Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Huntsville

FAQs

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

  You may call 256-722-7100 if you wish to report a non-emergency situation in Huntsville.

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

  You can go to the Records Division of the Huntsville Police Department Headquarters, which is located at 815 Wheeler Avenue, to obtain a copy of a police report. You can reach the division directly at (256) 427-7020 for further details.

• How can you determine if a truck driver or trucking company is responsible for an accident in Huntsville?

  There are different things to take into account to determine if a truck driver or a trucking firm is to blame for an accident in Huntsville. These include investigating if the driver was operating the truck while fatigued, carrying loads that are too heavy, disobeying traffic signals, or speeding. One can also check if the following elements are present: inadequate driver training, insufficient maintenance, and infraction of Department of Transportation standards.

• Which roadways in Huntsville are known for having a high occurrence of truck accidents?

  Interstate 565, U.S. Route 231, and U.S. Highway 431 — roadways that traverse the city of Huntsville — are particularly prone to truck accidents. There is a higher risk of this type of incident on these roads due to heavy traffic flow and congestion.

• When are manufacturers of trucks and truck parts held accountable for a truck accident in Huntsville?

  A truck or truck parts manufacturer can be held responsible for an accident in Huntsville if the incident's cause is attributed to defective vehicle design or faulty parts, such as de-treaded truck tires. The role of a defective part in causing an accident may be overlooked during the initial police inquiry. Consequently, this emphasizes the necessity for additional investigation for a possible legal action against the manufacturer at fault.

• Are there any laws that regulate truck safety and aim to prevent accidents in Huntsville?

  Yes, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration — a government agency established in January 2000 — enforces various laws that govern truck weight, size, and driver behavior with the aim of reducing crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses throughout the United States. Since it is a federal organization, its scope includes the city of Huntsville.

• How much do you have to pay to hire a truck accident lawyer in Huntsville?

  The cost of hiring a truck accident lawyer in Huntsville varies. Injury attorneys in the state usually accept cases on a contingency fee basis, which means they get paid a percentage — usually 33 to 40% — of the settlement or jury award. This type of arrangement implies they will only be paid if they are successful in securing compensation for their client.

• 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.