Every year across Alabama hundreds of trucking accidents occur. Unfortunately, too many innocent people are killed and injured as the result of these truck wrecks. A significant percentage all traffic fatalities involve large trucks. Approximately a half a million large trucks were involved in traffic crashes in the United States. The cost to society is in the billions annually.
Trucking accidents can be caused many different factors and you need an attorney experienced enough to know what to look for. These factors may determine who all is responsible for the accident. These factors may include:
- Driver Fatigue: A truck driver is required to get a prescribed amount of rest and sleep when driving. A driver that is tired is more likely to be involved in an accident. The layer you hire should be familiar with the rules and regulations that truck drivers must follow.
- Driving Too Fast for the Conditions: Because truck drivers are often paid based on mileage, many truck drivers drive way too fast for the conditions. The adverse conditions may include poor visibility, such as rain or fog, inclement weather, or road construction.
- Speeding: Driving over the posted speed limit can cause accidents. While some trucks have governors to limit their speed, we have discovered that some trucking companies disable the governors to attain higher speeds.
- Following Too Close: Under Alabama law, drivers are required to maintain a safe distance between themselves and the vehicle in front of them. Despite weighing tons and having inadequate brakes, trucks are notorious for tailgating and other aggressive driving behavior.
- Drugs or Alcohol: Unfortunately, many injury causing accidents are caused by drivers who are driving under the influence of drugs, such as methamphetamines, or alcohol.
- Negligent Maintenance: Poorly maintained truck can contribute to truck wreck. If a truck’s brakes fail, the results can be tragic.
- Improper Safety Equipment: The lack of proper reflectors, conspicuity tape, lights, and other warning devices can result in accidents.
- Under-Ride Protection: Under-ride protection should prevent automobile from riding under trucks in rear end accidents. Many people who collide with the rear of a truck are unnecessarily injured due to improperly installed under-ride protection.
- Overloaded trucks: Overloaded or improperly loaded tricks can cause accidents.
- Negligent Hiring and Training: Trucking companies often hire drivers and put them on the road with little to no training or background investigation .
- Poor Driving History: Some reckless truck drivers go from company to company with a long record of truck wrecks and other traffic accidents
Due to specific rules and regulations, there are differences between interstate trucking (18-wheeler) cases and other car wreck cases. You need an Alabama lawyer with experience handling these types of cases. The trucking companies and their insurance carriers don’t wait to start working and neither should you. If you or someone you know was injured or killed in a trucking (18-wheeler) accident or truck wreck anywhere in Alabama, contact Pittman, Dutton, Kirby & Hellums for a free consultation.