Gadsden

Gadsden Truck Accident Lawyer

If you or your loved one was hurt in a truck accident in Alabama, consider reaching out to a seasoned Gadsden truck accident lawyer. Alabama truck accident lawsuits are complicated. You require an experienced personal injury law firm’s legal counsel to help you get maximum compensation for your damages.

At Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers, we can help you get the justice you deserve for your truck wreck claim. We are ready to guide you through your insurance claim or Gadsden personal injury lawsuit. We can help you recover damages for lost work, medical bills, mental anguish, and property damage.

Having a skilled truck accident lawyer by your side is critical to securing the compensation you are entitled to. Our knowledgeable lawyers are well-versed in both state and federal regulations governing the trucking industry. We won’t let insurance companies bully you into accepting the lowest settlement possible. Call 256-666-6000 today to find out if you have a case.

TRUCK ACCIDENT STATISTICS IN GADSDEN, ALABAMA

According to records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 4,951 people died in accidents involving large trucks. This figure is a 1% increase from the deaths in 2017. Over 150,000 people sustained injuries in 2018 due to truck accidents.

In Alabama, there were 101 fatalities in 2015, 149 fatalities in 2016, 99 fatalities in 2017, 121 fatalities in 2018, and 137 fatalities in 2019 involving large trucks. Etowah County recorded 3 fatalities in 2015, 4 fatalities in 2016, 3 fatalities in 2017, 2 fatalities in 2018, and 6 fatalities in 2019.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO AFTER A TRUCK ACCIDENT?

It is difficult to know what to do after a truck collision. Nonetheless, it would help if you always remained calm and composed after a crash. The most important thing to do is to find out whether you are injured or bleeding. Here are the best practices to follow after a truck accident in Gadsden, Alabama:

CALL 911

If you’ve been involved in a truck crash, stop and call the police. Never leave the scene of the crash before the police arrive. Call the state highway patrol to report the crash. Law enforcement officers will fill out a report once they arrive at the scene. They’ll also instruct you on what to do next after the crash.

The police will assess the scene of the truck accident to determine fault. These details will be present in the accident report. Remember to ask for a copy of this report before leaving the scene of the crash.

HELP OTHERS

Find out if any of the involved parties are severely hurt. Is anyone stuck in a burning car? Is the truck driver bleeding severely? Call 911 immediately if anyone on the scene is hurt or possibly dead. Get hurt victims to safety if you spot any imminent danger such as a hazardous chemical.

EXCHANGE INFO

It is critical to exchange information with the truck driver while at the accident scene. Remember, it may be hard for you to get a hold of them once they leave the scene. Getting relevant details makes it easier for you and your Gadsden truck accident attorney when seeking compensation. Note down information, including:

  • Driver’s name, phone number, email address, and address
  • Driver’s policy information and insurance provider
  • Plate license number
  • Trucking company name, address, and cargo details
  • Name and contact of employer

DOCUMENT THE SCENE AND SPEAK WITH WITNESSES

Take photos or videos of the crash with your camera or smartphone. An experienced Gadsden truck accident lawyer can use these photos to prove fault, the extent of your injuries, and vehicle damage. Photos can prove to a judge and jury what happened during your truck accident.

Remember to take photos of your injuries after the crash and while recovering. This can prove the severity of your injuries and how long it took to fully recover. This evidence comes in handy when determining how much your Gadsden truck accident claim is worth.

SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION

It’s critical to seek medical care after a truck accident. This applies whether you have an obvious injury or not. Visit a doctor after your crash for a checkup. Your adrenaline may mask your pain and injuries. Let the doctor determine whether you need any medical care.

CONTACT AN ATTORNEY

If you believe you deserve compensation after a truck accident, reach out to a trusted lawyer for legal counsel. The personal injury lawyers at Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers are dedicated to helping Gadsden truck accident victims get the justice they deserve. Call us immediately after your truck accident to discuss your legal options. Do not sign any forms for any insurance company before contacting us.

