Alabama Truck/18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers

Truck and 18-wheeler drivers deserve our respect because this nation’s commerce wouldn’t function without them. But they are human beings who are forced to work long days to meet challenging deadlines imposed by shippers or employers, all while operating a massive, dangerous piece of machinery. When a commercial truck is involved in an accident, it’s a serious matter for the other drivers on the road.

At Phillips Law Firm, our law firm understands that your life can be changed in an instant by a commercial truck accident. If you or a loved one has been seriously hurt, you have the right to pursue compensation if the accident was someone else’s fault. Our law firm offers a free consultation with an Alabama truck accident lawyer. Contact us today for an appointment by calling (334) 277-8753.

Truck Accidents in Alabama

According to the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), there were more than 10,400 truck-involved crashes in this state in 2019, resulting in over 2,600 injuries and 137 deaths. This state agency defines a truck as anything heavier than an SUV or light truck, so it includes 18-wheelers, semis, and delivery trucks. Of the truck-involved fatalities in Alabama, 36.5% took place on state routes and 29.9% on interstates. Just 7.3% took place on city streets.

Common Causes of Truck/18-Wheeler Accidents

There are many possible causes of truck accidents in Alabama. In a majority of cases, these crashes can be traced back to driver error. The common causes our firm sees include:

• Speeding
• Reckless driving
• Driver fatigue
• Driver distraction
• Substance abuse
• Maintenance issues
• Design defects
• Cargo issues

Truck Accident Injuries Can Be Severe

If the victim of a truck accident survives the crash, they have likely been seriously injured. These accidents are so severe because of the massive size and weight difference between an 18-wheeler and a passenger vehicle. Large trucks are not only more difficult to handle, but they also have a higher center of gravity and can roll over more easily. Some of the common injuries we see with these accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Internal injuries
• Deep cuts and lacerations
• Paralysis
• Burns
• Soft tissue injuries
• Joint damage

Determining Liability in Truck Accident Cases

Truck-involved crashes often happen because another party acted carelessly or was otherwise negligent. Figuring out who to hold responsible after a truck accident can be complicated because so many players are involved. But it can be done with a thorough accident investigation.

Some of the parties that could be held accountable for your truck accident include:

• The Truck Driver – The most obvious choice for liability after a truck accident is usually the truck driver. This can be simple for an experienced attorney to prove if the driver was speeding, following too close, under the influence, or not adhering to regulations.
• The Trucking Company – Depending on the circumstances of the accident, the trucking company can also be held accountable. They might be directing the actions of the driver, creating an unsafe situation. Or the company might fail to properly maintain the truck.
• A Shipper or Logistics Company – When trucks aren’t properly loaded or carry dangerous materials, such as flammable liquids, it can create a volatile situation. The shipper or logistics company that failed to take proper precautions could be found liable.
• A Parts Manufacturer – If the accident happened due to the failure of a part, the manufacturer of that part should be the target of your personal injury claim. But the trucking company could also be held responsible if they knew about the problem and failed to act.
• Another Third Party – Other parties could be responsible for your truck-involved accident. Examples include a city that failed to maintain a road or even a pedestrian that darted into traffic and caused a crash.

Damages You Can Collect After an Alabama Truck Accident

It’s not possible to give you a case value just after an accident. Every case is different, and some of the factors that determine what your case is worth including who was at fault, how the accident happened, and the value of your damages.

Our law firm will conduct an independent investigation of your accident and build a strong case to help you collect a maximum reward. Some of the damages you may be able to collect include:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost pay and lost earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of consortium

It would be a mistake to accept an initial settlement offer from an insurance company. These are generally low-ball offers that are nowhere close to what your case is worth.

How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help Your Case

Truck accidents cases are complex because the responsible parties are often commercial operations with assets to protect. Their insurance companies will put up a fight to protect the high limits on accident and liability coverage, so you aren’t likely to get fair treatment even if fault is clear.

Because Alabama follows the doctrine of contributory negligence, it’s possible that the other side will try to allege shared fault. In other words, you won’t be able to collect anything if the insurance company can show that you were partially at fault in the accident, even just one percent.

Your experienced personal injury attorney will even the playing field and ensure you get maximum value for your claim. Some of the things your truck accident attorney can do to help your case include:

• Accident scene investigation
• Evidence collection
• Communication with witnesses
• Negotiation with insurance companies
• Litigation whenever necessary to secure the best result

When you put your trust in our law firm, we will give you the personalized service you deserve. Our years of experience and knowledge of the applicable laws will place you in a favorable position to secure a positive outcome.

Speak With an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney

If you’ve been involved in an accident with a truck or 18-wheeler, you probably have serious injuries. Or you might be coming to terms with the death of a loved one due to another party’s negligence. The experienced truck accident lawyer at Phillips Law Firm is dedicated to pursuing justice for injured clients.

Please call our office at (334) 277-8753 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We take truck accident cases on contingency, meaning you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case. And remember! You get hurt. We get busy.