What Sets Alabama Truck Accidents Apart?
Being involved in an Alabama car accident can be life-changing, even if one’s injuries are minor. However, being involved in an accident with a large commercial truck can cause even more physical damage, never mind the mental or emotional cost. An accident involving a commercial truck is almost always more dangerous, and those who have survived this type of crash are not always well prepared to seek compensation in court.
Despite how devastating a commercial truck accident can be to the average person, there is help available. Our Birmingham truck accident attorneys from Goldasich, Vick & Fulk know how to handle insurers and the other players in this type of accident, and we are ready and willing to use our experience to help you.
Greater Likelihood Of Injury Or Death
In general, accidents involving large trucks will be disproportionately more deadly than those involving only private cars or SUVs. The main reason for this is simple physics: the average weight of a car is around 4,100 pounds in this day and age, while a commercial truck will weigh at least double that. As a result of weighing more, a commercial truck will hit an obstacle with more raw power than a smaller car would; between that and a smaller car’s relative lack of defenses means the likelihood of injury or death is much higher.
Another factor in this trend is stopping distance. Because of its weight, a commercial truck requires almost double the amount of stopping distance as an ordinary car. There are far too many situations on the road where that amount of distance is simply not available to a trucker in time to avoid a collision. However, this does not mean that a trucker who negligently fails to be aware of these factors will avoid liability in the event of a crash.
Dealing With Trucking Companies
When one is involved in a crash with a private individual, you might exchange phone numbers and insurers’ information, and go from there. When the crash involves a commercial vehicle, there are many more proverbial hoops to jump through – but indirectly, this can help an injured plaintiff in some cases. Trucks and trucking companies are heavily regulated, both by state and federal authorities – in the event of a crash, your attorney can investigate whether any of those regulations have been breached.
While trucking companies and insurers are used to acting fast, in order to protect themselves and their clients, it is still possible to get the evidence necessary to hold them accountable. In addition, it is important to keep in mind that Alabama law allows multiple defendants in these types of cases – evidence from other parties may establish liability on the part of the trucking company, or may simply provide alternative actors who may bear a share of liability for the plaintiff’s injuries.
We Are Here To Help
Being in an accident with a large truck is something no one should have to go through. If this has happened to you, the Birmingham trucking accident attorneys from Goldasich, Vick & Fulk will work hard to help you navigate the legal process. Contact our office today at (205) 731-2566 to schedule a consultation.
Source:
consumeraffairs.com/automotive/average-car-weight.html
