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Expert Injury Lawyers at Wettermark Keith Law Firm: Our Attorneys Will Defend Your Right to Compensation.
After a Truck Accident Injury, Don't Wait - Call Our Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers Today.
One minute, you’re listening to your favorite Spotify playlist on your way home from work. The next, rescuers are pulling you from your mangled car - your music replaced by the distant wail of sirens. As the dust settles, you’re left to navigate severe physical injuries, lifelong psychological trauma, and overwhelming financial burdens. Unable to work due to your injuries (and an utterly totaled car), your life becomes a blur of doctors appointments, insurance claims, and police reports - and your expenses are growing by the day. You realize a lawsuit may be necessary to cover your expenses, but don’t know where to begin. Who’s at fault - the truck driver, the company they work for, or the manufacturer of the vehicle? With so many potential defendants and layers of liability, justice may feel far beyond your reach.
In situations like these, a personal injury lawyer can serve as a powerful beacon of hope. Wettermark Keith’s truck accident lawyers have the drive and expertise to fight for your rights when you're unable to do so alone. Dealing with insurance companies, negotiating with at-fault parties, and even going to court are all part of their job description. This is not just about recovering funds - it's about helping you reclaim your life. Our experienced truck accident attorneys understand this, and they'll work tirelessly to ensure you get the justice you deserve.
Understanding Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Commercial vehicle accidents involve vehicles used for business purposes, used to transport goods, services, or paid passengers.
Commercial vehicles can include a wide range of vehicle types, such as:
Semi-trucks (18-wheelers)
Delivery vans or trucks
Taxis and rideshare vehicles (like Uber or Lyft)
Buses, including school buses and city buses
Construction vehicles like dump trucks
Agricultural vehicles, like tractors
Company cars
Officially, vehicles that are designed to carry more than 15 passengers are considered a commercial vehicle, although the vast majority of commercial vehicles are buses and semi trucks. Truck accidents involving these vehicles often carry more severe repercussions than regular auto accidents, due to the size and weight of the truck, their heavy cargo, and their typically high speeds. Given the danger they pose, commercial vehicles are subject to additional federal and state regulations. They require specialized licenses to operate, and their drivers are trained to follow strict rules regarding hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and cargo handling.
Commercial truck accident lawsuits can be incredibly complicated due to the multiple parties involved. These could include the driver, the owner of the vehicle, the company or individual who hired the vehicle, the vehicle manufacturer, or the company responsible for maintaining the vehicle. Determining who is liable in such accidents can be a complex process, often involving a thorough investigation and an understanding of the specific laws and regulations applicable to commercial vehicles. Our truck accident lawyers have extensive experience with this process. If you or a loved one has been in a commercial truck accident, call our lawyers at (877) 715-9300 for a free consultation.
Common Commercial Truck Accident Injuries
Commercial truck accidents often result in severe injuries due to the significant size and weight difference between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles. When these accidents take place, the occupants of the smaller vehicles are often subject to the majority of the impact force. The resulting injuries can be severe, ranging from broken bones and lacerations to life-threatening conditions. Below are some of the most common injuries associated with commercial truck accidents:
Traumatic brain injuries are among the most severe consequences of commercial truck accidents. A TBI can occur when the head forcefully hits an object or when an object pierces the skull and enters brain tissue. Symptoms can range from headaches and dizziness to cognitive impairments and changes in personality. In severe cases, TBIs can lead to permanent disability or death.
Spinal cord injuries often result from the high-impact forces involved in these accidents. Damage to the spinal cord during these accidents can lead to partial or complete paralysis, resulting in lifelong disability and a significant change in the victim's quality of life.
The forceful impact of a truck accident can easily break bones. Injuries from these accidents can range from minor fractures that heal with time to serious breaks that require surgical intervention. The most commonly broken bones in truck accidents include ribs, arms, legs, and pelvic bones.
The intense impact of a truck accident can cause internal injuries, including damage to organs, internal bleeding, or punctured lungs. An internal injury can be particularly dangerous because they're not always immediately apparent after accidents - and can be life-threatening without prompt medical attention.
Glass from shattered windows, metal from torn vehicle bodies, and loose objects within the car during truck accidents can cause deep cuts and lacerations. A laceration injury can lead to significant blood loss and, if not treated properly, can result in infections or permanent scars.
