Truck Accident Lawyers in Birmingham, AL
Semi-trucks and 18-wheelers play an important role in our economy, but can also be incredibly dangerous. Compared to a car or pickup, they are less agile, require longer stopping distances, and their size and weight can cause catastrophic injuries during a crash. When a driver or a trucking company’s negligence results in serious or fatal injuries, you need to consult with a Birmingham truck accident lawyer.
Alabama personal injury lawyers at Petro Accident and Injury Attorneys discuss Alabama truck accident law and how you can protect yourself after a wreck.
Why Do I Need a Truck Accident Lawyers?
Experience in Dealing with Trucking Companies
There are many good reasons to hire a truck accident attorney in Alabama. First, a good Birmingham truck accident lawyer will have experience dealing with trucking companies and their insurance companies. This means that they will be familiar with the tactics that these companies use to try to minimize the settlement amount.
Professional Investigation of the Accident
Second, a good Birmingham truck accident attorney will know how to investigate the accident and gather evidence that can be used to support your claim. This includes things like eyewitness testimony, sworn statements from expert witnesses and other types of evidence.
Experience in Negotiations
Third, a good truck accident attorney will be able to negotiate with the trucking company on your behalf to get you the best possible settlement amount.
Trial Experience
Fourth, if your case goes to trial, a good truck accident attorney will be able to represent you in court and fight for the compensation that you deserve.
At Petro Accident and Injury Attorneys, we have all of the qualities that you should look for in a truck accident attorney. We have extensive experience dealing with trucking companies and their insurance companies, and we know how to investigate accidents and gather evidence.
We are also skilled negotiators who will fight for you to get the best possible settlement amount. And if your case goes to trial, we are experienced litigators who will fight for you.
What Are Truck Accidents?
“Truck Accidents” is a term used to describe an accident involving a truck or other large commercial vehicle. These accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including driver fatigue, mechanical problems, and poor weather conditions.
Truck accidents often result in serious injuries or even death due to the large size and weight of the truck. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, it is essential to consult with an experienced truck accident lawyer.
The lawyers who work on truck accident cases have a lot of experience with them and are familiar with the unique challenges that such cases present. They will work diligently to help you get the full compensation you deserve under the law.
Our Alabama commercial truck accident lawyer has successfully represented many truck accident victims and their families, and we are ready to help you. Contact Petro Accident and Injury Attorneys today. Let’s talk about your truck accident!
Who Is Responsible For My Truck Accident Injuries?
Truck accidents are often devastating, causing catastrophic injuries or even wrongful death. If you or a loved one have been involved in vehicle accidents, you may be wondering who is to blame for your injuries.
At-fault Driver’s Insurance Provider
In Alabama, the at-fault driver’s insurance provider is typically responsible for covering the cost of the victims’ injuries, up to the limits of the policy. However, you may also be able to file an injury lawsuit against the truck driver or their trucking firm following a collision (if the driver is an employee). But that’s just the start of your claim.
Truck accident lawyers in Alabama must be experienced in locating additional parties that contributed to your injury. This might be the business that loaded the semi-truck improperly, a mechanic who inadequately maintained the truck’s safety systems or a bar that purposefully provided the driver with too much alcohol. Other times, you might be able to file a product liability lawsuit if a dangerous or defective truck component was to blame for your wounds.
What Should I After a Truck Accident?
If you’ve been in an 18-wheeler accident in Alabama, 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 own insurance provider?
The answer may depend on the circumstances of your case. Many trucking companies carry insurance that provides coverage for accidents involving their trucks. However, the amount of coverage may be insufficient to cover all of your losses.
In addition, the trucking company’s insurance provider or the insurance company may be difficult to work with. For these reasons, it may be in your best interest to consult with a personal injury lawyer who can help you determine the best course of action.
In some cases, filing a claim with your own insurance provider may be the best option. Many motorists in Alabama opt for extra auto insurance policies that reduce their losses.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, which kicks in when the driver’s or trucking company’s policies don’t fully cover your losses or the driver is uninsured, is a part of this coverage. If you have this kind of insurance, you might be able to get some of your money back from your own policy.
