Trucks account for 4.2% of all accidents in Alabama, and interstates like I-85 in Opelika are hotspots for truck-involved accidents. As an Opelika truck accident attorney, Brian Carmichael knows that any incident involving a big rig often leads to:
- Severe injuries
- Much higher death rates
Unloaded semi-trucks weigh 30,000 – 35,000 pounds. When loaded, a semi-truck can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. Accidents with vehicles that weigh just 2,000 to 6,000 pounds are devastating and deadly.
Truck accidents are complex. Multiple parties may be responsible for the accident, injuries can be life-changing and deadly, and insurers will try to settle for as little as possible.
If you’ve been in a trucking accident, the Carmichael Law Group will fight for your lost wages, medical expenses and the compensation you deserve.
Schedule your free consultation with an attorney in Opelika.
Information on this page:
What To Do If You Are In A Trucking Accident
Your top priority after an accident is to seek medical attention. If your injuries are such that you cannot follow some of the steps below without worsening your injuries, wait for the ambulance to arrive.
Otherwise, follow these steps:
- Call 911: Report the accident by calling 911 and waiting for the authorities to arrive. Do not say anything that can be misconstrued that you caused the accident.
- Seek medical attention: When calling 911, let them know if there are any serious injuries that need to be addressed immediately. Even if you don’t think your injuries are serious, seek medical attention as soon as possible to link the accident to your injuries.
- Gather proof: If possible, take photos and videos of the accident scene, all vehicle damages and injuries. Anything that may have contributed to the accident should be included in the photos and videos you take.
Exchange information with the other driver, talk to witnesses and gather their information, and contact an Opelika truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Working with an attorney is the best way to protect your rights.
Top Causes Of Truck Accidents
Accidents can happen for any reason, but the Alabama Department of Transportation lists the primary causes of accidents involving trucks. These include:
- Improper lane change
- Failed to yield at a right of way
- Unseen object, person, or vehicle
- Tailgating
- Misjudged stopping distance
- Defective equipment
- Improper backing
- Improper turn
- Avoiding animal, object, or person
- Crossed median/center line
- Failure to heed sign/signal
- Improper passing
- Driving too fast for the conditions
- Fatigue
- Ran off the road
- Driving under the influence
- Speeding
- Unknown/other
Unique Challenges Of Trucking Accident Cases
Truck accidents are rarely open-and-shut cases. Any accident case can be complicated, but truck accidents have unique challenges that make them even more complex.
The Damages Can Be Catastrophic
Truck accidents can cause severe damage and catastrophic injuries. When severe injuries are involved, treatment and rehabilitation can take weeks, months or even years.
Claims are often significantly higher to cover the high costs of medical care and pain and suffering.
Multiple Parties May Be Liable
The trucking company or the driver may not be the only liable party. Other parties may also be liable, such as:
- Manufacturers of defective parts
- Maintenance companies that failed to maintain or repair the truck
- The company that owned and loaded the truck’s cargo
- Truck accidents often involve third-party liability, which complicates cases even further.
Laws and regulations may also factor into the equation. Truckers must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. Failing to adhere to these regulations may be evidence of negligence.
Truck accident cases often involve large commercial operations and corporate lawyers looking to protect their bottom lines. Because these cases can be highly complex and often involve multiple parties, it is crucial to work with an experienced Opelika truck accident attorney.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, accidents and injuries are often severe. While truck accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, some of the most common include:
- Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, contusions and sprains are common injuries caused by truck accidents. In addition to severe pain, soft tissue injuries can also affect your mobility and can have lifelong effects if left untreated.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): TBIs are one of the most severe types of injuries you can suffer in a truck accident. Injuries can range from concussions to serious brain bleeds and trauma. Victims often require ongoing rehabilitation and medical care.
- Broken bones: When a truck hits a passenger vehicle, the force of the impact can lead to fractures in the arms, pelvis, ribs and legs. Surgery may be required, and complications can include chronic pain.
- Spinal cord injuries: Truck collisions can cause fractures in the spine, herniated discs or even complete spinal cord damage. Severe injuries such as these have life-changing effects and often lead to permanent disability.
- Internal injuries: Internal bleeding, organ damage and other internal injuries can be caused by truck accidents. These serious injuries require immediate care and can be life-threatening.
- Severe burns: If the accident results in an explosion or fire, occupants of either vehicle may suffer severe burns that cause disfigurement, chronic pain and scarring.
- Emotional trauma: Not all injuries are visible. Many victims of truck accidents suffer severe emotional trauma that can greatly impact the quality of their lives.
Truck accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from mild to catastrophic. However, even mild injuries can greatly impact your life and require costly medical care.
An experienced attorney can help you seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
How Attorney Brian Carmichael Can Help with Your Truck Accident Case
A truck accident can change your life. Your injuries may be stopping you from returning to work or preventing you from doing the things you once loved.
If your injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence, Attorney Brian Carmichael can help you understand your options and pursue compensation for your medical care, lost wages, emotional trauma and other damages.
With more than 400 Google reviews from satisfied clients, Attorney Carmichael is committed to helping clients in Opelika, AL and throughout Alabama fight back against insurance companies and secure the compensation they deserve.
Contact us or call us today to schedule a free consultation with an Opelika truck accident attorney.
