Huntsville Truck Accident Attorney
Receiving Compensation Requires Prompt Action!
Consulting a personal injury lawyer is always advised if you’ve been injured in an accident with a larger vehicle, and especially so if you have a claim against a municipality. The Huntsville truck accident attorneys at Conchin, Cole, Jordan & Sherrod can explain the process of pursuing a claim and lay out your options for receiving compensation after an accident. Contact us at (256) 705-7777 for a free consultation today!
Alabama state laws place strict time limits on how long you have to file your claim to receive compensation. Even if your case would otherwise merit compensation, your case may be dismissed if it is filed too late. If you are injured by a bus operated by a municipality or school district, the time limits to file your truck accident claim are generally even smaller. Typically, you will only have six months to file a claim against local municipalities.
How to Handle an Alabama Truck Accident Claim
The typical commercial truck company will not jump at the chance to pay out a personal injury claim. Instead, it will refute claims using a legal team of its own. That’s why it’s important to work with an experienced attorney if you have a truck accident case on your hands. Hiring a Huntsville truck accident lawyer will even the playing field and give you the best chance of winning against a major corporation.
Here are the actions you should take post-accident:
- Call 911. Report all truck crashes to the police. Give the officers your side of the story when they arrive. Never admit fault for the crash.
- Document the wreck. Take down details of the crash, such as the name and contact information of the truck driver and any eyewitnesses. Take photos if you can.
- Go to the hospital. Get immediate medical care for your injuries. Go even if you don’t think you’re injured. Keep copies of your medical records and treatment instructions.
Once you’re on the mend, call Conchin, Cole, Jordan & Sherrod for a free truck accident consultation. We know exactly how to advise injury victims in a way that will optimize their chances of securing significant compensation from a trucking company and/or other parties. Our truck accident attorneys have the experience to get the most for their clients. We’ll give you instructions for your injury case as soon as you call (256) 705-7777.
Causes of Truck Accidents in Huntsville, Alabama
In 2016, 4,564 people died in accidents involving large trucks and buses throughout the U.S. Truck accidents can cause serious and fatal injuries, including bone fractures, head injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries. Victims may never fully recover from injuries sustained in a commercial trucking accident and some may even suffer the wrongful death of a loved one. Oftentimes, the truck driver or trucking company is responsible for causing deadly crashes due to negligence.
Large vehicles require special care from their operators in order to avoid accidents and injury. In addition, there are particular requirements for their drivers and restrictions on the number of hours they can drive in a day. These are intended to prevent driver fatigue and ensure trucks are operated safely at all times. Trucks should also be maintained carefully, as any deficient equipment may contribute to deadly accidents. Speeding is one of the main causes of car accidents, and tractor trailers, trucks, and buses are no exception. Larger vehicles already require more time to stop due to their weight and momentum. When a truck is speeding, not only are they less likely to be able to avoid an accident, but when they do hit a smaller vehicle, the damage can be extreme.
Distracted Driving Plays A Role
You might imagine that the professional drivers that operate large trucks would be aware of the risks of driving distracted and would maintain their focus on the road at all times. This isn’t always the case. Distractions while driving are a cause of accidents with larger vehicles as well. Hiring a Huntsville distracted driving attorney will help you secure compensation for your injuries.
Drowsy driving is a reality, especially for truck drivers. Often pressured by the need to deliver their load on time, and the desire to complete their delivery and return home, these drivers will occasionally drive beyond the restrictions on road time and their drowsiness can create a deadly environment for the vehicles they share the road with.
Mechanical failures make up one of the most common causes of accidents with larger vehicles especially faulty brakes and tires. This can be because of improper maintenance, or due to defective products.
Truck Drivers and Others May Be Accountable for Your Accident
Truck accident claims aren’t the same as typical car accident lawsuits in Alabama. They involve unique and complex laws, such as operating regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). They also involve complicated liability laws, since trucking companies are financially responsible for their trucks and drivers. The state’s contributory negligence laws can also make recovering compensation on your own even more difficult. Hiring a truck accident attorney in Huntsville from Conchin, Cole, Jordan & Sherrod can ensure you navigate your claim in a way that maximizes your recovery.
Assigning liability can be tricky after a Huntsville truck accident. Victims will need to investigate the collision and get to the bottom of who or what was the proximate, or main, cause of the crash. This often takes help from police officers, insurance companies, and law firm investigators. Evidence such as the truck’s black box, clues from the roadway, and eyewitness accounts can help piece together how the accident happened. Then, the victims can determine the defendant(s), or parties legally responsible for paying damages.
Trucking companies are liable for the majority of tractor trailer accidents today, although this wasn’t always the case. Companies used to evade liability for many accidents by renting their trucks and hiring independent contractors. A few years ago, the FMCSA ruled that a trucking company is responsible for its trucks and drivers involved in accidents. Other possible parties liable for your injuries include third-party drivers, cargo loaders, and truck part manufacturers.
For More Information, Contact a Huntsville Truck Accident Lawyer
The commercial trucking industry forms the circulatory system of our nation, distributing food from farms and manufactured goods all across the country. Buses provide a key part of our transportation system, carrying large numbers of people to and from school, across town, and even across the country.
However, when these large vehicles are not operated or maintained carefully, the result can be tragic for drivers and passengers of smaller vehicles involved in a collision with them. If you’ve been injured in an accident with a tractor-trailer, truck, or bus, the Huntsville truck accident attorneys at Conchin, Cole, Jordan & Sherrod can evaluate your case and help you get the compensation you deserve. Our accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay unless we secure a settlement for you.
If you or a loved one has injuries from an Alabama trucking accident, hire an attorney. The personal injury lawyers at Conchin, Cole, Jordan & Sherrod will work hard to maximize your recovery and help your family move forward. We have more than 100 combined years of personal injury law experience. Our lead attorneys have earned national recognition for their outstanding case results. We know exactly what your truck accident case needs to succeed. Trust us with your most serious injury cases in Madison County. Call today for a free consultation.
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“Thank you so much, for so much. I’m reminded daily of your fight on my behalf, but also of your example of how a good man spreads goodwill to others. This world needs a lot more Kenny Coles.”
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