Accidents of any kind can be scary. However, accidents with large trucks can greatly add to this stress, as these accidents often leave victims with extensive injuries, property damage, and financial struggle. If you’ve suffered through an accident with a big rig, you are not alone and may be able to receive compensation for your injuries. For help with your truck accident case, contact The Fob James Law Firm.
How Truck Accidents Differ from Car Accidents
While you may assume truck accidents and car accidents are very similar, they differ quite a bit. Certain important details make truck accidents much more challenging than your typical car accident.
Big Rigs Can Cause Much More Damage
With their massive size and weight, trucks have the capacity to cause more serious injuries and property damage. In the most unfortunate cases, big rig accidents can lead to life-altering injuries and even death.
Trucks Have Higher Insurance Policies
Due to a big rig’s ability to cause injury and damage, they are required to carry much greater insurance policies than vehicles. Bigger insurance policies often mean more of a fight for fair compensation.
Big Rigs Are Highly Regulated
Large trucks are regulated by state and federal regulations, including those set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. These regulations often add a layer of complexity to big rig accident cases.
Common Causes of Big Rig Accidents
Truck accidents can occur for a wide variety of reasons. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:
- Driver fatigue,
- Speeding,
- Severe weather,
- Inadequate training,
- Overweight cargo,
- Brake failure,
- Improper truck maintenance, and
- Defective truck parts.
These and many other factors can play a role in your big rig accident. In some cases, there may even be multiple causes. Your Montgomery truck lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to help uncover the cause of your truck accident.
Who’s Liable for a Truck Accident?
Besides uncovering the root cause of your big rig accident, it is crucial to determine who is at fault. While many automatically believe truck drivers are responsible for accidents, that is not always the case. In many instances, multiple parties share responsibility for a big rig accident. These parties can include:
- The driver;
- The trucking company;
- The owner of the truck;
- The owner of the cargo;
- The individual or entity responsible for truck maintenance; and
- Manufacturers of truck parts.
Determining who is at fault for your accident can often be a daunting task. Nonetheless, your Montgomery big rig accident lawyer will work to discover who is liable and hold these parties responsible in an effort to help you get financial recovery.
Damages Available for Big Rig Accidents
Damages will be available to you after your truck accident to help compensate you for your losses. The type and amount of damages you are entitled to will depend on your case, but they may include:
- Medical expenses,
- Lost wages,
- Property damage,
- Pain and suffering, and
- Mental and emotional anguish.
Your Montgomery truck lawyer will consider all details and factors to help determine the appropriate amount of damages owed to you. You can feel confident knowing your attorney will work toward getting you the fairest settlement for your injuries and losses.
Statute of Limitations for Truck Accidents in Alabama
If you wish to file a lawsuit for your truck accident, it is important to keep in mind there is a limited amount of time to do so. Statutes of limitations set forth the maximum amount of time a person has to file a lawsuit. In Alabama, the statute of limitations for truck accidents is two years from the date of the accident.
If you fail to file your claim within the specified amount of time, you will likely completely lose your right to receive financial compensation for your truck accident. This is one of the main reasons it is critical you consult with a Montgomery truck attorney as soon as possible after your accident.
Speak with an Experienced Montgomery Truck Accident Lawyer
The Fob James Law Firm has helped countless clients seek the compensation they need after a truck accident. We don’t back down from a challenge and do whatever is needed to provide our clients with the best possible legal representation.
Our firm understands the intricacies of these unique cases, and we’re ready to use our knowledge and skills to get you the fairest possible outcome.
Contact us today and let’s discuss how we can help get you on the road to financial recovery.