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Injured? Our Montgomery 18 Wheeler Accident Attorneys Are Here To Help
If you’ve just been involved in an 18-wheeler accident in Montgomery, your world may feel turned upside down. The chaos, fear, and uncertainty can be overwhelming, especially when you are trying to recover from injuries. While the medical bills stack up and you grapple with the emotional toll of the incident, it’s easy to feel lost and alone. The impact of such an accident can extend beyond physical injuries, disrupting your daily life and leaving you with questions about your future.
Navigating insurance claims, medical appointments, and the complexities of the legal system can add to your stress. At Wettermark Keith, our dedicated Montgomery 18-wheeler accident attorneys are here to help you every step of the way. We understand the challenges you face and are committed to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you need to move forward. Let us take on the burden of your legal battles so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
Why You Need a Montgomery 18 Wheeler Accident Attorney
18 wheeler accidents in Montgomery can be complex. These cases often involve multiple parties, including trucking companies, drivers, and insurance providers. Additionally, Alabama’s strict contributory negligence laws mean that even a minor degree of fault can bar you from recovering compensation. An experienced attorney will understand the intricacies of truck accident claims and can help you:
Understand Your Rights: Knowing your legal rights is the first step in ensuring you receive proper compensation.
Investigate the Accident: A thorough investigation is vital for building a strong case. Your attorney can gather evidence, including accident reports and witness statements.
Negotiate with Insurers: Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. An attorney will advocate for your best interests and negotiate on your behalf.
Legal Process for Filing an 18 Wheeler Accident Case
Filing a lawsuit in Montgomery after an 18 wheeler accident involves several steps. Here’s a general outline of the legal process:
Proving Negligence After An 18 Wheeler Wreck
- Duty of Care: The first step is to show that the truck driver, and potentially their employer, had a legal obligation to operate the vehicle safely. This duty includes following traffic laws specific to Montgomery and adhering to regulations for commercial trucking, ensuring the vehicle is properly maintained.
- Breach of Duty: Next, you must demonstrate that the driver breached this duty of care. This can occur through actions such as distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence, or violating hours-of-service regulations. Gathering evidence, such as traffic citations issued in Montgomery or eyewitness accounts, can help establish this breach.
- Causation: It’s essential to prove that the driver’s negligence directly caused the accident and your resulting injuries. This requires showing a clear link between the driver’s actions and the harm you suffered. For example, if the driver was speeding in Montgomery and lost control of the vehicle, that behavior must be linked to the crash.
- Damages: Finally, you must document the damages incurred due to the accident. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Thorough records, such as medical bills and pay stubs, will help substantiate your claims.
Contributory Negligence in Alabama
In Alabama, contributory negligence is a critical legal principle that can significantly impact personal injury claims, including those arising from 18-wheeler accidents. Under this doctrine, if a victim is found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, they may be barred from recovering any compensation for their injuries or damages. This strict standard emphasizes the importance of gathering comprehensive evidence to establish the other party's liability.
In cases involving complex factors such as truck driver error, vehicle maintenance issues, or external conditions, having a knowledgeable attorney can help ensure that your case is properly evaluated and that you receive fair treatment under Alabama law. Understanding how contributory negligence applies to your situation is essential for navigating the legal landscape and pursuing the compensation you deserve.
Types of Compensation After An 18 Wheeler Accident in Montgomery
If you or a loved one has been involved in an 18-wheeler accident in Montgomery, understanding the types of compensation available is essential for pursuing a successful claim. Compensation can cover various aspects of your losses, including medical expenses and emotional impacts. Here are the common types of compensation you may be entitled to:
Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment related to your injuries.
Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work during recovery, including potential future earnings.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life resulting from the accident.
Property Damage: Reimbursement for repairs or replacement of your vehicle and any personal property damaged in the accident.
Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact of your injuries on your relationships with family members, including emotional support and companionship.
Compensation for Children: If your children were involved in the accident, you may seek compensation for their medical expenses, emotional distress, and any impact on their daily lives.
Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence, you may be entitled to additional compensation meant to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future.
Common Injuries from 18 Wheeler Wrecks
Accidents involving 18-wheelers can result in severe and often life-altering injuries due to the large size and weight of these vehicles. Here are some of the most common injuries sustained in these devastating accidents:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): The force of a collision can cause significant head trauma, leading to concussions or more severe brain injuries. Symptoms can range from headaches and dizziness to long-term cognitive impairments.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Injuries to the spine can result in partial or complete paralysis, impacting mobility and daily functioning. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Fractures and Broken Bones: The impact of an 18-wheeler can lead to fractures in various parts of the body, including arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. These injuries may necessitate surgery and prolonged recovery periods.
Internal Injuries: The force of a collision can cause damage to internal organs, leading to serious conditions such as internal bleeding, organ rupture, or lacerations. These injuries may not be immediately visible and can be life-threatening.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Whiplash, sprains, and strains are common in truck accidents. While these injuries may seem less severe, they can result in chronic pain and long-term complications.
Lacerations and Contusions: Victims may suffer from cuts and bruises caused by shattered glass, debris, or the impact itself. Some lacerations can be deep and may require stitches or surgical intervention.
Emotional and Psychological Injuries: Beyond physical injuries, many victims experience emotional trauma, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as a result of the accident.
Fatal Injuries: Tragically, many 18-wheeler accidents result in fatalities. The loss of a loved one in such circumstances can leave families devastated, facing not only emotional grief but also financial hardships related to medical expenses, funeral costs, and loss of income.
If you or a loved one has suffered any of these injuries due to an 18-wheeler accident in Alabama, it’s essential to seek legal counsel. At Wettermark Keith, we are dedicated to helping victims obtain the compensation they deserve. Your health and well-being are our top priority.
Steps to Take After an 18 Wheeler Accident in Alabama
If you’ve been involved in an 18 wheeler accident, taking the right steps is crucial for your recovery and legal claim:
- Ensure Safety: Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries to yourself and others. Call 911 for medical assistance.
- Report the Accident: Notify law enforcement and file an accident report. This documentation is crucial for your case.
- Gather Evidence: Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and other parties involved.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, get a medical evaluation. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Notify Your Insurance: Report the accident to your insurance company, but avoid discussing fault or making recorded statements until you consult an attorney.
- Consult an Attorney: An experienced Montgomery 18 wheeler accident attorney can guide you through the claims process, protect your rights, and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Why Do 18 Wheeler Accidents Result in Severe Injuries?
The sheer size and weight of 18 wheelers contribute to the severity of injuries in accidents. An average 18 wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, compared to a standard car, which typically weighs around 3,000 pounds. This significant weight difference means that the force of an impact is much greater, often leading to catastrophic injuries.
Moreover, the massive size of these trucks makes it inherently difficult for drivers to slow down and maneuver effectively. When a truck driver encounters an obstacle or a sudden change in traffic conditions, the lengthy stopping distance required can lead to disastrous outcomes. It can take an 18-wheeler several hundred feet to come to a complete stop, even when traveling at moderate speeds. This limited ability to react quickly increases the likelihood of collisions, particularly in emergency situations.
Common Reasons Why These Wrecks Happen in Montgomery, AL
Accidents involving 18-wheelers can occur for a variety of reasons, often due to a combination of factors that compromise safety on the roads of Montgomery, Alabama. Here are some of the most common causes of these serious wrecks:
Long hours on the road can lead to exhaustion, impairing a driver’s ability to react quickly and make sound judgments. Drowsy driving is a significant risk factor for accidents involving commercial trucks in Montgomery.
Truck drivers may be tempted to engage in activities such as texting, using a GPS, or eating while driving. Distractions can divert their attention from the road and lead to catastrophic accidents.
Many truck drivers may feel pressure to meet tight delivery schedules, leading them to exceed safe driving speeds. Speeding reduces reaction time and increases the severity of accidents.
