Truck Accident Lawyers in Tuscaloosa Alabama

Experienced Truck Accident Lawyers in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Dedicated legal support for those seriously injured in truck crashes

Truck accidents are some of the most frightening and devastating on the road. If you or a loved one experienced injuries in a truck crash, you need the help of an experienced attorney. At Prince Glover Hayes, our Tuscaloosa truck accident attorneys have fought for accident victims since 1979. Our team knows how complex these cases are, and we are prepared to take on powerful trucking companies and their insurers to recover substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a truck accident in Tuscaloosa, contact us for a free consultation.

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Why Choose Prince Glover Hayes for your Tuscaloosa truck accident case?

We’ve been fighting for accident victims in Tuscaloosa and throughout Alabama for more than four decades. Our attorneys have set records with some of our settlements and verdicts, including those involving large trucks. We know the challenges of pursuing a claim against large companies and are prepared to fight relentlessly for our clients. As local community members, we’re dedicated to serving those injured in and around Tuscaloosa and taking cases that promote safer roads throughout the region.

Truck accidents in Alabama by the numbers

It’s no mystery that large commercial trucks are involved in many severe and even deadly accidents. These vehicles outweigh even the largest passenger vehicles, making them potentially hazardous for anyone on the road. In fact, in 2022, 162 people in Alabama died in accidents involving large trucks. The total number of traffic fatalities for the state that year was 986, meaning just over 16% of all traffic deaths involved trucks. In traffic accidents involving large trucks, 70% of those killed are occupants in smaller vehicles.

Truck regulations and violations

Because these massive vehicles create such risks for others on the road, large truck drivers must undergo extensive training and follow strict regulations. Violations of those regulations can help prove that the driver was negligent and potentially liable for resulting accidents and injuries.

Truck driver regulations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets standards for truck drivers, including:

  • Hours of Service (HOS): Drivers can only operate their vehicles up to 11 hours after ten consecutive hours off duty, and they must take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving.
  • Weight limits: Trucks must not exceed 80,000 pounds “gross vehicle weight,” although certain permits may exist.
  • Vehicle inspections: Drivers should complete inspections before and after each trip to identify and address safety issues.
  • Substance testing: The prospect of a drunk driver behind the wheel of a large commercial truck is terrifying – it’s no wonder these drivers must undergo substance testing as a part of their licensing requirements.

Truck driver violations

Unfortunately, truck drivers sometimes violate the rules. Here are some ways that drivers may place others in danger:

  • Exceeding hours-of-service limits: Drivers may exceed their hours-of-service limits because they want to earn more or finish trips faster. Sometimes, trucking companies even pressure drivers to stay on the road longer. The problem is that operating a large truck requires focus. Fatigued drivers won’t be as alert and may have slower reaction times. The consequences can be deadly.
  • Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo: Perhaps out of laziness or because they want to move more cargo in one trip, a driver may not load their truck properly. Unfortunately, improper loading can create balance issues, making the truck unstable and more difficult to control. This can also cause devastating crashes like rollovers.
  • Failure to perform inspections: If the driver doesn’t take the time to perform inspections, they might miss issues with the tires, steering wheel, brakes, and other essential equipment. They are more likely to perform thorough checks if their company makes it a clear priority.
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol: Drivers may drive under the influence simply because of bad choices or substance abuse struggles. However, they may also choose to use substances to combat fatigue. Both possibilities make for dangerous circumstances on the road.

In addition to violating these laws, drivers might speed or be distracted while behind the wheel. Any of these errors or poor choices can lead to collisions.

Understanding liability in truck accident cases

One of the key differences between truck accident cases and other car crashes is the possibility that other parties may be at fault or share liability for the crash. Some possible at-fault parties include:

  • The truck driver: Clearly, many driver errors are the driver's fault. Speeding, distracted driving, and many other errors could mean the driver was negligent and at fault.
  • The trucking company: If the driver is an employee, the company might be liable for the driver’s actions. Other times, the company could be at fault for engaging in behaviors like encouraging a driver to violate their hours of service or other regulations in an effort to move cargo more quickly.
  • Maintenance providers: Poorly maintained trucks may lead to collisions. If repairs are not properly performed, the entity responsible for maintaining the vehicles could be liable.
  • Cargo loaders: If a cargo loading company loaded the truck, and the weight distribution contributed to the accident, they could be at fault.
  • Manufacturers of defective truck parts: Defective vehicle parts can contribute to collisions. In such cases, those injured may have a product liability claim.

Compensation available for truck accident victims in Tuscaloosa

Truck accident victims may be able to recover extensive damages as a result of an accident. The reason for this is that truck accidents are likely to cause severe harm, including catastrophic injuries like paralysis or traumatic brain injuries. The damages for any accident will likely be higher if the injuries are more severe because of the high costs related to medical care. In a successful truck accident claim, you might recover for:

  • Current and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
  • Permanent injury
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental and emotional distress
  • Property damage
  • Punitive damages (although these are limited to cases involving particularly egregious conduct)

It’s impossible to estimate the potential damages in a case without all the facts. You can get a better idea of the value of your claim by speaking to an experienced Tuscaloosa truck accident attorney.

FAQs about truck accident cases in Tuscaloosa

Being involved in a crash with a large truck can be daunting. Here are some answers to commonly asked questions.

What should I do if the trucking company’s insurance contacts me?

Unfortunately, insurance companies often try to minimize your damages to pay less. They may also try to shift blame onto you for the accident to avoid paying anything. You have to be extremely careful in your interactions with an insurance company. Your best bet is to have your attorney handle those interactions on your behalf.

How long do I have to file a claim after a truck accident in Alabama?

In Alabama, you only have two years to file your truck accident claim. Reach out to an attorney right away to avoid missing the deadline.

How much does a truck accident lawyer cost?

We handle truck accident cases on a contingency basis. This policy means you don’t have to pay your attorney upfront. Instead, your lawyer only receives payment if your claim is successful, and in that case, their fee comes out of the amount you recover in the settlement or judgment.

Do you have a lawyer near me in Tuscaloosa who can handle my truck accident claim?

Prince Glover Hayes Team

You can meet with the attorneys at Prince Glover Hayes at our office at 2311 University Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. If your injuries prevent you from visiting our office, we can schedule a call or video consultation or meet in another location to discuss your claim.

Contact the Truck Accident Attorneys at Prince Glover Hayes in Tuscaloosa

Truck accident cases require experience, resources, and an in-depth understanding of the law. At Prince Glover Hayes, we’ve served accident victims in Tuscaloosa and beyond for decades. Call or complete our contact form for a free consultation with one of our dedicated Tuscaloosa truck accident lawyers.