Commercial and trucking vehicle accidents may account for a small percentage of the 144,000+ accidents that occur in Alabama annually, but they’re often the most complex and have a higher risk of fatality. As your Auburn truck accident attorney, we’ll fight for the compensation you deserve and:
- Review your accident details
- Identify all parties who may be at fault in your accident
- Negotiate with insurance companies that want to offer the lowest settlement possible
If you or someone you loved were involved in a trucking or commercial vehicle accident, Carmichael Law Group LLC can help you navigate your next steps.
Schedule a free consultation to learn how we can assist you during this difficult time.
Information on this page:
What are the Most Common Types of Truck Accidents?
Alabama Department of Transportation’s most recent Facts Book provides insights into the most common trucking and commercial vehicle accidents. Out of the 10,452 reported truck accidents, over 1,640 involved either an improper lane change or use.
Just under 10% of accidents reported were caused by failure to yield at a right of way, followed by unseen objects, persons or vehicles, tailgating, and misguided stopping distance.
The remaining causes of accidents that include truck involvement are:
- Defective equipment
- Improper backing
- Improper turns
- Crossing over the median or center line
- Failure to heed a sign or signal
- Improper passing
- Speeding
- Fatigue
- Unknown
Interstates, such as I-85, are the most common roadways for trucking and commercial accidents.
Why You Should Hire An Attorney
An Auburn truck accident attorney will help you fight for the compensation you deserve for the economic and non-economic damages you sustained. Commercial vehicles, including big rigs, complicate the claims process.
Multiple parties may be liable for your injuries, such as:
- Truck driver
- Employer
- Manufacturer
- Mechanic
- Many others
Knowing who to hold liable is complex. Insurers will act quickly to contact you and try to push for the lowest settlement possible. Constant phone calls and misleading statements often lead to victims in accidents settling for far less than they deserve.
An attorney will know what steps to take to hold all responsible parties liable for your injuries and damages.
Your attorney will:
- Handle all communication with insurers for you
- Recommend steps to take to strengthen your claim
- Determine your true damages
- Negotiate for the best settlement possible
- Talk to witnesses
An attorney who is licensed in Alabama and understands the law will help you navigate the complexities of accidents with commercial vehicles and protect your rights.
Selecting the right lawyer for your case may require multiple consultations to find someone with the experience and capacity to fight for the compensation you deserve.
How To Choose A Truck Accident Lawyer
Accidents involving trucks and commercial vehicles are complex. Multiple parties may be liable, and factors such as federal regulations may impact your case. For these reasons, it is crucial to choose the right truck accident lawyer.
When hiring a lawyer, consider the following:
- Experience with truck accident cases: Look for a lawyer who understands the nuances and complexities of truck accident claims. Having relevant experience handling similar cases will give you an advantage and ensure you seek the full compensation you are entitled to.
- Positive reputation: Look for a lawyer with positive reviews and client testimonials. Experience is important, but you need a lawyer who will deliver a high-level, personalized experience.
- A history of success: Along with a positive reputation, you want a lawyer who gets results. Do they have a history of success? Have they achieved positive outcomes in cases that are similar to yours?
Additionally, make sure your lawyer is someone who is trustworthy and you feel comfortable with.
Types Of Compensation
Victims who are injured in trucking and commercial vehicle accidents can seek a variety of damages, including:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are easily quantifiable. These are tangible losses you incurred because of the accident and your injuries. They can include:
- Medical care: Hospital stays, doctor visits, rehabilitation, future medical care, medical equipment and other medical-related expenses.
- Lost wages: Any income you lost because you were forced to take time off to treat and recover from your injuries.
- Loss of future income: Loss of potential future income due to diminished earning capacity (i.e., your injuries have impacted your ability to perform the same work).
- Property damage: Costs associated with repairing or replacing your personal property affected by the accident.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are more challenging to calculate. These are subjective, intangible losses that often have a more significant impact on your quality of life. They can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of activities
- Loss of consortium
A knowledgeable and experienced attorney will know how to calculate non-economic and economic damages, including any future losses you may incur, to ensure you seek the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
Why Work With Attorney Brian Carmichael
Trucking and commercial vehicle accidents can upend your life. Along with mounting medical expenses, you may be facing lengthy rehabilitation or even permanent disability.
Responsible parties should be held liable for your losses. Brian Carmichael is an Auburn truck accident attorney who will fight to secure the compensation you deserve.
With more than 400 Google reviews from satisfied clients, Attorney Brian Carmichael knows how to get results and delivers compassionate, skilled legal service to clients throughout Auburn, AL.
If you were injured in an accident involving a truck or commercial vehicle, contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your options.
