Alabama’s forestry industry is one of the state’s largest sectors, valued at $36 billion. The state’s 110 manufacturing facilities are serviced by a massive fleet of logging trucks that bring raw materials from some 23 million acres of timberland.
Unfortunately, massive logging trucks also put Alabama road users at risk of catastrophic accidents. A collision between a logging truck and a passenger car can severely injure the occupants of the smaller vehicle, sometimes even fatally.
If you have been injured in a collision with a logging truck, you deserve justice and accountability. The personal injury attorneys at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., want to help you demand the maximum compensation you deserve.
Contact us today to get started with a free consultation with our truck accident attorneys in Huntsville. We’re ready to pursue your case immediately and at no upfront cost to you.
Understanding the Dangers of Logging Trucks on Alabama Roads
Logging trucks are inherently dangerous because of many factors, including these examples:
- Size and weight – Logging trucks are enormous, weighing up to 20 times what a family car does. The immense weight can turn any collision into a life-threatening event. Logging trucks also require much longer stopping distances than regular vehicles, further increasing the risk of a severe collision.
- Unstable cargo – The cargo carried by logging trucks also adds another layer of risk. Logs must be properly secured to avoid shifting during transit. A load that shifts even slightly can destabilize the truck, making it harder for the driver to control, especially on curves or steep grades. Logs falling off can strike other vehicles, causing devastating accidents.
- Frequent travel on rural roads – The rural backroads where logging trucks travel pose additional risks. Narrow lanes, rough roads, and steep inclines increase the danger of accidents. Weather conditions such as rain or fog can further complicate driving conditions.
Common Causes and Types of Log Truck Accidents
Many factors contribute to log truck accidents in Alabama, such as:
- Driver fatigue – Behind the wheel of every logging truck sits a driver pushing through long days. By the end of their shift, 12 or more hours of wrestling an 80,000-pound rig has taken its toll. That’s when split-second decisions get slower when tired eyes might miss what alert ones would catch. Truck drivers are supposed to follow hours of service rules, but many trucking companies and financial incentives push truckers beyond the limit.
- Equipment failure – Alabama’s timber routes punish these trucks mile after mile. Each pothole hammers the suspension, and every steep grade tests the brakes. What starts as a minor maintenance issue – a worn brake pad or a tire past its prime – can become critical on these demanding roads. Miss one safety check and the margin for error shrinks fast.
- Improper loading – Loading logs onto trucks requires precision. If the logs are improperly secured or the truck is overloaded, the risk of accidents increases. A shifting load can make stopping or controlling the truck hard, especially on winding or hilly roads.
- Bad weather conditions – Inclement weather can reduce visibility and traction, making it all the more critical for truck drivers to adjust their driving habits accordingly. Hazardous conditions are no excuse for careless driving.
Immediate Steps to Take Following a Log Truck Accident in Alabama
Your health and safety are top concerns after a crash. Seek emergency medical treatment for your injuries and get a full medical exam to check for injuries that are not producing symptoms.
Document the accident scene if you’re able to. Grab your phone and snap some pictures. If anyone saw the crash, ask for their contact info. Their account of what happened could make all the difference later.
Save everything that comes in the mail or arrives in your inbox regarding the accident. Stick them all in a folder for medical bills, letters from insurance companies, and repair shop estimates. Each piece of paper can help paint the complete picture of what the crash has cost you.
Resist the urge to post about the accident online. Insurance companies love to twist what you post and use it against you, arguing that you’re not as hurt as you say you are. Focus on healing instead of sharing updates with friends.
Contact our truck accident lawyers for help pursuing your claim. Our attorneys can seek the compensation you deserve while you focus on resting and getting better.
Who Could Be Liable for a Crash Involving a Log Truck?
Several parties could be solely or partially responsible for a log truck accident, including:
- The truck driver – If the driver was fatigued, reckless, violated traffic laws, or was otherwise negligent, they may be held liable.
- The trucking company – The company could share responsibility if, for example, it failed to maintain the truck properly or pressured the driver into unsafe driving situations. If the trucker was an employee, the employer is vicariously liable for the driver’s negligence.
- The loading company – The company that loaded the timber onto the tractor-trailer could be at fault if the logs were not secured properly or the truck was overloaded.
- The truck manufacturer – If a mechanical failure due to faulty truck design or parts caused the accident, the manufacturer might be responsible.
- Road maintenance authorities – Government entities could be liable if poor road conditions or inadequate signage contributed to the accident.
Why You Need Legal Help After a Log Truck Accident
Our attorneys can be a critical ally after a log truck accident. We can help you with:
- Determining liability – Our attorneys know how to thoroughly investigate the accident to assess everyone who could be to blame and back up the case with sufficient evidence to convince an insurance adjuster or the court.
- Dealing with insurance companies – The insurance adjusters handling your claim have a vested interest in paying you as little as possible. Our lawyers know the tactics they’ll engage in to deny your claim or undervalue your injuries. We also know how to fight back and win.
- Pursuing compensation – Given our experience handling similar cases, our attorneys can calculate how much compensation you deserve, not just for what you’ve already suffered but for the related costs you’ll bear in the future as well. Such knowledge can prevent you from inadvertently leaving money on the table.
Contact the Right Attorneys for Your Log Truck Accident Case
Were you injured in a log truck crash in Alabama? Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., will be right there! We’re a full-service law firm, which means we have the resources to thoroughly investigate the accident, gather the necessary evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
We are committed to helping you seek the justice you deserve and the compensation you need for your medical bills, lost income, pain, suffering, and more.
Contact us today for a consultation with an experienced truck accident lawyer in Huntsville.
