Truck Accident Lawyer – Tuscaloosa, AL

Helping The Injured

Truck driving is among the most dangerous occupations in the United States; being on the road in a car next to one of these large vehicles is very dangerous as well. Many trucking accidents occur because drivers of passenger vehicles simply see them as just another car on the road. Most drivers of smaller cars don’t understand the major differences between a car and a truck. In fact, studies show that 80% of all truck-related accidents involve or are caused by smaller passenger vehicles. Trucks function very differently from normal vehicles, and as such have to be extra mindful of their surroundings when merging or making a lane change. It is also rather difficult for a truck to do something as simple as slow down for traffic. Due to their large size, truck accidents have severe consequences as they are far more likely to cause serious injury or death. We firmly believe that you should not be held responsible for a trucking accident when another driver is at fault.

What causes trucking accidents?

Several circumstances could lead to a possible trucking accident. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

Speeding

• As is the case with all auto accidents, speeding is one of the leading causes of trucking accidents in the United States. However, it is far more dangerous since a truck could be carrying loads up to several tons and are more likely to cause serious injury or death as a result. It is important to be mindful of the speed limit on the road when carrying heavy loads.

Overloaded or Oversized Trucks

• A truck that is carrying a regulation-size load is less likely to be involved in an accident than a one hauling an overweight load. Oversized or overweight loads often exceed the legal limit for freight transport and as a result grant the truck driver less control over the truck itself. Overweight loads lead to less maneuverability and more unpredictability and therefore are more likely to cause a serious collision.

Poor Road Conditions

• Any trucks carrying a heavy load are more likely to be involved in an accident due to poor road conditions caused by things such as rain or fog. If weather is preventing proper vision for the truck driver, this could inhibit their ability to make sudden stops or other maneuvers that may lead to an accident.

Lack of Training

• Sometimes a truck driver’s lack of training can have very serious consequences. Something as simple as forgetting to signal a turn, improperly changing lanes, or other poorly executed maneuvers could potentially lead to a serious accident.

Poor or Faulty Trucks

• Truck companies will sometimes falsely claim that a truck is up to code or fail to properly inspect the truck’s safety systems in order to keep it on the road as often as possible. This can have unfortunate consequences as this can cause the truck driver and other vehicles to possibly end up in a serious collision due to faulty breaks or other systematic failures within the truck itself.

Driver Fatigue

• While not as common, truckers who drive for long periods of time lasting several hours might fall victim to driver fatigue. Driver fatigue could lead to lack of awareness of one’s surroundings, or could even result in falling asleep at the wheel. This is very dangerous as it essentially leaves the truck without a driver; even a brief period of time asleep at the wheel lasting all of a few seconds could result in a collision that could spell disaster for the truck driver as well as other drivers on the road.

Why should I file a claim?

A skilled attorney by your side can greatly increase your chances of a financial payout. We will help you to do whatever it takes to prove that the accident itself was due to circumstances beyond your control to maximize compensation. It is important to note that you will likely be dealing with the insurance agency working on behalf of the trucking company; we will closely help you to deal with this and walk you through the proper steps on how to handle such a case. Having an attorney in the room is very important when dealing with a trucking company that will likely have a strong defense prepared against your claim.

A trucking accident is dangerous to everyone involved, including both the truck driver and any other potential victims of the collision. Accident recovery is very strenuous, with medical costs and physical recuperation for you or a loved one often impeding on your everyday life. We also understand the potential psychological trauma one may experience when they are involved in a trucking accident. Some areas where a payout could benefit following a trucking accident include:

• Medical Costs
• Absence from Work
• Vehicular Repair Costs
• Emotional or Psychological Distress
• Pain or Discomfort
• Constant Care to Potential Lasting Injury

Recovering from a trucking accident can be long and difficult process. We will do everything in our power to make sure your financial payout is worth the cost of any injuries or damages you have experienced.

How do I proceed following a trucking accident?

The most important thing one must do when involved in any auto accident is to understand and reinforce the fact that they are not the ones responsible for their injuries. After you are involved in an accident, the next step is to seek immediate legal advice from an experienced attorney. We can help to direct you on the right path toward a hefty settlement that can provide you with enough financial compensation to get you through the recovery process. If your claim is filed within the proper statute of limitations, make sure you have an attorney present for the remainder of the settlement process in order to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one has been hurt, injured or involved in a serious trucking accident, contact Attorney Jason C. Neff for help! We will work hard to help you get the justice and compensation that YOU deserve!