Alabama’s trucking industry is essential to the state’s commerce and workforce. Drivers of large trucks and tractor-trailers held 34,630 jobs in Alabama in 2021, and 86.1% of communities rely exclusively on trucks to move their goods.
These vehicles transport 161,180 tons of product per day, supporting the state’s economy and small and large businesses.
However, accidents are unfortunately a reality due to the number of semi-trucks on the road in Alabama. Knowing why these accidents occur can help us all stay safer and avoid catastrophic collisions. Our Alabama truck accident lawyers can help you get fair compensation if you are hurt in a truck crash.
Commercial trucks weigh more than 10,001 pounds and can include delivery trucks, 18-wheelers, tow trucks, or work trucks. According to the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), there were 8,579 trucks involved in accidents in 2020. 130 of these crashes were fatal, and 2,330 resulted in injuries.
Some of the primary causes of truck accidents in Alabama in 2020 were:
Cause | Number of Crashes |
Improper Lane Change or Use | 1,138 |
Failure to Yield Right of Way | 871 |
Unseen Object, Person, or Vehicle | 699 |
Tailgating | 607 |
Misjudged Stopping Distance | 386 |
Defective Equipment | 344 |
Improper Backing | 306 |
Improper Turn | 292 |
Driving Too Fast for Conditions | 244 |
Fatigued | 160 |
Recent data from ALDOT identifies key contributors to trucking accidents as fatigue, issues with maintenance, distracted driving, and less-than-ideal road conditions. Let’s examine these factors more closely:
Although ALDOT doesn’t track these crashes specifically, crashes due to improper lane changes, failing to yield, or not seeing a person or object can happen when a driver is distracted. Together, these make up 31.6% of truck crashes in the state.
Location plays a role in the occurrence of large truck accidents in Alabama. Here’s a breakdown of where they happen:
This pattern highlights the risks associated with various road types in the state.
Overall, the Northern, Central, and Southern regions tend to see the most crashes in Alabama. In 2020, these were the most dangerous counties:
Recently, there has been a national move to help combat trucking accidents. The American truck industry has spent $9.5 billion annually in safety training and awareness to help lower the incidence of collisions. Alabama has also put money toward programs to improve driver training, implement safety technologies, and promote safety initiatives statewide.
If you’re injured in a big rig crash when traveling in Alabama, our team at the Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers can stand up for your interests against aggressive trucking companies and their insurers.
With over two decades of legal experience, we can help you gather evidence and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn your legal options.