Alabama Truck Accidents Lawyers

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents

Trucks are not only larger than passenger vehicles, but also more difficult to maneuver, have more blind spots, and take longer distances to stop. These factors can be a recipe for disaster on a crowded highway or any road where a driver is not following the rules.

A truck driver that is speeding, under the influence, driving distracted, or being aggressive, could easily cause a serious accident. According to studies by the FMCSA, the most common causes of large truck accidents include:

• Inattention
• Following too close
• Driving too fast for conditions
• Making illegal maneuvers
• Driving an overweight or improperly loaded truck
• Failing to stop
• Brake problems
• Tire or mechanical failure
• Fatigued driving

Because semis are so large in weight and volume, the injuries that result from these accidents are usually catastrophic if not fatal. The most common types of accidents involving commercial trucks include:

• Head-on collisions
• Rear-end collisions
• Under-ride collisions
• Side collisions
• Truck rollovers

Why Truck Accidents Are Different from Other Motor Vehicle Crashes

When there is a crash involving two cars, liability is often straightforward. Generally, one driver or the other made a mistake, and each has its own insurance company. But truck accident cases are more complex.

Commercial trucks must adhere to various strict federal and state guidelines that don’t apply to other vehicles. They have to carry higher limits of insurance, drivers must limit and document their time behind the wheel, and trucks must be meticulously maintained. Since profit margins are tight, some companies shortcut these rules, which is negligence and can lead to an increased risk of dangerous and deadly accidents on the road.

Multiple parties could be liable for a serious trucking accident, including the truck driver, the trucking company, a parts manufacturer, a cargo shipper, and others. Each party also has its own insurance company that is going to fight the idea that there is financial responsibility for an expensive crash with property damage, injuries, and possible loss of life.

Taking things a step further, truck drivers, trucking companies, their insurers, and their teams of attorneys will be ready to take whatever steps are necessary to minimize losses. This might include getting rid of evidence, such as the truck, and attempting to get you to admit fault.

While you don’t have to hire a lawyer to handle your truck accident claim, it’s certainly in your best interest to do so. Trucking companies and their insurance companies have teams of attorneys on their side to protect their interests, and you should too.

Three Facts that Few People Know About Truck Accidents

At Greene & Phillips, there’s a reason we don’t represent trucking companies or insurance carriers. We put the power of our experience and resources to work for the benefit of accident victims and their families.

If a trucking accident has impacted your life, you are not alone. Nor should you try to handle one of these cases without legal assistance. Here are three shocking facts about these crashes that are proof positive you need strong legal advocacy in your corner.

1. 1 in 10 fatalities on U.S. highways are caused by large trucks.According to the IIHS, 11% of all motor vehicle crash deaths in the U.S. involve large trucks. Of those, nearly 85% of deaths were someone other than the truck occupant. Further, 98% of multi-car accidents involving large trucks result in at least one death or serious injury.
2. The average cost of a fatal accident involving a large truck is more than $7 million.The FMCSA reports that the average cost of an accident involving a semi where there was loss of life is now over $7 million. This figure includes property damages, medical costs, lost wages, death benefits, and the cost to pursue legal action against the responsible parties. Not every case is worth this much, but you need an attorney that is willing to fight for the full compensation you deserve.
3. 88% of truck accidents are caused by negligence.According to the FMCSA, most crashes involving semis and 18-wheelers are due to truck driver negligence. Even though passenger vehicles and other parties are sometimes at fault, inattention and recklessness on the part of truckers is a common cause.

Commercial truck accidents are common, expensive, and often the fault of the truck driver and/or a third party. If you or a loved one have been seriously injured or you are dealing with the loss of a family member, our experienced accident attorneys can help.

Contact Our Team of Qualified Alabama Truck Accident Lawyers

If you or someone close to you has been involved in a truck accident, you don’t have to fight this battle alone. Dealing with the aftermath of one of the tragedies is tough enough. At Greene & Phillips, we believe that accident victims deserve fair compensation, and we will aggressively fight for justice on your behalf.

Our team of legal advocates will move quickly to establish evidence of negligence on the part of one or several parties. We will work with accident reconstructionists and economists, when necessary, to prove your case and damages. We take pride in negotiating strong settlements on behalf of clients and seeking justice in court when insurers fail to treat our clients fairly.

These large companies and their insurers don’t play fair, and we don’t recommend that you add one more thing to your already full plate. Call our office at 1-888-510-1020 or walk through the front door at your convenience for a free, no-obligation, consultation.

When we take your case, you won’t pay us a dime until we recover compensation on your behalf.