Baldwin County Truck Accident Attorney | Whit A. Thomas, Attorney at Law

A truck accident can often be a life-altering experience. Due to the size and scale of these vehicles, the injuries resulting from truck accidents are often sever and the medical bills are often overwhelming. This makes truck accidents more complicated than standard car accident claims.

Truck accidents usually involve both state and federal regulations and multiple liable parties, and can have long-term consequences that require careful consideration. Trucking companies and their insurers also work hard to protect their interests, so you need someone who will fight just as hard for you.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a truck accident in Alabama, it's important to consult an experienced attorney who can help you pursue justice and compensation. At Whit A. Thomas, Attorney at Law, we have served our Alabama clients in Baldwin County, Escambia County, Mobile County, and Monroe County for over 40 years. We have the experience you need to file a claim and pursue compensation.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Alabama

Truck accidents can occur for many reasons, but determining the cause of the accident is an important part of your case. Some common causes of truck accidents include:

Distracted driving: Whether a truck driver is texting, eating, or adjusting the radio, distractions lead to devastating accidents.

Driver fatigue: Long hours behind the wheel can result in a drowsy driver, which significantly increases the chance of a collision.

Improper maintenance: Federal laws require trucking companies to maintain their fleets, but some cut corners, leaving unsafe trucks on the road.

Overloaded or improperly secured cargo: When loads exceed federal or state weight limits or are poorly secured, the risk of accidents rises significantly.

Speeding or reckless driving: Trucks take longer to stop and maneuver. When drivers speed or make sudden, unsafe moves, they endanger everyone on the road.

Substance abuse: Some drivers turn to substances like alcohol or stimulants to stay awake longer or cope with the rigors of the job.

Identifying the cause of the accident is the first step to holding the responsible party accountable. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you better understand how fault is determined and your best options for filing a claim.

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Truck Accident Laws in Alabama

When you're involved in a truck accident claim in Alabama, it's important to understand both the state and federal laws that govern these incidents. Several key legal principles and regulations you should know include the following:

Contributory Negligence

Alabama follows a contributory negligence rule, which means that if you are found even slightly at fault for the accident, you may not be able to recover damages. An experienced attorney can help you build a strong case and avoid being blamed unfairly.

Statute of Limitations

Under Alabama law, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. For wrongful death cases, the time limit is also two years. Failure to act within this time frame can prevent you from recovering compensation.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs)

Federal regulations govern the operation and maintenance of commercial trucks, and Alabama courts consider these rules in truck accident cases. For example, drivers must adhere to strict hours-of-service limits to prevent fatigue and ensure safe cargo weights according to FMCSRs.

Insurance Requirements

Trucking companies must carry higher insurance limits than standard vehicle owners due to the potential for serious harm caused by large trucks. However, insurers often try to minimize the amount they pay out, which is why having an attorney negotiate on your behalf is so important.

Potential Compensation for Truck Accident Cases

If you've been injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of losses. Some damages you might be able to recover after filing a claim include:

Medical expenses: This includes hospital visits, surgical procedures, ongoing treatments, and future care needs related to your injuries.

Lost wages and earning capacity: If your injuries prevent you from working or returning to work after your recovery, you may be eligible for compensation for lost income and diminished earning potential.

Pain and suffering: Beyond financial losses, you can pursue compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering you’ve endured.

Property damage: You can seek compensation for the repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and any belongings damaged in the accident.

Punitive damages: These are awarded in cases of egregious or reckless behavior, such as when a trucking company knowingly violates safety regulations, to deter similar behavior in the future.

At our firm, we work diligently to calculate the full extent of your damages to help maximize the compensation you receive. Truck accidents often impact every aspect of a victim’s life; we believe the parties responsible should be held accountable.

Fighting Against Trucking Companies and Insurers

Truck accident claims often involve more parties than just the driver responsible for the crash. Trucking companies, manufacturers, and insurers are frequently involved, and they have significant resources to defend against claims.

At Whit A. Thomas, Attorney at Law, we build cases backed by solid evidence. This includes reviewing truck driver logs, black-box data, eyewitness accounts, accident scene photographs, and more. We work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and economists to support your claim and demonstrate the full impact of the accident on your life.

We are familiar with the tactics insurance companies use to reduce payouts, and we won’t back down. Whether it takes skilled negotiations or aggressive courtroom litigation, we prioritize your best interests at every step.

Personal Injury Attorney Serving Baldwin County, Alabama

At Whit A. Thomas, Attorney at Law, we have represented truck accident victims in Alabama since 1980. With extensive experience handling personal injury cases in Baldwin County, Escambia County, Mobile County, and Monroe County, we are well-equipped to pursue justice and compensation for you. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation and take the first step toward recovery.