Truck Accident Attorney in Dothan
Were you or someone you love involved in a truck accident in Dothan, Alabama? Dealing with the aftermath can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re too hurt to work and the bills keep piling up. The good news is that you have the right to seek compensation — and you don’t have to do it alone.
At Parker Trial Law, our Dothan, AL, truck accident attorneys understand the impact a truck accident can have on your life. We are here to help you pursue the recovery you deserve. When you come to us for help, our team will review your case, gather evidence, and negotiate with the insurance companies while you recover.
Contact us right away for a free consultation to discuss your case, review your options, and learn how we can assist you.
Why You Should Hire a Dothan, AL, Attorney for Your Truck Accident Claim
Truck accident cases often involve complex factors like federal regulations, commercial insurance policies, and multiple liable parties, so having a lawyer on your side is essential. A Dothan, AL, truck accident lawyer could assist you with your case by:
- Investigating the accident to gather and preserve critical evidence
- Identifying all liable parties and sources of compensation
- Reviewing trucking company records and compliance with regulations
- Consulting accident reconstruction specialists and other experts to strengthen your case
- Calculating the full value of your injury claim, including projected future losses
- Communicating with trucking companies, insurance providers, and legal teams on your behalf
- Preparing and filing truck accident claim paperwork within the relevant deadlines
- Negotiating forcefully during settlement talks to demand a fair payout
- Representing you in court if necessary
- Never charging you anything unless we win compensation for your injury case
What to Do After a Truck Accident
If you suffer injuries in an Alabama truck accident, the steps you take afterward can make a significant difference in your ability to recover. Here’s what you should do to protect your health and legal rights:
- Exchange contact and insurance details with the truck driver. Take photos of the scene, including vehicle damage and injuries. Get contact information from any witnesses who saw the crash.
- Seek medical attention right away, even if you don’t feel hurt. Follow your doctor’s advice and attend all follow-up appointments. Keep all records and receipts related to your treatment.
- Consult a truck accident attorney as soon as possible for a case evaluation. Provide them with all the evidence and documentation you have gathered.
- Report the accident to your insurance company promptly. When you speak to the adjuster, stick to the facts and avoid discussing fault. Do not agree to provide any recorded statements or accept any settlement offers before consulting a lawyer.
Why Are Trucking Accidents More Complicated Than Other Motor Vehicle Collisions?
Truck accident cases are often more complex for several reasons. First, trucks are larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, so they often cause more severe injuries and property damage in traffic collisions. This increases the stakes in truck accident compensation claims. Commercial insurance policies also tend to have higher limits, so insurance companies are more likely to fight hard against claims.
Next, multiple parties are often involved in a truck accident, including the driver, the trucking company, and possibly even third parties like truck parts manufacturers. Determining which of these parties is responsible can take time and thorough investigation.
Finally, truck drivers and companies are subject to numerous state and federal regulations. Violations of these rules can affect liability, and sorting through these regulations requires legal knowledge.
Who Could Be Liable for a Trucking Wreck?
Several parties could be liable for a truck wreck in Dothan, depending on the circumstances of the crash. For instance, the truck driver could be responsible if they acted negligently by speeding, driving while distracted, or violating hours-of-service regulations. The trucking company could also be liable if it failed to train or supervise the driver properly or pressured them to meet unrealistic deadlines.
A manufacturer might also be at fault if a mechanical defect in the truck contributed to the accident. Additionally, if the accident involved improperly loaded cargo, the company or team responsible for loading the truck could face liability. Determining who is liable requires investigating all aspects of the accident, including the roles of each party involved.
Common Types of Commercial, Big Rig, and Semi-Truck Accidents
From mechanical issues to driver mistakes, a truck accident can occur for many reasons. There are also numerous types of semi-truck accidents, and understanding the type of accident that caused your injuries is crucial to building your case. Common types of big rig and commercial truck accidents include:
A rear-end collision happens when a truck crashes into the back of another vehicle. These accidents often occur when the truck driver fails to maintain a safe following distance or doesn’t stop in time due to distractions or fatigue.
