Being involved in an accident with a commercial truck can leave drivers and passengers with severe injuries, destroyed vehicles, and many questions about what to do next. If you are wondering what to do after a truck accident on I-59 near Picayune, MS, taking the right steps after a collision can protect your health and safety and preserve any legal rights you may have.
Truck accidents near Picayune, MS, happen more frequently than most people realize. Because I-59 is a major commercial trucking corridor connecting New Orleans, Hattiesburg, Meridian, and other Southeastern cities, large trucks are a common fixture on the highways through Pearl River County.
Collisions can happen near Exit 4, Exit 6, along the Highway 11 corridor, or at one of the many busy interchanges linking I-59 to downtown Picayune. No matter where an accident takes place, knowing what to do after a truck crash is critical to protecting your rights. In Mississippi, 1,664 heavy trucks were involved in collisions in 2025. This led to 52 fatalities and 808 injuries.
Prioritize Safety and Medical Attention
Safety should always be your first priority after a truck accident. If you can safely do so, move to a safe location off the road and call 911. Injuries are very common after truck accidents. Medical professionals can assess injuries at the scene and transport patients with severe injuries to the hospital.
If you don’t believe you are injured, it can still be worthwhile to see a doctor following a collision with a large truck. Injuries like concussions, internal bleeding, and soft tissue injuries are sometimes not noticeable right away.
Getting medical attention promptly helps identify and treat any significant injuries right away. Visiting a doctor shortly after an accident also creates a record of your injuries that resulted from the crash.
Contact Law Enforcement
Mississippi law typically requires the police to be notified any time an accident results in injuries or death. In many truck accident cases involving local roads, county police respond. However, if a truck accident occurs on I-59 near Picayune, the Mississippi Highway Patrol may be the first agency to respond.
Police typically complete an accident report at the scene of a crash. The police report may include information such as:
- The location of the vehicles involved
- Statements from witnesses and involved drivers
- Information about the weather and road conditions
- The investigating officer’s opinion on who caused the accident
- Details about the drivers and vehicles involved in the accident
You can typically request a copy of the police report after it is completed. Having a copy of the accident report can help you better understand how the crash occurred.
Collect Evidence at the Scene
If you are able to do so, collecting evidence after an accident can help you preserve important information. Sometimes trucks involved in collisions are moved by law enforcement or taken to a towing yard.
Taking pictures can help establish the damage to all vehicles involved in the crash. Other information may also be important, such as skid marks on the road, inclement weather, cargo that may have fallen from the truck, traffic signs or signals, and your injuries.
Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck crashes can involve multiple insurance carriers and require extensive investigation. This is why many people choose to hire a truck accident lawyer. A Picayune truck accident attorney can help you gather important trucking company records, preserve evidence, and identify all potentially liable parties.
An injury attorney can also analyze the trucking company’s compliance with federal regulations and review the insurance policies in effect at the time of the accident. When serious injuries occur, it is important to begin investigating your claim as soon as possible with the help of a lawyer.
Mississippi Truck Accident Laws
A variety of Mississippi laws can impact a claim stemming from a truck accident. For example, under Mississippi Code § 15-1-49, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim. If the statute of limitations expires, you may no longer be able to pursue legal recourse for your injuries.
Mississippi follows a rule of modified comparative negligence. Mississippi Code § 11-7-15 states that injured victims can recover damages even if they are partially at fault. However, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Truck accident laws can have a big impact on both who is considered liable and how much you can recover. For this reason, it is important to fully understand how these laws apply to your accident.
FAQs
Why Do Truck Accident Claims Typically Take Longer Than Car Accident Claims?
Truck accident claims can take longer to investigate and settle because there are usually a lot more logistics involved. Truck accident claims often have more parties involved than your typical car accident claim. You may need to investigate drivers’ logs, maintenance records, cargo documents, and electronic recorders found in trucks. There can also be more insurance companies and corporations involved in your claim.
Can Weather Conditions Affect a Truck Driver’s Liability?
Yes, weather can affect a truck driver’s liability, but it may not absolve them completely. Drivers are expected to operate their vehicles safely, given the surrounding conditions. Rain, fog, standing water, and low visibility can require longer stopping distances and make large trucks harder to maneuver. If a driver was unable to safely operate their vehicle given the conditions, weather could play a crucial role in determining fault for a truck accident.
Are Trucking Companies Required to Perform Vehicle Inspections?
Yes, trucking companies are required to perform vehicle inspections. Typically, these checks uncover issues with brakes, tires, lights, steering mechanisms, and other vital components. If maintenance is not kept up on a commercial vehicle, the likelihood of an accident could increase. Vehicle maintenance can play a pivotal role in a truck accident investigation.
What Happens if a Truck Accident Causes Permanent Injuries?
If a truck accident causes permanent injuries, the liable parties may have to compensate you for the extensive harm. Permanent injuries may affect your ability to work, travel, or participate in day-to-day activities. Someone with a permanent injury may require long-term medical treatment, rehabilitation services, assistive devices, or assisted care.
Begin Your Recovery With WaideLaw Today
If you were injured in a truck accident, the steps you take afterward have a significant impact on your future. WaideLaw can help you in the upcoming legal process. Contact us today to discuss your options.
