Truck accidents in Huntsville, Alabama, involving tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, or big rigs, usually occur when truck drivers or trucking companies violate standard traffic laws or motor carrier regulations.
If you sustained injuries in a recent Huntsville trucking accident, the knowledgeable legal team at Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers is ready to help. We will aggressively fight for your rights, file the necessary insurance claim or lawsuit on your behalf, and pursue the monetary recovery you need.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable Huntsville truck accident attorney, please call us at 866-455-3629 or contact us online to learn more.
Injured In A Truck Accident?
Why Should We Represent You in Your Huntsville Trucking Accident Case?
After suffering injuries in a Huntsville, Alabama, commercial truck accident, you need experienced legal counsel in your corner advocating for your rights. At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we have the knowledge, skills, and experience to obtain fair compensation by way of a favorable settlement or jury verdict in your case.
Our lawyers have a strong track record of success and have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our injured clients. To read some of our most recent client testimonials, you can click here.
Let us help you obtain the fair compensation you need right away.
How Much is my Huntsville Truck Accident Case Worth?
Determining the total value of your truck accident case in Huntsville, Alabama, depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the effects on your daily life, and the extent of negligence by the truck driver or trucking company. Here are the main types of damages you can recover:
- Economic Damages – These damages cover your financial losses directly resulting from the accident. They include medical expenses for treatments, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and future medical care if your injuries require ongoing treatment. You can also recover lost income for the time you missed work due to the accident – and loss of earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your job or force you to take a lower-paying position.
- Non-Economic Damages – These damages compensate you for the non-financial effects of the accident on your life. They include pain and suffering for the physical pain and discomfort you endured, emotional distress for the mental anguish and trauma you experienced, and loss of life enjoyment if your injuries prevent you from engaging in activities you once enjoyed. Non-economic damages also cover loss of consortium, which refers to the negative effects of your injuries on your relationship with your spouse or family.
- Punitive Damages – In cases where the truck driver’s or trucking company’s conduct was particularly reckless or egregious, you may be awarded punitive damages. These damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. Punitive damages usually require proof of gross negligence or intentional misconduct.
To determine the total value of your Huntsville truck accident case, it’s essential to gather and present strong evidence, including medical records, employment records, expert testimony, and documentation of your pain and suffering. At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we can help you navigate this process, ensuring that you maximize your compensation.
Common Locations for Truck Accidents in Huntsville
In Huntsville, Alabama, commercial trucking accidents due to truck driver or trucking company negligence often occur in specific locations known for heavy traffic and challenging driving conditions. Here are some of the most common areas:
- Interstate 565 – This major highway is a hotspot for trucking accidents. It runs through Huntsville and connects to other interstates, making it a crucial route for commercial trucks. The high volume of traffic, coupled with high speeds, increases the likelihood of accidents, especially when truck drivers are negligent or trucking companies fail to maintain their vehicles properly.
- Highway 72 – Another significant route in Huntsville – Highway 72 – sees a lot of commercial truck traffic. This highway can be dangerous due to its mix of urban and rural sections, frequent intersections, and varying speed limits. Accidents often happen here due to distracted driving, speeding, or failure to yield.
- University Drive – As a major commercial corridor, University Drive is lined with businesses, shopping centers, and restaurants, attracting both local and out-of-town traffic. The high concentration of vehicles, along with frequent stops and starts, makes it a common location for trucking accidents. Negligent behaviors by truck drivers, such as improper lane changes and tailgating, are frequent causes of accidents.
- Memorial Parkway – This busy thoroughfare runs north-south through Huntsville, and both passenger and commercial vehicles use this road heavily. The combination of traffic congestion, multiple lanes, and numerous access points can lead to accidents. Common causes include truck driver fatigue, distracted driving, and failure to follow traffic signals.
- Downtown Huntsville – The downtown area, with its narrower streets and frequent pedestrian crossings, poses unique challenges for truck drivers. Accidents here often result from negligent driving practices like failing to check blind spots, improper turns, or not adhering to speed limits in pedestrian-heavy zones.
Types of Huntsville Truck Accidents
In Huntsville, Alabama, commercial trucking accidents often fall into specific categories, especially when negligence by the truck driver or trucking company is involved. Here are the most common types:
- Rear-End Truck Collisions – These accidents occur when a large truck crashes into the back of another vehicle. They frequently occur when truck drivers follow other vehicles too closely, fail to maintain proper braking distance, or become distracted at the wheel. In Huntsville, where traffic congestion can be significant, rear-end collisions are a frequent problem.
- Side-Impact Collisions – Also known as T-bone accidents, these crashes happen when a truck hits the side of another vehicle. This type of accident can result from a truck driver running a red light, making an improper turn, or failing to yield at intersections. Side-impact collisions are particularly dangerous and can cause severe injuries due to the limited protection on the sides of passenger vehicles.
- Jackknife Accidents – In these accident scenarios, the truck’s trailer swings out and forms a 90-degree angle with the cab, resembling a jackknife. This movement often results from sudden braking, improper load distribution, or poor road conditions. Jackknife accidents can block multiple lanes and cause chain-reaction crashes – especially on highways like Interstate 565.
