Tillmans Corner Truck Accident Lawyer
While any type of truck accident can cause physical and financial devastation, collisions involving tractor-trailers are far more likely to cause severe or fatal injuries than other types of crashes. Truck drivers go through extensive vetting and training to ensure that they can stay safe on the roads, but even so, truck accidents are very common in the United States. If you’ve been impacted by a truck crash, you could be facing tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills, property damage, or even wrongful death.
Getting the right legal representation can help you get the compensation you deserve after a truck crash in Tillmans Corner, AL. Call Burns, Cunningham & Mackey at 800-574-4332 to set up a meeting now.
Why Are Truck Accidents So Risky?
When you see truck accidents in the news, you’ll see that they’re often accompanied by catastrophic damage to vehicles, severe or fatal injuries, and roadway shutdowns. There are several reasons for that. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 20 times more than a standard passenger vehicle, and once a vehicle of that weight starts moving, it is very difficult to stop it.
With momentum, it can easily crush almost anything in its path. Think about the risk at an off-ramp, such as the exit at Highway 90 and Nevius Road. On top of that, most commercial trucks have an unusual shape. When a truck that long tips over or jackknifes, it can close down a multilane highway in seconds.
It’s also important to look at what type of cargo a truck is carrying. A large tractor-trailer with hazardous materials and chemicals can cause even more damage in a collision. When chemicals spill onto the road, there’s a risk of fires or explosions. These chemicals can also cause chemical burns to victims or create noxious gasses.
If you don’t believe truck accidents are much more deadly than crashes involving passenger vehicles, just look at the insurance policies required for their drivers. Insurance requirements for tractor-trailers are much higher than they are for passenger vehicles, and that’s because they are more likely to cause serious damage.
Types of Truck Accidents in Tillmans Corner, AL
There are many types of truck accidents, all of which can cause significant damage to other drivers, passengers, and property. Some of the crashes you might see on Alabama roadways include:
- Jackknife accidents most commonly occur when a truck driver loses control of their vehicle. They may swerve to avoid a collision or counteract the effects of ice. This causes them to lose control of the vehicle, and as the tractor turns, the trailer swings out away from it at a 90-degree angle. Cars can get crushed as the trailer swings, and the length of the truck means that the highway may be shut down for hours. These accidents often cause serious pileups.
- Commonly attributed to distracted drivers, underride crashes occur when a driver ends up underneath the back of a tractor-trailer. The front of their car gets stuck, and they essentially get pulled along by the truck. Many underride accidents are fatal.
- Rear-end. Rear-end accidents involving passenger vehicles are often minor. But when a truck rear-ends a passenger vehicle, those in the front car may suffer severe or fatal injuries. On top of that, cars involved in these crashes are often totaled. Crashes may occur when unexpected stops occur, such as those at the intersection of Highway 90 and Old Pascagoula Road.
- Side impact. Trucks are known for having very large blind spots. It’s why many trucks have signs stating that if a driver cannot see themselves in the truck’s side-view mirror, the truck driver cannot see them either. If someone is in a truck’s blind spot and the truck changes lanes, the smaller vehicle can get crushed, stuck between the truck and the median, or pushed into another vehicle.
- Single vehicle. Not all truck accidents involve other vehicles. A truck may collide with a median, underpass, road sign, or construction zone. However, subsequent crashes often follow.
- Multi-car pileups are not uncommon with truck accidents. On a highway, people may be unable to stop in time to avoid the fallout of a truck accident. This often has a domino effect, causing many smaller crashes.
Who Is Liable?
One of the most complicated aspects of a truck accident is liability. There are many more parties that may have a role in your crash. The driver, of course, may be liable. If they were negligent in their driving, drove while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or drove while fatigued, they could be responsible for the crash.
The truck driver’s employer is another possibility. Some employers push their drivers to the limit, forcing them to work longer than they legally can or making them skip breaks and rest days. If it’s found that an employer asked drivers to falsify break documentation or ignore federal safety laws, they may be held accountable.
The owner of the cargo or the company that loaded the cargo could also play a role in the crash. Cargo must be loaded in a specific way to keep the trailer balanced and minimize the risk of a rollover. If the owner or loading company loaded cargo in an unsafe manner that later caused the truck to tip over, they could be forced to pay a large settlement.
Fighting for the Compensation You Are Owed
Determining liability is a challenge in a truck accident. Getting the liable party to pay up is even more difficult. That’s why you need an attorney. They can fully investigate your accident, determine liability, and push the liable party for a full and fair settlement. The types of compensation you receive depend largely on the details of your crash. Many accident victims receive compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost future income
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Wrongful death
Get In Touch with Burns, Cunningham & Mackey Now
Choosing the right Tillmans Corner, AL truck accident attorney is the first step in your personal injury claim. The team at Burns, Cunningham & Mackey knows how to comb through the evidence and use it to build a solid case for you. Let’s talk more about your accident, how it’s impacted you, and how we can help. Set up a meeting now by contacting us online or calling us at 800-574-4332.
