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Huntsville 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer: Your Advocate for Justice
Large trucks cross the country every single day carrying necessary goods to the businesses and people that need them throughout Huntsville. Regardless of what they’re hauling, an accidental run in with an 18 wheeler can lead to devastating injury or even death. If you've been involved in an 18 wheeler accident in Huntsville, AL, you need a trusted legal partner who understands the complexities of these cases. Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, accidents involving 18 wheelers often result in catastrophic injuries, extensive property damage, and significant emotional trauma.
At Wettermark Keith, our team of experienced personal injury lawyers is dedicated to helping you navigate the aftermath of a trucking accident, ensuring that you get the compensation you deserve.
Understanding 18 Wheeler Accidents in Huntsville
Given the size and weight of an 18 wheeler, a collision with a passenger vehicle is often catastrophic. Large trucks like 18 wheelers are defined as any truck with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 10,000 pounds. The force of the impact from such a heavy vehicle can result in severe injuries or even fatalities. In Huntsville, where trucking is a major industry, these types of accidents are unfortunately frequent. It's crucial to understand your legal rights if you're involved in one of these accidents.
Common Causes of 18 Wheeler Accidents in Huntsville
Several factors can contribute to an 18-wheeler accident in Huntsville. Some of the most common causes include:
- Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours, leading to fatigue that can impair their reaction time and judgment.
- Distracted Driving: Texting, using a mobile phone, or even adjusting the radio while driving can cause a truck driver to lose focus and make critical errors.
- Speeding: Trucks are required to adhere to strict speed limits, but some drivers ignore these regulations, especially on highways.
- Improper Loading: An overloaded or improperly loaded truck can cause a driver to lose control or result in cargo spilling onto the roadway.
- Weather Conditions: Poor weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or fog, can make driving more hazardous for large trucks, especially if the driver isn't taking appropriate precautions.
- Mechanical Failures: If a truck has not been properly maintained, issues such as brake failure, tire blowouts, or engine malfunctions can lead to accidents.
- Drug or Alcohol Use: Some truck drivers may use drugs or alcohol to stay awake or cope with the stress of long shifts, which can impair their ability to drive safely.
The Impact of 18 Wheeler Accidents on Huntsville Victims
Victims of 18-wheeler accidents can face a wide range of injuries, some of which may result in permanent disabilities. Common injuries from these types of accidents include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head injuries are common in truck accidents, and even mild TBIs can have long-term effects.
Spinal Cord Injuries: The force of a truck collision can cause damage to the spinal cord, leading to paralysis or other permanent mobility issues.
Broken Bones: With the force of a collision, victims can suffer fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and other bones.
Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs, including the lungs, liver, or kidneys, is often a result of the impact.
Burns: If the vehicle catches fire after the collision, victims can suffer severe burn injuries.
Amputations: In some tragic cases, victims may lose limbs due to the severity of the accident.
Emotional Trauma: The emotional and psychological toll of surviving a truck accident can be just as devastating as physical injuries, leading to conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Wrongful Death: In some truck accidents, the severity of the crash leads to fatalities, and surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims for their loss.
The Legal Process for 18 Wheeler Accident Claims in Huntsville
When pursuing compensation for an 18-wheeler accident, you must prove negligence on the part of the truck driver or the trucking company. This can involve several legal steps:
Negligence in 18 Wheeler Accident Lawsuits
To win your case, your lawyer will need to demonstrate that the truck driver or the trucking company was negligent in some way. Negligence could be the result of:
Driving while fatigued
Failing to properly maintain the truck
Violating traffic laws or safety regulations
Ignoring weather conditions
Your lawyer will gather evidence to prove that the defendant’s negligence directly caused the accident and your injuries.
What To Do After an 18 Wheeler Accident in Huntsville, AL
If you’ve been involved in an 18 wheeler accident in Huntsville, there are critical steps you should take to protect your rights:
Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s important to get checked by a doctor. Not only is this important to your overall health, but your medical records will be used in your case.
An official report will be essential for your case. Keeping their record will be essential for the next step.
Take photos, gather witness information, and record as much detail as possible. Proving your case may take a large amount of accurate information on the scene as well as things like medical records.
Don’t speak to insurance adjusters or trucking company representatives before consulting with a lawyer.
Why You Need an 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer in Huntsville
When dealing with an 18-wheeler accident, it’s important to have a skilled attorney on your side. These cases are often more complex than standard car accidents due to the involvement of trucking companies, insurance companies, and federal regulations. Here are a few reasons why hiring an 18-wheeler accident lawyer in Huntsville is crucial:
Navigating Local Regulations and Laws
Truck accident claims are governed by both state and federal laws, including regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). A knowledgeable Huntsville truck accident lawyer will have experience navigating these complex regulations and will know how to use them to your advantage. This includes understanding driver qualifications, maintenance requirements, and hours of service restrictions that trucking companies and their drivers must adhere to.