WHAT ARE THE LAWS REGARDING TRUCK ACCIDENT LIABILITY?

Alabama is a fault state. Also known as the tort system, you can’t recover compensation for damages if you are to blame for your crash. This implies that you won’t get any settlement for your truck accident claim if your fault for a crash is even 1%.

Alabama applies the contributory negligence rule to determine truck accident liability. The other driver won’t be required to pay for your damages if you share fault for your truck accident.

It is essential to hire an experienced Gadsden truck accident attorney who can establish that you don’t share any blame for your crash. Your lawyer should prove that your actions didn’t have any bearing on the accident’s course. Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers will prove that you didn’t break any federal or state traffic laws.

HOW CAN A TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYER HELP?

Truck accident claims in Gadsden, AL, can be complicated. Plaintiffs need to consider the legal aid of an experienced truck accident lawyer near Gadsden as soon as possible. Our reputable law firm can help you with:

INVESTIGATION

This is an essential part of any truck accident case. We will analyze every aspect of your case during the investigation phase, including collecting evidence, interviewing first responders, and reviewing eyewitness statements to ensure your truck accident claim is built on a strong foundation. We will also review driver logs, hiring records, medical reports, and police reports when building your case.

FILING A CLAIM

This process involves a lot of paperwork and stringent timelines. An experienced truck wreck attorney can ensure everything is done in the right manner. We will ensure your truck accident claim is filed before your insurer’s and court’s deadlines.

NEGOTIATIONS

An experienced truck accident lawyer in Gadsden can negotiate on your behalf. Our reputable law firm can make all the difference in the world. We are skilled negotiators who’ll do everything in our power to help you get the settlement you deserve.

LITIGATION

There are times when out-of-court settlements don’t work out. Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers is ready to represent you in court if necessary. We will advise you about your legal options and the merits of your case. We are prepared to line up expert witnesses to testify and reconstruct what happened on that fateful day. Our reliable legal team will prove how the truck wreck negatively affected your life.

WHAT TYPES OF COMPENSATION CAN I RECEIVE?

In Alabama, you may be entitled to the following damages for your truck accident claim:

ECONOMIC DAMAGES

These damages cover monetary losses from your crash. They can be calculated with reasonable precision. They include:

  • Current and future medical expenses
  • Property loss
  • Loss of earnings
  • Nursing care expenses

NON-ECONOMIC DAMAGES

These are losses that don’t have a specific dollar tag. They represent intangible losses that are hard to compute. They include:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Physical disfigurement
  • Loss of quality of life
  • Loss of reputation

PUNITIVE DAMAGES

Also known as exemplary damages, these damages are meant to punish reckless or negligent behavior. They are awarded in rare cases. They help to deter the defendant from committing similar actions in the future. The state of Alabama has no caps for either economic or non-economic damages. For punitive damages, there’s a $1.5 million cap in Alabama.

HOW MUCH IS MY TRUCK ACCIDENT CLAIM WORTH?

Most truck accident victims usually wonder how much they’ll receive from their truck accident claims. It is a common question that any personal injury lawyer in Gadsden hears regularly. Every accident is different. Nonetheless, truck accidents can cause catastrophic injuries and significant property damage.

The amount of compensation for your claim is determined by various factors, including:

  • The severity and permanence of your injuries
  • Whether you require continuing care
  • Property damage involved
  • Was there a wrongful death in the crash?
  • Your age, earnings, and family situation
  • The skill and ability of your lawyer to present the best case to the judge and jury

There’s no precise dollar amount on any of these factors. Your claim’s worth will only be determined through exhaustive investigations and analysis. Remember, the worth of every truck accident case depends on individual circumstances.

IS THERE A DEADLINE FOR FILING A CLAIM?

