Truck Accident Lawyers in Decatur, Alabama
It’s not uncommon to see commercial semi-trucks along i-565 or i-65, or even along rt. 72 or rt. 67 in Decatur, Alabama. We need these trucks to get our goods to the retail locations we frequent, like the Target on Point Mallard Pkwy.
However, getting hit by a truck may be one of the scariest experiences of your life. Even if you notice it in time to take evasive action, a truck’s sheer size makes it difficult to get out of the way and avoid a collision. Truck drivers go through extensive training to keep others on the road safe, but truck accidents continue to trend upward year after year.
If you’ve been struck by a semi-truck or tractor-trailer, it’s time to talk to a truck accident attorney in Decatur, AL. The team at Hodges Trial Lawyers can handle the investigation of your claim, the collection of evidence, negotiations, and trial preparation. You can focus on recovering from this traumatizing event. Call us at 256-539-3110 to schedule a consultation now.
Truck Accidents Can Lead to Severe or Fatal Injuries
A truck collision at any speed has the potential to cause hundreds of thousands of dollars in property damage and bodily harm. A fully loaded tractor-trailer could weigh up to 20 times more than a standard passenger vehicle, so even a slight tap may total a vehicle and lead to catastrophic injuries.
The statistics prove that truck accidents are a serious danger for Alabama drivers. The 2020 Crash Facts Book put out by the Alabama Department of Transportation compiles the scary statistics associated with collisions.
In 2011, there were 6,927 truck crashes in Alabama—by 2020, that number jumped to 10,486. In 2020, there were 130 fatal crashes and over 2,300 injuries. The majority of these crashes happened on interstate roads, like I-65 running through Decatur and I-565 running north of the city. Most fatal accidents happen on state routes.
What causes truck accidents? A wide range of contributing factors are at play, including:
- Failure to yield right of way
- Improper lane change
- Unseen obstacle
- Tailgating
- Misjudged stopping distance
- Defective equipment
- Unsafe backing or turning
Types of Truck Accidents
A few types of truck accidents make up the majority of collisions. They include:
- Rollovers. Unfortunately, these are always a risk for truck drivers. Trucks have a very high center of gravity, so an uneven load or strong wind can make it harder to keep the truck upright. While experienced truck drivers are more likely to know how to avoid these collisions, as long as the driver shortage lasts, you can expect to see panicked, inexperienced drivers experience rollovers.
- Head-on crashes. One of the most dangerous types of collisions is the head-on crash. This type of collision is already extremely dangerous when it involves two passenger vehicles. When a truck is involved, the fallout is even worse. Fatal and catastrophic injuries are very likely.
- Underride. Underride accidents occur when someone behind a truck fails to stop in time and drives under the rear end of the truck. Their vehicle gets caught and they get pulled along. These collisions are such a serious issue that some trucks come with built-in protection that prevents a driver from getting caught underneath.
- Rear-end. When a car crashes into the back end of a truck, the damage to the truck will be minimal but the car may be totaled. When a truck hits the back of a car, the car is likely to be totaled and the truck may experience minor damage.
- T-bone. T-bone collisions can be devastating to those in passenger vehicles, as a truck rushing through an intersection can cause multiple fatalities and severe injuries. These collisions often happen when a truck driver runs a red light, but they may also happen when a truck driver makes an improper turn.
- Jackknife. When the trailer of a truck swings out from the tractor, the driver generally loses control of the truck and it spins out. This can cause the truck to hit multiple vehicles or even close down a highway.
- Sideswipe. Trucks may sideswipe other vehicles if the driver fails to check the other lane or if a vehicle is in their blind spot. Damage varies, depending on the speed and how quickly the truck driver realizes their error.
What Makes Truck Accidents Different from Car Accidents?
To start, the sheer scope of a truck accident is much larger than a standard accident that involves multiple passenger vehicles. The likelihood of catastrophic or fatal injuries is higher, the scale of property damage is likely to be greater, and the overall cost of the accident is likely to far exceed a standard car accident.
This also affects how the financial side of a crash plays out. Truck drivers carry much larger insurance policies than passenger drivers, which means that accident victims may actually be able to get the full compensation they’re owed.
However, actually recovering that compensation can be a challenge. There are multiple parties involved in a truck collision, including the truck driver, the driver of the passenger vehicle, the truck driver’s employer, the owner of the cargo, and possibly others. No one wants to accept liability in this situation, but someone has to if you want to receive compensation.
Why You Need a Decatur, AL Truck Accident Lawyer
That’s where our team steps in and helps. We understand the complexities underlying a truck accident, and we’re committed to getting you the compensation you truly deserve. If you’re panicking about the medical bills rolling in from Decatur Morgan Hospital or your loss of income, it’s time to figure out who is liable for your crash and who should be expected to cover your losses.
From the investigation of your crash to the negotiation of your settlement or your court case, we’re here every step of the way. Instead of juggling phone calls from insurance companies and trying to make a case for why you deserve a fair settlement, take the time you need to heal and recover. Our team will fight aggressively on your behalf.
Set Up an Appointment with Hodges Trial Lawyers Now
If you’ve suffered injuries in a truck accident, you’re likely feeling scared, uncertain, and angry. Let us use our years of experience and our knowledge of truck accident cases to fight for the settlement you deserve. Call us at 256-539-3110 or contact us online to schedule your meeting now.
