There are trucks of all sizes on the roads in Montgomery, AL. While truckers play a vital role in the economy, they are also responsible for an increasing number of accidents on the roads. Hardly a day goes by when an 18-wheeler is not involved in a traffic accident. This is why it is more important than ever that responsible drivers follow all Alabama state trucking regulations when they are on the road. 

If you’ve experienced a trucking accident in Montgomery, contact The Vance Law Firm today for a free consultation.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents

The biggest problem is that trucking accidents tend to result in significant damage. Whenever a truck is involved in an accident, other passengers and pedestrians are often severely injured or killed. Compared to car accidents, trucking accidents are associated with more severe injuries, including permanent injuries and disability.

There are many causes of trucking accidents, including:

Truck Driver Fatigue: Most truckers drive for a living and often work long hours, including night shifts, often resulting in sleep deprivation and driver fatigue. This can be a real hazard for the driver as well as those on the road, especially when the vehicle in question is a truck. A significant number of trucking accidents are because of exhausted and tired truck drivers.

Speeding: Speeding is a major problem with truck drivers. There is a general perception that truck drivers tend to speed and drive recklessly because they feel that they own the road. They are also quite confident that because of the large size of their vehicle, they are least likely to be injured if an accident occurs. In addition, truckers also tend to be impatient and have a tendency to overtake as well as drive fast.

Distracted Driving: Despite the fact that truckers drive such large vehicles and are often on the roads late at night for long shifts, many still do not minimize their use of mobile phones. Texting and talking while driving is quite common among truck drivers. Also, truckers spend so much time in their vehicle that they become used to eating and drinking tea/coffee while driving. This can also be a distraction.

Truck Maintenance: Since truckers drive for a living, they are often in a rush to deliver or pick up goods. With the pressure of completing deliveries, doing long shifts, including night shifts, many truckers ignore the maintenance of their truck. Evidence shows that failing to comply with federal trucking regulations and maintenance remains the most common cause of trucking accidents, not only in Alabama but across the nation.

Use of Trucking Regulations

A review of past trucking accidents in Alabama reveals a lack of compliance with trucker regulations. A large majority of trucking accidents could have been prevented if the trucker and the trucking company followed these regulations. That is probably why both the federal government and state laws have become much strict when governing trucking companies and truck drivers.

• Drug and alcohol use is forbidden while driving a truck and some companies even do random checks on their drivers.
• The truck has to meet ‘tie down’ and proper loading requirements.
• The load should not shift during moving, and there are rules as to how this load should be managed.
• The trucking company has to get the trucks maintained regularly and keep the records.
• The trucking company has to make sure that all trucks undergo regular inspection and that all deficits are corrected before the truck is placed back on the roads.
• The trucking company has to make sure that all drivers have a valid license and have met the training requirements.
• All drivers and the company must keep a log of the driving hours, distance driven and location.

In Case of a Trucking Accident in Montgomery, AL

The first thing to do after an accident is to call 911 and/or the police – especially if you are injured. You should also try to get the other driver’s name, address, insurance information, truck license plate, and registration information in addition to taking as many pictures as you can. Even if you do not appear injured, get yourself checked out by a doctor on the same day. Many muscles and bone injuries do not present with pain or disability immediately. If you do not go to the doctor, you might not have sufficient evidence to make a claim for compensation in future.

Never speak to the insurance adjuster that works for the trucking company. In many cases, they will try to settle the case or may even blame you for the accident. Do not get intimidated by them nor settle for the first offer they make.

Speak to an Alabama Trucking Accident Lawyer Today

A good law firm may be able to find out more about the trucker’s driving record, especially their driving log and record of their trips. This information can prove to be quite useful if you have to prove that the accident was the truck driver’s fault. As far as trucking accidents are concerned, a good lawyer could even work towards determining if the truck was well maintained and met the state requirements.

If you are a victim of a trucking accident, call us at The Vance Law Firm. Our lawyers have dealt with numerous road accident cases and can help you get the maximum reimbursement for your injuries. Keep in mind that in Montgomery, AL, if you want to file a claim, you must do so within 2 years from the day of the accident. However, in case the accident has resulted in severe injuries, and the plaintiff is unable to file a claim within this time frame, the judge may grant an extension depending on the circumstances of the case and the extent of injuries.

Talk to one of our lawyers today. A trucking accident can be very traumatic. If you or someone you love has suffered serious injuries, we can help you get compensation for the damages that you have incurred. If the injuries require long-term treatment and you are concerned about the financial consequences of the accident, you need to know that you have every right to file a claim and seek compensation. Don’t think that there is no help for you out there. The legal system is here to help you. You just need the right people to guide you in order for you to get the compensation you deserve.