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COMMON QUESTIONS
Answers To The Most Common Truck Accident Questions
WHAT DO I DO IF I'VE BEEN IN A TRUCK ACCIDENT?
Collect Information – This is critical. Take down information on the truck driver, the companies they work for, witness contact information, and a copy of the police report. Take as many pictures of the accident and injuries as possible, capturing every angle.
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Seek Medical Attention – Even if you do not feel like you are hurt, get a medical evaluation. Many times, adrenaline will mask the pain of injuries. In some cases involving traumatic brain injuries, symptoms are not initially apparent. The information from your medical report will help prove accident-related damages.
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Never Discuss Fault –DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE, ACCEPT BLAME FOR THE ACCIDENT.
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Say No to Insurance Providers – Do not speak with insurance agents. Insurance representatives are skilled in asking questions to limit their liability. They will use your answers against you. Consult an attorney before speaking with anyone involving insurance claims.
Consult the Truck Accident Lawyers – An experienced attorney will make sure a proper investigation is completed for your case, as well as help you understand the value of your claim, and what to do every step of the way. Contact us to discuss your case for free.
ARE TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWSUITS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT CLAIMS?
Yes. Truck accidents are much more complex than other types of motor vehicle accidents for several reasons:
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There are numerous state and federal regulations governing the trucking industry. The success of your claim will be greatly impacted by how well your lawyer understands these different regulations and how they apply to your case.
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There are often multiple parties who can be held accountable in truck accident lawsuits, and your lawyer must be able to accurately evaluate which parties are responsible based on the specifics of your claim.
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Truck drivers and trucking companies are required by law to keep extensive records. Your attorney must know how to interpret these complex records.
WHO CAN BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR MY TRUCK ACCIDENT INJURIES?
One reason truck accident lawsuits are so complex is that multiple parties can be held responsible. The specifics of your case will determine where to pursue compensation. Responsible parties may include:
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Truck drivers – Truck drivers have responsibilities to uphold while operating a commercial vehicle, and when they violate those responsibilities they can be held accountable. While most commercial truck drivers are safe professionals, too many drive recklessly or drive under the influence of various substances.
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Trucking companies – Many truck drivers drive dangerously because companies put unrealistic expectations on them with overloaded schedules and trucks. Our truck accident lawyers will investigate to determine if the trucking company put profit over safety by making dangerous demands of their drivers.
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Cargo Companies – One common cause of truck accidents is overloaded or improperly loaded cargo. If our truck accident lawyers determine that this was a cause of the collision, we can pursue a claim against the company that loaded the cargo onto the truck.
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Equipment and Product Manufacturers – Defective vehicles present unique dangers to drivers on America’s highways. If the truck that hurt you was defective or poorly designed, or if it contained defective parts, we can pursue compensation from the manufacturer.
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Highway Designers or Maintenance Entities – Government entities and private companies have a responsibility to design, build and maintain safe roadways. If there is a failure to do so, we can pursue a claim for defective road design or defective highway maintenance.
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If you want to speak to an experienced, passionate truck accident lawyer about your claim, please contact Truck Accident Lawyers, LLC today for a free consultation.
ARE THERE LIMITATIONS TO HOW LONG A TRUCK DRIVER CAN SPEND ON THE ROAD DURING A SHIFT?
Yes. There are Hours of Service (HOS) laws that establish restrictions on how much time a truck driver can spend on the road. These laws limit truck drivers to a maximum of 10 consecutive hours and 11 total hours on the road in one day. Truck drivers must take at least 10 hours off between shifts, and they cannot exceed a maximum of 60 hours on the road in one week. Also, truck drivers are required to take at least 34 consecutive hours off each week.
ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS IN ORDER TO QUALIFY TO OPERATE A COMMERCIAL TRUCK?
Yes. All truck drivers must possess a commercial drivers license (CDL). To obtain a CDL, drivers must complete specialized training and pass rigorous tests. There are different classes of CDLs, which determine the size and type of truck a driver is permitted to operate. Truck drivers carrying certain types of cargo, such as hazardous materials, must undergo additional training before operating these vehicles.
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1929 3rd Avenue North
Birmingham, AL 35203
(888) 774-5836