Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Montgomery

FAQs

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

  Please call 334-241-2651 for non-emergency calls such as reporting suspicious behavior, reporting an accident, or reporting a break-in.

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

  Anyone who is interested in obtaining an incident or crime report, arrest report, or accident record may contact the Montgomery Police Department (MPD) and pay the required costs. The office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

• Is there a deadline for filing a car accident lawsuit in Montgomery?

  Alabama Code §6-2-38 specifies a timeframe for bringing a personal injury lawsuit, depending on your Montgomery auto accident. In Alabama, auto accident victims generally have two years to pursue legal action and attempt to hold the at-fault motorist accountable. If you miss this window, you will likely lose your chance to pursue a personal injury case and seek compensation.

• How is negligence defined in Montgomery, Alabama?

  Alabama's negligence law is founded on the idea of contributory negligence, which implies you cannot obtain damages from the other party if you were even 5% at fault. Therefore, if you have been involved in a vehicle accident in Montgomery, it is essential to determine who was at blame and whether you participated in any manner.

• Can you still recover damages if you didn't wear a seatbelt in Montgomery?

  Under Alabama Code 2018 32-5B-7, which covers Montgomery, the failure to use a safety belt in violation of this chapter is not proof of contributory negligence. The act does not reduce an insurer's obligation, and does not result in a conviction that will appear on the driving record of a driver. Essentially, this implies that a person's failure to wear a seatbelt cannot necessarily be used as proof of their contributory fault. Additionally, it cannot be used as proof of the plaintiff's failure to reduce damages.

• If I accept a settlement from an insurance company following a Montgomery car accident, can I still seek additional compensation later?

  Keep in mind that if you accept a settlement from an insurance company in return for signing a release of your personal injury claim, you may lose your right to pursue further compensation for your injuries. Therefore, it may be in your best interest to contact experienced car accident attorneys in Montgomery to help you properly value your claim, even if the insurance company makes you believe that it is a reasonable settlement offer.

• When can one pursue punitive damages following a car accident in Montgomery?

  In order to receive punitive damages in a Montgomery car accident lawsuit, you must satisfy a few conditions. First, you must follow the typical procedure for filing a personal injury claim to prove that the defendant was negligent and liable for your injuries. Assuming you can establish the defendant's negligence, you must demonstrate that the defendant caused your injuries by oppression, fraud, malice, or willful disobedience. An experienced attorney can help you do this.

• 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.