Trucking Accident Lawyer | Birmingham, AL

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Trucking Accident Lawyer in Birmingham, AL

Don't Let a Trucking Accident Leave You in the Dust. Get the Compensation You Deserve.

Alabama’s busy highways can be dangerous, especially when sharing the road with large trucks.  If a trucking accident left you injured, you need an Alabama trucking accident lawyer who understands the unique challenges of these complex cases.

Trucking accidents happen when a big commercial truck like a semi-trailer truck, 18-wheeler, or big rig crashes into another vehicle, pedestrian, bicycle, or object. These accidents can cause serious damage because commercial trucks are much bigger and heavier than regular vehicles.

Key Summary:

  • Truck accidents involve large commercial trucks and can cause severe injuries due to their size and weight.
  • Common causes include driver negligence, truck issues, improper loading, and road conditions.
  • Injuries range from minor to fatal and may include head trauma, spinal cord damage, and burns.
  • Multiple parties may be liable, including the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, or government agencies.
  • Take action after an accident by seeking medical attention, gathering evidence, and contacting an attorney.
  • The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Alabama is two years.

The aftermath of a trucking accident can be overwhelming. But legal support is here for you every step of the way and fight tirelessly for a just outcome.

What are Truck Accidents?

“Truck accidents” refers to crashes involving trucks or other large commercial vehicles. These accidents happen for various reasons, such as driver tiredness, mechanical issues, and bad weather.

Types of Trucking Accidents

There are many ways a trucking accident can occur, with some of the most common being:

  • Rear-end collisions: When a car crashes into the back of a truck, often due to following too closely.
  • Head-on collisions: When a truck and another vehicle collide head-to-head.
  • Underride accidents: When a smaller vehicle gets lodged under the rear of a trailer.
  • Jackknife accidents: When a trailer swings out of control due to sudden braking or sharp turns.
  • Rollovers: When a truck flips onto its side or roof.
  • Side-impact collisions (T-bone accidents): When a truck collides with the side of another vehicle.

Truck accidents often cause severe injuries or even death because of the truck’s big size and weight. If you or someone you know has been in a truck accident, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights and options to make an informed decision. 

What are the Main Causes of Alabama Truck Accidents?

The main causes of truck accidents can vary, but some common factors include:

  • Speeding
  • Failing to cede the right of way
  • Inappropriate lane changes
  • Driving while distracted
  • Driving while intoxicated or high
  • Driver fatigue can also contribute to truck accidents.
  • Trucks that are overloaded, unbalanced, and difficult to maneuver
  • Vehicles that have been improperly maintained and faulty auto parts
  • Violation of traffic laws 
  • Trucking companies’ improper hiring processes

These are just a few of the main causes of truck accidents, but there may be other contributing factors as well.

What are Common Injuries from Truck Collisions?

While some truck accident victims only suffer mild bumps and bruises, others are not so lucky. Truck accident victims frequently sustain the following injuries:

  • Head trauma
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Damage to the spine, neck, and back
  • Bone fractures
  • Burn Injury
  • Facial wounds and deformity
  • Hip, knee, and shoulder injuries
  • Internal bleeding and organ damage
  • Contusions, wounds, and burns
  • Soft tissue injury
  • Various mental wounds, such as post-traumatic stress disorder. 
  • Wrongful death

These are some of the common injuries that individuals may sustain in truck collisions. The severity of injuries can vary depending on factors such as the speed of the collision, the size and weight of the vehicles involved, and whether occupants were wearing seat belts.

Who is Liable For My Truck Accident Injuries?

Determining who’s responsible for your truck accident injuries can be complex, as multiple parties may be liable. Here’s a breakdown of some potentially responsible parties:

  • Truck Driver: In many cases, the truck driver is liable if their negligence caused the accident. This could include distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence, fatigue, reckless driving, or any action that violates traffic laws and safety regulations.
  • Trucking Company: The trucking company that employs the driver can also be held responsible if they:
    • Failed to properly train or supervise the driver.
    • Pressured the driver to violate safety regulations (e.g., exceeding driving hours).
    • Didn’t maintain the truck properly, leading to mechanical issues that caused the accident.
    • Hired a driver with a poor driving record.
  • Cargo Loading Company:  If the cargo was improperly loaded or secured, causing the truck to become unbalanced or lose control, the company responsible for loading the cargo could be liable.
  • Truck Manufacturer:  In rare cases, a defect in the truck’s design or manufacturing might be the cause of the accident. If so, the truck manufacturer could be held responsible.
  • Government Agencies:  While less common, poorly maintained roads or faulty traffic signals could contribute to a trucking accident. 

