Trucking Accidents

Alabama Truck Accident Attorneys

Large Truck & Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents involving large semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, and other commercial vehicles tend to result in catastrophic injury and wrongful death. Victims who survive such accidents face immense physical, emotional, and financial challenges, ranging from permanent impairment or disability to massive medical bills to immeasurable pain and suffering.

At Morris Haynes Attorneys at Law, we believe that truck accident victims deserve justice. If you believe that someone else was at fault for the collision, reach out to our Alabama truck accident attorneys today to learn how we can help.

These types of cases are much more complex than standard car accident claims; it is important that you work with an experienced attorney, like those at our firm, who can help you navigate the legal process and seek the full, fair compensation you deserve.

Get started with a free initial consultation at our Alexander City or Birmingham office; call (205) 973-6915 or contact us online today.

Common Causes of Large Truck Accidents

Just like other motor vehicle accidents, many large truck collisions can be attributed to negligence.

Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

  • Truck driver error and negligence
  • Speeding, including driving too fast for conditions
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Hours-of-service violations and fatigued driving
  • Distracted driving, including using a cellphone while driving
  • Overloaded trucks/maximum weight capacity violations
  • Improperly loaded and/or shifting cargo
  • Lack of proper truck maintenance
  • Failure to conduct adequate truck repairs
  • Negligent truck driver hiring or training practices
  • Failure to properly supervise truck drivers
  • Defective trucks or truck parts, such as braking systems or truck tires

When trucking companies, truck drivers, truck manufacturers, and other entities are careless, reckless, or negligent, the consequences can be deadly. If you believe that someone else is responsible for the accident that left you injured or resulted in your loved one’s death, reach out to our team at Morris Haynes Attorneys at Law right away to learn how we can help.

Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident?

One of the reasons that truck accident cases are so much more complicated than typical automobile accident claims is the issue of liability. In standard vehicle accident claims, the person who caused the crash—the at-fault driver—is nearly always the one who is also liable for the victim’s damages. This is not necessarily the case in large truck accident cases.

In fact, even when the truck driver was clearly negligent, they may not be specifically liable. Often, the trucking company is the one responsible for paying your damages. This is because most employers are liable for their employees’ conduct when those employees are carrying out job-related activities or duties.

As a result, the trucking company could be liable for your damages even in cases involving careless or reckless truck drivers.

However, the trucking company may not be liable in certain circumstances. If the truck driver was in violation of company policy when the accident occurred or was classified as an independent contractor rather than an employee, you may not have a claim against the trucking company. In other instances, a third party could be partially or wholly responsible for your damages. For example, if the accident resulted from a truck defect, the manufacturer could be liable for your resulting damages.

At Morris Haynes Attorneys at Law, we know how to thoroughly investigate truck accident claims to determine how the crash occurred and who is liable. Our Alabama truck accident attorneys have more than 30 years of experience and a long track record of successfully obtaining fair compensation on behalf of severely injured victims and the families of those wrongfully killed.

We are prepared to go up against the trucking company, insurance provider, or another liable entity and fight for the maximum compensation you are owed.

Common Injuries in Trucking Accidents and Potential Compensation

Trucking accidents typically result in highly severe injuries due to the sheer size and weight of the vehicles involved. Injuries often include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, and even fatalities. These injuries can lead to both economic and non-economic costs, many of which can haunt you for life.

Economic costs are tangible and quantifiable financial burdens, including medical expenses, lost wages due to time off work, rehabilitation costs, and other out-of-pocket expenses. On the other hand, non-economic costs are intangible and subjective, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of companionship.

Both types of costs significantly contribute to the overall financial impact of an accident. It's essential to consider both when evaluating the total cost of injuries because these costs represent not only the immediate monetary burden but also the long-term implications of the accident.

Given the severity and complexity of trucking accident injuries, victims may be entitled to sizable compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. This compensation could cover:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

It's essential to consult with an attorney in such scenarios. A qualified attorney can help determine if you have grounds for a lawsuit, identify liable parties, and provide guidance on whether filing a suit is in your best interest. They'll also advocate for you to secure the maximum compensation possible, helping to alleviate the financial burden of the injury.

Why Hire an Alabama Truck Accident Attorney?

Truck accident cases are incredibly complex; it is not recommended that you try to handle your case on your own. Many studies have proven that people who hire personal injury attorneys recover higher, prompter settlements than those who attempt to resolve their cases themselves.

This is because an attorney will have the necessary resources to gather evidence and build a powerful case on your behalf. An attorney will also have the experience needed to effectively advocate for you and your recovery, including representing you at trial if necessary.

In Alabama, if you are found to be even one percent at fault for an accident, you cannot recover any compensation for your damages. We strongly recommend that you avoid speaking to anyone from the trucking company or its insurance provider and do not sign anything or make any statements until you have first spoken to a lawyer.

Our Alabama large truck accident attorneys are here to answer your questions and provide the personalized guidance you need.

We have recovered more than $1 billion for our clients, including many million- and multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts. We invite you to reach out to our team today to learn how we can assist you with your large truck accident claim. There are no attorney fees unless we win your case.

Call (205) 973-6915 or submit a free online contact form to schedule a consultation with an Alabama truck accident attorney. Hablamos español.

FAQ

Trucking Accidents
  • How much is my truck accident claim worth?

    At Morris Haynes Attorneys at Law, we recognize that the value of your claim is of the utmost importance when you are facing massive medical bills, weeks or months of lost wages, and other serious financial hardships. However, it is, unfortunately, impossible to determine how much your claim is worth without first reviewing the specific details of your case. Factors that influence the value of your truck accident claim include the severity of your injuries, the extent of your damages, and your degree of fault (if any), among others. We encourage you to contact our Alabama truck accident lawyers today to set up a free initial consultation and case evaluation.

  • Is the trucking company always liable for a truck accident?

    No, while the trucking company is often liable in these types of cases, they are not always responsible for damages. In some cases, a claim may be filed against the truck driver, a manufacturer, another motorist, or some other party. Our team can assess your claim and determine who might be liable for your injuries and damages.

  • What damages are available in truck accident cases?

    Just as it is impossible to determine the exact value of your claim without knowing the unique factors involved, it is also difficult to say which types of damages you can expect to receive. That being said, you could be entitled to compensation for any and all losses stemming from the accident. This includes things like past and future medical expenses, lost income/wages, loss of earning ability, loss of future earnings, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more.

  • How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Alabama?

    In most cases, you only have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. This two-year deadline is known as the “statute of limitations,” and if it expires before you take legal action, you will not be able to sue the liable party for damages.

DON'T WAIT.

Contact Our Firm Today
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please enter a message.