Prattville Truck Accident Lawyers

Commercial trucks form the backbone of Alabama’s transportation industry. Data shows that commercial trucks are responsible for transporting more than 80% of the goods that communities across the state need.

Many of these trucks pass through Prattville, AL every day. They can be regularly seen on Interstate 65, US Highway 31, US Highway 82, and Alabama State Route 14, all of which have higher-than-average accident rates due to congestion and high commercial traffic.

When a commercial truck collides with a passenger vehicle, motorcyclist, cyclist, or pedestrian, the resulting injuries can be life-threatening. At the Law Office of Frank M. Wilson, we have extensive experience in handling commercial truck accident claims and have obtained record settlements and jury awards for our clients over the years.

If you have been injured or have lost a family member in a truck accident, we can fight for you and help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to discuss your claim with a seasoned Prattville, AL truck accident lawyer.

What Makes Commercial Trucks So Dangerous?

There are two key reasons why commercial trucks in Prattville, AL present a significant risk to passenger vehicles. These are:

Size and Weight

A car weighs only around 3,000 to 5,000 pounds. A fully loaded semi-truck, on the other hand, can weigh anywhere from 50,000 to 80,000 pounds. The average commercial truck is also significantly larger in size compared to the average car. Due to the massive disparity in size and weight, collisions between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles can be catastrophic even at low speeds.

Blind Spots and Stopping Distance

Due to their size and length, commercial trucks have massive blind spots at the front, back, as well as on either side. The driver might not be able to see any vehicle which is in the blind spot, which can significantly increase the risk of accidents. The stopping distance of commercial trucks is also considerably longer compared to passenger vehicles, which is also a factor that can contribute to accidents – particularly on congested roads.

Commercial Truck Operators are Held to a Higher Standard of Care

To minimize the risks posed by commercial trucks, federal laws impose strict limits on the number of hours a commercial truck driver can drive in a day and holds commercial truck drivers to a higher standard than passenger vehicle drivers. Unfortunately, many truck drivers and truck companies tend to neglect these restrictions, and as a result, truck accidents continue to happen across the state.

Different Types of Commercial Truck Accidents in Prattville, AL

The most common types of commercial truck accidents in and around Prattville, AL are:

• Rear-end accidents
• Jackknife accidents
• Underride accidents
• Wide turn accidents
• Blind spot accidents
• Cargo spill accidents
• Runaway truck accidents
• Rollover accidents
• Sideswipe accidents
• Side-impact accidents

Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents in Prattville, AL

Driver negligence and mechanical defects are two of the most common factors that contribute to commercial truck accidents in Prattville.

The most common examples of driver negligence that can lead to truck accidents include speeding, fatigued driving, distracted driving, impaired driving, making unsafe turns and lane changes, and failing to check blind spots.

The most common types of mechanical defects that can lead to truck accidents include brake failure, steering or suspension failure, transmission failure, and tire blowouts.

Other factors that can contribute to commercial truck accidents include load shifting, cargo spills, dangerous road conditions, and bad weather.

The Truck Company’s Liability in a Prattville, AL Truck Accident Claim

Depending on the circumstances, the truck company can be held directly or vicariously liable for the driver’s actions.

Direct Liability

If the truck company was negligent in hiring and training the driver or violated federal hours of service regulations, it can be held directly liable for the accident.

Vicarious Liability

If the driver was performing a job-related duty and was acting well within the scope of their employment at the time of the accident, the trucking company can be held vicariously liable for the accident.

Taking on Large Trucking Companies

It should be noted that truck companies go to great lengths to deny liability for the accidents caused by their drivers. They have vast amounts of resources and are represented by top-notch lawyers who will aggressively defend their clients. It’s why you should choose a skilled Prattville, AL truck accident lawyer who has the experience and resources to stand up to the truck company, establish their liability, and get you the compensation you deserve.

Evidence to Prove Liability in a Prattville, AL Truck Accident Claim

• Data from the truck’s black box.
• Data from electronic data logging devices.
• The truck’s inspection and maintenance records.
• The truck company’s regulatory compliance records.
• The truck driver’s drug and alcohol test results.
• The truck driver’s driving history.
• The truck driver’s medical records.
• The truck driver’s hours of service logs.
• The truck driver’s cell phone records.
• Physical evidence gathered from the accident scene.
• Security camera footage of the accident (if available).

Types of Compensation You Can Recover in a Prattville, AL Truck Accident Claim

Commercial truck accidents often result in disfiguring, life-altering injuries that might require a lifetime of treatment and care. Depending on the nature and severity of your injuries, you might be able to recover damages for:

• Current and ongoing medical expenses.
• Future treatment and care.
• Physical rehabilitation and therapy.
• Long-term care.
• Lost earnings.
• Loss of future earning capacity.
• Property damage.
• Pain and suffering.
• Emotional distress.
• Loss of enjoyment of life.
• Loss of consortium.

Injured by a Commercial Truck?  Contact Our Prattville, AL Commercial Truck Accident Lawyers

If you have been injured by a commercial truck, you need a capable and experienced personal injury lawyer who can protect your rights and recover full and fair compensation from the at-fault parties.

Attorney Frank M. Wilson has been fighting for the rights of injury victims in Montgomery County, Macon County, and Bullock County for more than 30 years. Known for his strong negotiation skills, Frank Wilson has extensive trial experience and is a recipient of Martindale-Hubbell’s prestigious AV Preeminent Rating.

To get legal help from one of our Prattville, AL commercial truck accident attorneys, call us today at 334-420-2931 or contact us online and schedule a free consultation.