Causes of Birmingham Truck Accidents

Truck accidents stem from a variety of different causes. In general, however, most accidents are caused by the negligence of trucking companies and truck drivers. If you have been injured in a truck accident caused by the negligence of another, call the experienced Birmingham truck accident attorneys at The Walker Law Firm today. We can evaluate your case and begin fighting to get you full compensation for your injuries. Call 1-877-925-5373 today for a free initial consultation.

Driver Conduct

A truck driver may be liable for negligence if he or she fails to act in a reasonable manner to prevent the risk of foreseeable harm to other motorists. Truck drivers have a legal responsibility to observe a minimum standard of care when loading, inspecting, and operating a commercial vehicle. Drivers who fail to exercise this care may be liable for negligence. A driver is also obligated to use extreme caution when operating large trucks because of the inherent hazards involved in commercial vehicle operation. In addition, driver fatigue or criminal behavior may give rise to liability for a Birmingham truck accident.

Trucking Company Negligence

A trucking company may be deemed negligent in causing a Birmingham truck accident if it fails to maintain its fleet in reasonable condition or fails to ensure the qualifications of its drivers as a means of preventing a foreseeable risk to other motorists. It is the responsibility of the trucking company to make sure that the drivers it hires are properly certified and have demonstrated both competence and ability to operate large trucks. These companies are also required to meet the minimum standards for maintaining commercial vehicles set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Failure to adequately meet these standards may give rise to a negligence claim if it results in a Birmingham truck accident.

Other Causes

Inclement weather and road construction can create hazardous road conditions. For this reason, drivers are expected to reduce speed under certain weather and road conditions. Some accidents, however, are caused by road hazards, such as poorly designed or maintained roads or insufficient signage, that are unforeseeable to a truck driver. In these cases, a government agency or its contractors or subcontractors may be liable for negligence.

Some accidents may be the result of debris that has fallen off a truck and onto the roadway. If debris from a third-party source causes the driver of the truck to lose control of the vehicle and collide with your vehicle, you may have a viable claim against the third party.

Trucking companies will often attempt to settle out of court quickly while victims are still suffering from the trauma of an accident. In all Birmingham truck accident cases, it is essential that measures promptly be taken to preserve evidence, investigate the accident, and allow a physician to examine any injuries. The Walker Law Firm is experienced with the unique issues involved in Birmingham truck accidents and can assist you in receiving full compensation for your injuries. Call the Birmingham truck accident lawyers at The Walker Law Firm now at (877) 925-5373 or fill out our FREE CASE EVALUATION FORM. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if our Birmingham truck accident attorneys agree to accept your case, we will work on a contingent fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary award or recovery of funds. Don't delay! You may have a valid claim and be entitled to compensation for your injuries, but a Birmingham truck accident lawsuit must be filed before the statute of limitations expires.