Jefferson County Truck Accident Attorney

Realizing an 18-wheeler truck is barreling toward you is a terrifying scenario, especially if you are in a much smaller vehicle. Truck wrecks tend to cause some of the most devastating injuries associated with car accidents, and victims deserve just compensation to cover their losses.

At Tommy James Law, we can help you take legal action if you were injured in a truck collision. Our Jefferson County truck accident lawyer has over 25 years of experience and understands how to determine liability in these complex situations. After carefully reviewing the details of your case, we will advise whether you have a strong claim, review your legal options, and walk you through the types of damages you can expect to recover. We are a full-service personal injury law firm and are determined to maximize your recovery, no matter the circumstances. 

Contact us online or call (205) 843-5086 to schedule a free case evaluation. We serve clients throughout the state of Alabama. 

What to Do Immediately after a Truck Wreck in Alabama

You may be seriously injured in the immediate aftermath of a truck accident. If so, do not wait to go to a hospital and get emergency medical attention. If you are fortunate to be okay enough to remain at the wreck, there are certain things you should do (and avoid doing) to protect your rights.

After an Alabama truck accident, you should:

• Check on everyone involved in the crash. When it is safe to do so, try to locate all drivers, passengers, and pedestrians affected by the wreck. If anyone needs immediate medical assistance, call 9-1-1.
• Summon the police. In Alabama, you must call the police when an accident results in injury or at least $250 in property damage. A truck accident will almost always meet these requirements. When the police arrive, stick to the objective facts when going over what happened. They will write an official accident report that could become crucial to your case.
• Stay quiet. Make every effort to avoid engaging in small talk with anyone else involved in the crash. Apart from police and first responders, do not answer any questions or make any statements, including remarks like “I am okay.” Do not apologize or say anything that could suggest you are at fault. 
• Document as much as possible. You should get photos and videos of damage to your vehicle, damage to the road, your injuries, and any other conditions related to the crash. If possible, try to get photos of the truck’s condition, especially any obvious deficiencies, and its cargo. 
• Get contact information. You must get the truck driver’s name, phone number, address, license information, and insurance information. You will also need the name and contact information of their employer. Flag any witnesses and try to get their contact information, if possible.
• Seek medical care. You should always see a doctor as soon as possible after any vehicular crash. Even if you are feeling okay after a truck collision, there is a chance you may have sustained injuries that are not immediately visible to the naked eye. Explain what happened so they can look for common problems, such as spinal damage or head trauma. Keep a copy of their evaluation and follow their recommended treatment plan.
• Reach out to Tommy James Law. You should speak to our Jefferson County truck accident attorney as soon as you can after a truck accident. We will get to immediate work on your case and handle communications with the negligent driver and their representatives. Avoid speaking to these parties before retaining legal representation, as anything you say can and most likely will be used against you. 

Determining Liability in an Alabama Truck Accident

In a typical car wreck, determining liability tends to be fairly straightforward. If the other driver’s negligence led to the crash, they are liable for the victim’s damages. Truck accidents can be more complicated because there may be multiple liable parties. We will conduct a thorough investigation and determine who is liable.

In an Alabama truck accident, the liable parties may include:

• The truck driver. The motorist may be liable if they were driving recklessly or otherwise failed to follow traffic rules. They could also be liable if they were driving while fatigued or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• The truck driver’s employer. The driver’s employer, typically a trucking company, may be liable if they deliberately hired an underqualified driver or encouraged them to engage in unsafe behavior, like driving more hours than is legally permitted. 
• The vehicle’s owner. Many truck drivers do not own or maintain their own vehicles. In these cases, the truck’s owner – which could be a person or company – may be liable if they fail to adequately repair the vehicle when shoddy maintenance results in a crash.
• The vehicle manufacturer. If a defective component of the truck causes the accident, the part’s manufacturer may be liable.
• The shipping company. Cargo loaders are responsible for safely loading and securing the truck’s contents. When this is done improperly, the driver may be unable to safely control the truck, leading to an otherwise avoidable accident. In these scenarios, cargo loaders or the shipping company may be liable.