Large commercial trucks are a common sight on roadways throughout Alabama, hauling their cargo from place to place and keeping the American economy humming. Unfortunately, 18-wheelers and other large trucks get into accidents just like other vehicles on the road, and when they do, the damage they cause can be devastating. In many cases, victims are left with injuries that will affect them for months or even years and accident-related losses well into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Fortunately, when commercial truck accidents are attributable to the negligence of the truck driver or the company responsible for the operation of the truck, victims can typically recover compensation under Alabama law .
Some of the more common causes of commercial truck accidents that usually entitle victims to compensation are discussed below. For more information or to discuss the specifics of your wreck with an experienced truck accident attorney, call our office today.
Driver Error
Driver error is consistently among the most common causes of truck accidents. Some specific examples of the mistakes that truck drivers make that often lead to serious accidents include:
- Speeding
- Failing to adjust to poor weather conditions
- Changing lanes without signaling
- Following too closely
- Distracted driving
- Taking turns too fast
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Improper turns
Driver Fatigue
Driver fatigue is a serious problem among commercial truck drivers, and despite federal regulations that limit the number of hours they can drive in a given period, tired truckers regularly continue to cause serious accidents. Issues involving tight delivery schedules and financial incentives to drive more often result in overly fatigued drivers behind 80,000-pound trucks traveling at highway speeds, putting everyone at risk. Driver fatigue can reduce reaction time, impair situational awareness, cause memory problems, and affect judgment, all of which can make an accident more likely.
Defective or Malfunctioning Equipment
Truckers and trucking companies have a duty to make sure that their vehicles are roadworthy. Unfortunately, this does not always occur, and a significant number of truck accidents are a direct result of improper or careless truck maintenance. Some examples of commercial truck equipment that can fail and cause serious accidents include:
- Brakes
- Coupling devices
- Headlights & taillights
- Dashboard indicator lights
- Windshield wipers
- Tires
It’s important to understand that the fact that the cause of a commercial truck accident is not always clear, and truck insurance companies are more than happy to deny claims whenever they can. As a result, you should always talk to a lawyer after a truck crash, even if you are not sure whose fault the accident was.
Call Luck Law Today to Schedule a Case Evaluation with a Montgomery Truck Accident Attorney
If you have been injured in a truck accident in Alabama, there’s a strong possibility that you are legally entitled to compensation for your accident-related losses. With over two decades of experience practicing law, attorney Terry Luck knows how to get his clients the settlements or awards they deserve. To schedule a case evaluation with a truck accident lawyer in Montgomery, call Luck Law today at 334-262-5455 or contact us online .
