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Truck Accident Lawyer in Madison, AL
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Attorneys Serving Madison, AL
A collision with a commercial truck can be far more complicated than a typical car accident. Tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, delivery trucks, buses, and other large commercial vehicles can cause devastating injuries because of their size, weight, and stopping distance. After a crash, you may also be dealing with a trucking company, commercial insurer, driver, and multiple other parties—all while trying to recover from your injuries.
If you were injured in a truck accident in Madison, Alabama, Conchin, Cole, Jordan & Sherrod can help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you may be entitled to. Our attorneys have more than 200 years of combined experience and have recovered more than $150 million for clients. The firm also has experience handling complex tractor-trailer accident cases, including a $16 million settlement involving an 18-wheeler crash and product liability claims.
Truck Accident Claims in Madison, Alabama
Madison sits within a busy transportation corridor connecting the Huntsville area with communities throughout North Alabama. Major routes such as I-565 and U.S. 72 carry substantial traffic through and around Madison, while roads including Madison Boulevard, County Line Road, Wall Triana Highway, Hughes Road, and Old Madison Pike connect residential, commercial, and industrial areas.
The City of Madison has identified U.S. 72 and I-565 as major east-west transportation corridors and has noted congestion and capacity challenges on portions of the local road network.
That combination of interstate, highway, commercial, and local traffic can create opportunities for serious truck collisions.
Madison Roads Where Truck Crashes Can Happen
Truck accidents can happen anywhere, but collisions may be particularly disruptive on heavily traveled corridors and at major intersections.
| Madison-area roadway | Why it matters after a truck crash |
|---|---|
I-565
|
High-speed interstate traffic, merging, lane changes, and commercial vehicles |
U.S. 72
| Major east-west route through Madison with substantial commuter and commercial traffic |
Madison Boulevard
| Connects I-565 with commercial and industrial areas |
County Line Road
| Important north-south connection between U.S. 72 and I-565 |
Wall Triana Highway
| Major Madison corridor with significant local and commercial traffic |
Old Madison Pike
| Connects Madison with Huntsville-area employment and commercial centers |
Hughes Road
| Local arterial connecting residential and commercial areas |
The City of Madison has previously identified the Highway 72/Wall Triana Highway intersection as a significant accident location and has undertaken traffic and road-improvement efforts in the area.
A crash on I-565 can also quickly affect surrounding roads. For example, the County Line Road area provides an important connection between the interstate and Madison’s local road network.
Why Truck Accident Cases Are Different
A truck accident investigation may involve significantly more evidence and potentially more responsible parties than an ordinary two-vehicle collision.
Depending on the circumstances, a claim could involve:
- – The truck driver
- – The trucking company
- – The owner or lessor of the truck
- – A trailer owner
- – A company responsible for loading cargo
- – A maintenance or repair company
- – A manufacturer of defective truck components
- – Another negligent motorist
- – An insurance company or commercial insurer
Determining who is legally responsible requires looking beyond the immediate collision.
For example, if a truck driver was speeding, distracted, impaired, or driving while fatigued, the driver’s conduct may be relevant. If the trucking company failed to properly train or supervise the driver, that could raise additional issues. If improperly secured cargo shifted and caused the crash, the investigation may need to examine who loaded and secured the trailer.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Commercial truck crashes can happen for many reasons. Some of the more common include:
Driver Fatigue
Long hours behind the wheel can impair reaction time, attention, and decision-making. Federal regulations impose hours-of-service requirements on many commercial drivers, making driver logs and other records potentially important evidence in an accident investigation.
Distracted Driving
A commercial driver’s attention may be diverted by a phone, navigation system, paperwork, food, or other activity. Even a few seconds of inattention can have serious consequences when operating a large vehicle.
Speeding or Aggressive Driving
Large trucks require more time and distance to slow down. Excessive speed can make it more difficult for a truck driver to avoid a collision or safely negotiate traffic.
Improperly Loaded Cargo
Cargo that is overloaded, improperly distributed, or inadequately secured can shift during transit and affect a truck’s handling. Falling or shifting cargo can also create hazards for other motorists.
