One Dead and One Injured in Truck and 18-Wheeler Crash on I-55 Jackson, MS

On April 8, 2025, a deadly crash involving two commercial trucks claimed the life of Reggie McNeal, a 50-year-old man from Brandon, Mississippi. According to Byram Police Chief David Errington, the crash occurred on Interstate 55 in Byram, between Siwell Road and Wyndale Road, just before noon, according to WLBT-3 News.

The accident involved a 1999 Peterbilt semi-truck, driven by Karen Madison, 50, of Jackson, and a 2023 International MV60, driven by McNeal. Madison survived and was transported to a local hospital, likely Merit Health Central. McNeal was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.

This tragedy has left a family grieving, a community shocked, and serious questions about what caused the crash—and who should be held responsible.

Complex Truck Accident Injury Claims and Why Hiring a Jackson Truck Accident Lawyer May Be Crucial

Crashes involving commercial trucks are rarely straightforward. Unlike standard car accidents, these collisions involve massive vehicles, commercial regulations, and high-stakes liability issues. The recent crash in broad daylight on I-55 in Byram highlights exactly how complicated these cases can become.

This wreck involved two different types of heavy-duty commercial vehicles: a 1999 Peterbilt semi-truck, commonly used for long-haul freight and known for its weight, size, and engine power—and a 2023 International MV60, a medium-duty truck often used for local deliveries or smaller commercial hauls. While both trucks are built for business and carry significant weight, their design, braking systems, visibility ranges, and maneuverability differ.

That matters in a legal case. For example:

• A Peterbilt 18-wheeler has longer stopping distances, larger blind spots, and more complicated control systems.
• An International MV60, while smaller, may still weigh several tons when fully loaded and can also cause serious damage in a crash.

When two commercial trucks collide, the question isn’t just who hit whom—it’s why. Was the driver of the larger truck fatigued, distracted, or improperly trained? Did the smaller truck make a sudden or illegal maneuver? Did either vehicle have brake failure, worn tires, or mechanical defects that contributed to the collision?

Our job at Bob Germany Law, as personal injury and wrongful death attorneys, is to uncover the truth—no matter how complex the facts may be.

We work to:

• Reconstruct the crash using accident reconstruction experts
• Secure black box (ECM) data from both vehicles
• Analyze trucking company logs and fleet safety records
• Review driver training files, license status, and maintenance histories
• Interview eyewitnesses and emergency responders who arrived first on scene
• Challenge inaccurate or incomplete police reports, if needed

Exploring Liability: What If the Larger Truck Hit the Smaller One?

If the Peterbilt semi-truck driven by Karen Madison struck the smaller International MV60 operated by McNeal, there are several potential causes of liability:

• Driver inattention or distraction
• Speeding or reckless driving
• Fatigue (a common issue in long-haul trucking)
• Improper lane change or failure to yield
• Defective brakes or other maintenance issues

In this scenario, the family of the deceased driver, Reggie McNeal, may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim against Madison, her employer (if she was driving as part of a job), and potentially even the manufacturer or service provider if mechanical failure played a role.

A successful claim could provide compensation for:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of companionship
• Lost future earnings

Our job is to find the truth. If Madison or her employer were negligent, they must be held accountable.

What If the Smaller Truck Driver Caused the Crash?

On the other hand, if evidence shows that McNeal’s driving caused the accident—by swerving, stopping abruptly, or failing to yield—the liability picture changes. However, this does not automatically end the legal case.

Here’s why:

• Comparative negligence laws in Mississippi allow a party to recover damages even if they were partially at fault.
• The surviving driver, Karen Madison, may have also acted negligently or failed to respond appropriately.
• Poor truck maintenance, unsafe loading, or employer pressure to meet unrealistic delivery times can shift blame upward to the company.

Even when the deceased may have contributed to the accident, his family still deserves a full investigation. No family should be left with unanswered questions. That’s where our experience comes in.

Common Injuries Found in Multi-Vehicle Crashes and Their Life-Changing Consequences

Truck crashes are violent and unforgiving. When two commercial vehicles collide, the force is massive. Survivors often face devastating physical injuries—and those injuries don’t just affect the person in the vehicle. The damage ripples out to their families, their careers, and every part of daily life.