Because of the complexities involved, consulting with an experienced truck accident lawyer is crucial. They can investigate the accident, determine potentially liable parties, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

What Should I Do After a Truck Accident?

After a truck accident in Birmingham or Huntsville, you may be wondering what to do next. Should you file a claim with the trucking company’s insurance provider? Or should you file a claim with your insurance provider? The answer may depend on the circumstances of your case. Here are a few crucial steps you can take:

  1. Ensure Safety and Call for Help. Check yourself and others for injuries; call 911 for serious ones. Report the accident to the police, even for minor damage, to create an official report for insurance claims.
  2. Gather Information. Exchange contact info with the truck driver: name, driver’s license, insurance, truck company details (if applicable). Take photos of vehicle damage, surroundings, and any injuries. Also, gather witness names and contacts.
  3. Seek Medical Attention. See a doctor after a truck accident, even without immediate pain. Adrenaline can mask injuries; some may appear later. Medical evaluation documents injuries for insurance.
  4. Contact Your Insurance Company. Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. They will guide you through their claims process.
  5. Avoid Making Statements. Don’t apologize or admit fault to the truck driver, insurance companies, or anyone else at the scene. Stick to the facts of the accident.
  6. Consider Legal Representation. Truck accidents can be complex due to multiple parties involved (truck driver, trucking company, etc.), federal regulations, and significant potential damages. An experienced trucking accident lawyer can protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

By following these steps, you can take control of the situation after a truck accident and protect your rights to compensation for your injuries, vehicle damage, and other losses.

What are Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) protects you financially in case you’re injured in a car accident caused by a driver who either has no insurance (uninsured motorist) or doesn’t have enough insurance (underinsured motorist) to cover your damages.

Here’s a breakdown of the two parts of this coverage:

  • Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM)

Covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages if you’re hit by a driver with no liability insurance. This can also apply to hit-and-run accidents where the driver cannot be identified.

  • Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM)

This applies when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their policy limits aren’t enough to cover all your accident-related expenses. UIM coverage kicks in to bridge the gap between the at-fault driver’s policy limits and your coverage limits.

What is Alabama’s Statute of Limitations for Trucking Accidents?

In Alabama, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims including trucking accidents is two years. This means that you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the person who caused your injuries.

If you don’t bring a claim within two years, it will be lost forever. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Hence, it’s important to consult with legal professionals to protect your rights.

How Much Is My Truck Accident Claim Worth?

Determining the worth of your truck accident claim can be complex and depends on various factors specific to your case. Some key factors that can influence the value of your claim include:

  • Policy limits and insurance coverage options
  • The extent of your wounds
  • Your capacity to resume work following the crash
  • Your past and future medical expenses
  • Your requirement for long-term care
  • Your potential to make money before the accident was
  • The degree of your agony and pain
  • Whether you can engage in pre-accident pastimes and pursuits
  • Whether the negligent party intentionally or inadvertently injured you
  • Whether you require help with everyday errands like house cleaning, food shopping, and lawn maintenance

We know that no amount of money can ever undo the effects of an accident. However, compensation claims can give you some stability and guarantee that you receive the medical attention you require. 

Consult With Our Alabama Truck Accident Lawyer Today!

If you or a member of your family has been involved in a truck accident, it is important to seek the advice of our truck accident lawyer at Petro Accident and Injury Attorneys as soon as possible. The trucking industry is heavily regulated, and the trucking company’s insurance provider will have a team of personnel at the scene of the accident immediately after it occurs. Without an experienced lawyer on your side, you may not be able to protect your rights.

At Petro Accident and Injury Attorneys, our truck accident lawyers are committed to helping victims of truck accidents obtain the full compensation they deserve. We have extensive experience handling truck, motorcycle, bus, and train accidents, and more. We will use our knowledge and resources to aggressively pursue your claim. Contact our office today!

Helping Injured Alabamians