Truck Accident Lawyers in Foley, Alabama

From grocery stores and restaurants to retail hubs and manufacturing centers, every part of the American economy relies on trucking. Truck drivers ensure that loads reach their destinations in a timely manner, but the work can be long and draining. As a result, a shrinking number of truck drivers are expected to take on an increasing number of trips. In turn, this has led to an uptick in truck accidents in Foley, AL, and other communities.

Have you been injured in a truck collision? Don’t try to take on the insurance companies on your own. Let us help. Call Hedge Copeland at 251-432-8844 to schedule a consultation now.

The Dangers of Alabama Truck Accidents

While no vehicle accident makes for a fun experience, truck accidents, in particular, are extremely dangerous. The average tractor-trailer is about seven times longer than a passenger car and more than ten times heavier. That alone means that a truck has the capacity to cause much more damage than a passenger car.

On top of that, these trucks are significantly taller than passenger vehicles. This makes them more prone to tipping over and potentially causing tens of thousands of dollars in damage. The heavier a vehicle is, the longer it takes to stop. As a result, a tractor-trailer takes much longer to come to a complete stop than a passenger vehicle—this increases the risk of an accident when there’s a sudden backup in traffic or an obstacle in the road.

Furthermore, tractor-trailers transport a wide variety of items. If a tractor-trailer is carrying hazardous materials at the time of an accident, those materials can cause leaks, explosions, and other dangers. If they come into contact with other chemicals, the dangers are even greater.

Types of Truck Accidents

Different types of truck crashes cause varying levels of damage. Some of the most common truck accidents you may see on Alabama highways include:

• Rollovers are extremely dangerous for everyone involved. The truck may turn over or get flipped onto its side and cause multiple crashes as other cars try to get out of the way. On top of that, any hazardous materials that spill onto the road can cause further damage.
• Jackknife collisions. When the tractor and trailer portions of a truck form a 90-degree angle, the truck driver has little to no control over the vehicle. Until the vehicle stops moving, it can destroy anything on its path.
• Tire blowouts. A tire blowout can leave a truck swerving uncontrollably, putting everyone else on the highway in danger.
• Blind spot collisions. Drivers are always advised to stay out of a truck driver’s blind spot. If they don’t, though, they risk being sideswiped in a blind spot collision. Due to the size of a tractor-trailer, a passenger vehicle in this crash could be crushed, pressed into the median, or run off the road.
• Rear-end crashes. When a truck driver hits the back of another vehicle, serious or fatal injuries are very likely.
• Underride accidents. Underride collisions are often fatal for passengers and drivers of the vehicle behind the truck. They occur when a driver gets stuck underneath the back of a truck, often due to inattentive or distracted driving.
• Wide turn crashes. While commercial trucks generally spend limited time on city roads, they need plenty of space when they are driving through town. A tractor-trailer driver generally needs to swing to the left before turning right. Inattentive or inexperienced driers can get stuck between the truck and the right side of the road.

What Causes Truck Collisions in Foley, AL?

A variety of factors lead to truck crashes. Some of the most common causes are:

• Unpredictable traffic or road conditions. Unexpected traffic or changes in the flow of traffic can make even the most experienced truck driver become flustered and overwhelmed. This paves the way for mistakes that can cause serious crashes.
• Inexperienced drivers. As trucking companies have struggled to keep up with the demand for truck drivers, they have often resorted to putting drivers on the road before they are truly ready. This significantly increases the risk of accidents.
• Distracted driving. Driving is a mentally demanding task, and it’s hard to avoid distractions. When truck drivers are distracted by their phones, communication from their company, or food, they may miss obstacles or changes in traffic.
• Fatigued driving. Drivers are only permitted to drive a certain number of hours under federal law. The law explains how long they can drive without a break, how many miles they can drive in a certain timeframe, and how many days off they must take. When drivers are pushed to ignore these limitations, they often struggle to drive as safely as they would if they were well-rested.
• Impaired driving. Drunk driving is dangerous in any situation, but it’s particularly risky when a driver is in charge of a tractor-trailer.
• Poor cargo loading. Uneven cargo or cargo that is too heavy can make the truck difficult to maneuver.
• Vehicle issues. Inadequate, infrequent, or improper maintenance can increase the likelihood of a serious accident.

Getting the Compensation That You Deserve

If you get injured in a truck accident, it’s important to talk to a personal injury attorney about pursuing compensation. There are many parties involved in trucking accidents, including the truck driver, their employer, the owner of the truck, the owner of the cargo, the company that loaded the cargo, and the company that manufactured the truck. All of these parties will be quick to tell you that it’s anyone’s fault but theirs—which does not make it any easier for you to get the compensation you are owed.

With the help of a Foley, AL personal injury lawyer, you can recover while they figure out who is responsible and how much money you are owed. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Mental anguish
• Pain and suffering

It all starts with a free consultation.

Explore Your Options with Hedge Copeland

At Hedge Copeland, we know how a truck accident can leave you with serious injuries and limited funds. We strive to help every client get the compensation that they are owed. Set up a consultation with our team now by calling us at 251-432-8844 or contacting us online.