At Petro Accident and Injury Attorneys, we have truck accident lawyers who are ready to help if you or a loved one has been involved in an accident. We understand the complex web of laws and regulations that trucking companies must follow, and we know how to hold them accountable when they fail to do so.
Our truck accident lawyers have experience handling all types of truck accidents, from minor fender benders to major collisions. We also have a deep understanding of Alabama trucking laws and can help you navigate the claims process.
Contact us today for a consultation. We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and give you honest advice about your legal options.
What Are Alabama Truck Regulations?
Alabama trucking laws are designed to ensure the safety of both truck drivers and other motorists on the state’s roads. To that end, the state of Alabama has adopted most of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) requirements.
Trucking Regulations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
The trucking industry is one of the most highly regulated industries in the United States. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is responsible for overseeing trucking operations and imposing safety regulations that truck drivers and trucking companies must follow.
Truck driver training is one of the most important aspects of trucking safety, and the FMCSA has a number of regulations in place to ensure that drivers are properly trained. For example, all drivers must obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) before operating an 18-wheeler truck, and they must complete a certain amount of training before being allowed to transport cargo.
In addition, the FMCSA requires trucking companies to provide their drivers with on-the-job training and to keep records of all training that drivers receive. By requiring truck drivers and trucking companies to follow these and other safety regulations, the FMCSA is helping to reduce the number of truck accidents on our roads.
Service Hours
In order to prevent truck drivers from becoming fatigued and operating their vehicles unsafely, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has placed limits on the number of hours a truck driver can drive in a day or work week.
The current guidelines state as follows:
- The truck drivers are only permitted to drive for 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off-duty, and
- They are not allowed to operate a vehicle for more than 14 hours in a row after returning to work following a 10-hour break.
- Truck drivers are not allowed to drive after working 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days.
- They can only restart a 7- or 8-day stretch after taking 34 or more hours off consecutively.
- Truck drivers must take a mandatory 30-minute break after eight hours of driving.
Logbooks are used by truck drivers to record their time and status on duty. A requirement of this rule is that logbooks represent an accurate and comprehensive record of the driver’s activities for each 24-hour period.
State or federal agencies have the right to examine logbooks at any time. Regulated hours of service infractions, unfortunately, happen frequently.
These regulations are in place to help keep truck drivers and the public safe. If you or someone you know has been involved in a truck accident, contact our experienced truck accident lawyers at Petro Accident and Injury Attorneys today for a consultation.
Requirements for Trucking Vehicles
According to the truck accident lawyers in Alabama, truck drivers, and trucking businesses are accountable for ensuring that their vehicles and equipment are in good functioning condition and are routinely inspected, repaired, and maintained in accordance with FMCSA standards.
Additionally, truckers and their businesses must keep correct records of maintenance and adhere to laws governing cargo security. By following these rules, truck drivers and trucking companies can help keep people from getting hurt or in accidents on the roads.
Driver Qualification Is Required
There are a number of requirements that commercial truck drivers must meet in order to operate their vehicles safely and legally. The following is as follows
- They must be of legal driving age, which is 21 years of age.
- They must be able to communicate with the general public, read traffic signs and signals, react to government inquiries, and keep accurate records, a truck driver must be able to read, speak, and interpret English well enough.
- The truck driver must also have the skills or training to drive the tractor-trailer, 18-wheeler, or another commercial vehicle that they are responsible for in the right way.
- The truck driver must possess the physical requirements to drive a commercial truck.
- The truck driver must possess a commercial motor vehicle operator’s license that has not expired and is granted by more than one state or jurisdiction.
- The truck driver’s employer must have a copy of the truck driver’s driving history or credentials on file.
- If the truck driver has been banned from using commercial vehicles, they will not be qualified to drive a truck.
- The truck driver must have acquired a certificate proving completion of a truck driver’s road test and have successfully completed a truck driver’s road test in order to be properly qualified to operate a truck on public roads. This certificate is required in order to ensure that the truck driver understands the truck’s capabilities and limitations, and has the skills necessary to operate the truck safely.
Truck drivers can help prevent accidents and make sure they can drive their vehicles safely if they follow these rules.
