Truck accidents have the potential to cause serious injuries to drivers and their passengers. We face increased accident risks when trucking companies cut corners in the pursuit of profits. If a truck wreck caused your injuries, you may qualify for substantial financial compensation, but filing a successful claim without the assistance of a personal injury attorney is not easy.
You need the help of the experienced Birmingham truck accident lawyer at The Outlawyer®, whose job it is to fight for you from start to finish.
Trucking accidents or collisions involving “Big Rigs” or commercial carriers are an entirely different animal when compared to a car accident. A commercial transportation company that is involved in interstate trucking is governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. This means that an additional set of rules, technology, business practices and insurance coverages come into play. Every year thousands of trucking fatalities occur with hundreds of thousands more injured as the result of large truck accidents. Here are some of the most common causes of trucking accidents that I’ve seen in my career:
Federal regulations limit the amount of time a commercial truck driver can log driving per week. When a driver pushes more than the regulations allow, driver fatigue can set in and jeopardize the safety of everyone on the road.
A driver must undergo specific training before becoming certified as a commercial truck driver. Even when a truck driver earns these credentials, extra safety precautions are still necessary due to the size and weight of trucks they will be driving. Trucking companies who force drivers on the road with inadequate training and/or without the experience necessary to complete job place everyone on the road at risk.
Federal regulations determine how much weight a commercial truck can carry. If a truck is overloaded, it can cause serious changes to how the truck will perform. Being overloaded or having cargo improperly secured often causes blowouts, a jackknife or dangerous instability leading to potential roll over causing serious and potentially fatal results.
Trucking companies are responsible for the proper maintenance and upkeep of their vehicles. All maintenance checks must be documented and a truck company can be held responsible for a trucking accident if faulty equipment is found to be to blame. Common examples of equipment malfunction are tire blowouts due to age or lack of proper rotation and worn out brakes.
Too many times I’ve seen trucking companies employ a dangerous and reckless driver who has a long record of traffic accidents and traffic citations exhibiting aggressive driving behavior. I’ve seen truck drivers who caused accidents while driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Even though texting while driving is against the law and banned nationwide for drivers of commercial trucks, it continues to account for many commercial vehicle collisions.
As professional drivers, truckers must be held accountable when they cause accidents, injuries, and collisions due to following another vehicle too closely, having their own issues with road rage, failing to check for blind spots, making frequent lane changes, and carelessly failing to use turn signals.
Understanding these causes is essential when an injury lawyer investigates liability in Birmingham big rig collision cases, as it often determines who bears ultimate responsibility.
Truck accidents often cause more severe injuries than typical car collisions due to the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles. Your big rig accident claim can incorporate both economic and non-economic losses, including:
An injury attorney can quantify the damages resulting from your truck crash in Birmingham. There is also the possibility of punitive damages if you can demonstrate that there was a culture of noncompliance or gross negligence.
There are several reasons why tractor-trailer accident cases can be more complex than other crashes involving motor vehicles, including:
A lawyer with experience handling truck collision claims in Birmingham is well-equipped to manage these complexities.
A lawyer can guide you through the complex process of filing a truck crash claim in Birmingham and holding negligent parties accountable. They can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and identify all responsible parties, including drivers, trucking companies, or manufacturers. An attorney can handle communications with insurance companies, negotiate fair settlements, and, if needed, represent you in court. After a wreck, you need someone like Matt Abbott who can stand up for your legal rights.
If a truck wreck caused your injuries, time is critical to protect your rights. The experienced Birmingham truck accident lawyer at The Outlawyer® investigates every detail, from driver negligence to cargo violations, to hold the responsible parties accountable. The Outlawyer® fights for maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Take control of your case and your future. Get in touch with us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward justice.