Some of the most common injuries in multi-vehicle truck accidents include:

Spinal Cord Injuries

Damage to the spine can cause partial or full paralysis. Many victims lose the ability to walk, move independently, or even care for themselves without assistance. These injuries often require a lifetime of physical therapy, mobility aids, and home care.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

A blow to the head during a crash can result in a concussion, brain bleeding, or long-term cognitive impairment. Victims may struggle with memory, mood swings, speech, or basic decision-making. TBIs also often lead to personality changes, placing a major emotional strain on relationships with loved ones.

Crushed Limbs and Amputations

In high-impact crashes, limbs can become trapped or crushed beneath twisted metal. Sometimes, the damage is so severe that amputation is the only option. This leads to not only a physical loss, but deep emotional trauma and a need to completely relearn daily tasks.

Severe Burns

Fires and fuel leaks can occur when trucks collide. Victims may suffer third-degree burns that require skin grafts, leave permanent scarring, and cause chronic pain. Burn survivors often experience depression and anxiety tied to their changed appearance and painful recovery.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Emotional injuries can be just as real as physical ones. Survivors of traumatic truck accidents may experience flashbacks, insomnia, and crippling anxiety. PTSD can interfere with driving, working, and even being in crowded public spaces.

Even when injuries are not fatal, they can be life-altering. Victims may lose the ability to earn a living, face long-term medical bills, or require help with basic tasks like bathing or eating. Many can’t return to the life they had before the crash.

And the toll doesn’t stop with the victim.

Spouses often step into the role of full-time caregivers, sacrificing their own careers and mental well-being. Children may struggle to cope with a parent’s sudden disability or emotional unavailability. Parents of injured adult children are frequently left heartbroken—and overwhelmed—by the physical and financial strain of support. The emotional, financial, and logistical burdens placed on families are immense.

We’ve worked with families who’ve had to sell their homes, drain retirement savings, or quit jobs to care for their injured loved ones. Some relationships break under the pressure. Others struggle to adapt to a “new normal” that feels anything but normal.

The aftermath of a truck crash reaches far beyond the hospital room. It changes everything.

For survivors and their families, legal representation is often the only path toward financial stability and emotional closure. At Bob Germany Law, we understand what you’re going through—and we’re here to help you fight for every resource, benefit, and protection the law allows.

What To Do After A Serious Accident

In the moments after a serious truck accident, chaos sets in. Alarms ring, metal groans, people shout, and smoke clouds the air. It’s hard to think clearly. You may be in shock, confused, or even unaware of the full extent of your injuries.

If you’ve just survived a crash

Your priority is your safety and health. Many injuries—like internal bleeding or brain trauma—don’t show symptoms right away. Always accept emergency medical help at the scene, even if you think you’re okay.

“I walked away from the crash,” said Marcus, a delivery driver who was sideswiped by a semi on I-20. “But my back started seizing up the next day. I didn’t think I needed help, and now I’ve got three herniated discs that could’ve been treated sooner.”

Crash scenes are often disorienting, but if you’re able, try to:

• Take photos of the damage, the roadway, and any visible injuries.
• Get the names and contact information of all drivers, passengers, and any witnesses nearby.
• Ask for a copy of the police report or at least get the officer’s name and badge number.
• Write down what you remember about the crash while it’s still fresh.

Witnesses can play a vital role

In determining fault, witnesses can be key. Jasmine, a mother driving behind two trucks that collided near Terry Road, said, “I saw one of them drift across the lane and clip the other. The guy who got hit didn’t do anything wrong. If I hadn’t stayed, who would’ve said so?”

If you’re a witness to a truck crash, your statement could mean everything to a grieving family or an injured survivor. Never assume someone else will speak up.

As a family member of someone injured or killed

As a survivor, you’re dealing with a different kind of trauma. The call from the hospital or police often comes without warning—and without answers.

“I was at work when they called,” said Theresa, whose husband was seriously injured in a multi-truck crash. “By the time I got to the hospital, he was unconscious, and no one could tell me what happened. I didn’t even know who hit him or why.”

When you’re not at the scene, it’s hard to piece together the truth. That’s why involving a Jackson truck accident lawyer early can be critical. Attorneys can access crash reports, preserve dash cam and black box data, and contact witnesses before memories fade or evidence disappears.

Do not speak to insurance adjusters

Avoid talking to anyone before talking to one of our Jackson truck accident lawyers. The job of an insurance adjustor is to protect the insurance company’s bottom line—not your recovery. They may offer a quick settlement, ask leading questions, or use your statements against you. Even casual comments like “I’m okay” or “I didn’t see them coming” can damage your case.

