Different types of truck accidents present unique challenges in proving fault and recovering compensation. Whether it’s a rollover, jackknife, or rear-end collision, knowing your rights and who you can hold responsible is key to demanding the financial recovery you deserve.
At Parker Trial Law, we have taken on and won a wide range of truck accident cases, and we stand ready to put our experience to work on your behalf. Our team focuses on severe injury cases and doesn’t hesitate to go to trial when necessary. We can gather evidence, determine liability, and fight for fair compensation while you recover from your injuries.
Contact us today for a free consultation with our Alabama truck accident lawyers to learn more about how we can help you.
Why You Should Hire an Alabama Truck Accident Attorney
Truck accident cases can be challenging due to the many complex factors involved. Multiple parties often share liability, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and parts manufacturers. Each party usually has their own insurance policies and legal teams working to minimize their liability. Additionally, trucking companies often have teams of lawyers and investigators who respond immediately after an accident, making it harder for victims to protect their rights.
Hiring a truck accident attorney can level the playing field in your favor. A lawyer can investigate the accident, gather crucial evidence, and identify all responsible parties. They will also handle communication with insurance companies, negotiate settlements, and, if necessary, take your case to court.
A skilled attorney can secure the compensation you need for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Without legal representation, you risk accepting a settlement that doesn’t fully cover your losses or even walking away empty-handed.
Are Truck Drivers the Cause of Most Accidents on the Road?
Truck drivers are not always the cause of most accidents on the road, but they do play a role in many truck accidents. Factors like long driving hours, distractions, and fatigue can significantly increase the chances of an accident. However, other parties can also be liable for truck accidents, such as:
- Other road users
- Trucking companies
- Truck maintenance providers
- Cargo loading companies
- Shipping companies
- Truck or parts manufacturers
- Government entities responsible for road maintenance
What Are the Most Common Types of Truck Accidents?
Knowing the most common types of truck accidents can give you a better idea of how they happen and when you might have a claim. The following are some of the more common types of truck accidents in Alabama.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on truck collisions occur when a truck crosses into oncoming traffic and collides with another vehicle front-first. These accidents are especially deadly due to the truck’s impact force, which can easily crush the smaller vehicle on impact. Common causes of these crashes include driver fatigue, intoxication, and loss of control on sharp curves or narrow roads.
T-Bone Collisions
T-bone accidents involve the front of one vehicle crashing into the side of another, forming a “T” shape. These accidents often happen at intersections when a truck runs a red light or fails to yield the right of way. The force of a truck hitting the side of a vehicle can cause devastating damage, especially since trucks are taller and can strike same-side passengers at head and chest level.
Wide Turn Accidents
Large trucks require extra space to turn, especially when turning right. Drivers often swing left before making right-hand turns to accommodate the truck’s size. If drivers misjudge the space or nearby cars, they can collide with vehicles in the other lane or on the sidewalk. These accidents are common in busy city intersections where truck drivers sometimes lack enough room to complete turns safely.
Blind Spot Accidents
Trucks have large blind spots on both sides, directly behind, and even in front of their cabs. This means truck drivers can easily overlook smaller cars in these blind spots if they’re not paying attention. A truck driver who tries to change lanes or merge without seeing a car can cause a severe collision. Blind spot accidents often happen on high-speed roads where drivers have less time to react.
Rear-End Collisions
Trucks require much more time to stop than passenger vehicles. If a truck driver follows too closely or drives too fast for the conditions, they can hit the car in front of them. The massive weight of trucks makes these accidents especially dangerous, often resulting in severe injuries for the occupants of the smaller vehicles. These crashes are common in heavy, stop-and-go traffic.
Jackknife Accidents
If a truck’s cab and trailer skid in different directions, the trailer can fold in toward the cab at a sharp angle, resembling a closing pocket knife or jackknife. Jackknifing usually happens when a truck driver brakes suddenly, especially in poor weather or on slick roads. The resulting loss of control can block multiple lanes of traffic and cause secondary collisions with other vehicles.
Underride Accidents
Underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle collides with the back or side of a large truck and gets wedged underneath. Trucks sit higher off the ground than cars, and when they lack proper guards, cars can slide underneath the truck or trailer. These accidents are particularly dangerous because the top of the smaller vehicle can get crushed or sheared off, leading to catastrophic or even fatal injuries.
Rollover Accidents
A truck rollover happens when the truck tips onto its side or roof. This type of accident often occurs when a driver takes a curve too fast, drives on uneven ground, or overcorrects after swerving. A large truck’s high center of gravity makes it more prone to rolling over, especially when carrying heavy loads. These accidents can lead to multi-car collisions if the truck rolls into oncoming traffic.
Lost Load Accidents
Truck drivers who carry cargo must properly balance and secure their loads to prevent them from shifting or falling onto the road. If they fail to use appropriate securement devices like tie-downs or chocks, cargo can come loose and create hazardous road conditions for other drivers. A falling load can hit nearby vehicles or force drivers to swerve suddenly and crash.
What Common Factors Contribute to Truck Accidents in Alabama?
Truck accidents can happen for many reasons, often due to mistakes by truck drivers, other drivers, or trucking companies. Understanding the common causes of these crashes is key to determining liability and seeking compensation. Here are some common factors that contribute to Alabama truck wrecks:
- Speeding – Some truck drivers exceed speed limits to stay on schedule or make up for lost time. Speeding increases the chances of crashes, particularly in congested areas or on winding roads.
- Distracted Driving – If a truck driver takes their eyes off the road to text, eat, or adjust the radio, they risk losing control or failing to react to sudden changes in traffic.
- Drowsy Driving – Even with regulations limiting driving hours, some drivers push themselves to meet tight deadlines. Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times and are more likely to crash.
- Drunk or Drugged Driving – Some truck drivers use alcohol or drugs to cope with long hours and stressful schedules. Driving under the influence significantly increases the risk of accidents.
- Unsecured Loads – If truck drivers or companies fail to properly secure a truck’s cargo, the load can shift or fall off the truck while in motion. This can cause the driver to lose control and crash.
- Poor Truck Maintenance – Trucks require regular maintenance to ensure they operate safely. Dangerous mechanical issues can occur if companies or drivers skip essential safety checks.
- Improper Training – Driving a large truck requires specialized instruction. Drivers without adequate instruction or experience are more likely to make dangerous mistakes.
- Poor Road Conditions – If a truck hits a large pothole or swerves to avoid damaged sections of the road, it can lose stability, leading to rollovers or collisions with other vehicles.
- Manufacturing Defects – Even if a driver operates safely and properly maintains their rig, a manufacturing defect can lead to sudden mechanical failures and loss-of-control wrecks.
How Can Truck Accidents Be Prevented?
Truck drivers can reduce the risk of accidents by following safety regulations, such as taking regular breaks to avoid fatigue and staying within speed limits. They must also ensure proper vehicle maintenance and cargo securement to prevent loss of control during transit.
Trucking companies must conduct regular inspections and repairs for their trucks to avoid issues like brake failures or tire blowouts. They should also train drivers properly and refrain from pressuring them to drive too many hours.
Other drivers can help prevent accidents by avoiding truck blind spots, giving trucks plenty of space to stop or turn, and staying patient on the road. However, the responsibility primarily rests with truck drivers and trucking companies. Their adherence to safety regulations, proper training, and maintenance protocols is critical in minimizing the risk of truck accidents.
