Trucking Accident Attorney: Huntsville, Alabama

18-Wheeler / Semi-Truck Accident Attorney, Huntsville and North Alabama Areas

The team at Tyler Mann Injury Law knows how to build successful truck accident claims when victims are injured by negligent drivers and trucking companies, and we want to put our experience to work for you.

 

Differences Between Car and Truck Accident Claims

While you might assume that truck accidents and car accidents are handled identically, this is not the case for several key reasons. These reasons are also why it is extremely important to hire an experienced Alabama truck accident attorney to improve your chances of getting the compensation you need after a collision involving an 18-wheeler or semi-truck.

Key differences between car and truck accidents include:

  • Trucks accidents often cause significantly more damage and more severe injuries, which require more compensation.
  • Because trucks are larger and heavier, they are operated differently. For example, they need more time to come a complete stop, which can affect how evidence is presented and how your claim is argued.
  • Trucks carry larger insurance policies, which mean more compensation is available. But it also means their insurance providers will try harder to reduce or deny claims.
  • Multiple parties may be considered liable in a truck accident, including the truck driver, the trucking company, the company that loaded the truck, and so on.
  • Truck drivers have to follow not only state and local traffic ordinances, but federal regulations as well, which include limits on how much a truck can haul and how long a truck driver can drive in one stretch. You will need a lawyer who is familiar with these laws to determine whether the driver, company, or owner broke them in some way.

 

What to Do After a Trucking Accident Injury in Alabama

In the moments after a collision with a truck, you may be disoriented and in severe pain. However, it’s important to keep these steps in mind to protect your health and rights to compensation.

  • Get to Safety – If possible, move your vehicle and yourself off the road and as far away from moving traffic as possible.
  • Call 911 – After a collision involving a truck, you may have suffered severe injuries. It is important to get emergency medical services on the scene as soon as possible to treat your and other victims’ injuries. It is also important to get the police to the scene to take statements and write a report. This report will serve as evidence when building your claim.
  • Gather Information – If you are physically able, take photos of the vehicles and the accident scene. You should also get the contact and insurance information of any other drivers involved, the license number and employer of the truck driver, and the contact information of any witnesses.
  • Get Medical Attention – If you were not treated at the scene, make an appointment to see your medical provider as soon as possible and inform them you were involved in a truck accident. They will be able to identify any hidden injuries, such as soft tissue damage or internal injuries, and link your injuries to the crash.
  • Contact Your Insurance Company – After any auto collision, you will need to inform your insurance company about what happened. However, do not provide any details beyond the bare facts, to either your own insurance company or the truck company’s, before speaking to a lawyer. You will also need to file a report with the Alabama Department of Public Safety within 30 days if the accident caused an injury.

 

Compensation in an Alabama Truck Accident Claim

Because truck accidents often cause severe injuries and extensive damage, you may be able to get significant compensation for your damages after a truck accident, including:

  • Immediate and ongoing medical expenses
  • Disability accommodations
  • Past and future lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Reduced quality of life
  • Property damage

 

How Long to File a Trucking Accident Claim in Alabama?

The statute of limitations in Alabama is two years. This means that you only have two years from the date of the accident in order to file a lawsuit. This may seem like a lot of time, but if you do not realize the extent of your injuries right away, or if you spend too long going back-and-forth with the insurance company, you may miss your window to file for compensation. That’s why it’s important to speak to a lawyer as soon as possible if you’ve been injured in a truck accident.

 

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in North Alabama

There are many potential causes for a truck accident, and because of Alabama’s contributory negligence law, if you are found even partially at fault for the accident, you may not be able to get compensation, even if your injuries are serious.

An experienced truck accident lawyer can examine the evidence and reconstruct the accident scene to prove you were not at fault for your accident. Some causes of truck accidents may include:

  • Truck drivers working while distracted, drowsy, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Truck drivers speeding, changing lanes without checking blind spots, or behaving in other negligent ways
  • Incompetent or poorly trained truck drivers
  • Inadequately secured truck cargo that falls into the road or onto your car
  • Hazardous road conditions or debris in the road
  • Mechanical failure due to inadequate truck maintenance

 

How Tyler Mann can Help with Your Trucking Accident Claim

When you contact the team at Tyler Mann Injury Law, we will take over uncovering evidence that proves your accident wasn’t your fault and that the insurance company can’t ignore, as well as calculating your damages and negotiating a settlement so you and your loved ones can recover without worrying about your medical bills.