trucking companies to carry significant liability insurance:
- $750,000 minimum for non-hazardous freight
- $1,000,000 for petroleum and large equipment transport
- $5,000,000 for hazardous materials
But here’s what insurance companies don’t tell you: these are minimums, and serious trucking companies often carry $2-5 million in coverage. Additionally, multiple policies may apply—the driver’s policy, the motor carrier’s policy, the trailer interchange policy, and umbrella coverage.
Don’t let the adjuster convince you that $750,000 is the maximum available when there may be multiple insurance pools. We’ve seen cases where three different policies applied to one accident, resulting in multi-million dollar recoveries that covered not just medical bills, but future care, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering.
Mississippi Law: Your Rights and Timelines
Statute of Limitations: In Mississippi (Lincoln County), 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. While this seems like a long time, waiting even weeks can destroy evidence.
Pure Comparative Fault: Mississippi follows pure comparative fault rules (Mississippi Code § 85-5-7). This means even if you were partially at fault for the accident—even 99% at fault—you can still recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. Don’t let the trucking company convince you that you have no case because you might have contributed. Every percentage of fault assigned to them is money they pay.
Venue: Your case will likely be filed in either Lincoln County Circuit Court in Brookhaven or federal court if the trucking company is based out of state. Our federal court admission to the Southern District of Texas and extensive experience in interstate trucking litigation means we can handle your case regardless of where the trucking company is headquartered.
The Attorney911 Advantage for Lincoln County
When you hire our firm for your Lincoln County trucking accident, you’re getting more than just legal representation:
Ralph Manginello’s 25+ Years of Experience: Since 1998, Ralph has been fighting for injury victims against Fortune 500 companies. He’s admitted to federal court, has litigated against corporations like BP in the Texas City Refinery explosion that killed 15 workers, and has recovered over $50 million for clients across all practice areas.
Lupe Peña’s Insurance Defense Background: Before joining Attorney911, Lupe worked for a national insurance defense firm. He knows their playbook. He knows when they’re bluffing about policy limits. And he knows how to counter their delay tactics.
Three Office Locations: With offices in Houston (main), Austin, and Beaumont, we’re never far from Lincoln County. We can meet you in Brookhaven, at your home, or via Zoom—whatever works for your recovery.
24/7 Availability: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 anytime, day or night. Trucking accidents don’t happen on business hours, and neither does our response.
Contingency Fee Basis: You pay nothing upfront. Zero. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. If we don’t win, you don’t owe us a penny. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery—typically 33.33% pre-trial or 40% if we go to trial.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lincoln County 18-Wheeler Accidents
How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Lincoln County?
Three years under Mississippi law. But waiting risks losing critical evidence. Call within 48 hours if possible.
What if the truck driver says I caused the accident?
Mississippi is a pure comparative fault state. Even if you were partially at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of responsibility. The truck’s black box data and ELD records often tell a different story than the driver’s version.
How much is my case worth?
It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and available insurance. Serious trucking accidents with catastrophic injuries often settle for seven or eight figures. We can give you a better estimate after reviewing your medical records and investigating liability.
Will my case go to trial?
Probably not—about 95% of trucking cases settle. But we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial because that’s how you get maximum settlement offers. Insurance companies know which lawyers will actually try cases, and they pay those lawyers more to avoid court.
What if I don’t have health insurance?
We can help you find medical providers who will treat you under a Letter of Protection—meaning they get paid from your settlement, not upfront. Don’t let lack of insurance stop you from getting care.
Can I sue if my spouse was killed?
Yes. Mississippi allows wrongful death claims by surviving spouses, children, and parents. You can recover for lost income, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and mental anguish.
What is an underride accident?
When a passenger vehicle slides under the trailer of a semi-truck, often shearing off the roof and causing decapitation or severe head trauma. These are among the deadliest trucking accidents and often result from missing or inadequate rear underride guards.
How do I know if the trucking company was negligent?
We investigate FMCSA safety records, driver qualification files, maintenance logs, and black box data. If they violated federal regulations—like pushing drivers past hour limits or skipping brake inspections—that’s negligence.
What if the accident happened on a rural road, not the interstate?
We handle accidents on all Lincoln County roads: MS-28, MS-84, US-51, county roads, and I-55. The same federal regulations apply regardless of where the crash occurred.
Do you really answer the phone 24/7?
Yes. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 anytime. If you reach voicemail after hours, we return calls immediately for trucking accidents because evidence preservation is time-sensitive.
Your Fight Starts Now
The trucking company that hit you or your loved one has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to pay you less. Their rapid-response team may already be at the scene.
What are you doing?
You have three years to file a lawsuit in Mississippi, but you have only days—or sometimes hours—to preserve the evidence that wins cases. The black box data that proves the driver was speeding. The ELD records that show he hadn’t slept in 20 hours. The dashcam footage that shows him texting. The maintenance records that show the brakes were worn.
Every hour you wait, evidence disappears. Every day you delay, the trucking company gets stronger.
At Attorney911, we fight for Lincoln County families because we know these communities. We know the roads. We know the courts. And we know how to make trucking companies pay for putting dangerous drivers and poorly maintained trucks on the highways you trusted.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now. The consultation is free. The advice is priceless. And if we take your case, you pay nothing unless we win.
You’ve been through enough. Let us handle the trucking company while you focus on healing.
Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
Attorney911 serves trucking accident victims throughout Lincoln County, Mississippi, including Brookhaven, Bogue Chitto, and all surrounding communities. Ralph P. Manginello, Texas Bar No. 24007597. Lupe E. Peña, Texas Bar No. 24084332. Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont.
