Athens Truck Accident Lawyers, Alabama
Fighting for the rights of Alabama clients injured in commercial truck wrecks
Truck accidents seem to be a hazard of modern living. Until we can find a way for large commercial trucks such as 18-wheelers, tractor trailers, tanker trucks, heavy construction vehicles and auto transport carriers and passenger vehicles to share the road safely, there will continue to be terrible accidents with devastating consequences. The experienced Athens truck accident lawyers at Martins & Helms understand the complexities of investigating a truck accident and pursuing compensation for those who have been injured or lost loved ones because of the negligence of another driver. We are here to fight for fair compensation for you.
Who can be held liable after a commercial truck accident?
As a part of a commercial operation, there may be several possible defendants in a truck accident claim. Even in cases where you can prove the driver's fault in causing the crash, there are other parties who will share a portion of the fault. Here are some examples of parties who might be held liable after a truck accident that causes injuries or fatalities:
The truck driver
Truck drivers are professionals who are trained to operate massive, 25-ton machines as they barrel down the highway amid smaller, faster and more nimbly maneuvered passenger vehicles. But not all drivers operate as safely and professionally as they should putting themselves and other drivers in grave danger.
Most motor vehicle accidents of any kind are caused by driver error. Some of the various forms of driver error that could cause a truck crash include:
- Speeding
- Alcohol impairment
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Driver inexperience
The truck driver owes a duty of care to the other drivers with whom he or she shares the road to drive safely and with caution. Violating the rules of the road and FMCSA regulations is negligent, and if in the violation of local or federal laws the truck driver causes an accident, they can be held liable for the injuries and property loss that occurs.
The fleet operator
The trucking company or trucking fleet operator owns the truck and is responsible for the conduct of the truck driver during work hours. The trucking company is responsible for hiring truck drivers with a safe driving record, to let unsafe drivers go, to perform drug tests on drivers, maintain the truck in safe condition and ensure that the truck is inspected.
Even in situations where the truck driver can be held liable for causing a crash, the trucking company can also be held responsible for factors such as negligent hiring or negligent supervision.
The manufacturer of the truck or its parts
If the truck is defective, if a defective part of the truck was responsible for causing the accident, you may also be able to hold the manufacturer liable for your damages after a truck accident. There are critical components such as brakes, steering systems, tires, trailer hitches and other vital parts, which if they are defective could cause a trucking accident.
Other possible defendants in a truck accident claim
Because commercial trucks are part of a business operation, it gets complicated when sorting out who can be held liable when a crash occurs. If another company or contractor loaded the cargo, and a shift in the cargo lead to the truck crash, he or she could be held responsible. If a mechanic was negligent in repairing or maintaining the truck, he or she might be liable if their negligence caused a mechanical failure. If there was a road defect such as crumbling asphalt, a deep pothole, insufficient guardrails, or other road hazard, a government entity might be held responsible for damages.
When you work with an experienced Athens personal injury attorney from Martin & Helms, you can be assured that we are aware of all the possible parties who might be held liable for your damages. We know what evidence to collect, we interview witnesses, and develop a compelling case for maximum compensation for you and your family.
What damages are available after a truck accident in Athens, AL?
If you suffered a serious truck accident injury, there are several types of damages to which you might be entitled depending on the facts of your case, including:
- Medical expenses past, current and future related to the truck accident
- Lost income for time lost at work for medical care and recuperating from the injury
- Diminished earning capacity from accident injuries
- Disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
What types of trucking accidents does Martin & Helms handle?
You might have been involved in a truck accident on one of Alabama's Interstate highways such as I-10, I-20, I-22, I-59, I 65, I-85, I-459, I-565 or U.S. highways such as US 31, US 43, US 45, US 72, US 78, 231, 278 411 and 431. The experienced Athens truck accident lawyers at Martin & Helms offer skilled representation and we pursue the maximum representation for you. We can take on any type of truck accident including:
- Rear-end crashes
- Head-on collisions
- Jackknifes
- 18-wheeler tire blowout accidents
- Tractor trailer rollovers
- Semi-truck crashes
- Commercial truck wrecks in a swinging turn
- Delivery truck crashes from improperly loaded freight
- Blind spot accidents
- Under ride crashes
- T-bone or broadside crashes
Regardless of the type of truck accident, the truck accident attorneys at Martin & Helms are here to represent you in your fight to recover compensation which will cover your damages. With more than 45 years of combined legal experience, we welcome the chance to pursue justice for you.
Schedule a free consultation with our experienced Athens Alabama truck accident lawyers today
Truck accident injuries can be devastating. If you have sustained a serious injury or lost a loved one in a truck accident, Martin & Helms is here to protect your right to recover compensation for your injuries or wrongful death. You are welcome to call us at 256-539-1990 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. We also serve seriously injured clients in Decatur, Huntsville, Madison and throughout the state.
Areas of Focus
| Personal Injury | Car Accidents | Truck Accidents |
| Motorcycle Accidents | Product Liability |