Alabama Truck Accident Lawyer

Seeking Compensation for Victims of Truck Accidents

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Alabama, you need an Alabama truck accident lawyer by your side to protect your rights. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering, and more. However, it can be challenging to get the full amount you deserve.

At Lattof & Lattof, P.C., our team is dedicated to fighting for the rights of victims and helping them seek the compensation they deserve. Our legal team has fought hard to protect accident victims’ rights statewide for more than 70 years. Our hard work has paid off–we’ve recovered millions for injury victims like you. Having an experienced truck accident lawyer in your corner can make all the difference in the world. Contact Lattof & Lattof, P.C., today at 215-850-5528 for a free consultation to discuss your case.

What Causes Most Truck Accidents in Alabama?

Commercial truck drivers in Alabama are subject to a detailed set of state-level rules and regulations. They’re also required to follow federal safety standards. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations limit the number of hours the driver can spend behind the wheel and require trucking companies to inspect their vehicles frequently.

Unfortunately, not all drivers and trucking companies follow the letter of the law. They often cut corners to maximize their profits. When that happens, you can get hurt.

Some of the most common causes of Alabama truck accidents include:

Distracted driving
Fatigued driving
Unsafe passing
Speeding
Failure to yield the right-of-way
Tailgating (following too closely)
Aggressive driving
Illegal lane changes
Illegal/unsafe turns
Running a red or yellow light
Drunk driving
Illegal drug use
Failure to properly maintain the vehicle
Defects in the vehicle’s safety mechanisms

Of course, things like hazardous road conditions and bad weather can also contribute to the cause of the crash.

How Do I Prove Negligence After a Truck Accident in Alabama?

Alabama personal injury law requires the victim to prove that someone else’s negligence caused their injuries. Negligence is a legal word for careless or reckless behavior. Most of the time, commercial vehicle accident victims also have to prove that they weren’t negligent themselves.

The four key elements of any negligence claim are:

The at-fault party owed you a duty of care
That party breached the duty of care
The breach caused your injuries
You suffered actual damages

There are a number of ways to prove negligence. Through our independent investigation, we’ll often locate valuable evidence to support your claim, including:

Onboard recording data (the truck’s “black box”)
Video surveillance
Eyewitness testimony
Police reports
Reports prepared by accident reconstruction specialists
The truck driver’s driving log
Inspection and maintenance logs
Past safety records
The driver’s toxicology report
Cell phone data

We highly recommend calling an experienced lawyer immediately after the crash. The trucking company will get to work right away. You deserve the same level of dedication.

What Are the Common Injuries Sustained in Truck Accidents?

Commercial truck accidents often result in serious injuries due to the immense size and weight of commercial trucks compared to passenger vehicles. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and fractures. Victims may also suffer internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, which require immediate medical attention.

Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries are also prevalent, sometimes leading to chronic pain or restricted mobility. Psychological effects, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, are common and can significantly affect a victim’s quality of life.

At Lattof & Lattof, P.C., we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these injuries take. Our team is dedicated to securing the compensation you need for medical treatment, rehabilitation, and other adjustments necessitated by the accident.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Truck Accident in Alabama?

Being involved in a truck accident can be a traumatic experience, but the steps you take immediately afterward are crucial to protecting your rights and securing compensation. First, prioritize safety by moving to a secure location if possible. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical attention for any injured parties. Even if you don’t feel injured, get a medical evaluation since some injuries, like internal trauma, may not show symptoms right away.

At the scene, gather as much information as you can. Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and the truck driver, including their employer’s details and insurance information. Avoid making statements about fault, as they could be used against you later.

Finally, consult an experienced Alabama truck accident lawyer promptly. At Lattof & Lattof, P.C., we can guide you through every step of the process while safeguarding your rights.

What Role Does the Trucking Company Play in an Accident?

Trucking companies are often key players in truck accident cases and may be held liable for accidents caused by their drivers. These companies have a duty to maintain their vehicles, hire qualified drivers, and comply with federal and state safety regulations. When they fail to uphold these responsibilities, they can be held accountable for resulting injuries.

