Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Mobile, AL

FAQs

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

  The Mobile police non-emergency operator can be reached at (251) 208-7211.

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

  Send your request and payment to Mobile Police Department Records, 2460 Government Blvd., Mobile, AL 36606 to acquire a report by mail. You may also call the Records Unit at 251 208 1991 for more details.

• Who will cover the victim's medical expenses after a truck accident in Mobile?

  Victim's injuries could be covered by insurance from a commercial vehicle firm or driver, a shipper or cargo loader, the party in charge of vehicle maintenance, a manufacturer of a vehicle or a component for a vehicle, or even a party in charge of road maintenance, such a municipality (typically through their liability insurance). It will depend on who caused the accident and who will be liable for paying the claim.

• How long would it take in Mobile to resolve my truck accident case?

  A Mobile truck accident investigation can take weeks or even months, and the claims process for commercial vehicle accidents can be drawn out and difficult. Knowing who is at fault and who to file a claim against might be challenging until an investigation is complete. Most cases are resolved without going to court in less than a year, although this may not be the case if the case does. Prior to making a settlement request or reaching maximum medical improvement, you should have fully recovered from your injuries (MMI).

• What if a truck accident in Mobile resulted in the death of a loved one?

  Wrongful death lawsuits can be filed to recoup damages, funeral and burial costs, and financial compensation to help surviving family members move forward in life. You may reach out to a Mobile truck accident lawyer for further legal assistance.

• What regulations must truck drivers adhere to in Mobile?

  To operate semi-trucks lawfully, truck drivers in Mobile must possess a commercial driver's license (CDL). Alabama has dropped the requirement for obtaining a CDL from 21 to 18 years old. Their licenses must be in compliance with the state laws that govern them, including having endorsements that allow them to operate particular vehicles or transport particular cargo. As each truck has a defined weight restriction and service hours are determined by whether a truck is being used for long- or short-haul operations, load and weight are also crucial factors. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) are in charge of enforcing these rules.

• What are the common causes of truck accidents in Mobile?

  Truck driver negligence or recklessness, such as speeding and aggressive driving, frequently results in truck accidents in Mobile. Inadequate maintenance, mechanical breakdowns, and driver weariness are also risk factors. State and federal officials frequently find fraudulent logbooks and documents during random tractor-trailer inspections, indicating that the trucks are being operated intentionally outside of compliance.

• 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.