- Rollovers – Truck rollover accidents occur when a truck tips over onto its side or roof. These accidents usually result from sharp turns, speeding, or driving on uneven surfaces. Rollovers can be particularly hazardous, leading to significant cargo spillage and road blockages. Negligent truck drivers or companies that fail to properly secure loads or maintain their vehicles often contribute to these accidents.
- Wide-Turn Accidents – These collisions happen when a truck driver makes a turn and hits another vehicle or object. Trucks require more space to turn, and accidents can occur if drivers are not careful or if the trucking company fails to train its drivers adequately. These accidents often happen in urban areas like Downtown Huntsville, where space is limited.
- Cargo-Related Accidents – These collisions frequently result from improper loading or securing of cargo. If cargo shifts during transit due to poor loading practices or equipment failure, it can lead to truck instability and accidents. Negligent trucking companies that do not follow proper loading procedures are often at fault in these cases.
Common Injuries in Huntsville Truck Accidents
Victims of truck accidents in Huntsville, Alabama, often suffer from a range of serious injuries due to the immense force and impact involved. Here are some of the most common injuries:
- Whiplash – This type of injury occurs when the victim’s head is jerked forward and backward suddenly, causing damage to the neck muscles and ligaments. Symptoms often include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and sometimes dizziness.
- Broken Bones – The force of a truck accident can cause various bones to break, including those in the legs, arms, or ribs. These fractures often require surgery and extensive rehabilitation, affecting the victim’s mobility and limiting their daily activities.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – Damage to the victim’s spinal cord can result in severe consequences, including paralysis. Injuries to the spinal cord can disrupt communication between the brain and body, leading to loss of sensation, strength, or function below the injury site.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) – A TBI occurs when a sudden impact or jolt causes damage to the victim’s brain. TBIs may affect cognitive functions, memory, and motor skills and often require immediate medical attention and long-term care.
- Lacerations and Contusions – Cuts and bruises from the truck collision or shattered glass can be severe, leading to significant bleeding and potential infections. In some cases, these injuries may require stitches and can leave lasting scars.
- Soft Tissue Injuries – Damage to the accident victim’s muscles, tendons, and ligaments – such as strains and sprains – is common in truck accidents. These injuries can cause pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion.
These injuries can have lasting effects on a victim’s quality of life and may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Fighting the Insurance Company in a Huntsville Trucking Accident Case
Fighting the insurance company in a Huntsville, Alabama, trucking accident case where truck driver or trucking company negligence was involved can be challenging, but a skilled lawyer can help you navigate this process effectively. At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we can:
- Gather Important Evidence – We will start by collecting all relevant evidence, including accident reports, witness statements, medical records, and photographs of the scene. This helps us build a strong case to prove negligence and the extent of your injuries.
- Investigate the Accident – Our team will thoroughly investigate the accident to uncover critical details. This may include examining the truck’s maintenance records, driver logs, and any potential violations of safety regulations. This investigation helps us establish fault and strengthens your claim.
- Deal with Insurance Adjusters – Insurance companies often try to minimize their payout by offering low settlements or disputing claims. We can handle all communications with insurance adjusters, ensuring that they do not undervalue your claim or use tactics to reduce their liability.
- Calculate Fair Compensation – We will accurately assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and any future costs related to your injuries. This ensures that we demand a fair amount of compensation from the insurance company.
- Negotiate Settlements – Our lawyers can negotiate with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement, counter any low offers, and advocate for the compensation you deserve, based upon the available evidence and damages.
- Prepare Your Case for Court – If settlement negotiations fail, we are prepared to take your case to court. We will present a compelling case, using evidence and expert testimony to argue for your compensation before a judge or jury.
By handling these aspects of your case, we aim to secure the best possible outcome and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your losses.
Important Steps to Take after a Huntsville Truck Collision
After being involved in a truck accident in Huntsville, Alabama, taking the right steps is crucial for your health and legal case. Here’s what you should do:
- Follow Medical Recommendations – Follow all of your healthcare provider’s recommendations and complete all prescribed treatments. This ensures you receive proper care and helps document your injuries for your case.
- Gather Documentation – Collect and keep all documents related to the truck accident. This includes medical records, accident reports, photographs of the scene, and any communications with insurance companies. These documents are vital for proving your case and securing compensation.
- Contact a Knowledgeable Huntsville Truck Accident Attorney – At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers; we will help you understand your rights and help build your case. We will also handle communications with insurance companies and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
By following these steps, you can protect your health and strengthen your case, leading to a more successful outcome in seeking damages and compensation for your losses.
Injured In A Truck Accident?
Speak with an Experienced Huntsville Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you sustained injuries in a Huntsville, Alabama, trucking accident, it’s important that you obtain the legal help that you need right away. At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we can promptly determine your legal options and set you on course to recover the compensation you need.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a skilled Huntsville truck accident lawyer, please call us at 866-455-3629 or contact us online today.