MEZRANO ALABAMA INJURY LAWYERS
MEZRANO ALABAMA INJURY LAWYERS

Birmingham Truck Accident Lawyer

Serious Representation for Serious Injuries

Have you or someone you know been involved in a truck accident in Birmingham? If so, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages. However, navigating the legal system can be overwhelming without the help of an experienced Birmingham truck accident lawyer.

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Call us at (205) 654-8146 24/7 to arrange to speak with a personal injury lawyer about your case, or contact us through the website today.

Table of Contents

  • Why Are Truck Accidents So Severe?

    Birmingham Truck Accident Lawyer

    All vehicle accidents are serious, but a tractor-trailer collision is much more likely to result in devastating injuries. Truck accidents are often severe because of the size and weight of the trucks involved. Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, which means they have a lot of momentum and force behind them. When they collide with smaller vehicles, the impact can be catastrophic. Additionally, trucks often carry hazardous materials or cargo, making an accident even more dangerous.

    Why Choose Our Trucking Accident Lawyers?

    Our team is committed to providing compassionate and empathetic support to clients during a difficult and stressful time. We understand the emotional toll a trucking accident can take on victims and their families, and we work tirelessly to ensure our clients feel supported and heard throughout the legal process.

    FREE Consultations 

    Call us at (205) 654-8146 24/7 to arrange to speak with a personal injury lawyer about your case, or contact us through the website today.

    How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer at Mezrano Law Firm Help?

    A truck accident lawyer at Mezrano Law Firm can be a valuable asset in helping victims of truck accidents receive the compensation they deserve. We will:

            • investigate the accident
            • gather evidence
            • identify liable parties.
            • and negotiate with insurance companies and other parties involved

    With our expertise and experience, we can provide the support and guidance needed to navigate the complex legal system and achieve a successful outcome.

    How Much Do Truck Accident Lawyers Cost?

    We work on a contingency basis for many of our areas of practice. A contingency fee basis means we do not charge you anything unless we win a settlement in or out of court. This fee structure ensures we work hard for your case and that you don't have even more out-of-pocket expenses during a stressful time. We won't collect fees unless we win, so you can relax and focus on healing. Other areas of practice we offer contingency fees on are:

    What Causes Most Alabama Truck Accidents?

    According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, these are the primary causes of truck accidents:

            • Improper Lane Change
            • Failed to Yield Right of Way
            • Unseen Object, Person, or Vehicle
            • Tailgating
            • Defective Equipment
            • Fatigued/Asleep
            • Improper Passing
            • Ran Off Road
            • Driving Under the Influence

    Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Truck Accident?

    The responsibility for a truck accident can be attributed to various parties, including the:

            • truck driver
            • trucking company
            • manufacturer of the truck or its parts
            • and even other drivers on the road.

    It ultimately depends on the specific circumstances of the accident and the evidence gathered during the investigation.

    What Should I Do After Being in a Truck Accident?

    If you were in a truck accident, do the following things:

            • Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine.
            • Contact the police to report the accident.
            • Collect evidence, including photos of the scene and contact information from witnesses.
            • Contact a truck accident attorney to help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights.

    What is the Statute of Limitations for Truck Accidents in Alabama?

    In Alabama, the Statute of Limitations for truck accidents is two years from the date of the accident. This means that any legal action or lawsuit must be filed within this time frame, or the right to seek compensation may be lost. It is important to consult with a qualified attorney as soon as possible after a truck accident to ensure that all legal options are explored, and important deadlines are not missed.

    Does a Semi-Truck Have a Black Box?

    Yes, the black box, also known as the Event Data Recorder (EDR), is a device installed in commercial trucks that records important data about the vehicle's operation leading up to an accident. This data includes:

            • speed
            • braking
            • acceleration
            • and other crucial information that can help investigators determine the cause of the accident.

    It is essential after a truck accident because it can provide valuable evidence for insurance companies, legal proceedings, and overall safety improvements in the trucking industry.

    Common Injuries From a Semi-Truck Accident

    Truck accidents often result in severe injuries for several reasons. The sheer size and weight of the truck increase the force behind the impact. A smaller vehicle can be crushed underneath if the truck doesn’t have rear or side guards. At Mezrano Law Firm, our Birmingham truck accident injury lawyers handle claims of catastrophic personal injuries, including:

    Traumatic Brain Injury

    A Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a type of injury that occurs when an external force causes damage to the brain. This can happen due to a blow or impact to the head, or when an object penetrates the skull and damages the brain tissue. TBIs can range from mild to severe and can cause a variety of symptoms such as:

            • physical
            • cognitive
            • and emotional

    Spinal Injury

    A spinal injury is a damage to the spinal cord or nerves that results in loss of function or sensation. It can be caused by trauma, disease, or degeneration, resulting in paralysis or other serious complications. Treatment for spinal injuries may involve surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care to manage symptoms and prevent further damage.

