Fatal 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Takes the Life of One – The Aftermath of a Mississippi 18-Wheeler Commercial Truck Accident Explained

There is no question that when one 18-wheeler truck (also called a semi-truck, commercial truck, or big-rig) is involved in a serious truck accident the results can be disastrous. However, the death and destruction can be even more magnified when more than one semi-truck is involved in a motor vehicle crash. Unfortunately, one such accident occurred earlier this spring in Mississippi in May, and the case serves as a stark example of just how dangerous semi-truck accidents can be, even when two 18-wheelers virtually go head-to-head. According to local news reports, on Friday, May 7, the Mississippi Department of Transportation reported a multiple semi-truck accident involving two separate 18-wheelers on Mississippi’s southbound Interstate 59. Although it was unclear exactly what led up to the fatal accident, reports indicate that one female victim was killed in the semi-truck crash. That victim was identified as 38-year-old Unique Lee, of Las Vegas, Nevada. Lee had been riding as a passenger in one of the semi-trucks when she was killed. In addition to first responders who attended to the scene, the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality was called to the scene “after reports of diesel fuel on the road,” and Mississippi police officers closed I-59 down and diverted traffic past U.S. Highway 49. Of the terrible and fatal multiple semi-truck accident, the Hattiesburg Police Department released the following statement:

“Crews with the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) are en route from Jackson to assist with cleanup following this morning’s fatal collision involving two 18-wheelers on I-59 South. Due to the significant amount of liquids spilled during the crash, roadway conditions remain hazardous. Both southbound lanes will remain closed until late this afternoon or early evening as crews work to safely clear and stabilize the area.”

 The report was updated to add:

“…A fatal crash involving two 18-wheelers has blocked both southbound lanes of Interstate 59, approximately 1.5 miles south of Hardy Street. There is one confirmed fatality. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes as first responders work to clear the scene. The cause of the collision is under investigation.”

Mississippi Truck Accident Victims Have Rights Under Mississippi Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Laws

In light of the terrible and fatal truck accident that took one woman’s life, it is important for Mississippi drivers and their families to understand their rights if they are injured in a semi-truck accident, due to the negligent actions of the semi-truck driver or their employer. Under Mississippi personal injury laws, victims of serious semi-truck accidents that were negligently caused may file a lawsuit in court for money compensation. In addition, Mississippi wrongful death laws entitle certain family members of deceased truck accident victims to file a lawsuit in court for compensation for the loss of their loved one. There is a limited time to assert these rights under Mississippi laws, so it is best to consult with an experienced Mississippi personal injury lawyer about your case after a serious truck accident occurs.

The experienced Mississippi personal injury lawyers at the law firm Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC are here to help victims of serious truck accidents and Mississippi families get justice against the negligent drivers and parties that injure them. Contact Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC today and speak to a lawyer about your case now.

Source:

wdam.com/2025/05/02/i-59-southbound-open-after-fatal-accident-involving-two-18-wheelers/