Delivery trucks have become an essential aspect of the Alabama economy, bringing us the goods we need and the products and services we want straight to our doors. However, the increasing number of delivery vehicles on Decatur’s roads, streets, and highways has led to a corresponding increase in accidents involving them.
The size disparity between delivery trucks and passenger vehicles can mean that people traveling in smaller cars often suffer severe and even life-threatening injuries in a crash. The consequences of a delivery truck accident can include excruciating pain, overwhelming medical bills, and lost income from forced time off work.
If you have suffered injuries in a collision with a delivery vehicle, the Decatur delivery truck accident attorneys at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., want to help you demand fair compensation for your losses. With an experienced attorney on your side, you can enhance your chances of holding the at-fault party accountable.
Call us today or contact us online for a free consultation with a delivery truck accident lawyer in Decatur, Alabama.
Reasons to Select Our Decatur Delivery Truck Accident Lawyers
If you are considering filing a compensation claim for delivery truck accident injuries, your choice of attorney can have a big impact on the outcome of your case.
The experienced legal team at Morris King & Hodge, P.C., has been fighting for injured people in North Alabama since 1966. Our attorneys have secured a string of million-dollar-plus settlements and verdicts. Our hard work and legal acumen have earned us a listing in the Bar Registry of Preeminent Lawyers, as well as many other accolades.
We have experience arguing cases in federal and state courts throughout North Alabama, and we are ready to give you the support and advocacy you need at this challenging time.
Types of Delivery Trucks and Common Carriers
Delivery trucks come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and functions. Some of the most common types of delivery trucks include:
- Box trucks
- Tractor-trailers
- Flatbed trucks
- Panel vans
- Grocery vehicles
- Florist trucks
- Postal trucks
- Moving vans
These vehicles are operated by both major corporations and local companies, such as the following:
- Amazon Delivery Service Partners (DSPs)
- United States Postal Service (USPS)
- United Parcel Service (UPS)
- Federal Express (FedEx)
- DHL
Regardless of the type of vehicle that hit you or the carrier that operates it, you may be eligible for significant compensation if another party’s actions caused your accident-related injuries.
Common Causes of Delivery Truck Accidents in Decatur, AL
Delivery truck accidents can occur for many reasons. Some of the most common causes include:
- Driver fatigue from long shifts and tight delivery schedules
- Distracted driving, such as when a driver is checking their phone or GPS
- Speeding, often to meet delivery deadlines
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Insufficient driver training
- Inadequate truck maintenance leading to equipment failures
- Improperly loaded or secured cargo
- Reckless driving, including unsafe lane changes and following too closely
- Poor road conditions or inclement weather
If any of these or other forms of negligence played a role in the delivery truck accident that hurt you, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and related losses. Our experienced attorneys stand ready to investigate to determine fault and liability.
Types of Injuries from Crashes Involving Delivery Trucks
Delivery truck accidents often result in serious injuries like the following:
- Head and brain injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Neck and back injuries, such as whiplash, herniated discs, and spinal cord damage
- Broken bones and fractures
- Crush injuries
- Burns, lacerations, and contusions
- Amputations and loss of limbs
- Internal organ damage and internal bleeding
- Wrongful death
These injuries can lead to long-term disabilities, chronic pain, extensive medical treatment, and an inability to work or enjoy life as you did before. A Decatur delivery truck accident lawyer from our law firm can help you demand fair compensation for all the ways your injuries have impacted your life.
Who Could Be Held Liable for a Delivery Truck Crash?
Determining liability in a delivery truck accident case can be complex, as multiple parties may share fault. Some of those who could potentially be held liable include:
- Delivery truck driver – Delivery truck drivers are often the most immediately at-fault party in a collision. They may be to blame if they engaged in negligent behavior such as distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, or violating traffic laws, for example.
- Delivery company – Delivery companies and trucking companies are vicariously liable for their employees’ negligence. They also have a responsibility to ensure their vehicles are safe and properly maintained. They must also properly train and supervise their drivers. They can be held liable for accidents if they fail in these duties.
- Truck manufacturer – Some delivery truck accidents occur due to defective parts or equipment, such as faulty brakes or steering systems. In these cases, the manufacturer of the faulty component may be liable.
- Cargo loading team – If a delivery truck crash occurs because the cargo was improperly loaded or secured, the team responsible for loading the truck may be held accountable.
- Other involved parties – Other drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, or property owners could also potentially share liability if their negligence somehow contributed to the crash.
Compensation in Delivery Truck Accident Claims
The compensation you may be eligible to recover after a delivery truck accident will depend on the nature of the collision, the extent of your injuries, and their effects on your life. An experienced Decatur delivery truck accident attorney at Morris King & Hodge, P.C., can help you demand compensation for losses such as:
- Medical expenses, including emergency treatment services, doctor’s visits, surgical procedures, physical therapy, medication, and long-term care
- Lost income if your injuries force you to miss time at work
- Reduced earning capacity if the accident results in a disability preventing you from returning to your previous job
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In exceptional cases where the at-fault party’s behavior was particularly egregious, a court may also award punitive damages. Consulting with our experienced delivery truck accident lawyers can help you understand how much your case might be worth.
How Our Decatur Delivery Truck Crash Attorneys Can Help You
Are you wondering, “Where can I find a delivery truck accident attorney near me?” Look no further than Morris, King & Hodge, P.C. We can help you pursue the compensation you deserve by:
- Investigating the accident to determine what occurred and who was at fault
- Calculating the total value of your claim
- Negotiating aggressively with the insurance company for a fair settlement
- Taking the at-fault party to court if their insurer does not offer you a compensation package that will cover your losses
Our legal team can handle every aspect of your case while you focus on your medical and emotional recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation with our experienced delivery truck accident lawyers in Decatur, Alabama.
