Commercial Truck Accident Attorney in Daphne, Aabama
As you travel Alabama’s major highways and interstates, such as I-10 and I-65, it’s a given that you will be sharing the road with a variety of commercial vehicles, including large 18-wheelers and tractor-trailers. These trucks can weigh upwards of 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, and a standard passenger vehicle is no match for something that is up to 30 times larger. When a crash with one of the giant trucks happens, the results can be life-altering if not fatal.
If you have been injured in a serious truck accident or have lost a loved one, you face a challenging road ahead. Truck accident cases are vastly different from those involving two passenger vehicles, and they require a different approach. The truck accident lawyers at Stone Crosby, P.C. in Baldwin County, Alabama, have the experience and resources necessary to effectively pursue your case. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation.
Why Commercial Trucks Are So Dangerous
According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, there were nearly 10,500 truck-involved crashes in this state in 2019, resulting in 2,612 injuries and 137 deaths. This was the highest commercial truck accident rate in Alabama in over a decade.
Truck drivers undergo substantial training to help them navigate our nation’s roads and reduce the risk of harm to other drivers. Even with this training, commercial trucks pose a substantial risk to other drivers. Some of the reasons for this danger include:
- It takes a tractor-trailer much longer to stop than a passenger vehicle;
- Trucks have a wider turning radius and less maneuverability than cars;
- 18-wheelers have multiple blind spots;
- Because of their size, accidents often involve more than one vehicle;
- Loads can shift and even fall off during a collision; and
- Some tractor-trailers carry hazardous, toxic, or flammable materials.
Common Causes and Types of Truck Accidents in Alabama
When there is a combination of large commercial trucks, passenger cars, and motorcycles on the road, accidents are likely. And commercial trucks are found to be at fault in these crashes more than half of the time.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the most common causes of large truck accidents include:
- Brake problems
- Traffic flow interruption (previous crashes or congestion)
- Prescription drug use
- Over-the-counter drug use
- Fatigue
- Traveling too fast for conditions
- Roadway issues
- Unfamiliarity with the roadway
- Inadequate surveillance
- Making illegal maneuvers
Every truck accident is different, but they all arise due to an event or series of events that often lead to serious injuries or death. Many of these accidents fall into certain categories, such as:
- Blindspot accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- Underride accidents
- Cargo spill accidents
- Jackknife accidents
- Rollover accidents
- Runaway vehicle accidents
Understanding the type of truck accident you or a loved one was involved in could help determine who was responsible for the crash.
Truck Crashes Mean Serious Injuries
If a large truck collides with your vehicle, you more than likely have suffered some severe injuries. The most common truck accident injuries we see include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Organ damage
- Broken and fractured bones
- Facial injuries
- Burns
- Soft tissue injuries
- Death
The likelihood of serious injuries that result in permanent limitations is why many truck accident victims can recover substantial compensation after one of these accidents. Some of the damages you can pursue include:
- Medical and physical therapy costs
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Every truck accident case is unique, and our law firm would be happy to speak to you about your options for pursuing full and fair compensation.
Truck Accident Claims Can Be Complicated
Not only are commercial trucks more dangerous than passenger vehicles, but the claims involving them are much more complicated. If anyone tells you that a commercial truck case is just like handling a case with a “big car,” they are misinformed. Reasons that truck accident claims can be so complex include:
- Damages are often severe– The damages suffered by a driver or passenger of a smaller vehicle are likely to be significant. When injuries and damages are severe, insurance companies are more likely to fight these claims to reduce their exposure.
- Trucks are subject to specific laws and regulations– Truck drivers and trucking companies are subject to a long list of federal regulations meant to make the industry safer and reduce accidents. Knowledge of these regulations is vital in building a strong case against the responsible parties.
- Liability may be unclear– Liability in truck accident cases isn’t always obvious. Some of the parties that could be held responsible include the truck driver, a trucking company, the cargo loader, a vehicle, or parts manufacturer, or some other third party. Liability might be difficult to prove and a matter in dispute.
- Trucking companies have powerful attorneys– Trucking companies often have deep pockets and a big incentive to protect their bottom-line results. They will hire powerful attorneys to protect their interests. You should do the same.
A truck accident claim is not something you want to handle on your own. And after such a traumatic event, you should not have to. An experienced truck accident law firm will aggressively protect your interests while you focus on your physical and emotional wellbeing.
Speak With a Qualified Alabama Truck Accident Attorney
The personal injury law firm of Stone Crosby, P.C. has over 100 years of experience with all types of accident claims. We have established a reputation throughout Alabama for aggressively representing our clients to insurance companies and diligently pursue maximum compensation in every case, whether through negotiation or litigation.
Our clients have peace of mind knowing that their case will get the attention it deserves. When you have a question or concern, it will receive a prompt answer. If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident or you have lost a loved one, we urge you to contact our office for a free consultation. We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay us anything unless we win your case.
