delivery truck

Delivery trucks are everywhere in Alabama these days, thanks in part to a boom in online commerce. But the more delivery trucks there are on the road, the likelier they are to be involved in accidents – and when they are, the results can be devastating.

If you were hurt in an accident with a delivery truck in Alabama, reach out to the dedicated legal team at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., right away. You might be eligible for compensation for your accident-related losses. Our attorneys want to help you identify all possible sources of recovery. Initial consultations are free, and we won’t charge a fee unless we win your case.

Common Causes of Alabama Delivery Truck Wrecks

Many delivery trucks are large and unwieldy, but unless they weigh more than 26,000 pounds, their drivers do not need commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). As a result, delivery truck drivers might lack the special training or experience to operate a massive vehicle safely.

Common causes of delivery truck accidents here in Alabama include:

  • Driver distraction – A driver who is more absorbed in texting or other distractions than driving might fail to notice imminent roadway hazards.
  • Driver impairment – Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and motor functions. Similarly, drivers dealing with extreme fatigue are more likely to cause drowsy driving accidents.
  • Reckless behavior – Delivery drivers who engage in reckless driving behaviors like speeding and tailgating can leave themselves little room for error and are more likely to cause crashes.
  • Driver error – Like all motorists, delivery drivers are prone to making errors like failing to yield the right-of-way.
  • Defective truck parts – If delivery drivers or companies fail to keep their vehicles well-maintained, severe defects can develop and contribute to loss-of-control accidents.
  • Poor road conditions – Poor road conditions like potholes and missing traffic signs can cause confusion, loss of control, and subsequent collisions.

Types of Delivery Trucks and Companies That Use Them

More consumers, longer supply chains, and complicated modern logistics have led to an increase in the number of delivery trucks on the road. These delivery trucks come in many different types, such as:

  • Box trucks
  • Car carrier trucks
  • Flatbed trucks
  • Food trucks
  • Moving trucks
  • Pickup trucks
  • Refrigerated trucks
  • Tractor-trailers
  • Walk-in trucks

Many businesses use delivery trucks as an essential part of their operations.

Delivery trucks in Alabama are commonly operated by:

  • Amazon
  • Caterers
  • Construction companies
  • Convenience stores
  • DHL
  • FedEx
  • Florists
  • Grocery stores
  • Healthcare facilities
  • Home improvement companies
  • Movers
  • Pharmacies
  • Postmates
  • Restaurants
  • Retail stores
  • Supermarkets
  • UPS
  • USPS
  • Utility service providers
  • Walmart
  • XPO

Who Could Be Liable for an Alabama Delivery Truck Crash?

Because delivery truck drivers typically work for or on behalf of others, they are often not the only ones who could be liable for a delivery truck accident. For instance, victims of delivery truck crashes might have claims against:

  • A delivery truck driver whose negligent actions contributed to the crash
  • A delivery driver’s employer, if the driver was engaged in work-related activities when the accident occurred, or the employer was negligent in their hiring or maintenance obligations
  • A cargo loading team that overloaded the truck or failed to secure items inside or on the truck
  • The manufacturer of a defective truck component that contributed to the wreck
  • A truck mechanic or repair shop that failed to inspect, maintain, or repair the delivery vehicle appropriately
  • A local government agency that failed to maintain safe road conditions

Why Hire a Lawyer to Support Your Case?

Truck accident cases are more complicated than most car accident cases for several reasons, including nesting insurance policies, the regulations that apply to certain commercial vehicles, and the number of potentially liable parties involved. While you are not obligated to work with an attorney as you pursue your case, you could be leaving considerable money on the table without the help of an experienced truck accident lawyer.

The law firm of Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., can help you by:

  • Explaining your rights and options for pursuing compensation
  • Conducting an independent investigation into the delivery truck accident
  • Identifying all potentially liable parties and available insurance coverages
  • Communicating with insurance adjusters, lawyers, and other parties on your behalf
  • Obtaining medical records, accident reports, and other evidence for your claim
  • Interviewing eyewitnesses and medical experts for compelling legal testimony
  • Managing important case documents, details, and deadlines on your behalf
  • Filing claim paperwork and negotiating aggressively to maximize your settlement
  • Taking your case to court and representing you at trial, if the other side won’t pay

How Common Are Delivery Truck Accidents in Alabama?

According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, more than 10,000 trucks were involved in traffic accidents statewide during one recent year. As a result of those 10,079 truck accidents, 2,629 people sustained injuries, and 121 died. Vans, which are also frequently used as delivery vehicles, accounted for another 10,936 accidents.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in Alabama?

If you wish to file a personal injury claim after a delivery truck accident in Alabama, you should know Alabama Code § 6-2-38 gives you only two years from the date of the accident to sue. The two-year deadline is important even if you file an insurance claim rather than a lawsuit because your ability to take the other side to court is your most important bargaining chip when negotiating an insurance settlement.

The Alabama injury lawyers at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., can keep your case on track and manage your claim efficiently from the moment you choose to work with us.

Contact Our Alabama Delivery Truck Accident Lawyers

Have you been in a delivery truck accident in Alabama? If so, you could be left with painful injuries, expensive medical bills, and lost wages from time off work – not to mention pain, suffering, and impairments. You should not be left to deal with these losses alone when someone else is to blame.

The Alabama delivery truck lawyers of Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., are ready to help you demand what you deserve. We can answer your questions and conduct a free evaluation of your case when you contact us for an initial consultation.