Truck Accidents

Birmingham, Alabama

Truck Accidents
Eighteen-wheelers zooming down Alabama freeways generate much more momentum than the cars and trucks they share the road with. While truck drivers are professionals, they drive under deadlines. This can encourage drivers to act against their better judgment.

Trucking accidents can be caused by a number of factors including:

Driver fatigue
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Falling asleep at the wheel
Failure to obey traffic signals
Failure to maintain proper control of the truck
Speeding
Mechanical or brake failure
Vehicle inspection or repair and maintenance failure
Oversized loads
Improperly loaded cargo or loads that shift weight

Size Factor
Smaller vehicles can stop abruptly when coming upon an unexpected obstacle, but 18-wheelers don't have that advantage. If you slam on your brakes with a big rig trailing you, the chances are high that you will get rear-ended if the driver is following too close or has impaired reaction time due to fatigue or drugs or alcohol use.

Because of an 18-wheeler's massive size, accidents involving big rigs are often tragic. Cars and SUVs are designed to withstand crashes with similar-sized vehicles, not trucks 20 times their size. You are therefore more likely to sustain serious harm such as brain injuries, paralysis, and wrongful death in these collisions.

Other Passengers at Risk
In the United States, around 500,000 trucking accidents occur each year. About 5,000 of these collisions are fatal. Many of these accidents claim the lives of passengers in small vehicles, while truck drivers often escape with few injuries.

Commercial Insurance
Commercial truck companies are regulated by the federal government and are required to carry $750,000 of insurance for bodily injury and property damage. Because a truck is a commercial vehicle, the insurance matters are more complicated than they are for individuals.

If a truck collision occurs, that trucking company will usually send a representative to the accident scene to "comfort" accident victims. Never give a statement to these representatives or sign any paperwork. Their sole purpose is to mitigate their company's liability. Instead, write down the truck driver's name, driver's license, license plate and numbers of the cab and trailer. Then speak to a qualified Alabama accident lawyer.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, contact the Birmingham truck accident lawyers at Burke, Harvey & Frankowski. Our attorneys can help you understand your rights and collect your rightful compensation. Call or e-mail us today for a free consultation.

Alabama Eighteen Wheeler Accident Lawyers

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Alabama Rules of professional conduct require the following notice: No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services to be performed by other lawyers.

The information presented on this website for Burke, Harvey & Frankowski, LLC., should not be taken as formal legal advice including reference to Auto Accidents, Truck Accidents, Product Liability, Medical Malpractice, Motorcycle Accidents, Nursing Home Negligence, Personal Injury and/or Personal Injury Attorneys. Serving Birmingham, Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee. If you or a loved one have been injured, contact us to schedule a consultation with a Alabama personal injury lawyer to see if you have a claim.