Truck accidents are among the most devastating types of motor vehicle collisions, often leading to severe injuries and significant property damage. In Alabama, over 10,452 truck-involved collisions occurred in 2022, resulting in 162 deaths and 2,417 injuries.

Despite their seriousness, several misconceptions persist about truck accidents, leading to misunderstandings about fault, compensation, and legal rights. Understanding the facts behind semi-truck collisions can help clarify liability and guide your next steps if you’re hurt in a crash.

Let’s break down common myths about semi-truck collisions and explore how experienced Alabama truck accident lawyers can assist with your claim.

Myth #1: The Accident Was No One’s Fault (Truck Blind Spot Accident)

Many people believe that blind spot accidents involving trucks are unavoidable and no one is at fault. While trucks have larger blind spots than most vehicles, drivers must take steps to avoid collisions.

Improper lane changes are one of the leading causes of truck crashes in Alabama, often tied to unchecked blind spots or unsafe driving practices. When these accidents occur, liability can rest with:

• Truck drivers for failing to check blind spots or signal lane changes
• Other drivers for lingering in blind spots or engaging in reckless driving
• Trucking companies for inadequate driver training or poorly maintained safety equipment

A thorough investigation is essential to determine who is at fault in a blind spot collision.

Myth #2: Trucking Regulations Are Consistently Enforced

Many assume trucking regulations are strictly enforced to maintain industry-wide safety, but gaps in enforcement can lead to serious issues.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established hours-of-service limits, maintenance requirements, and cargo guidelines to improve safety. However, some companies and drivers ignore these rules to meet tight deadlines or cut costs. Inspections and audits can hold violators accountable, but limited resources mean many violations go unnoticed.

Under these circumstances, overworked drivers and poorly maintained trucks are more likely to cause accidents.  In 2022, defective equipment led to 447 crashes and fatigued driving 216 collisions in Alabama. This lack of enforcement makes understanding how truck accident cases differ from standard car crashes even more critical.

Myth #3: There’s No Difference Between Truck and Car Accidents

While truck and car accidents may appear similar, they differ in severity and how cases are handled. The truck’s size, weight, and strict regulations create challenges that make these crashes far more complicated:

• Size and Weight: Trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, causing crashes that often result in catastrophic injuries and severe property damage to smaller vehicles.

• Braking and Maneuvering: Trucks need 40% more stopping distance, making sudden stops or lane changes harder and increasing accident risks in poor weather or traffic.

• Liability Factors: Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, such as drivers, companies, maintenance crews, or cargo loaders, complicating claims.

• Federal Regulations: Federal rules, like using electronic logging devices (ELDs), require gathering records and expert analysis to identify violations in truck accident cases.

• Large Insurance Policies: Trucks carry multimillion-dollar insurance policies, which increase available compensation and lead to tougher defense tactics from insurers.

Myth #4: Truck Accident Claims Always Take Years

Truck accident claims don’t always take years to resolve. The right legal representation can help move your case forward by handling challenges efficiently and minimizing delays. Our experienced team at The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers can help speed up  your claim by:

• Collecting ELD data and maintenance records to strengthen the claim
• Negotiating with insurers to pursue fair compensation quickly
• Analyzing federal trucking regulations and consulting experts to uncover violations
• Managing paperwork and deadlines to keep the case on track
• Preparing your claim for court to push for a fair resolution when needed

Myth #5: You Can Handle a Truck Accident Claim Without a Lawyer

While handling a claim alone might seem doable, it often results in lost compensation for your injuries and losses. Trucking companies have extensive resources and aggressive legal teams to protect their interests. They may pressure you into low settlements, delay the process, or make accessing crucial evidence nearly impossible.

A truck accident attorney from The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers can help level the playing field. We send spoliation letters to protect crucial evidence and push back against low settlement offers with a fair assessment of your losses. Our team fights to win fair compensation that covers your current and future medical bills and replaces lost income so you can move forward.

Protect Your Rights After a Truck Crash

At The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we provide the support needed to rebuild your life after a truck accident in Alabama. We have the skills and resources to assess your case, determine your damages, and negotiate with trucking companies to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

With a winning track record, including multiple million-dollar truck accident awards, we have the resources to fight for your maximum recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your claim.