In Alabama, you have two years from the date of your crash to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. This time limit can be tolled if the victim is a minor. This protects the rights of the individual until they can make their own choices. This time limit can also be tolled if a victim’s injuries were not yet discoverable.

HOW IS FAULT IN A TRUCK ACCIDENT DETERMINED?

At Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers, our experienced team of lawyers will investigate your truck accident to determine liability. We will launch an immediate investigation to ensure evidence is preserved. Our lawyers will analyze black box data, cell phone records, accident photos, maintenance records, and driving logbooks to determine fault. Our lawyers will also consult accident reconstruction experts to determine what happened during your crash. We won’t leave any stone unturned.

CAN A LAWYER PROVE THE TRUCK DRIVER WAS NEGLIGENT?

To win your accident claim, our experienced Gadsden truck accident lawyers must prove the defendant was negligent. At Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers, our lawyers will prove these four elements to win your lawsuit:

  • Duty: The liable party owed you a duty of care
  • Breach: The liable party breached their duty by failing to act reasonably or by acting irresponsibly
  • Cause: Failure to exercise their duty directly resulted in your crash
  • Damages: The defendant’s actions led to damages, such as medical bills and property damage.

WHO CAN BE HELD LIABLE?

Unearthing the liable party in a truck accident depends on the facts of the case. Various parties can be liable for a truck accident, including yourself. The following parties may be responsible for a truck wreck in Gadsden, Alabama:

  • Truck driver
  • Trucking company
  • Cargo loaders
  • Vehicle or auto parts manufacturers
  • Truck owner

It’s important to reach out to an experienced personal injury lawyer near Gadsden to help you determine who is liable for your crash. Contact us today to speak to a reliable attorney about your legal options.

COMMON CAUSES OF TRUCK ACCIDENTS

There are lots of reasons why Alabama truck accidents happen. In most cases, the truck driver bears most of the blame. It only takes a second for a devastating crash to happen. Here are some of the common causes of truck accidents in Alabama:

  • Driver Fatigue: Driving for long hours to deliver cargo poses a danger to all road users. This risky behavior causes exhaustion, leaving drivers less responsive while driving.
  • Distracted Driving: Every truck driver must be attentive behind the wheel. Distractions like texting, eating, and talking on the phone can lead to devastating crashes.
  • Reckless Driving: Reckless actions such as speeding and disregarding traffic rules to beat deadlines can lead to truck accidents.
  • Drug Use: The use of drugs or alcohol while driving can lead to impairment. This can affect a driver’s vision and reaction time.
  • Oversized or Improperly Secured Freight: It’s hard for any truck driver to maneuver on the road with an oversized or improperly secured load.
  • Poorly Trained or Inexperienced Drivers: It’s the responsibility of trucking companies to ensure they hire competent and trained drivers.
  • Lack of Truck Maintenance: Trucking companies should regularly take their trucks for inspections and servicing. Disregarding routine maintenance can lead to catastrophic accidents.
  • Equipment Malfunction: When a truck’s equipment, such as the steering wheel or brakes, malfunctions, the truck may end up colliding with an oncoming vehicle.
  • Poor Road Conditions: Poor signage, missing guardrails, icy roads, road cracks, uneven road surfaces, or potholes increase the risk of a truck accident.

TALK TO OUR GADSDEN TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYERS TODAY

In a fraction of a second, an accident can turn your life upside down. If you or your loved one has been hurt in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation. You require an experienced truck accident attorney by your side to hold liable parties accountable for their actions.

The Gadsden auto accident lawyers at Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers can help prove fault in your truck accident. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering, mental anguish, hospital bills, and vehicle damage.

Call 256-666-6000 today to get started. We operate on a contingency fee basis. Get in touch with us for a 100% risk-free consultation.

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Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers is committed to answering your questions about personal injury law issues in Alabama and Georgia.

WE OFFER A FREE CONSULTATION and we’ll gladly discuss your case with you at your convenience. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and find out how much your case is worth!

 

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