Delivery vehicles are crucial for residences and businesses in Athens, Alabama, ensuring that goods and services reach our doorsteps efficiently. However, accidents involving delivery vehicles occur often, many with serious injuries.
If you were injured in a delivery vehicle accident in Athens caused by someone else, you need effective legal representation to protect your rights and pursue compensation from the responsible party. Alabama has complicated liability laws, and you have limited time to seek money for your medical care, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other losses.
That’s where an Athens delivery vehicle accident attorney with Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., comes in. Since 1966, our award-winning North Alabama law firm has recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients. Your initial consultation is free, and you owe no fees unless we win your case.
Contact us today to get started.
How to Choose the Right Athens Delivery Vehicle Accident Attorney
When selecting a delivery vehicle accident attorney in Athens, Alabama, consider the following:
- Ensure the attorney knows personal injury laws and handles delivery vehicle accident cases.
- Look for a firm with a strong track record of success and positive client testimonials.
- Choose an attorney who prioritizes communication, understands your needs, and works tirelessly on your behalf.
- Select a delivery vehicle accident attorney who is both a skilled negotiator and a litigator if your case goes to court.
- Pick a law firm recognized for its outstanding legal service, client care, ethical standards, and community engagement.
In other words, choose Morris, King & Hodge, P.C. All of these positive attributes – and more – apply to the Athens delivery vehicle accident attorneys at our law firm. We are ready to review your situation for free and discuss how we can put our experience, skills, and resources to work for you.
Common Causes and Types of Delivery Vehicle Accidents
Delivery vehicle accidents can have various causes, including:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Impaired driving
- Driver fatigue
- Improper loading
- Mechanical failures
- Defective tires
- Inadequate driver training
- Improper turns or lane changes
According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, there were over 10,000 reported crashes in a recent year involving commercial trucks, including delivery vehicles. There are many types of delivery vehicle accidents, including:
- Rear-end collisions
- Rollovers
- Jackknife accidents
- Head-on collisions
- Sideswipe accidents
- Cargo-related accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
Types of Delivery Vehicles and Delivery Companies Involved in Crashes in Athens
Various types of delivery vehicles are involved in crashes in Athens, including the following:
- Delivery vans
- Refrigerated trucks
- Box trucks
- Car carrier trucks
- Flatbed trucks
- Food trucks
- Moving trucks
- Utility trucks
- Pickup trucks
- Tractor-trailers
- Courier trucks
- Motorcycle and scooter delivery services
Many companies use delivery vehicles, ranging from local courier services to large-scale shipping companies. These include:
- Retailers
- Wholesalers
- Construction companies
- Grocery stores
- Restaurants and caterers
- Medical and healthcare providers
- Package delivery companies
- Moving companies
- Landscaping and agricultural services
A few examples of specific companies that operate delivery vehicles in Alabama include:
- Amazon
- DHL
- FedEx
- Postmates
- UPS
- USPS
- Walmart
- XPO
Liability for Delivery Truck Crashes in Athens
Determining liability for delivery truck crashes can be complex because the trucking industry involves multiple individuals and entities. Our experienced Athens delivery vehicle accident attorneys can investigate the accident and identify all potentially liable parties, including the following:
- The truck driver
- The delivery company
- The vehicle or tire manufacturer
- The mechanic or repair shop responsible for servicing the truck
- The cargo loading service
- Parties responsible for inspecting the truck
A delivery company can be vicariously liable for an accident caused by one of its on-duty employees. If the drivers are independent contractors rather than direct employees, the company could be responsible if, for example, it failed to properly screen or train drivers, supervise drivers, or adequately maintain its fleet of vehicles.
Types of Compensation Available for Delivery Vehicle Accident Victims
If you are the victim of a delivery vehicle accident in Athens, Alabama, an attorney with Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., can help you pursue compensation for your crash-related losses, including the following:
- Medical expenses, including hospital stays, doctor’s visits, diagnostic tests, medications, and mobility equipment
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy costs
- Lost wages if you cannot work while healing from your injuries
- Loss of future earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to work
- Pain and suffering
- Personal property damage, such as a damaged or totaled vehicle
Frequently Asked Questions About Delivery Vehicle Accident Claims
How long do I have to file a delivery vehicle accident claim in Athens?
The statute of limitations in Alabama determines the time limit for filing a personal injury claim. You generally have two years from the accident date, but you must consult an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you meet every critical deadline.
What if the delivery vehicle driver was an independent contractor?
Even if the driver was an independent contractor, you may still be able to pursue a claim against the delivery company, depending on the specific circumstances of the accident. An attorney can assess the situation and determine the best course of action.
Can I still pursue a claim if I am partially at fault?
Alabama follows contributory negligence rules when determining liability and compensation, which means a victim who is partially at fault for an accident is barred from pursuing a compensation claim. Consulting an experienced Alabama attorney is crucial to building a robust case proving the other party was wholly responsible for the accident.
How long does the legal process take for a delivery vehicle accident case?
The duration of a delivery vehicle accident case can vary depending on several factors, such as the case’s complexity, the severity of injuries, the parties’ willingness to negotiate, and the court’s schedule. Our attorneys can provide a more accurate estimate based on the specifics of your case.
Contact Our Athens Delivery Vehicle Accident Lawyers Today
If you were injured in a delivery vehicle accident in Athens that was not your fault, our experienced personal injury lawyers want to help you. At Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., we have decades of combined legal experience and the resources necessary to protect your rights from unscrupulous insurance companies and powerful delivery companies.
Contact our delivery vehicle accident lawyers today for a free consultation. You owe us no fees unless we win your case.