Commercial truck accidents can lead to psychological injuries like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. The emotional trauma associated with serious accidents can persist long after physical wounds have healed.
A Commercial Vehicle Accident vs. a Standard Passenger Vehicle Accident - Different Implications
Lawsuits involving commercial vehicles can be very different from accident or wrongful death cases involving private vehicles.
Firstly, the injuries resulting from commercial truck accidents are often more severe due to the size and weight of these vehicles - leading to larger claims. Since these injury and damage claims often exceed the policy limits of standard auto insurance, commercial carriers usually have much larger insurance policies. This can result in more aggressive defense tactics from these insurance companies, as they have more at stake.
Furthermore, there are a wide variety of regulations and requirements involved in the operation of commercial vehicles. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces strict rules concerning hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and driver qualifications - if these regulations are violated, liability for accidents can be shared by the driver, the company they work for, or even third parties like the vehicle's manufacturer or maintenance providers. This marks a serious contrast to standard passenger vehicle accidents, where the implicated parties are generally limited to the drivers of the involved vehicles.
Finally, the preservation of vital evidence may be more challenging in commercial truck accidents. Commercial vehicles often carry electronic control modules (ECMs), which can record critical data such as speed, braking, and other operational parameters before a crash. These devices, often referred to as "black boxes," can provide crucial evidence in a lawsuit. However, they may be overwritten or lost if not quickly preserved following an accident.
In light of these complications, it's crucial for anyone involved in a commercial truck accident to consult with one of our expert truck accident lawyers. Your commercial vehicle accident lawyer will help you understand your rights, identify all potential defendants, and advocate for you throughout the legal process.
What to Do if You're I
What to Do if You're Involved in a Commercial Truck Accident:
Many survivors of commercial vehicle accidents don’t remember the collision itself - just the terror and disorientation that followed. Our injury lawyers realize that being involved in a serious truck accident can be an incredibly stressful experience. Listed below are several crucial steps from our lawyers to help you manage an accident situation correctly and safely:
Your immediate concern following the accident should be the safety and well-being of all involved. If it is safe and possible, maneuver your vehicle out of traffic's pathway and onto a secure location nearby. Assess your physical condition and that of others involved. In the event of any injuries, however minor they might seem, don’t hesitate - dial 911 to summon on-site emergency medical services.
Immediately after the accident it's essential that you seek medical attention, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, including TBIs and internal bleeding, may not manifest symptoms immediately. Prompt medical evaluation can ensure your injuries are promptly identified and treated - and the medical records from the accident site can serve as valuable evidence in a truck accident claim.
Whether the accident seems minor or major, it's crucial to contact law enforcement. An official police report can serve as an unbiased third-party account of the accident and may be helpful when filing insurance claims or potential lawsuits.
If it's safe to do so, document the scene of the accident. Using a camera or smartphone, take detailed photographs or videos of vehicle damages, the surrounding road conditions, nearby traffic signals, and any visible injuries. This documentation can become pivotal evidence when determining liability for the accident.
Gather essential details from all parties involved in the accident. This includes their full names, contact details, driver's license numbers, and insurance information. Also, record the make, model, color, and license plate numbers of all vehicles involved. If there are witnesses, collect their contact information as well - it can prove vital in a truck accident lawsuit.
As soon as you're able, inform your insurance company about the accident. Stick to the facts while narrating the incident, and steer clear of admitting any fault or liability at this stage, as the accident's full context and culpability will only be revealed upon further investigation.
Finally, reach out to a professional legal team, such as Wettermark Keith Personal Injury Lawyers. Commercial truck accidents can involve complex legal issues and intricate insurance policies. Our experienced lawyers can help navigate these complexities, protect your rights, and advocate for the compensation you deserve.
Supporting Truck Accident Victims: The Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer
The aftermath of a serious accident often leaves survivors in a state of confusion, stress, and financial hardship. As wages are lost, medical bills tend to pile up. Meanwhile, you’re grappling with the physical pain of your injuries and the emotional trauma of your accident. That’s where we come in. Our skilled truck accident lawyers can provide you with representation, support, and a tight safety net. With a truck accident attorney on your side, you have the ability to focus on your recovery rather than on the complexities and frustrations of a commercial truck accident lawsuit.
