BIRMINGHAM TRUCK ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

Commercial trucks weigh far more than passenger vehicles and require greater stopping distances. When something goes wrong, the force involved can cause devastating harm. Victims often face traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, multiple fractures, or permanent disability, along with overwhelming medical bills and lost income.

Truck accident cases are also more complex because they may involve federal safety rules, multiple insurance policies, and corporate defendants with significant legal resources.

Every case is different, but truck accident claims typically hinge on three core factors:

• Injuries and losses that resulted in medical expenses, missed work, or long-term impairment
• Negligence, meaning another party failed to operate safely or follow trucking regulations
• Insurance coverage or corporate responsibility sufficient to cover the harm caused

Truck accident claims often involve more than just the driver. Liability may extend to the trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance contractors, or manufacturers.

Many truck accidents are not unavoidable events. They often stem from preventable choices made by drivers or trucking companies under pressure to meet deadlines or cut costs. 

Common causes of serious truck crashes in Birmingham include:

• Driver fatigue, often tied to violations of federal hours-of-service rules that limit how long commercial drivers can stay on the road
• Distracted or reckless driving, including phone use, in-cab technology, or aggressive maneuvers
• Speeding or unsafe lane changes, which are especially dangerous given the size and stopping distance of commercial trucks
• Improperly secured or overloaded cargo, which can cause rollovers, jackknifes, or loss of vehicle control
• Poor vehicle maintenance or mechanical failures, such as brake issues, tire blowouts, or steering problems
• Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain medications

Commercial drivers and trucking companies are required to follow strict federal and state safety regulations. When those rules are ignored, and a crash occurs, the resulting violations can play a critical role in establishing negligence and strengthening an injury claim.

Truck accident liability often extends beyond the driver. Depending on the circumstances, responsible parties may include:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• Cargo loading companies
• Vehicle or parts manufacturers
• Maintenance or inspection providers

Even when a trucking company claims a driver is an “independent contractor,” liability may still apply based on how much control the company exercised.

Your safety and health come first. Seek medical care immediately, even if injuries don’t seem severe. Truck accident injuries can worsen over time.

If you’re able, it’s helpful to:

• Call 911 and report the crash
• Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and injuries
• Document the truck’s USDOT number (often found on the driver’s door)
• Gather witness contact information
• Avoid making statements about fault

Early documentation can be critical in preserving evidence before trucking companies begin their investigations.

Proving fault in a truck accident requires a detailed and often technical investigation. Unlike standard car crashes, commercial trucking cases involve federal regulations, company records, and multiple layers of responsibility.

Evidence used to establish fault may include:

• Police and crash reports, which may note violations or unsafe driving behavior
• Driver logbooks and electronic logging data, showing hours-of-service compliance or fatigue
• Black box or event data recorder information, capturing speed, braking, and driving patterns
• Maintenance and inspection records, which can reveal neglected repairs or mechanical issues
• Surveillance footage and witness testimony, helping reconstruct how the crash occurred
• The truck’s USDOT number, typically displayed on the driver’s door, identifies the carrier and allows investigators to trace the trucking company, insurance coverage, and safety history

Because Alabama follows a strict contributory negligence rule, insurance companies often look for any way to shift even minimal blame onto the injured person. Clear documentation of trucking violations, regulatory noncompliance, or company negligence can be critical to protecting an injury claim.

Truck accident compensation may include damages for:

• Medical expenses, both current and future
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Property damage
• Loss of consortium

In cases involving extreme negligence, additional damages may be available depending on the facts.

Truck accident claims are subject to strict legal deadlines. Waiting too long can prevent recovery entirely and make it harder to preserve critical evidence. Acting early allows for a more thorough investigation and stronger case development.

Every truck accident case follows a different path. Some claims resolve through settlement once injuries are fully understood and liability is clear. Others take longer, especially when trucking companies dispute fault or when multiple parties share responsibility.

The length of a case often depends on factors such as the severity of injuries, the amount of medical treatment required, the availability of evidence, and whether negotiations lead to a fair resolution or formal litigation becomes necessary. Cases involving catastrophic injuries or complex investigations typically require more time to ensure that long-term medical needs and financial losses are properly addressed.

Rushing a truck accident claim before the full impact of injuries is known can lead to inadequate compensation. Taking the time to build a strong case is often essential to protecting a victim’s future.

Many truck accident claims are resolved through settlement rather than a courtroom trial. That said, not every case settles easily. When insurance companies dispute liability, minimize injuries, or refuse to offer fair compensation, filing a lawsuit may become necessary.

Preparing a case as if it will go to trial often places injured victims in a stronger position during negotiations. It shows insurers that the claim is supported by evidence and that the injured party is prepared to pursue accountability if needed. While the possibility of going to court exists, many cases still resolve before trial once the facts are fully developed.

Truck accident cases are handled on a contingency basis. There are no upfront costs, and legal fees are only paid if compensation is recovered. This structure allows injured individuals to pursue justice without financial risk.

Yes. In many cases, claims are brought against both the driver and the company. Employers may be held responsible for the actions of drivers operating within the scope of their work, and companies may also be directly liable for unsafe practices.

Truck accident cases often involve:

• Federal trucking regulations
• Multiple liable parties
• Large commercial insurance policies
• Severe injuries with long-term consequences

These factors make experienced legal advocacy especially important.

Truck accident cases demand resources, experience, and persistence. They often involve powerful companies, complex investigations, and overlapping state and federal laws.

At Morgan & Morgan, we have 35 years of experience helping clients who have been injured due to someone else’s negligence. With $30 billion recovered, we have the expertise and strength to take on even the most complicated trucking accidents.

If you were injured in a Birmingham truck accident, Morgan & Morgan may be able to help. Contact us for a free case evaluation. With The Fee Is Free® promise, there are no upfront costs; you don’t pay unless compensation is recovered.