truck accident attorneys in Florence, Alabama

Truck Accident Lawyers in Florence, AL

Commercial trucks are all over the place in Florence, whether they are delivering goods to our Walmart on Hough Rd, or to the Target on Cox Creek Pkwy, they travel along rt 133, rt 72, and rt 157.

In the immediate aftermath of a truck collision in Florence, Alabama, it can be hard to know what happened and who caused it. However, figuring out the contributing factors of a crash can make it easier to know who is at fault.

Most crashes have some element of human error, such as:

  • Speeding
  • Drowsy driving
  • Swerving
  • Switching lanes too quickly or without looking
  • Drifting in and out of lanes
  • Driving while distracted
  • Driving while impaired
  • Failing to use headlights or other safety features
  • Ignoring traffic lights and other indicators of right-of-way
  • Driving aggressively
  • Following too closely
  • Unsafe turns and lane changes

While many crashes can be traced back to one or more driver errors, there are other factors that can lead to collisions. They include:

  • Malfunctioning vehicle components
  • Unsafe or improper car repairs
  • Inadequately trained drivers
  • Roads that are poorly maintained or marked
  • Unclear or nonexistent road signage

Regardless of the key factor in your crash, it is important to figure out why and how the accident happened. Your attorney will take a look at the evidence and determine what your next steps are.

Types of Commercial Truck Collisions and Injuries

There are several types of trucking accidents, each of which with its own risks and associated injuries. Some of the most common types of crashes include:

  • Rear-end. This is perhaps the most common type of car or truck accident. One driver is following a little bit too closely or not paying enough attention to the vehicle ahead of them. When the driver in front slows down or stops, they either physically can’t stop fast enough or don’t look up in time to stop. Rear-end crashes can occur at any speed, but those at lower speeds are more likely to cause just minor property damage and injuries.
  • Sideswipe. Sideswipe accidents can happen when a driver tries to merge into a spot where another car is already present. They also occur when a driver is too close to the other lane and scrapes the other vehicle as they pass. The type and amount of damage varies, depending on the speed of both vehicles and how quickly the at-fault driver corrects course.
  • T-bone. T-bone crashes can cause devastating damage, especially at high speeds involving vehicles that can weigh up to 40 tons. They commonly occur at traffic light intersections when one vehicle runs a red light and hits the vehicle that actually has right of way. They can also occur at stop signs when one party ignores their stop sign. Again, the severity of the damage is largely determined by how fast the vehicles were moving.
  • Head-on. Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous types of truck crashes. They cause significant damage to both vehicles and can lead to fatalities or catastrophic injuries in both vehicles. Generally, head-on collisions are the result of someone driving the wrong way while impaired, distracted, or with a cognitive condition.
  • Single-vehicle crashes. Crashes involving a single vehicle are fairly common, especially among distracted drivers. If a driver is attempting to avoid an obstacle on the road, they may swerve too hard and hit a tree, median, or another object. Truckers also frequently get into single-vehicle accidents when their trailer is overloaded or improperly loaded and the tractor-trailer rolls over or is turned on its side.  

Truck crash victims report a wide range of injuries. Among them include:

  • Broken bones
  • Cuts and abrasions
  • Concussions and other types of traumatic brain injuries
  • Whiplash
  • Spinal cord injuries/paralysis
  • Soft tissue damage
  • Back and neck pain
  • Severe burn injuries
  • Amputations/loss of limbs

Getting the Compensation That You Deserve

How do you know that you’re getting the compensation you are owed? When you connect with a personal injury attorney in Florence, you can explain what happened, show your evidence, and highlight how your injuries have changed your life. Some of the types of compensation you may receive include:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost income
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage
  • Loss of consortium
  • Mental anguish and trauma

Keeping proper records can significantly boost the value of your claim. If you have medical bills from North Alabama Medical Center, Hamilton Family Urgent Care, Huntsville Hospital Urgent Care, or another local medical facility, provide copies to your attorney immediately.

You’ll also want evidence from your truck accident. For example, if you get hit on Cox Creek Parkway, take pictures of road signs indicating the speed limit if the other driver driving too fast. Anything you have to prove the other party’s fault can help your claim.

Why Choose Hodges Trial Lawyers for Your Trucking Accident Claim?

At Hodges Trial Lawyers, we pride ourselves on the service we provide to our clients. Trucking cases are very different from simple car accidents.  Wrecks caused by 18-wheelers are subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Guidelines, not just the everyday rules of the road. You deserve an attorney that understands the difference and is willing to do the necessary work to get the right outcome. Trucking companies and their insurance carriers have teams of investigators, adjusters, and lawyers working to try and keep you from getting what is fair, make sure you hire an attorney that will fight for what you deserve.

We have a team of skilled negotiators. This is a crucial advantage since most personal injury claims are settled out of court. We can persuade most insurance companies to provide a fair settlement offer by building a solid case on your behalf.

However, not every claim can be settled out of court. That’s where our other strength comes in. We are experienced trial attorneys, and we aren’t afraid to take your personal injury claim in front of a court. Some personal injury lawyers thrive during negotiations but cannot handle the stress of a trial. This makes it far less likely that the insurance company will offer what your case is worth. You need an attorney who will fight their hardest for you during negotiations and at trial if necessary, and that is what we offer.

Reach Out Today to Start Your Florence, AL Truck Accident Claim

Are you ready to seek justice for your commercial trucking accident? Turn to the team at Hodges Trial Lawyers. You can contact us online or call us at 256-539-3110 to schedule a consultation.