Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Birmingham, AL

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Birmingham, Alabama?

  You can call 205-328-9311 for non-emergency situations in Birmingham.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Birmingham, Alabama?

  You can obtain a copy of the Birmingham accident report in person or online. Visit the Birmingham Police Department website and fill out the public records request form. To determine if it is available for release, you can reach out to the Records Department at (205) 254-6308.

• How do you hire a truck accident attorney in Birmingham?

  You can look for a law firm or get a referral from a person who has been in a truck accident before. Law firms provide legal services to truck accident victims who have suffered financial losses as a result of their injuries. Attorneys can assist you in managing your case, submitting required documents, fighting for a fair settlement, and filing a lawsuit if you decide to take your case to court. In general, you should hire a lawyer who has decades of jury trial experience and a track record of success in truck accident cases.

• What is the time limit for making a truck accident claim in Birmingham?

  According to Alabama law, car accident victims have up to two years from the date of the accident to file a complaint and begin a lawsuit. This timeline could be even shorter in some cases. While two years is typically sufficient time to navigate the process, your car accident lawyer will most likely advise you to file a claim or lawsuit as soon as possible, this is due to the length of the process.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case in Birmingham?

  The individual, company, or other entity whose actions cause an accident may be held accountable for the injuries and fatalities. Often, the negligent driver is at fault. Others who could be held liable include the truck owner, the trucking company, the vehicle's manufacturer, the mechanic, and the company that loaded the trailer. In general, the cause of the accident must be determined before deciding who is liable in a Birmingham truck accident.

• What are the common roadway factors in truck accidents in Birmingham?

  The common roadway factors in truck accidents in Birmingham include road obstructions, poorly marked roadways, and insufficient traffic control. Other causes include tailgating, improper lane changes, failure to yield the right-of-way, improper backing or passing, and speeding. Preventable crashes can occur when trucks or passenger vehicles change lanes without checking for other vehicles or signaling their intent to merge.

• Where can you find statistics on truck accidents in Birmingham?

  You can find car or truck accident statistics on the Department of Transportation's Drive Safe Alabama website. In addition, you can access crash-related information on the NHTSA Crash Viewer website. These websites collect crash data to help develop, implement, and assess the motor vehicle and highway safety countermeasures.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.