Alabama Trucking Law
In addition, Alabama has its own rules for commercial trucks operating within the state. To oversee and uphold safety requirements for the commercial trucking sector, the FMCSA collaborates with the Alabama Public Safety Commission and the Alabama Department of Public Safety.
As a result of these laws and regulations, truck accidents in Alabama are relatively rare. However, when they do occur, they often cause serious injuries or even death.
The truck drivers must be at least 18 years old, pass a vision test, and acquire a DOT medical certificate in order to qualify for a CDL. Alabama only requires a CDL if the truck has a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of greater than 26,000 pounds, can carry 16 or more people, or transports hazardous goods.
Additionally, candidates must successfully complete a driving test and a written knowledge examination. Truck Accident Lawyer In addition to these requirements, truck drivers in Alabama must also adhere to strict hours-of-service rules.
These rules limit the number of hours that truckers can drive each day and week, and they are designed to prevent fatigued driving. Truck Accident Lawyers, however, truckers sometimes violate these rules, leading to serious accidents.
What Are The Main Causes Of Alabama Truck Accidents?
Semi Truck accidents are becoming more and more common in the state of Alabama. If you or someone you know has been involved in a truck accident, it is important to seek legal help from a qualified Birmingham truck accident lawyer. Truck accidents can be complicated, but a lawyer with experience will make sure you get the money you deserve.
There are a number of different factors that can contribute to truck accidents, and as a result, truck accident victims may be eligible for a variety of different benefits under workers’ compensation. For example,
- 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.
- And also, infractions of state and federal truck safety regulations can also lead to truck accidents. The trucking companies have improper hiring processes.
What are Common Truck Injuries from Collisions?
While some truck accident victims only suffer mild bumps and bruises, others are not so lucky. More serious truck accident injuries can include traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), burns, and spinal cord damage. These types of injuries often result in long-term complications, including chronic pain, paralysis, and disfigurement. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, it is important to seek legal help as soon as possible. An experienced truck accident lawyer will fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Truck accident victims frequently sustain the following injuries:
- Head trauma
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Damage to the spine, neck, and back, such as herniated discs and degenerative disc disease,
- 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
Our Alabama truck accident lawyers at Petro Accident and Injury Attorneys are familiar with the unique challenges that truck accident victims face. We understand those truck accidents often result in serious and life-altering injuries, and we fight tirelessly to get our clients the maximum compensation they deserve.
Birmingham truck accident lawyers cannot accurately calculate your damages or inform a jury about how the accident has impacted your life without knowing the entire extent of your injuries. We often engage with our client’s doctors and consult with medical professionals during a truck accident claim because your injuries are distinct and complex.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, contact us today for a consultation. Our experienced team of personal injury lawyers will review your case and help you understand your legal options, and we’re ready to put our experience to work for you.
What Is The Alabama Statute Of Limitations For Personal Injury Claims?
If you were involved in a truck accident in Alabama, it’s important to know the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim. In Alabama, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years. This means that you have two years from the date of the accident to retain a lawyer and file a lawsuit against the person who caused your injuries.
If you don’t bring a claim within the two-year period, it will be lost forever. There are a few exceptions to this rule, so it’s important to consult with an experienced truck accident lawyer to ensure that your rights are protected.
How Much Is My Alabama Truck Accident Claim Worth?
Truck accident lawyers in Alabama are always available to help you with your truck accident case. At Petro Accident and Injury Attorneys, we will work tirelessly to make sure that you receive the money you deserve for your truck accident claim.
We know that no amount of money can ever undo the effects of an accident, but it can give you some stability and guarantee that you receive the medical attention you require. There are many factors that we take into account when determining the value of your truck accident claim, such as:
- 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 are able to 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,
No two truck accident cases are exactly alike, which is why it is always best to consult with a knowledgeable truck accident attorney who can evaluate all aspects of your case and give you an estimate of what your claim may be worth. If you or someone you know has been in a truck accident in Alabama, please contact us today for a consultation. Our knowledgeable truck accident lawyers are here to help you every step of the way.
Consult With An 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 a qualified truck accident lawyer 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 truck accident lawyer on your side, you may not be able to protect your rights and ensure that evidence is preserved.
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 accident cases, and we will use our knowledge and resources to aggressively pursue your claim. Contact our office today!
