Tractor trailers, semi-trucks and other large, heavy commercial vehicles are an ever-present threat of disastrous accidents on Alabama roads. The state Department of Transportation reported a 10-year high in truck-involved crashes in 2018, with 2,629 injuries and 121 deaths. Because of the vast weight difference between heavy trucks and passenger cars, the most serious harm in an accident usually befalls the occupants of other vehicles. Drivers on Interstate 10, Interstate 65, Highway 98, Highway 59 and other roads that traverse the state need to be vigilant at all times.
If you are hurt in a collision with a truck in Alabama, contact the experienced truck accident lawyers at Tobias & Comer Law, LLC for a free consultation. In addition, there are steps you can take to protect your health and to help with your claim of money damages for your injuries. You should:
- Call 911 — Even if your injuries seem minor, you will still want to call emergency services. The responding police officer will take statements from each driver. The police report will include details about how the accident occurred and about the resulting injuries and vehicle damage.
- Get a medical evaluation — When the ambulance arrives, allow an EMT or paramedic to examine you for injuries. Go to a hospital emergency room or trauma center for a diagnosis and follow up with your doctor for a full medical evaluation. Obtaining a timely medical record of your injuries is crucial to proving that they resulted from the accident.
- Document everything — As long as it is safe to do so, take pictures and videos of the accident scene. Speak to other drivers and any witnesses and take down their contact information. Witness statements and documentary evidence can help show what factors contributed to the crash.
- Have your vehicle appraised for damage — As soon as possible, notify your insurance company so that they may appraise your vehicle’s damage. This will be important in proving not only the extent of the damage but also the cause of the accident.
- Speak to a lawyer — A trusted personal injury lawyer can advise you on your right to seek compensation for your damages from the truck driver and others who may share responsibility.
Truck accident claims can be complex due to the number of parties potentially involved, including truck owners, lessors, shippers, loaders and maintenance providers. In addition, multiple causes may have contributed to an accident and defendants will often raise claims against each other to avoid blame. Because of this it is important to talk to an experienced truck accident lawyer in the Mobile area.
If you have been injured in an Alabama trucking accident, the personal injury attorneys of Tobias & Comer Law, LLC in Mobile are ready to help you seek the compensation you need and deserve. To schedule a free initial consultation with one of our skilled attorneys, call (251) 432-5001 or contact us online. We are available 24/7 and handle cases all along the Alabama Gulf Coast.