Passenger cars and semi-trucks share the roads across Alabama every day. The majority of the time, they travel together with no issues. However, because of the large size and weight of a fully-loaded truck, any mistake that a truck driver makes while on the road could be extremely dangerous.
If you or a loved one was injured, you have the right to hire a Huntsville truck accident lawyer to represent your interests and negotiate on your behalf. The team at the Morris Bart law firm is ready to stand by your side throughout every step of the claims process.
Injuries sustained after a truck and a car collide can be serious. A truck accident attorney in Huntsville can help victims get compensation.
Dangers of Crashes Involving Trucks in Huntsville
While an average passenger car or pickup truck will weigh between 3,000 and 6,000 pounds, the maximum gross weight of a semi-truck on Alabama roads could be as high as 84,000 pounds, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
The difference in weight between these two types of vehicles can create significant differences in the damage to each vehicle, as well as differences in the types of injuries. In a wreck, the truck driver may suffer minimal or no injuries, while those in the car may need a long hospitalization.
For a free legal consultation with a Truck Accident lawyer serving Huntsville, call 800-537-8185
Significant Injuries After a Truck Crash
Because of the size and weight of a semi-truck, a passenger car could be crushed in the crash. This can lead to significant injuries for the passengers in the vehicle, including:
- Head injuries: This includes concussions, a broken skull, or traumatic brain injuries.
- Facial injuries: This includes disfigurement or the loss of senses.
- Neck and back injuries: This could lead to broken vertebrae or paralysis.
- Limb injuries: This could mean broken bones in the arms and legs or amputations.
- Skin injuries: This could be significant cuts, bruises, and burns.
- Internal injuries: This includes broken bones, internal organ damage, and internal bleeding.
Some of these injuries heal after a few days or weeks of therapy and rest. Others may stay with you for months and years to come, resulting in a significant change in the way you live your life.
Huntsville Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me 800-537-8185
Cost of a Huntsville Truck Accident Lawyer
Our truck accident lawyers in Huntsville, AL, know that you may be experiencing financial difficulties because of your accident. We do not need any money upfront and work on a contingency fee basis. Let us explore every avenue available in your truck accident claim.
Attorneys fees are anywhere from 30% to 40% of the total award. This fee can differ depending on if the case is settled through negotiation or if it makes it to court and a judge or jury are required.
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Alabama Statute of Limitations
According to the Alabama statute of limitations, Code §6-2-38, there is a two-year deadline for filing personal injury lawsuits with the civil court. If you attempt to file your truck accident claim after this deadline, the court can dismiss your case.
While it is rare, you may be granted an extension. If you have questions about how the Alabama statute of limitations applies to your personal injury case, an experienced personal injury attorney can help.
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Determining the Liable Parties in Your Injury Accident
One of the things a Huntsville truck accident lawyer will do to help your case is study the facts in an attempt to determine exactly what happened and identify all liable parties. We may use the following types of evidence to prove liability:
Police Reports
After your accident, law enforcement officers will study the scene, looking to determine whether either driver was at fault for the crash and figuring out why the accident happened.
Your attorney will study this report, using it to determine the facts in the case. If a police officer issued a traffic ticket to the truck driver, this shows negligence on the part of the driver, which enhances your chances of winning a claim.
If the truck driver does not have the proper CDL license, as determined through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), this could show liability on the part of the driver and on the trucking company that hired the driver.
Medical Reports
Your lawyer will interview your doctors and look at your medical reports to determine your short and long-term prognosis. Should your doctors believe you are facing long term health problems and an inability to return to a normal level of work, you may be eligible to receive a greater level of awards for your claim.
Truck Maintenance Records
If the company that owns the semi-truck fails to maintain it in the proper manner, resulting in a failure that leads to the accident with your car, you can use this information in your case.
Such failures could include allowing a truck to operate with balding tires, broken safety lighting, or faulty brakes.
If the truck failed, the truck’s owner and the maintenance company that worked on the truck could be held liable in a lawsuit.
Cargo and Hauling Records
If those who loaded the trailer on the semi-truck failed to follow proper procedure, the cargo could shift when the driver attempts to stop suddenly or turns a corner, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. If the cargo shifts substantially, the trailer could tip over, leading to an out of control crash.
Morris Bart Attorneys Work Hard for Our Clients
As a Huntsville truck accident lawyer, we have seen far too often the devastating effects of an accident with a semi-truck. When you choose to hire us to represent you in your personal injury case, we will work tirelessly to protect your right to receive a fair settlement.
The Morris Bart law office will represent your interests with the insurer for the trucking company, giving you the time you need to heal. If your injuries have caused a change in your quality of life going forward, leaving you unable to work as you did before, you also deserve compensation for your lost wages. Get started with a free consultation.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.