Rain, snow, fog, and ice can make driving hazardous. Truck drivers must adjust their driving behavior in adverse weather, but not all adhere to these safety protocols, resulting in increased accident risks in Montgomery, Alabama.
Trucks require regular maintenance to ensure their safe operation. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues can lead to loss of control and serious accidents.
Overloading or improperly securing cargo can affect a truck’s stability and handling. This can lead to rollovers or shifts in weight that make it difficult for drivers to control the vehicle.
New or inadequately trained truck drivers may lack the skills necessary to handle large vehicles, particularly in complex driving situations. Montgomery rush-hour traffic can be difficult for new truck drivers to navigate, leading to poor decision-making and auto accidents.
Some truck drivers may engage in aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating or weaving in and out of traffic, increasing the likelihood of collisions with other vehicles.
Commercial truck drivers are subject to strict regulations regarding hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and safety protocols. Ignoring these regulations can result in unsafe driving practices.
Understanding these common causes is essential for raising awareness about the dangers of 18-wheeler accidents in Montgomery. By promoting safer driving practices and adherence to regulations, we can work toward reducing the number of these devastating incidents on our roads.
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 Montgomery legal team.
We Assess Your Case
In our initial review, our experienced Montgomery 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 Montgomery attorneys seek justice on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in Montgomery, Alabama, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for an 18-wheeler accident. It’s important to act promptly, as missing this deadline can result in losing your right to seek compensation.
Common causes of 18-wheeler accidents in Montgomery include driver fatigue, distracted driving, speeding, poor weather conditions, and mechanical failures. Additionally, improper loading and inexperience among truck drivers can also contribute to these serious accidents.
To prove negligence, you’ll need to show that the truck driver or trucking company failed to uphold their duty of care, resulting in your injuries. Evidence such as accident reports, eyewitness accounts, and expert testimony can help support your claim.
No, under Alabama's strict contributory negligence laws, if you are found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be completely barred from recovering any compensation. This means that proving the other party's negligence is critical to your case. It's essential to consult with an experienced attorney who can help evaluate your situation and work to build a strong case in your favor, ensuring that your rights are protected throughout the process.
18 wheeler accidents tend to be more dangerous due to the significant weight and size of the trucks, which can cause more severe damage and injuries upon impact compared to standard vehicle collisions. An average 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, significantly increasing the force of impact in a collision compared to a standard car, which typically weighs around 3,000 pounds. This weight difference often leads to more severe injuries and damages for those involved. Additionally, 18-wheelers have larger blind spots, longer stopping distances, and can be more difficult to maneuver, especially in emergency situations. The combination of these factors makes accidents involving 18-wheelers particularly catastrophic.
No Recovery, No Fee Guarantee
Our personal injury law firm operates on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t have to worry about upfront costs when hiring a lawyer. We understand that the aftermath of an accident can be financially overwhelming, so our team only collects fees if we successfully secure compensation for you.
This approach allows you to focus on your recovery while having access to experienced legal representation without the burden of immediate legal expenses. Your needs come first, and we are committed to fighting for your rights every step of the way.
Free Consultations: Local 18 Wheeler Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been involved in an 18-wheeler accident in Montgomery, our team is here to help. We offer free consultations, allowing you to discuss your case with our experienced local attorneys without any financial obligation. We understand the challenges you’re facing and are committed to providing compassionate, knowledgeable support as you navigate this difficult time. Don’t hesitate to reach out—let us help you explore your legal options and take the first step toward securing the compensation you deserve. Your well-being is our priority, and we’re ready to fight for your rights.
At Wettermark Keith, we have an excellent reputation as one of the most accomplished personal injury firms in the country. We offer a diverse range of practice areas, including personal injury cases, auto wrecks, trucking wrecks, nursing home abuse, medical malpractice, on-the-job injuries, social security, and VA disability, to name just a few. At Wettermark Keith, we believe in taking cases personally. Our purpose is to practice with care and compassion - to tell our clients' stories and make their voices heard. Winning cases isn’t our goal - caring for you is. Winning is just how we show it. As we say, It’s more to us, it’s personal.
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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