Truck Accident Lawyers in Millbrook, AL
Trucking forms the backbone of Alabama’s transportation industry. Data shows that 75% of goods that are transported into, out of, and through the state are transported through trucks. The trucking industry is also one of the largest employment generators in the state and plays a vital role in the local economy.
At the same time, there is no denying the fact that commercial trucks pose a threat to other road users. The average commercial truck outweighs the average passenger vehicle by several thousand pounds and a collision can prove to be catastrophic for the drivers and passengers involved.
If you have been injured by a commercial truck, the Millbrook, AL truck accident lawyers at the law office of Frank Wilson can help you. We have the legal and financial resources to protect your rights and get you the best possible settlement from the at-fault parties. Contact our firm today to discuss your case with one of our attorneys.
Common Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents in Millbrook, AL
Data shows that a vast majority of commercial truck accidents in Millbrook as well as other parts of Alabama are caused as a result of human error – particularly on the part of truck drivers. The most common examples of erratic and negligent driving behavior that can lead to truck accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Impaired driving
- Fatigued driving
- Improper lane change
- Improper turns
- Improper passing
- Failing to yield the right of way to other vehicles
- Failing to check blind spots for other vehicles
- Misjudging the stopping distance of the truck
Apart from this, defective equipment, improper loading of cargo, and dangerous road conditions are also some of the factors that can contribute to commercial truck accidents.
Types of Injuries that can Result from a Millbrook, AL Truck Accident
Any accident involving a motor vehicle can result in serious injuries. However, the risk of serious and fatal injuries is particularly high in accidents involving commercial trucks – largely due to their enormous size and weight.
A head-on collision or a side-impact collision with a commercial truck can total a passenger vehicle and the parties involved could suffer catastrophic injuries. The injuries that can result from a truck accident may range from fractures and broken bones to crush injuries, traumatic amputation, internal organ damage, nerve damage, burn injuries, neck and spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.
There are many hospitals near Millbrook where you can get the medical care you need following a commercial truck accident. These include the Prattville Baptist Hospital in Prattville, Jackson Hospital and Clinic in Montgomery, Baptist Medical Center South in Montgomery, Elmore Community Hospital in Wetumpka, and Community Hospital in Tallassee.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Commercial Truck Accident in Millbrook, AL?
Depending on what caused the accident, one or more of the following parties can be held liable for a commercial truck accident.
The Truck Driver
If the accident was caused by the truck driver’s inattentiveness or recklessness, they can be personally held liable for the resulting injuries.
The Truck Company
The truck company can be held liable under the following circumstances.
- If they failed to properly vet their staff and hired an inexperienced and untrained driver
- If they hired a driver with a history of DUI, drug use, or traffic violations
- If they forced the driver to work more hours than they are legally allowed to
Apart from this, the truck company can also be held liable for its driver’s actions under the theory of vicarious liability. Even if the company did not violate any federal or state regulations, they can be held liable for the accident caused by their driver – as long as the driver in question was on duty and was acting within the scope of their employment-related duties at the time of the accident.
The Auto Part Manufacturer
If the accident was caused as a result of vehicular malfunction, the company that manufactured the defective part can be held liable for the accident.
The Cargo Loader
If the accident was caused as a result of improper or unsafe cargo loading or due to cargo overloading, the company or contractor responsible for loading the cargo can be held liable.
A Government Entity
If the accident was caused as a result of a defective or dangerous road condition, the government agency responsible for road maintenance can be held liable. It should be noted that you can sue the government agency only if you can prove that the agency in question was aware of the condition that caused the accident and failed to fix it in a timely manner.
Why You Need an Experienced Millbrook Truck Accident Attorney on Your Side
Alabama is a contributory negligence state, which means you can be barred from recovering compensation if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident. Knowing this, the insurance company might argue that you were negligent in your own right and try to unfairly blame you for the accident – just so they can get away with paying you nothing.
It’s why you need a competent Millbrook truck accident lawyer who can collect all the evidence needed to establish the at-fault party’s fault and prove that you had nothing to do with it.
Choose Dedicated Millbrook Truck Accident Attorneys with a Track Record of Large Settlements and Verdicts
Truck accidents can result in debilitating and life-altering injuries or the wrongful death of a loved one. In order to get a settlement that adequately covers all your economic and non-economic losses, you need a skilled and resourceful Millbrook truck accident attorney on your side.
Attorney Frank M. Wilson has more than 30 years of experience in representing personal injury victims in local, state, and federal courts. An experienced litigator, Frank Wilson is known for his unmatched legal knowledge and work ethic. Over the years, he has received numerous awards and recognitions for his accomplishments – including the prestigious AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
Call our firm today at 334-420-2931 or use our convenient online contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a seasoned Millbrook truck accident lawyer.