Truck And 18 Wheeler Accidents

Have you been injured in a collision with a large truck or 18 wheeler? The experienced Tuscaloosa truck accident lawyers at Cross & Smith will aggressively represent your interests in all aspects of your truck accident claim.  We have handled numerous truck accident and 18 wheeler accident cases in Tuscaloosa and throughout Alabama.

Large trucks, including semi trucks and other commercial trucks, are central to commerce in America. They routinely travel on all Alabama roadways. While trucks are familiar sights on the road, they present uncommon dangers to other drivers and bystanders. Trucks generally have less visibility than other vehicles, and have slower braking response and a more limited ability to avoid accidents. But most significantly, trucks are massive. A semi truck cab alone can weigh up to ten tons, and with a loaded trailer it can weigh several times that amount. A regular passenger vehicle, on the other hand, typically weighs between 1-2 tons.

As a result of the wide disparity in weight between cars and commercial trucks, cars can suffer extreme damage in a collision with a truck. Even smaller industrial trucks can cause severe damage due to their size and weight. This means that even a low-speed accident such as a rear-end collision at an intersection can cause significantly more damage than a similar accident involving two comparable cars. In any accident with a truck, serious injuries may result.

In part due to the dangers of large trucks and 18 wheelers, numerous federal and state regulations govern trucking operations. These regulations cover many details of trucking operations, including safety inspections, speed monitoring, alcohol, drug and cell phone regulations, driver certification requirements, and numerous other aspects of safe truck operation. Many trucks also carry “black box”-type devices that record certain data about the truck, which can be highly useful in a truck accident case. A thorough investigation of a trucking accident often reveals evidence of violations of one or more of these regulations, and where that violation contributed to the accident it provides additional evidence of liability.

Truck accident cases often present questions regarding the employment of the truck driver. Because truck accidents typically happen while the driver is on the job, the employer is also liable for injuries caused due to the driver’s negligence. At times the employer – as well as the driver – is at fault in the accident, by failing to properly maintain and inspect the vehicle, failing to adequately check the background of the driver, or requiring the driver to work unsafe numbers of hours. Truck operators also generally carry significantly higher-limit insurance policies than drivers of regular vehicles. Because of these employment and insurance issues, truck accident cases can frequently result in higher compensation for injured parties than other auto accidents.

Because of the many unique issues presented in truck accident cases, it is important if you have been injured to retain skilled Alabama truck accident attorneys. The trial lawyers at Cross & Smith have successfully represented many individuals in Tuscaloosa injured in truck accidents and 18 wheeler accidents, recovering millions of dollars. We understand the nuances and details of truck accident cases, and know how to work with insurance adjusters and opposing attorneys to obtain the most compensation possible. If you have been injured in a truck accident, contact our office today at (877) 791-0618 or online for a free confidential consultation.