Huntsville Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer

In Madison County, commercial trucks can cause serious damage to both you and your vehicle. Car accidents alone can cause plenty of trouble, but involving commercial vehicles only increases the intensity of an accident and its ramifications. Potential issues that could arise from truck accidents include dealing with well-equipped trucking companies, unhelpful insurance companies, and even wrongful death that passes the burdens on to a victim’s family. Therefore, it is important to reach out to an Alabama truck accident attorney today to get the legal service you require to receive the compensation you deserve.

The Wettermark Keith law firm and our team of accident attorneys have a wealth of experience and are ready to win your case against the companies behind the truck drivers, large trucks, commercial trucks, and tractor-trailers that cause these accidents.

COMMERCIAL ACCIDENT STATISTICS

According to data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the yearly number of fatal and injury-inducing commercial vehicle accidents have been increasing every year since 2009. Across the country in 2018, 5,096 trucks and commercial vehicles were involved in deadly accidents, while 121,000 were involved in causing an injury. Moreover, 414,000 vehicles caused property damage that year. As these accidents are becoming more and more common, it is important to have a personal injury attorney ready to help you at any time.

Common Injuries in Commercial Vehicle Accidents:

Commercial vehicle accidents often result in a range of injuries due to the sheer size and force of these vehicles. Here are some of the most common injuries associated with commercial vehicle accidents:

1. Whiplash: Sudden impact can cause the head and neck to jerk violently, leading to whiplash. Symptoms may include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
2. Spinal Injuries: Commercial vehicle accidents can cause spinal cord injuries, such as herniated discs or fractures. These injuries may result in chronic pain, limited mobility, or paralysis.
3. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Severe collisions can lead to TBIs, ranging from concussions to more severe brain damage. Symptoms may include cognitive impairment, memory problems, and mood changes.
4. Fractures and Broken Bones: High-impact accidents can cause fractures and broken bones in various parts of the body, including the arms, legs, and ribs.
5. Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma can damage internal organs, leading to life-threatening injuries. Internal bleeding, organ damage, and abdominal injuries are not uncommon.
6. Soft Tissue Injuries: Muscles, ligaments, and tendons can suffer damage in commercial vehicle accidents, resulting in sprains, strains, or tears.
7. Psychological Trauma: Victims may experience psychological injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression, following a traumatic accident.

Types of Compensation in Commercial Vehicle Accident Claims:

If you've been involved in a commercial vehicle accident, you may be eligible for various types of compensation to address the physical, emotional, and financial impacts of the accident. These may include:

1. Medical Expenses: Compensation for current and future medical bills, including hospitalization, surgeries, doctor visits, medications, rehabilitation, and assistive devices.
2. Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to time off work for recovery or treatment. This includes both current and potential future income losses.
3. Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life resulting from the accident and injuries.
4. Property Damage: Coverage for repairing or replacing your damaged vehicle and personal belongings that were lost or damaged in the accident.
5. Wrongful Death Damages: In cases of fatal commercial vehicle accidents, surviving family members may be eligible for compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.
6. Punitive Damages: In some cases involving extreme negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future.

Steps to Take After a Commercial Vehicle Accident:

In the aftermath of a commercial vehicle accident, taking the right steps can make a significant difference in your well-being and your ability to pursue a successful legal claim. Here's a comprehensive guide on what individuals should do immediately following such an accident:

1. Prioritize Safety: Ensure the safety of yourself and others involved. If possible, move to a safe location away from the roadway to prevent further accidents or injuries.
2. Call 911: Dial emergency services to report the accident and request immediate medical assistance if anyone is injured. The police will also arrive at the scene to create an official accident report.
3. Exchange Information: Collect essential information from the commercial vehicle driver and any other parties involved. This includes names, contact details, insurance information, and commercial driver's license details.
4. Gather Evidence: Use your smartphone or a camera to document the accident scene. Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. These images can serve as crucial evidence later.
5. Identify Witnesses: If there are witnesses to the accident, obtain their names and contact information. Their statements can corroborate your account of the events.
6. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don't feel injured immediately, it's essential to undergo a thorough medical evaluation as some injuries may not manifest symptoms right away. Prompt medical care also establishes a connection between the accident and any subsequent injuries.
7. Report to Authorities: Cooperate fully with law enforcement officers at the scene. Provide factual information and avoid making statements that could be construed as admissions of fault.
8. Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Follow their instructions for filing a claim, but be cautious when discussing details of the accident with insurance adjusters. Consult with an attorney before making official statements.
9. Preserve Evidence: Do not repair or dispose of your vehicle until you've documented its condition thoroughly. Keep all relevant documents, such as medical records, accident reports, and correspondence with insurance companies.
10. Consult an Attorney: Reach out to an experienced commercial vehicle accident attorney like those at Wettermark Keith. They can assess your case, help gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent your interests in legal proceedings.

WETTERMARK KEITH LAW FIRM: HUNTSVILLE COMMERCIAL ACCIDENT LAWYER

Those involved in a commercial vehicle accident are much more likely to experience damages, injury, and death than those involved in a normal car accident. Moreover, the potential parties involved in truck accidents are not going to want to compensate you for their mistakes. It is important to bring on a commercial accident attorney as soon as possible to combat the games that these companies play. In Huntsville, Alabama, the Wettermark Keith team of attorneys is ready to provide legal services to help you win your case. Reach out today to receive a free consultation to help start the process.