For example, trucking companies may pressure drivers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules, leading to fatigue or unsafe driving practices. They might also neglect routine vehicle maintenance to save costs, increasing the risk of mechanical failure. At Lattof & Lattof, P.C., we investigate these potential avenues of liability to maximize your compensation.

How Does Federal Law Impact Truck Accident Cases?

Federal regulations, such as those established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), are central to many truck accident cases. These rules govern areas such as driver hours, vehicle maintenance, and safety standards. Violations of these regulations can serve as evidence of negligence and significantly strengthen your case.

Navigating federal trucking laws requires specialized legal knowledge. At Lattof & Lattof, P.C., we use our knowledge in federal regulations to build compelling cases and pursue maximum compensation for our clients.

What Types of Damages Are Available to Truck Accident Victims?

Truck accident victims often suffer devastating injuries–especially victims in smaller vehicles. In accidents involving big rigs, semi-trucks, and tractor-trailers, accident victims can recover economic and non-economic damages. In plain English, economic damages cover your financial losses.

In other words, these damages reimburse you for out-of-pocket expenses caused by the accident and might include:

Medical bills
Future medical expenses
Lost wages and income
Lost future earning potential
Physical therapy and rehab
Property damage

Non-economic damages are a bit more challenging but equally important. Non-economic damages compensate victims for losses that have no clear dollar value.

These damages might include:

Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Anxiety or depression
Diminished quality of life
Loss of consortium
Disfigurement and scarring

Call our legal team today to learn how we can help maximize your damages award.

What Is My Alabama Truck Accident Case Worth?

No two personal injury cases are exactly the same. Because of that, it’s impossible to calculate the value of your truck accident case without knowing the facts. At Lattof & Lattof, P.C., our attorneys will carefully evaluate the facts of your case so that we can put a precise dollar value on your losses.

Some significant issues we’ll evaluate when determining how much your personal injury case is worth include:

The nature and severity of your injury
The presence of any permanent or long-term disability
The value of your wages or income during your recover
The cost of your medical treatment, including rehabilitation
Any emotional trauma caused by the accident and injuries
The physical pain of your recovery
How your daily life was disrupted

As a practical matter, the value of your injury claim might be limited by the amount of insurance coverage available. However, trucking companies carry commercial insurance policies, and multiple parties could share in the blame. To get the maximum compensation available, we’ll make sure to identify every responsible party and every available source of insurance coverage.

What Are the Challenges in Proving Fault in Truck Accidents?

Proving fault in truck accidents can be difficult due to the number of parties that may share responsibility, such as the truck driver, the trucking company, and vehicle manufacturers. Each of these entities may contribute to the accident, and determining liability often requires a detailed investigation.

Key evidence includes driver logs, black box data, and maintenance records. However, obtaining this information can be challenging, as trucking companies may be reluctant to release it. At Lattof & Lattof, P.C., we have the experience and resources needed to collect critical evidence and hold all responsible parties accountable.

Can I Recover Damages if I’m Being Blamed for a Truck Accident in Alabama?

No. Alabama is one of only a handful of states that follows the harshest shared fault rule available. Under Alabama’s contributory negligence law, accident victims are entirely barred from recovering compensation if they share responsibility for the crash.

In other states, you can usually recover damages as long as you aren’t mostly responsible. In Alabama, if you were even one percent responsible for the wreck, you lose your right to damages entirely.

Insurance companies will do everything possible to blame the victim. Truck accident victims in Alabama should be prepared for these types of attacks. After all, if the insurance company succeeds, they won’t have to pay you a cent, even if the truck driver shares in the blame.

The trucking company’s insurance company will usually arrive at the accident scene quickly after the accident. They’ll launch a full-scale investigation to locate any evidence that you share in the blame. That means obtaining video footage, toxicology reports, cell phone records, and more.

A personal injury lawyer can help you fight back if you’re being blamed for the crash. With over 100 years of combined experience, we have the resources to conduct our own independent investigation.

We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Truck Accident Injuries

Victims in traditional passenger vehicles often don’t stand a chance when they’re involved in a wreck with a large commercial truck. At Lattof & Lattof, P.C., we fight to hold the responsible parties accountable for the damage their actions have caused.