Inadequate Truck Maintenance
Brake problems, worn tires, defective lights, steering issues, and other mechanical problems can contribute to serious crashes.
Unsafe Lane Changes and Blind Spots
Commercial trucks have substantial blind spots. A truck driver who fails to properly check surrounding traffic before changing lanes or turning can strike a smaller vehicle.
What Compensation May Be Available?
The value and types of damages available in a truck accident case depend on the facts of the collision, the severity of the injuries, and applicable Alabama law.
A claim may potentially include compensation for:
| |
Medical expenses | Emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, medication, and future medical care |
Lost income | Wages lost because of time away from work |
Reduced earning capacity | Lost ability to earn income because of a lasting injury |
Pain and suffering | Physical pain and emotional distress associated with the injury |
Permanent impairment | Long-term limitations resulting from the crash |
Property damage | Damage to your vehicle and other personal property |
Other losses | Additional damages depending on the circumstances of the claim |
In a fatal truck accident, surviving family members may have a separate wrongful death claim. The damages and legal requirements for wrongful death claims are different from those applicable to personal injury claims.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Madison
The moments and days following a commercial truck collision can affect the evidence available for your claim.
If you are physically able to do so, consider taking these steps:
- Call 911 and report the collision.
- Seek medical attention for any injuries, even if symptoms initially seem minor.
- Take photographs of the vehicles, roadway, visible injuries, debris, skid marks, and surrounding conditions.
- Obtain contact and insurance information from the other driver when possible.
- Identify witnesses and preserve their contact information.
- Keep medical records and receipts related to the accident.
- Notify your insurance company, but avoid making assumptions about fault or giving a recorded statement to another insurer without understanding your rights.
- Preserve relevant evidence, including photographs, dashcam footage, vehicle information, and communications concerning the crash.
- Speak with a truck accident attorney before important evidence disappears or the insurance process moves forward without you understanding your options.
Truck accident evidence can include vehicle inspection records, driver records, electronic data, maintenance documentation, cargo records, and other information that may not be available to an injured person without legal intervention.
Our Truck Accident Attorneys Are Ready to Help
Conchin, Cole, Jordan & Sherrod represents injured people throughout Madison and North Alabama. Our firm has more than 200 years of combined legal experience and has recovered more than $150 million for clients.
Our attorneys have handled complex truck accident litigation, including a $16 million settlement involving an 18-wheeler accident and product liability claims.
If you or someone you love was seriously injured in a truck accident, contact our firm for a free consultation. We can review what happened, discuss your potential claim, and explain your options.
Call (256) 705-7777 or contact Conchin, Cole, Jordan & Sherrod today.
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Alabama?
The deadline depends on the specific circumstances of your claim. Alabama has statutes of limitation that can restrict how long an injured person has to file a lawsuit, and different rules may apply to different types of claims or defendants. Because missing a filing deadline can permanently affect your ability to pursue compensation, it is important to discuss your situation with an Alabama truck accident attorney as soon as reasonably possible.
Who can be held responsible for a truck accident?
The responsible party depends on how the collision occurred. Potentially responsible parties can include the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle or trailer owner, cargo-loading company, maintenance provider, or manufacturer. In some cases, more than one party may share responsibility. An investigation is generally necessary to determine which parties may have legal liability.
What if the trucking company's insurance company contacts me?
You should be careful about providing statements or accepting a settlement before you understand the full extent of your injuries and losses. Commercial insurers have an interest in resolving claims efficiently, but an early settlement may not account for future medical treatment, lost earning capacity, or other damages. You can speak with a truck accident lawyer before agreeing to anything.
What should I do if a family member was killed in a Madison truck accident?
If a loved one died because of a truck driver’s or another party’s negligence, surviving family members may have a wrongful death claim under Alabama law. These cases can involve complex questions concerning liability, damages, insurance coverage, and the circumstances of the collision. An attorney can review the facts and explain what legal options may be available.
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Address: 2404 Commerce Ct SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: (256) 705-7777
Hours:
| Monday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |