Trucking is the most important transportation method for goods in Alabama. According to the Alabama Trucking Association, commercial trucks move over 80% of all goods in the state and the industry employs over 34,000 drivers.

Trucks are a common sight on the roads and highways of Alabama, such as I-22, I-20, I-65, and I-59. Unfortunately, their prevalence also means truck crashes are a common occurrence. The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) counted 10,452 accidents involving trucks in the state in 2022.

Read on to get the facts about truck crashes in Alabama, their most common causes, and how an Alabama truck crash injury lawyer from Tyler Mann Injury Law can help after an accident.

Alabama Truck Crash Statistics

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) defines a truck as any vehicle heavier than a light (pick-up) truck or an SUV, excluding buses. It includes vehicles designed to transport cargo, freight, or other properties, such as delivery trucks, 18-wheelers, and tow trucks.

Over the past decade, the number of large truck crashes have steadily been on the rise. Crashes in 2022 resulted in 2,417 injuries and 162 fatalities, making it the deadliest year since 2016.

Common Truck Accident Causes in Alabama

ALDOT analyzed the 10,452 truck crashes on Alabama roads in 2022, classifying each by primary cause. Some of the most common reasons for big rig accidents include:

  • Distracted Driving: Distracted driving contributes to truck accidents, often leading to critical errors like improper lane changes, failing to yield, and collisions with obstacles or vehicles. In Alabama, these factors were behind 3,458 truck crashes, accounting for almost one-third of all truck accidents.
  • Fatigue and Drowsy Driving: According to the FMCSA Hours of Service Regulations, truck drivers transporting cargo or property must take at least 30 minutes of break for every 8 hours driven, and must take a 10-hour break after 11 hours driven. Breaking these rules can lead to fatigue and drowsy driving, the cause of 216 truck crashes in Alabama in 2022.
  • Driving Under the Influence: Driving while drunk or under a controlled substance is dangerous and illegal. Driving under the influence causes blurry vision, decreased reaction times and coordination, and impaired judgment. Truck drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol were involved in 120 truck crashes in 2022 in Alabama.
  • Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Trucks: Failing to load a large truck safely or loading it beyond its maximum carrying capacity can affect the truck’s handling and braking capabilities. Drivers in improperly loaded trucks are more likely to be involved in accidents due to misjudged stopping distances, which resulted in 467 crashes in 2022 in Alabama.
  • Poor Maintenance and Defective Equipment: Trucking companies are responsible for keeping their vehicles in proper working order. Failure to maintain trucks can cause essential parts to wear out or fail, increasing the risk of a crash. Defective equipment was the primary cause of 447 truck accidents in 2022 in the Yellowhammer State.
  • Speeding: Driving at excessive speeds is a common issue in the trucking industry, often caused by tight delivery deadlines. Driving over the speed limit was ruled as the primary cause of 112 truck crashes in 2022 in Alabama.
  • Weather Conditions or Bad Roads: Truck drivers must slow down when driving on poorly maintained roads and during inclement weather. Failing to adjust the truck’s speed to the conditions was linked to 224 large truck accidents in 2022 in the state.

How Our Attorneys Can Help After a Truck Accident

Trucking accidents are usually more severe and complicated than car crashes. They often involve many parties who may potentially be liable, such as the driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, mechanics, and even truck parts makers. This complexity makes it hard to determine the cause of your crash and who is to blame for your injuries.

Our attorneys at Tyler Mann Injury Law can help determine the reason for the collision and file a claim with the liable parties. We can do this with the following actions:

  • Detailed Scene Investigation: Our attorneys investigate the accident by collecting photos, measuring skid marks, and securing witness testimony. This evidence helps to establish a clear narrative of the events leading up to the collision.
  • Records and Log Analysis: We review the truck driver’s logs, maintenance records, and cargo loading protocols to identify violations or negligence that contributed to the accident.
  • Consulting with Experts: Our attorneys work with accident reconstruction experts and industry specialists to build a comprehensive understanding of how and why the crash occurred.
  • Data and Footage Analysis: We analyze data from the truck’s black box and surveillance footage to piece together the events leading up to the accident, providing a clearer picture of fault and responsibility.
  • Filing Your Claim: After determining the responsible parties, our attorneys file your claim, carefully outlining your injuries and losses. We aggressively negotiate for fair compensation, helping you receive the financial support needed for your recovery.

Seek Compensation for Truck Crash Injuries Today

The consequences of a truck accident are often more severe than a typical car crash. Whether you face hospital bills, major vehicle repairs, or lost wages, the Tyler Mann Injury Law truck crash lawyers can help you seek compensation for your losses. Contact us today for a free case consultation.