At Bob Germany Law, we advise clients and their families to let us handle all communications with insurers from the start. We’ll protect your rights, guide your next steps, and immediately begin preserving key evidence—like:

• Onboard truck computer data (ECM/black box)
• GPS logs and delivery schedules
• Driver rest logs and employment records
• Traffic camera footage, if available

Time is not on your side after a serious accident.

The longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes to recover crucial information that could prove fault. Getting legal help quickly does more than increase your chances of winning a claim—it allows you to focus on what truly matters: healing, grieving, and supporting your loved ones. You don’t have to face this alone. Call us. We’ll take it from here.

Aggressive Motor Vehicle Accident Representation – Learn More About Personal Injury Attorneys in Jackson, MS

At Bob Germany Law, we battle for the people behind them. Trucking companies have deep pockets and teams of lawyers. National insurers write policies with fine print designed to protect their bottom line, not yours. Corporate defense teams are trained to push back, delay, and devalue your pain. We represent you and your family to these corporate entities.

We don’t blink.

If you or your loved one has been hurt in a truck accident in Mississippi, you need more than sympathy. You need strategy. You need strength. And you need someone who won’t hesitate to take on big corporations in the courtroom if that’s what it takes.

We’ve represented clients facing impossible odds—and we’ve won. That’s because we don’t wait around for the insurance company to “do the right thing.” We demand justice from day one. Whether it’s a local freight company trying to dodge responsibility or a national insurer offering pennies on the dollar, we hit back with facts, evidence, and relentless advocacy.

Our team will:

• Investigate every angle of the crash
• Preserve and review truck logs, black box data, and maintenance records
• Depose company officials and drivers
• Work with expert witnesses to show exactly how the crash happened—and why it could have been avoided
• Push aggressively in negotiations or take your case to trial, if needed

We stand up for injured Mississippians and grieving families with no fear and no delay—because we’ve seen the real cost of these crashes. The suffering. The financial strain. The quiet desperation that sets in when bills pile up and insurance adjusters stop returning your calls.

We never forget who we’re fighting for: you and your loved ones.

Big Insurance Companies Have Their Own Lawyers

Insurance companies are not in the business of compassion. They are in the business of profit. Their legal teams are trained to minimize payouts, challenge injuries, shift blame, and twist your words into excuses to deny or reduce claims.

They move fast after a crash—calling you while you’re still in the hospital, pressuring you to settle, asking you to “just talk” without a lawyer. That’s not by accident.

We’ve seen too many families told their losses don’t qualify. Too many injured drivers offered settlements that barely cover an ambulance ride. Too many victims guilted into thinking the crash was somehow their fault—because a well-rehearsed claims rep said so.

We won’t let that happen to you.

When you hire Bob Germany Law, the pressure shifts. You don’t have to worry about what to say, who to trust, or whether you’re making a mistake. We take over communication with all parties and make sure your voice is heard, your rights are protected, and your losses are properly valued.

Your Own Policy May Have Coverage

Many people assume if they didn’t cause the crash, their own insurance can’t help. But that’s often not the case. In fact, your policy may be one of the most important tools in your recovery.

Depending on your coverage, we may be able to help you access:

MedPay or Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

These cover medical bills no matter who was at fault. This can be a lifeline when hospitals start billing you before the crash investigation is complete.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)

If the at-fault driver had no insurance, or not enough, this coverage can help bridge the gap. It’s often overlooked—and often underused.

Collision Coverage

If your vehicle was damaged or totaled, this part of your policy may help cover repairs or replacement, even before a liability settlement is reached.

We dig deep into the fine print and help you unlock every available benefit. If your insurer pushes back, we push harder. It’s not just about knowing what’s covered—it’s about knowing how to enforce it.

Your recovery depends on more than fault. It depends on strategy, speed, and strong legal representation. We’ll make sure nothing gets left on the table.

Fighting For Your Financial Rights After An Accident

After a serious truck accident, the physical injuries are only part of the struggle. For many survivors and their families, the financial fallout becomes just as overwhelming—and far more lasting.

When the injured person is a self-employed breadwinner, the damage runs deeper than just lost wages. They may lose their business, their clients, and their professional reputation—all in an instant. Contractors, drivers, electricians, mechanics, consultants, and entrepreneurs who once supported their families independently may find themselves suddenly unable to work at all. And unlike traditional employees, they don’t have the safety net of paid leave or short-term disability coverage.

Bills don’t wait. But your income has stopped. That’s a terrifying place to be.

