Overview of Birmingham Truck Accidents

Birmingham truck crashes result in catastrophic injuries and fatalities more often than other highway accidents. Truck accidents are responsible for nearly 5,000 deaths and over 100,000 injuries in the U.S. every year, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Large trucks are generally defined as commercial vehicles with over 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. Although some Birmingham truck accidents are caused by poor weather conditions, poorly maintained roads, or similar factors, a large majority of truck crashes result from the negligence of truck drivers or trucking companies. If you were injured in Birmingham truck accident, you have the legal right to seek compensation for your injuries from the negligent truck driver and/or trucking company responsible for causing the crash.

The high incidence of serious injury in Birmingham truck accidents is primarily due to the disparity in size and weight between large trucks and other motor vehicles involved in the collision. The majority of motor vehicles on U.S. highways are cars, light trucks, and vans, which are designed to withstand impacts with similarly-sized vehicles, not with 80,000-pound trucks. Therefore, truck accidents often produce catastrophic injuries, such as spinal cord injury and paralysis, traumatic brain injury, severe burns, and loss of limbs. Victims of Birmingham truck accidents who are left with debilitating injuries that lower their quality of life deserve to receive compensation for those injuries.

Because of the hazards associated with operating large trucks, owners and drivers are held to a higher standard of care in maintaining and operating their vehicles. The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) sets forth rules, which work to promote the safe operation of large trucks and ultimately reduce truck crashes. The CFR limits the number of consecutive hours a truck driver may work, prohibits overloading or improper loading of cargo, and sets minimum standards for proper truck maintenance and driver certification. However, truck drivers and trucking companies often fail to observe these rules, thereby placing the lives of innocent motorists and pedestrians in danger.

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.