Give us a call today if you’ve sustained any type of injury in a truck crash, including:

Traumatic brain injuries
Chest injuries
Whiplash injuries
Spinal cord damage
Head and neck injuries
Concussions
Back injuries
Organ damage
Broken bones
Burn injuries
Traumatic amputations
Paralysis
Catastrophic injuries

The most serious trucking accidents in Mobile can be fatal. If you lost a loved one, we’ll fight to hold the responsible parties accountable for your loss.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Truck Accident in Alabama?

The statute of limitations in Alabama truck accident cases is two years. That means you only have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit.

Why Is It Important to Act Quickly After a Truck Accident?

Taking prompt action after a truck accident is critical for preserving evidence and protecting your legal rights. Key evidence, such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, and the truck’s black box data (which records information about speed, braking, and other operational factors), can quickly disappear or be lost if not obtained promptly.

Additionally, Alabama imposes a two-year statute of limitations for filing personal injury lawsuits. Failing to file within this timeframe could prevent you from recovering compensation. By contacting Lattof & Lattof, P.C., right away, we can take the necessary legal steps to ensure your case is filed on time and that evidence is preserved.

How Can I Protect My Rights After a Truck Accident?

Protecting your rights after a truck accident requires taking proactive steps. Avoid making any statements to insurance adjusters before consulting a lawyer. Insurers may use your words to reduce or deny your claim. Additionally, document all aspects of your recovery, including medical treatments, related expenses, and any correspondence about the accident. This information is critical for building a strong case.

Consulting an experienced truck accident attorney is essential. At Lattof & Lattof, P.C., we are committed to protecting your rights and guiding you through the legal process.

How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Help with Insurance Claims?

Dealing with insurance companies after a truck accident is often challenging. Insurers frequently attempt to minimize payouts, which can leave you undercompensated for your losses. A skilled truck accident attorney can handle communications with the insurer, ensuring that your claim is presented in the strongest possible way.

At Lattof & Lattof, P.C., we have extensive experience working with insurance companies. Our legal team knows the strategies insurers use to devalue claims and is adept at countering them. We collect and present evidence, including medical records, professional opinions, and accident reconstructions, to demonstrate the full extent of your damages. Our goal is to negotiate a fair settlement that covers medical costs, lost income, and any other related expenses.

What Should I Expect During the Legal Process?

The legal process after a truck accident typically involves several stages, beginning with an investigation and the gathering of evidence. Your attorney will then file a claim and negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement. If a resolution cannot be reached, your case may proceed to trial.

At Lattof & Lattof, P.C., we prioritize clear communication, keeping you informed at every stage of your case. Our goal is to make the process as seamless as possible while vigorously advocating for the compensation you deserve.

How Lattof & Lattof, P.C. Can Help After a Truck Accident in Alabama

Truck accident injuries can be extremely painful. To add insult to injury, you might not be able to work, just when you need money the most for medical bills. Getting fair compensation from the at-fault parties isn’t easy under Alabama personal injury laws.

In fact, it might seem like the deck is stacked in favor of the defendant in every case.

An experienced Alabama personal injury lawyer can even the playing field. At Lattof & Lattof, P.C., we know the Alabama legal system inside and out. We’re here to hold the responsible party fully accountable for your losses.

When you hire us, our lawyers will:

Fight to prevent insurance companies from using harsh contributory fault rules to deny your insurance claim
Investigate to determine causation and fault
Hire specialists to find out what your injuries will cost long term
Defend you when you’re blamed for the crash
Handle all paperwork, communications, and negotiation with the insurance company and defense lawyers

Selecting the right attorney can significantly influence the outcome of your case. At Lattof & Lattof, P.C., we bring over a century of combined legal experience and a proven track record in personal injury law. Our client-focused approach ensures that your needs are prioritized every step of the way.

We are committed to providing compassionate, effective representation to help you navigate the challenges following a truck accident. With over 100 years of combined experience, we’re also prepared to take your case to trial if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement. Contact us today at 215-850-5528 to schedule a free consultation and explore your legal options.