We’ve worked with clients who faced:

Piles of Overdue Medical Bills

After a crash, many of our clients are immediately hit with unexpected and overwhelming medical expenses for emergency surgery, hospital stays, and multiple rounds of rehab. Emergency procedures, lengthy hospital stays, and ongoing physical therapy can quickly create a mountain of debt that feels impossible to manage.

Zero Income Because They Couldn’t Return to Their Trade or Operate Their Small Business

Self-employed workers often find themselves completely cut off from their income stream after an injury. Without the ability to perform their job or run their business, there’s no backup plan—and no paycheck.

Eviction or Foreclosure Notices Because Their Accident Wiped Out Their Ability to Make Rent or Mortgage Payments

When income stops, housing stability is one of the first things at risk. We’ve represented clients who were weeks away from losing their homes because their injuries prevented them from keeping up with essential bills.

Ruined Credit From Unpaid Medical Debts or Equipment Loans They Could No Longer Service

Unpaid hospital charges, ambulance fees, and even loans for work-related tools or vehicles can destroy a person’s credit fast. That financial damage doesn’t just hurt now—it can follow you for years, affecting everything from car loans to insurance rates.

Family Strain and Emotional Collapse, as Spouses and Children Tried to Cope With an Entirely New Financial Reality

The stress of an accident ripples through the entire household. Spouses may become full-time caregivers, children may lose access to basic needs or activities, and the emotional toll can fracture even the strongest families.

If you were the primary earner—especially if you were self-employed—your injury doesn’t just change your body. It changes your identity, your role in your family, and your future.

You’re entitled to full compensation for what this accident has cost you. That includes:

• Hospital bills and rehabilitation costs—including ongoing therapy, medication, follow-ups, and home modifications
• Long-term care and assistance, from in-home nursing to wheelchair-accessible vehicles or specialized equipment
• Loss of income and loss of earning capacity—whether you missed a few months of work or will never return to your profession
• Funeral and burial costs, in cases of wrongful death
• Pain and suffering—because your quality of life matters, too
• Loss of business or self-employment potential, including lost contracts, dissolved partnerships, and missed growth opportunities
• Emotional harm to your family, including loss of companionship, support, and emotional guidance

We help you understand the full scope of what the law allows—and then we fight to secure it. We’ll calculate not only your immediate losses, but your long-term economic future. We often bring in vocational experts, economists, and industry specialists to prove the real financial value of what you’ve lost.

And we never settle for less than what you need to rebuild your life.

What If My Car Accident Claim Is Denied?

A denial is not the end of the road. It’s a tactic.

Insurance companies are trained to find reasons to deny claims—especially high-value claims involving self-employed or high-earning victims. They may say your injuries aren’t severe, that they were caused by something else, or that you waited too long to seek care. They may question the legitimacy of your lost income, especially if you don’t have traditional pay stubs.

Insurance companies count on you to give up, to accept defeat, or to settle for less out of desperation.

Don’t.

At Bob Germany Law, we know how to respond. We know how to build stronger appeals backed by new evidence, medical testimony, and expert reports that force the insurance company to take another look.

A Skilled Jackson Truck Accident Lawyer May Be Able to Overturn a Denial

We’ve overturned many denied claims—and we’ve recovered compensation for clients who thought they had no options left.

Here’s how we do it:

• We get independent medical evaluations to validate the severity and long-term impact of your injuries
• We reconstruct the financial picture of your business, with tax returns, contracts, invoices, and analysis by experts
• We file detailed appeals, supported by legal citations, documentation, and updated witness statements
• We investigate deeper and find negligence that was missed or overlooked, including employer liability, defective equipment, or fatigued driving
• If necessary, we take the fight to court—because sometimes that’s what it takes to secure justice

You do not have to accept a denial. You do not have to settle for partial compensation. And you do not have to face this process alone.

Let us fight for you—and for the family depending on you.

Award-Winning Jackson Truck Accident Lawyers – Call Bob Germany Law Firm After a Crash

At Bob Germany Law, we don’t just handle personal injury claims—we deliver outcomes that change lives.

Our firm has been recognized statewide for excellence in serious injury and wrongful death litigation, including complex truck accident cases. For decades, we’ve helped injured Mississippians and grieving families get the answers, compensation, and closure they deserve.

When you call us, you’re getting more than a lawyer—you’re getting a hands-on legal team with a long-standing reputation for results, integrity, and relentless advocacy.

