Being hurt in any car crash is terrifying, but accidents involving trucks like 18-wheelers, dump trucks, flatbeds, and other heavy commercial vehicles can be particularly devastating.
These large vehicles frequently travel highways like I-65, U.S. 31, U.S. 72 and side roads throughout Athens. An accident involving one can result in catastrophic and possibly fatal injuries and extensive property damage. On top of these damages, trying to figure out who is liable in truck accidents and wrestling with their insurance companies is often overwhelming at a time when you’re just trying to recover and pick up the pieces of your life.
These negligent truckers and trucking companies must be held responsible, and you don’t have to do it alone. A skilled truck accident attorney can help ease this burden by sorting through the paperwork and dealing with insurance companies on your behalf to help you get the compensation you deserve.
At Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., we have won over $113,000,000 for our clients, which includes million-dollar settlements for fatalities caused by truckers and negligent trucking companies. We’ve helped our clients get back on the road to recovery, and we want to do the same for you.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, let the trusted Athens truck accident lawyers at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., fight for you. Contact us today for a free consultation by phone, through our online contact form, or by live chat.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Athens, Alabama
Truck drivers know they should drive safely because their lives and paychecks depend on it. However, they also face added stressors and distractions, such as rushed delivery timelines, which can cause them to drive recklessly.
In addition, many different people, such as the truck’s mechanic and the crew packing the truck, contribute to the truck’s safety. When the people driving trucks, loading trucks, and maintaining trucks are negligent, it can have disastrous effects for everyone around them.
Some common causes of truck accidents in Athens, Alabama include:
- Drowsy driving
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Speeding
- Loose cargo
- Unbalanced loads
- Mechanical failures
- Defective parts
- Hazardous road conditions
- Errors in merging or changing lanes
- Other reckless drivers on the road
- Poorly trained or unlicensed drivers
- Debris in the road
Types of Truck Accident Injuries
If you did not receive emergency medical attention at the accident scene, have your injuries evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible. Some injuries are not always obvious, and any injury in a truck accident can be life-threatening. A prompt and thorough medical exam could reveal injuries that could pose major risks if left untreated.
Some commonly reported injuries from truck accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Other critical head, back, and neck injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Internal organ damage
- Broken bones
- Severed limbs
- Burns
Compensation for Losses in an Athens Truck Accident
Truck accidents are incredibly costly because of the severity of injuries and property damages. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident through no fault of your own, you should not be responsible for these expenses. A skilled truck accident attorney can help fight for the compensation you deserve.
Some types of compensation in an Athens truck accident might include:
- Current and future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Reduced quality of life
- Disability accommodations
- Medical equipment
Some truck accidents are so severe that they cause fatalities. If your close relative was killed in a truck accident, no amount of money can bring them back. However, you might be entitled to compensation to help cover costs like:
- Medical bills
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship
- Lost wages
- Loss of services performed by the deceased
When to Call an Athens Truck Accident Lawyer
Contact an Athens truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after a crash. Truck accidents are complicated because many different parties – from the truck driver’s employer to the truck manufacturer to a government entity – might be liable, depending on the specifics of the crash.
Each of these parties has lawyers and insurance companies who do not have your best interest at hear. They want to protect their reputation and save them money. The insurance company might even dispatch an adjuster to the crash scene to try to contain the situation and talk you into a low settlement.
Because of these complexities, it’s critical to call a qualified truck accident lawyer before speaking with anyone about the crash. A skilled lawyer can gather evidence and start building a strong case as soon as possible to make sure none of the evidence is lost or corrupted. This might involve activities like taking pictures at the scene, obtaining the truck driver’s driving log and the truck’s maintenance log, speaking with medical experts, and conferring with forensics specialists.
How Can Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., Help Me?
The trusted Athens truck accident attorneys at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., have been getting real results for clients across Alabama since 1966. Our compassionate legal team is ready to answer all your questions, evaluate your case, and help you understand your legal options.
Ways we can help you include:
- Working quickly to gather the evidence needed to prove liability and damages
- Contacting experts who might testify in court to demonstrate what caused the crash or show the medical or financial impact the crash has caused
- Negotiating aggressively with insurance for maximum compensation
- Fighting for your rights in court
The attorneys at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., have been recognized locally and nationwide as some of the best lawyers in America. Our past clients have praised us for our excellent legal work, exceptional customer service, and community involvement.
Let our award-winning attorneys work for you. Contact us today for a free consultation by phone, through our online contact form, or by live chat.