Even if you weren’t already dealing with physical and psychological injuries, commercial truck accidents can pose challenging legal complications - especially if you aren’t an attorney. This is due to multiple complex factors, including the number of liable parties involved, the extensive FMCSA regulations, the severity of the injuries sustained in the accident, and the necessity of gathering thorough evidence, including driver log books, truck maintenance records, and electronic control module data. Our lawyers understand these regulations and excel at gathering evidence to build an airtight case on your behalf.
After a commercial vehicle accident, it’s critical to pay close attention to deadlines, including the statute of limitations, or the time limit within which a lawsuit must be filed following the incident. Failure to meet this deadline often results in the forfeiture of your right to legal recourse and compensation. Unfortunately, preparing a lawsuit - particularly one as complex as a commercial vehicle accident case - can be a lengthy process. Gathering evidence, consulting with medical and accident reconstruction experts, and negotiating with insurance companies can all take considerable time. In light of this, we recommend contacting an attorney as soon as possible after your accident.
Serving Justice, One Case at a Time - Contact Our Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorneys Today
Navigating the complexities of a commercial truck accident lawsuit requires the expertise of an experienced lawyer who specializes in both legal and trucking industries. Our truck accident lawyers will staunchly advocate for your rights, ensuring you receive the necessary compensation to cover any ongoing physical, emotional, and financial challenges that may have resulted from your commercial truck accident. Your truck accident attorney won’t stop at obtaining compensation for medical bills and lost wages - they will also seek damages for any pain and suffering you've endured.
Wettermark Keith, with offices located throughout Alabama, Tennessee, and Florida, has an excellent reputation as one of the most accomplished personal injury firms in the country. Our reach is not only regional but includes a diverse range of practice areas, including personal injury cases, auto wrecks, trucking wrecks, medical malpractice, on-the-job injuries, social security disability, and veterans’ disability claims. At Wettermark Keith, we believe in taking cases personally. Our purpose is to practice with care and compassion - to tell our client’s stories and make their voices heard.
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 legal team.
We Assess Your Case
In our initial review, our experienced 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 attorneys seek justice on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
When choosing a law firm to represent your case, there are several factors to consider. First, look at the firm's area of expertise. You need a law firm with experience in commercial vehicle accidents and personal injury law. Check their track record of success with cases similar to yours. Secondly, consider the reputation of the law firm. Online reviews, testimonials, and professional ratings can offer insight into their credibility and the quality of their services. Lastly, consider the rapport and comfort level you have with the attorney. A good attorney should be communicative, empathetic, and patient in explaining the legal procedures to you.
The cost of a truck accident attorney can vary greatly based on the complexity of the case and the law firm's pricing structure. Many personal injury attorneys, however, work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if they win your case, taking a percentage of the settlement or court-awarded damages. It's important to have a clear understanding of this percentage and any additional costs (like court fees) upfront to avoid any surprises.
An attorney can potentially expedite your claim (and therefore your compensation) after a truck accident by navigating the legal and insurance procedures more quickly than you might by yourself. Our attorneys understand the necessary steps, legal documents, and negotiation strategies needed to move your case forward efficiently. While they can't control all factors (such as court schedules), their expertise and proactive approach can help avoid unnecessary delays.
We advise you to contact an attorney as soon as possible after a commercial truck accident. Prompt legal advice can guide you through negotiations with insurance companies, help you understand your rights, and ensure important evidence is preserved. Early involvement of an attorney can both expedite the claims process and avoid missing any critical deadlines.
While it's technically possible to file a truck accident lawsuit without a lawyer, it's strongly discouraged for several reasons. Truck accident cases can be complex, requiring an understanding of specific laws and regulations.They often involve large trucking companies with experienced legal teams. Navigating this on your own can be challenging and may significantly lower your chances of a successful outcome. An experienced truck accident lawyer can provide invaluable assistance, protecting your rights, and advocating for your best interests.
No Recovery, No Fee Guarantee
At Wettermark Keith, we believe that everyone deserves access to top-notch legal representation - especially when dealing with the aftermath of a commercial trucking accident. Understanding the financial hardship often faced by accident victims, our attorneys offer free consultations for anyone who reaches out to us. If you or a loved one has suffered personal injury, we urge you to immediately contact our expert attorneys by calling (877) 715-9300, or through our website.
We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you will not be required to pay any upfront costs or fees. Instead, our lawyers will only collect a fee if we win your case or achieve a settlement. This means we effectively share the risk of the legal action with you - we invest our time and resources into your case, confident in our ability to secure a favorable outcome.
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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