We guide you from start to finish, explain every step of the process in plain language, and treat you with dignity. And we never forget that behind every case file is a real person whose life has been upended by trauma.

Getting the Legal Settlement Done Quickly

We don’t let cases sit. We move quickly because we know you’re counting on results—to pay your bills, to get your life back, to take care of your family.

When you call our office, we act immediately to:

• Preserve key evidence before it’s lost or destroyed—this includes truck black box data, traffic camera footage, road debris, and driver logs
• Conduct independent investigations using professional accident reconstruction experts and medical specialists
• File insurance claims promptly to open communication channels early and assert your claim from a position of strength
• Negotiate with purpose, making sure you understand every offer and know when to push for more
• Litigate boldly—we’re not afraid of the courtroom, and insurance companies know that

Many cases are resolved faster because we prepare every file as if it’s going to trial. That sends a clear message: we’re not bluffing. We’re ready.

Tens of Millions Won – Results that Prove We Know How to Win

Some firms dabble in personal injury. We’ve built our legacy on it.

We’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars for Mississippi clients over the last 40+ years. Our case history includes:

• Multi-million-dollar verdicts in fatal truck collisions
• Substantial settlements for catastrophic spinal and brain injuries
• Six- and seven-figure recoveries for wrongful death and permanent disability cases

Every dollar we win represents a family that could breathe again. A victim who could pay for surgery. A widow who didn’t lose her home. A parent who could afford counseling for their children.

That’s what this work is about.

Over 40 Years of Experience—Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys

Attorney Bob Germany has spent more than four decades fighting for accident victims across Mississippi. His courtroom experience, negotiation skill, and deep understanding of personal injury law are unmatched.

What does that mean for you?

• You benefit from a lawyer who’s handled hundreds of complex cases
• You get an advocate who understands the local court system inside and out
• You receive guidance from a legal team that’s seen every insurance tactic—and beaten them

We’ve earned the respect of judges, juries, and even opposing attorneys. And that respect makes a difference when it’s your future on the line.

Available 24 Hours a Day – 7 Days a Week

Accidents happen without warning. That’s why our firm is available around the clock. Whether it’s 2 a.m. or Sunday afternoon, we are here when you need us.

Message our office any time via our website. We’ll answer your questions, walk you through next steps, and connect you directly to an attorney. We’ll schedule consultations quickly and begin building your case from day one. This isn’t a call center or a case mill. It’s personal, responsive, and focused help—right when it matters most.

No Fees Until You Win Your Case

We don’t believe in adding financial pressure to already overwhelmed families. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis. That means:

• No upfront costs
• No hourly fees
• No payment unless we recover for you

We front the cost of expert witnesses, court filings, crash reconstructions, and legal research. You focus on healing. We’ll take care of everything else—and you only pay when we win.

At Bob Germany Law, we fight to make the system work for you. From the moment you hire us, we become your voice, your advocate, and your partner in recovery. Call today for a free consultation: (601) 706-8882. We’re ready to help.

Call a Motor Vehicle Accident Injury Lawyer in the Jackson Area Now

After a serious accident, everything changes. You may be facing grief, pain, uncertainty, and financial pressure—all at once. Whether you’ve lost someone you love in a tragic crash or you’re trying to recover from a life-altering injury, you don’t have to face this alone.

At Bob Germany Law, we understand the emotional and financial toll a collision can take. That’s why we offer more than just legal representation—we offer relentless advocacy, hands-on support, and clear answers when you need them most. Our award-winning legal team will walk beside you, helping you navigate the legal system, deal with insurers, protect your rights, and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.

When you work with us, you’ll have a team that:

• Acts quickly to preserve critical evidence and strengthen your case
• Understands the complexity of trucking accidents and how to prove liability
• Knows how to fight denied claims and overturn insurance rejections
• Stands up to big insurance companies and corporate legal teams
• Maximizes all possible sources of compensation—including your own policy
• Helps you recover lost income, medical costs, and future financial stability
• Builds every case for trial—because that’s how you win fair settlements
• Charges no upfront fees—you pay us nothing unless we win for you

Our firm has recovered tens of millions of dollars for Mississippi clients. We’ve helped self-employed workers rebuild their lives and supported grieving families through wrongful death lawsuits. And we’re available 24/7, ready to step in whenever you need us.

Call (601) 706-8882 or contact us online now for a free, confidential consultation with a Jackson personal injury lawyer.

You deserve answers, accountability, and a legal team that won’t stop fighting for you.

Let Bob Germany Law be that team.