A loaded semi-truck can weigh 20 times as much as a passenger car, giving it a considerable size and weight advantage over other vehicles. These enormous vehicles have more force, often causing catastrophic injuries that leave their victims with expensive medical bills and a lower quality of life. At Stokes Stemle, LLC, we believe no one should have to pay the price of a truck accident that was someone else’s fault. Our Alabama truck accident lawyers want to help you recover compensation for the harm you have suffered.
We have significant experience with truck accident cases, and our firm’s focus on personal injury cases helps us better advocate for our clients. In addition, we don’t charge for initial consultations and only collect a fee if we successfully secure compensation. That way, our clients can pursue justice without financial risk. Contact us today to find out what an Opelika truck accident lawyer with our firm can do for you.
What Are the Most Common Injuries Suffered in Truck Accidents?
Truck accidents often cause more severe injuries than other traffic collisions. Some of the most common injuries from Opelika truck accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- External injuries to the head and face
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Severe burns
- Severed, crushed, or amputated limbs
- Broken bones
- Strains, sprains, or other soft-tissue injuries
- Lacerations and bruises
- Psychological distress
What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Opelika?
While mechanical defects, lousy weather, and loose or shifting cargo can cause crashes, driver errors are behind many Alabama truck accidents. A few common examples of driver error that can cause a truck crash include:
- Impaired driving– Truck drivers who drink or take drugs before getting behind the wheel place themselves and everyone around them in danger. These truckers have impaired reflexes, judgment, and sensory perception and are likelier to fall asleep at the wheel. All these factors make a truck crash more likely.
- Distracted driving– A driver not watching the road, keeping both hands on the wheel, or focusing on driving is more likely to cause a crash. Both Alabama law and federal regulations prohibit truck drivers from texting while driving. Federal rules also ban interstate truck drivers from using a cell phone without a hands-free system.
- Drowsy Driving: Research indicates drowsy driving is nearly as dangerous as impaired driving. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), going more than 20 hours without sleep affects a driver about as much as driving with a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent. The effects of drowsy driving include slower reflexes, lapses in judgment, changes in perception, and a higher risk of passing out behind the wheel.
- Speeding– The Alabama Department of Transportation listed speeding or driving too fast for road conditions as the primary cause of over 300 truck accidents in one recent year. Because trucks weigh so much more than cars, they need much more time and space to slow down and stop. If a speeding truck driver slams on the brakes, they could make the truck overturn or cause a jackknife crash.
- Following too closely– Impaired, distracted, aggressive, or drowsy truck drivers are likelier to leave a short distance between themselves and the vehicle in front of them. Not allowing enough space between cars dramatically increases the risk of a rear-end collision.
- Not checking blind spots– Semi-trucks have large blind spots in front of the cab, behind the trailer, and running diagonally from both sides of the vehicle. A truck driver who changes lanes or merges without checking their blind spots could sideswipe a car next to them.
What Compensation Is Available for an Alabama Truck Accident?
While nothing can undo the injuries you sustained in a truck accident, financial compensation can help you heal, cover your medical and repair expenses, and give you peace of mind during a difficult time. An Alabama truck accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation for the following:
- Medical bills related to the crash
- Lost wages
- Reduced future earnings
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress
- Lower quality of life
- Damaged personal property
Do You Need an Attorney After a Serious Truck Accident?
Truck accident cases are more complex than most car accidents, which is one reason you need an attorney. There are more potentially liable parties, more state and federal laws that apply, and trucking companies with large legal teams to use against you. Overcoming these challenges is difficult without the help of an Alabama trucking accident attorney.
Another reason to hire a lawyer is that truck accidents often involve more significant losses than car accidents. More severe injuries mean more expensive medical bills and more time away from work, which could affect your income. Depending on your injuries, you may be permanently disabled and unable to work again. Without a lawyer’s help and the money from a truck accident settlement, you may be left without the money you need to care for yourself and your family.
How Long Does It Take to Resolve an Alabama Truck Accident Case?
Every truck accident case is different, which means their timelines are different, too. That said, most issues are resolved within a few months. However, the process could take longer if there are any questions about liability or if you take the case to trial. After reviewing your case, a truck accident lawyer can tell you more about the timeline.
Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer in Opelika Today
Our Alabama trucking accident lawyers understand the toll these crashes take and want to help you recover the resources to meet your needs. We are ready to answer your questions and discuss your options for pursuing compensation. Call us or visit our contact page today for a free consultation.
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