    Whiplash

    Whiplash is a type of neck injury that occurs when the head is suddenly jerked back and forth, causing the neck to move beyond its normal range of motion. Symptoms of whiplash can include:

            • neck pain
            • stiffness
            • and headaches

    Treatment may include pain medication, physical therapy, and other therapies to help manage symptoms and promote healing.

    Organ Damage

    Organ damage after a truck accident refers to any injury or harm caused to internal organs such as the:

            • lungs
            • liver
            • kidneys
            • heart
            • and spleen.

    These organs can be damaged due to the force and impact of the accident, such as from blunt trauma or internal bleeding. Organ damage can be life-threatening and may require immediate medical attention and treatment.

    How Much is My Birmingham Truck Accident Lawsuit Worth?

    Every case is different and will depend on what we learn during the discovery phase. However, the types of damages we can go after are:

    Economic Damages

    Economic damages are losses that arise from an injury or harm to another’s property, business, or finances. Economic damages include:

            • Past medical expenses (related to the accident)
            • Future medical expenses
            • Lost wages
            • Repair costs for damaged property
            • and lost income

    Non-Economic Damages

    Non-economic damages are types of damages in personal injury cases that cannot be quantified or measured. These include:

            • pain and suffering
            • emotional distress
            • inconvenience
            • destruction of one's quality of life
            • scarring or disfigurement

    Punitive Damages

    Punitive damages are a type of legal damages that a court will award to punish the wrongdoer for egregious misconduct or to set an example for other potential violators. They are generally in addition to any other compensatory damages that were awarded.

    Special Damages

    Special damages, also known as consequential damages, are those that do not occur directly from a breach but are considered a consequence of that breach. They include economic losses such as lost profits or the cost of repair or replacement. They may also include other losses such as emotional distress due to the breach.

    Alabama Truck Accident Statistics

    According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, there were 7,993 truck accidents in the state in 2019. Out of these accidents, 2,056 resulted in injuries and 104 were fatal.

    Additionally, the majority of truck accidents in Alabama occur on rural roads, with 5,174 accidents happening in rural areas compared to 2,819 in urban areas.

    To combat these statistics, the Alabama Department of Transportation has implemented various safety initiatives, including

            • increased enforcement of trucking regulations
            • improved roadway design and maintenance
            • and public education campaigns to promote safe driving behavior around trucks.

    Federal Government Regulations for Trucks

    Hours of Service

    The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the number of hours commercial truck drivers can work daily and weekly. This regulation is in place to prevent driver fatigue and improve road safety.

    Weight Limits

    The FMCSA also regulates the weight limits for commercial trucks, including the maximum weight that can be carried on each axle and the total weight of the truck and its load.

    Electronic Logging Devices

    To enforce the Hours of Service regulations, the FMCSA requires all commercial trucks to have electronic logging devices (ELDs) installed. These devices automatically record a driver's service hours and help prevent violations.

    Drug and Alcohol Testing

    The FMCSA also requires all commercial truck drivers to undergo drug and alcohol testing before being hired and randomly throughout their employment. This regulation is in place to ensure that drivers are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol while on the road.

    Safety Inspections

    The FMCSA requires all commercial trucks to undergo regular safety inspections to ensure they are in good working condition and meet all safety standards.

    Hazardous Materials

    The Department of Transportation (DOT) regulates the transportation of hazardous materials by commercial trucks. This includes regulations for the packaging, labeling, and handling of hazardous materials.

    Driver Qualifications

    The FMCSA sets minimum qualifications for commercial truck drivers, including age, experience, and training requirements.

    Insurance Requirements

    The FMCSA also requires all commercial trucking companies to carry minimum liability insurance to cover any accidents or damages that may occur while on the road.

    Environmental Regulations

    The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates commercial truck emissions, including diesel engine and exhaust system regulations.

    Transportation Security

    The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulates the security of commercial trucking, including regulations for the transportation of hazardous materials and other high-risk cargo.

    Contact Mezrano Law Firm Today

    If you or a loved one has been injured in a semi-truck accident call Mezrano Law Firm for a FREE consultation.

    FREE Consultations 

    Call us at (205) 654-8146 24/7 to arrange to speak with a personal injury lawyer about your case, or contact us through the website today.

Free Consultation

Contact Us Today

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