Auburn, AL Trucking & Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers

What Are the Most Truck Accident Prone Areas in Auburn?

Some areas in Auburn are more likely to see truck accidents than others due to traffic patterns, road design, and visibility challenges. Based on data from Auburn’s citywide traffic study, high-risk intersections and roadways include:

• South College Street
• North College Street
• Opelika Road
• West Glenn Avenue
• East Glenn Avenue
• Shug Jordan Parkway

Common Risk Factors in High-Accident Areas

1. Rear-End Collisions
   Rear-ending incidents are the most frequently reported type of crash at intersections. Large trucks, with their significant weight and size, require longer stopping distances. This becomes an issue in areas where congestion and sudden stops are common due to high traffic volumes or signalized intersections.
2. Turning Conflicts
   Trucks often require wider turns than standard vehicles, making intersections particularly dangerous. When space is limited, or visibility is poor, turning mistakes become a leading crash factor.
3. Access Management Challenges
   Driveways serving shopping centers or industrial facilities create conflict points for larger vehicles entering or exiting. Trucks attempting to merge into fast-moving or congested traffic often bring significant hazards.

What Are the Most Common Types of Truck Accidents?

According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, the most common causes of truck accidents in the state include driver error and preventable mechanical failures. The leading causes are:

1. Improper lane changes or use
2. Failing to yield the right-of-way
3. Collisions involving unseen objects, persons, or vehicles 
4. Tailgating  
5. Misjudging stopping distance
6. Defective equipment such as brakes
7. Improper backing
8. Making improper turns 
9. Avoiding animals, objects, or persons 

Most of these accidents can be traced to preventable behaviors, such as distraction, poor judgment, or negligence on the part of drivers or operators. While trucking companies and their drivers are required to adhere to strict safety regulations — such as limits on driving hours, regular vehicle inspections, and mandatory breaks — the pressures of the industry often encourage cutting corners, putting both truck operators and other road users in harm's way.

Why You Should Hire an Attorney

Truck accident cases are inherently more complex than typical car accident claims. The involvement of multiple parties, the scale of the damages, and the aggressive tactics of insurance companies make it crucial to have skilled legal representation. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, here’s why hiring an attorney might be one of the most critical decisions you make:

1. Navigating the Legal and Insurance Processes
   Truck accidents typically involve multiple layers of insurance coverage, including policies held by the driver, trucking company, and sometimes even the cargo owner. Determining liability and dealing with these entities requires knowledge of trucking regulations and insurance law.
2. Gathering Evidence
   An attorney can compile the necessary evidence to build your case. This includes police reports, eyewitness accounts, and black-box data from the truck (if available), which provides critical insight into the moments leading up to the crash.
3. Determining the Responsible Parties
   Liability in a truck accident is rarely straightforward. An attorney will review the circumstances and determine whether the driver, employer, manufacturer, or maintenance provider should be held accountable (or a combination of these).
4. Protecting You from Insurance Companies
   Shortly after an accident, insurance adjusters may reach out with settlement offers. Their goal is often to minimize payouts, which can leave victims severely undercompensated. Your lawyer will handle these communications and negotiate for the compensation you deserve.
5. Calculating Full Damages
   The effects of a truck accident extend beyond immediate medical bills. An attorney assesses the broader impact, from ongoing rehabilitation needs to lost earning potential and emotional suffering, ensuring all aspects are factored into your claim.
6. Court Representation
   While many claims resolve through negotiation, some cases may proceed to trial. Having an attorney prepared to represent you in court ensures that your interests are fully protected.