What Types of Trucks are Typically Involved in Accidents?
Whether it be on Interstate 22, Route 278, or any other road that crosses through Hamilton, dozens of different types of large commercial trucks traverse Alabama roads every day. In 2019, over 66 percent of fatal truck accidents in Alabama occurred on an interstate or a state route. Some common truck accident examples include:
- 18-Wheeler and Semi-truck accidents
- Delivery, work, cement, and tow truck accidents
- Garbage truck accidents
- Tractor-trailer truck accidents
- Rental or moving truck accidents
- Cargo truck accidents
- School bus accidents
- Fuel tanker truck accidents
These are just a few, and whether it be an accident involving a vehicle listed above or any other type of commercial truck, an experienced truck accident attorney at Mama Justice will listen to your case and help you recover financial compensation.
What are the Major Causes of Truck Accidents in Hamilton?
A long list of factors can contribute to truck or car accidents in our state. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents in Alabama include:
Improper lane change or use:
Failure to use a blinker, not checking blind spots while changing lanes, or driving in between lanes are all examples of improper lane use. In 2019, improper lane change was the leading cause of accidents involving large trucks in Alabama, making up 14.8% of crashes.
Falling asleep or drowsy driving:
Truck drivers work long, monotonous days with little physical activity. As a result, studies have shown that some truck drivers do not get enough rest and are prone to zoning out or even falling asleep at the wheel.
Tailgating:
No matter what type of vehicle you are driving, tailgating can be dangerous. When it comes to a tractor-trailer, however, the vehicle’s weight means it takes even longer to come to a stop, making tailgating even more threatening. For example, a truck traveling at 60 mph typically takes up to 335 feet to come to a complete stop.
Driving under the influence:
Just like other drivers, a negligent truck driver might also get behind the wheel after having too much to drink, creating a dangerous situation for everyone on the road. In 2020, there were 158 deaths and over 5,000 injuries in Alabama from traffic accidents where alcohol was suspected to be involved.
Avoiding an animal, object, or person:
Truck drivers or other vehicles swerving to avoid unexpected obstacles on the road is another cause of truck accidents. In 2019, 355 accidents involving trucks in Alabama were from avoiding an animal, object, or person.
While there are some similarities among truck accident cases, oftentimes, each truck accident presents a range of unique legal complexities. Our Hamilton truck accident attorneys at Mama Justice want to help you navigate this legal process and seek the compensation you deserve.
What Types of Injuries do Trucking Accidents Cause?
The size and weight of a commercial truck means that the impact of an accident with one can be more severe than crashes between passenger cars. An average 18-wheel semi-truck, for example, typically stands about 14 feet tall, 72 feet long, and 9 feet wide. The weight of these trucks depends on their load but can range anywhere from 10,000 to 80,000 pounds.
Due to their immense size and weight, truck crashes can cause serious injuries that impact the victim’s life and, in the worst case, result in death. Examples of common truck accident injuries include:
In addition to severe physical and emotional pain, these injuries may also require extensive medical treatment. Whether it is surgery or physical therapy, treatments typically mean a significant period of time where you cannot work and produce income, all while costly medical bills pile up.
Our experienced personal injury lawyers at Mama Justice have been fighting trucking companies, drivers, and negligent parties in truck accident cases for years and may be able to help you obtain compensation for personal injuries and lost wages after a truck accident.