A jackknife accident happens when a truck’s trailer swings out to the side and forms an acute angle with the cab. This type of accident usually occurs when the truck driver loses control, often during hard braking or slippery road conditions.
T-bone accidents involve a truck crashing into the side of another vehicle, usually at an intersection. These accidents often result from drivers ignoring right-of-way rules and running red lights or stop signs.
A rollover accident happens when a truck tips over onto its side or roof, often due to speeding, sharp turns, or improper cargo loading. When a truck rolls over, it can crush smaller vehicles or block the roadway, putting multiple road users at risk.
Underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the back or side of a truck’s trailer. These accidents are especially dangerous because the smaller vehicle can get crushed or have its roof sheared off by the hard edge of the trailer.
A head-on collision involves a truck crashing directly into the front of another vehicle. These accidents often happen when a truck driver crosses into oncoming traffic lanes due to fatigue, distraction, or impairment.
Cargo-related accidents happen when improperly loaded or unsecured cargo shifts or falls off a truck, causing accidents with other vehicles. These accidents can occur if the truck’s load isn’t balanced or the cargo isn’t tied down properly.
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What Compensation Could You Recover in a Truck Accident Claim?
Truck accidents often cause severe injuries that can lead to costly medical bills, time away from work, and long-term impacts on your life. Depending on the specifics of your case, you could receive compensation for various types of losses, such as:
- Past and future medical expenses related to your truck accident injuries
- Income losses if your injuries prevent you from working during your recovery
- Projected losses of future earning capacity due to long-term or permanent injuries
- Subjective losses like pain, suffering, and diminished quality or enjoyment of life
- Property damage, such as vehicle repair/replacement
- Wrongful death compensation if you lost a loved one in a fatal truck accident
What Happens If You’re Partly to Blame for a Trucking Accident?
Being partly to blame for a trucking accident in Alabama could eliminate your ability to recover compensation in a truck accident injury case. This is because Alabama follows a pure contributory negligence rule, which says you cannot recover any compensation from another party if you are even slightly at fault for the accident.
In light of this rule, insurance companies and other parties involved in the case might try to avoid paying their share by arguing that you share responsibility for the accident. This is why it’s so important to work with a lawyer who can gather strong evidence and minimize any claims that you were at fault.
How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Alabama?
Alabama Code § 6-2-38 gives you two years from the accident date to file a truck accident lawsuit. If you wait too long to file, you could lose the chance to recover any compensation for your injuries.
Because of this strict filing deadline, contacting a truck accident lawyer in Dothan, AL, immediately after a truck wreck is essential. A lawyer can review your case, gather evidence, and handle all the necessary paperwork within the relevant filing window to preserve your right to compensation.
What Injuries Can Someone Sustain in a Truck Accident?
Large trucks’ considerable size and weight can cause catastrophic harm in traffic collisions. Common types of injuries victims can suffer in 18-wheeler crashes include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractures
- Dislocations
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Lacerations
- Burns
- Amputations
- Eye and face injuries
- Dental injuries
- Hearing loss
- Soft tissue injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
What Is Considered a Truck in Alabama?
Alabama Code § 40-12-240 defines a truck as a self-propelled motor vehicle designed primarily to transport property. This includes common vehicles such as delivery and pickup trucks and specialty ones like campers, house cars, and wreckers.
According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), a commercial truck is a vehicle that operates in connection with a business. ALEA considers a vehicle commercial if its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) exceeds 10,000 pounds. A vehicle also qualifies as commercial if it has a truck and trailer combination exceeding 26,001 pounds and meets certain federal criteria.
Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer in Dothan, AL, Today
If you or a loved one has been hurt in an Alabama truck accident, now is the time to take action. Parker Trial Law is here to explore your options and manage every aspect of your claim.
Contact our truck accident law firm today for a complimentary consultation, and let us fight for the compensation you need.