Sideswipe accidents are always shocking events that can have devastating consequences. When a sideswipe collision involves a large commercial truck, the results can be catastrophic and even deadly. With overwhelming numbers of trucks on Alabama’s roads and highways, there is an ever-present risk of suffering harm in a sideswipe truck accident. Survivors often face long-term medical challenges and financial turmoil.
If you have sustained injuries in a sideswipe truck accident, the skilled legal team at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., can help you secure compensation for your medical, financial, and emotional losses. With us on your side, you can hold the at-fault trucker accountable and chart your path toward a brighter future.
Call us 256-274-8130 today or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation with a sideswipe truck accident attorney in Alabama.
What Is a Sideswipe Truck Accident?
A sideswipe accident happens when one vehicle strikes the side of another vehicle in an adjacent lane. These accidents often occur when a driver attempts to change lanes or merge improperly or when they drift out of their lane without realizing it. When the at-fault party is a truck driver, the size disparity between the two vehicles can result in severe damage to the passenger car and life-altering injuries to its occupants.
According to data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), large truck sideswipe accidents resulted in 20,000 injuries and over 300 fatalities in a recent year. These sideswipe truck accident statistics demonstrate the human cost of being involved in such a collision.
Common Causes of Sideswipe Truck Accidents
A sideswipe accident by truck often results from various factors, with driver negligence being a primary cause. Truck drivers may make improper lane changes or drift out of their lanes due to inattention. Succumbing to distractions, such as using a cell phone or adjusting the radio, can cause a truck driver to veer into adjacent lanes and cause a sideswipe collision.
Furthermore, large commercial vehicles have significant blind spots, making it crucial for drivers to exercise additional caution when changing lanes or merging. When truck drivers neglect to check these blind spots, catastrophic sideswipe accidents can result.
Poor weather conditions can also contribute to large truck sideswipe accidents. Rain, snow, or fog can reduce visibility and make roads slippery, increasing the risk of a truck sideswiping another vehicle. If a trucker does not adjust their speed or maneuvering to the weather and road conditions, they may be liable for resulting crashes.
Finally, truck driver fatigue plays a significant role in many accidents. Long hours on the road can lead to drowsiness and reduced reaction times. In many cases, this fatigue is due to inappropriate pressure from their employer in an attempt to save time and increase profits.
Injuries Commonly Resulting from Sideswipe Truck Accidents
Victims of sideswipe truck accidents may suffer a range of injuries, sometimes resulting in severe, life-threatening trauma. Common injuries include whiplash, broken bones, head injuries, and spinal cord damage. In some cases, victims may experience internal injuries or crush injuries due to the force of impact.
These injuries can have long-lasting consequences, potentially leading to chronic pain, disability, or the need for ongoing medical care. Some injured individuals may face challenges returning to work or enjoying their usual activities.
Seeking immediate medical attention after a sideswipe truck accident is crucial. Prompt treatment can improve outcomes and provide valuable documentation for your case. A sideswipe truck accident attorney can use this medical evidence to support your compensation claim.
Legal Rights and Options After a Sideswipe Truck Accident
If you have sustained injuries in a sideswipe truck accident in Alabama, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. These losses may include coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
After an accident, take these crucial steps to bolster your likelihood of a successful claim:
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Document the accident scene by taking photos.
- Request contact information from eyewitnesses.
- Report the accident to the police to ensure there is an official accident report.
- Contact a sideswipe truck accident lawyer.
How a Sideswipe Truck Accident Attorney Can Help
Handling a compensation claim after suffering injuries in a sideswipe truck accident can be daunting for anyone who is not thoroughly familiar with the legal nuances of these types of cases. When you work with an experienced Alabama sideswipe truck accident attorney, you can benefit from the insights and skills of a legal professional who understands the unique challenges these types of collisions present.
When accident victims negotiate with a trucking company’s insurer, the insurance adjuster may employ tactics designed to undermine the injured individual’s credibility and minimize their compensation. A sideswipe truck accident lawyer at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., can negotiate aggressively with insurance adjusters and protect you from such unfair treatment. If the insurance adjuster does not offer you the settlement you deserve, our team can take the at-fault party or parties to court to fight for fair compensation before a judge and jury.
Why Choose Morris, King & Hodge, P.C. for Your Case?
The right sideswipe truck accident attorney can make all the difference to the outcome of your case. When you retain the services of Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., you are choosing a firm that has helped injured Alabamians fight for their rights since 1966. Our proven track record of success in handling truck accident cases and other types of personal injury claims has earned us a listing in the Bar Registry of Preeminent Lawyers.
Our team has secured several verdicts of more than one million dollars on behalf of our clients. We see this as a reflection of our commitment to personal attention, aggressive representation of our clients, and our thorough understanding of Alabama’s specific laws and regulations. We are ready to use our experience and knowledge to help you secure a brighter future.
Call us 256-274-8130 today or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation and case review with a sideswipe truck accident attorney.