Investigating the Accident Thoroughly
Accidents involving large trucks require extensive investigation to determine liability. A skilled lawyer will work with accident reconstruction experts, gather evidence from the scene, interview witnesses, and analyze police reports to build a strong case. They will also investigate the trucking company’s history, the driver’s background, and whether there have been any prior violations or accidents involving the same company or driver.
Our 3-Step Process
Connect With Us:
Call our office at (877) 715-9300 or use our online form to arrange a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with our Huntsville legal team.
We Assess Your Case
In our initial review, our experienced Huntsville team will analyze the details of your case and map out potential strategies. If you've experienced an injury due to negligence, we’ll assign one of our expert personal injury attorneys to handle your case.
We Defend Your Rights
As one of the Southeast’s top personal injury firms, Wettermark Keith is fully committed to advocating for your rightful compensation and recovery. If an injury has disrupted your life, let our dedicated Huntsville attorneys seek justice on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not all truck accident lawsuits go to court. Many cases are settled out of court through negotiations. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer may recommend filing a lawsuit and taking the case to trial.
After the accident, seek medical attention immediately, call the police, document the scene, and contact an experienced lawyer. Don’t admit fault or talk to insurance companies before consulting an attorney.
You can claim compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, property damage, and other economic and non-economic damages related to the accident.
Yes, if the trucking company’s negligence contributed to the accident, you may be able to sue them for damages. Your lawyer will help determine the responsible parties in your case.
18-wheeler accidents typically involve larger vehicles and more serious injuries. These cases often involve complex regulations and multiple liable parties, such as the driver, trucking company, and maintenance providers.
Yes, in Alabama, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including 18 wheeler accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident.
No Recovery, No Fee - Guarantee
At Wettermark Keith, we believe that financial concerns should never stand in the way of seeking justice. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay us unless we obtain compensation for your injuries. Our 18 wheeler lawyers are committed to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve, without any upfront costs or out-of-pocket expenses. You can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities—if we don’t win, you don’t owe us anything. It’s that simple.
How an 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer in Huntsville Can Help You
By working with an experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer at Wettermark Keith, you ensure that you have someone on your side who is committed to securing the compensation you deserve for your injuries, lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. Our team of lawyers will meticulously review all the details of your case, from the accident scene to the impact on your day-to-day life, ensuring that no stone is left unturned.
With our deep understanding of state and federal trucking regulations, we can hold trucking companies and their insurers accountable for their negligence. Whether through skillful negotiation or aggressive litigation, the attorneys at Wettermark Keith are dedicated to maximizing your settlement or verdict, helping you recover and move forward after an accident that has upended your life.
Wettermark Keith was extremely professional and helpful. This personal injury law firm helped my husband over 10 years ago when he fell and broke his foot on vacation. I called them first because I liked their TV commercials. They are very nice people and I would call them again if I needed a lawyer.
- Juanita
Law firm Wettermark Keith has exceeded my expectations! I recommend these lawyers to anyone and everyone I come across. Their commitment to their clients is outstanding. Communication is easy. And I got my settlement very fast. I definitely recommend working with Lee Hawker. He is very gracious and kind. He looked out for me and my family and went above and beyond for us. I’m very grateful!
- Alexa
My personal embattlement with the Social Security Administration went downhill. From a personal recommendation, I reached out to Wettermark Keith law firm. Brian Smith and his team took my case and throughout the whole process, I felt more than just another number. Frequent updates were provided, and emphasis was placed on ensuring all needed documentation was in place. In the end, the accident case resulted in a favorable victory. A big thank you to my lawyer Brian Smith and the team at Wettermark Keith for the hard work throughout the entire personal injury process.
- Dallas
I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Mark English at Wettermark Keith law firm after my car accident in December 2021. He was very thorough in everything, did a wonderful job of explaining everything that was happening, and was super easy to get in touch with when I needed him. I never had a question that was left unanswered by this lawyer. He's very kind and patient, and he made the personal injury claims process so easy for me. I absolutely recommend him, it was a pleasure working with him!
- Rose
I am so elated that I utilized Mr. Muhammad Abdullah’s services. In the beginning, he told me the compensation that I would receive for my personal injury claim and I actually received more than that! After my car wreck (in my brand-new vehicle), I was actually surprised that I was in the pain that I was in. Mr. Abdullah made sure I saw the necessary people for therapy and worked hard to get me back into my car after the accident. I felt that he was diligent, listened to my concerns, and quickly got me back in my car and compensated! I will be utilizing Mr. Abdullah again and again, anytime I ever have to hire a lawyer.
- Madinah
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