scottsboro truck accident

Were you severely injured in a truck accident in Scottsboro, Alabama? Did a distracted, tired, aggressive, or otherwise negligent truck driver cause the crash? If so, you could be owed significant compensation.

The best way to protect yourself and your future after a truck crash in Scottsboro is to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. The Scottsboro truck accident lawyers at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., have more than 50 years of experience fighting for crash victims. Our dedicated and compassionate truck accident attorneys have recovered more than $125 million in compensation for our clients.

At our firm, you’re more than a case number. We understand that you deserve representation personalized to your unique case and goals. You can learn more about our services by contacting our office for a free case review now.

Types of Truck Accidents in Scottsboro

Truck accidents in the Scottsboro region come in many forms. Some of the most common types of truck accidents we see at our firm include:

  • Head-on collisions — A head-on truck accident occurs when a truck leaves its lane and crosses over into the path of oncoming traffic. Head-on truck accidents usually result from some form of negligence by the truck driver, such as impaired driving, distracted driving, or driving on too little rest.
  • Rear-end collisions — Semi-trucks take much longer to stop than other vehicles, and truck drivers need to be aware of this if they want to avoid rear-ending a car. Common causes of rear-end truck accidents include speeding, following too closely, driving while distracted, and driving while impaired.
  • Sideswipe collisions — The length of semi-trucks means there are large areas to the side of the truck where it is difficult for the driver to see what is around them. If truck drivers do not check their blind spots before merging, passing, or turning, they can collide with a vehicle next to them.
  • T-bone collisions — A T-bone or broadside truck accident happens when a truck collides with the side of another vehicle traveling perpendicular to the truck, causing the two vehicles to form a “T” shape upon impact. T-bone truck accidents are most often due to truck drivers failing to yield the right-of-way.
  • Rollover accidents — Trucks are top-heavy and can tip over if a driver takes a turn too quickly. Rollover truck accidents can also occur if the truck’s cargo is not balanced correctly or if the cargo comes loose in transit because it was not properly secured.
  • Underride accidents — An underride accident can occur if another driver collides with a truck and then becomes lodged underneath the truck. Many truck underride accidents are caused by truck drivers having to slam on the brakes unexpectedly.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents are primarily due to driver error or some other form of negligence on the part of another party. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

  • Distracted driving
  • Driving while fatigued
  • Impaired driving
  • Speeding
  • Aggressive driving
  • Following too closely
  • Failing to yield the right-of-way
  • Failing to check blind spots
  • Improper merges
  • Mechanical failure
  • Lack of proper maintenance
  • The truck’s cargo is not being properly secured or balanced

Common Injuries from Truck Accidents

According to the state Department of Transportation, truck accidents in Alabama killed 130 people statewide and left another 2,330 people injured during one recent year. Because a semi-truck can be 10-20 times heavier than a passenger car, truck accidents tend to involve more severe injuries than in crashes between two or more passenger vehicles.

Some of the most common injuries from Scottsboro truck accidents include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Neck injuries
  • Back injuries
  • Burns
  • Crushed or severed limbs
  • Internal bleeding
  • Injuries to internal organs
  • Broken bones
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Psychological trauma
  • Wrongful death

Compensation You Could Recover for Truck Crash Injuries

An experienced Scottsboro truck accident lawyer can help you seek compensation for:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Psychological distress
  • Medical bills
  • Lost income and diminished future earnings
  • Damaged personal property

What Makes 18-Wheeler Accidents Different from Other Crashes?

A few factors make truck accidents in Scottsboro different from other motor vehicle crashes. These factors include:

  • Trucks and trucking companies are subject to more regulations — Many state and federal regulations only apply to truck drivers and trucking companies. Violations of regulations could play a significant role in determining liability for the crash.
  • More severe injuries — Trucks are considerably heavier than passenger cars, which means trucks frequently inflict more severe injuries than smaller vehicles, even at relatively low speeds.
  • Higher insurance policy limits — Commercial vehicle insurance policies typically have higher limits than most personal auto insurance plans – often $1 million or more. With higher coverage limits and more extensive losses, you can count on the insurance companies to put up a tough fight.

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

Alabama law gives you two years from the date of a truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, you should speak to an attorney as soon as possible after a truck accident, so they have plenty of time to develop a strong case while the evidence is still fresh.

How Our Scottsboro Truck Accident Firm Can Help You

A truck accident lawsuit involves hard work and planning, but you can trust our team to do everything possible to secure maximum compensation. Here are a few of the ways our Scottsboro truck accident lawyers can help with your case:

  • Investigate the accident to document all your injuries and identify all the potentially liable parties
  • Gather the necessary evidence to establish how another party is responsible for your injuries
  • File your claim promptly to prevent any issues with the statute of limitations
  • Open settlement negotiations with the liable parties and their insurance companies to pursue fair and reasonable compensation on your behalf
  • Represent you during a civil trial if the insurance company won’t agree to a fair settlement offer

Contact Our Experienced Scottsboro Truck Accident Lawyers Today

For decades the attorneys at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., have been representing clients just like you – everyday people who have suddenly found themselves injured through no fault of their own. We want to help.

If you’ve been injured in a Scottsboro truck accident, contact us today for a free initial consultation.