Truck Accident Responsibility: The Importance of Holding Alabama Trucking Companies Accountable

Birmingham’s busy roadways are crucial for transporting goods across Alabama and the nation. However, sharing the road with large commercial trucks comes with inherent risks. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2020, there were 141 fatalities in Alabama involving large trucks, which included both truck occupants and other people involved in the crashes. When these devastating accidents occur in Birmingham and the surrounding areas, understanding who is responsible and how to seek compensation is critical. 

Understanding Truck Accident Liability in Birmingham  

Semi-truck crash liability hinges on the legal concept of negligence. In Alabama, a Birmingham trucking company can be held liable for a crash if their negligence – failing to take reasonable care to prevent harm – contributed to the accident. Shared responsibility can exist between the truck driver and other parties involved, such as another driver who caused the collision. However, trucking companies have a heightened duty of care due to the size and weight of their vehicles.  

Here’s how a trucking company’s negligence can play a role: 

• Negligent Hiring: Birmingham trucking companies must perform thorough background checks and ensure drivers meet qualifications and have a clean driving record. Failing to do so could result in liability if the driver has a history of traffic violations or safety issues. 
• Inadequate Driver Training: Drivers of large commercial vehicles require specialized training beyond a standard driver’s license. Inadequate training on defensive driving techniques, safe maneuvering, and handling emergencies can be grounds for holding the trucking company accountable.   
• Failure to Maintain the Truck: Regular maintenance is crucial for safe truck operation on the roads. If a local trucking company fails to properly maintain the vehicle, leading to a mechanical failure that causes an accident (e.g., brake failure, tire blowout), they could be liable. 
• Pressuring Drivers to Violate Safety Regulations: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations govern how many hours a truck driver can operate a vehicle without a rest break. Birmingham trucking companies that pressure drivers to exceed these limits or violate other safety regulations to meet unrealistic deadlines increase the risk of accidents and potential liability. 

Common Causes of Commercial Truck Crashes in Birmingham   

While various factors can contribute to trucking accidents in the Birmingham area, some common causes involve driver errors and trucking company negligence: 

• Driver Errors: Truck driver fatigue is a major concern on Birmingham’s highways. Long hours on the road can lead to drowsiness, impaired judgment, and slower reaction times. Distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence can also be significant factors in truck crashes.   
• Trucking Company Negligence: As mentioned earlier, trucking companies pressuring drivers to violate safety regulations is a recipe for disaster on local roads. Additionally, companies that prioritize profit over safety might cut corners on maintenance or fail to properly screen drivers. 
• Vehicle Issues: Poorly maintained trucks pose a serious threat to Birmingham motorists. Defective brakes, worn tires, and malfunctioning lights are just a few examples of how inadequate maintenance by Birmingham trucking companies can lead to accidents. 

The Importance of Holding Birmingham Trucking Companies Accountable 

Holding trucking companies accountable for their role in accidents serves two critical purposes: 

• Protecting Public Safety: When trucking companies are held liable for negligence, it incentivizes them to prioritize safety measures. This can include investing in comprehensive driver training, implementing stricter maintenance schedules, and fostering a company culture that prioritizes safety over profit. Ultimately, this helps keep the roads safer for everyone. 
• Securing Compensation for Crash Victims: Truck accident injuries can be catastrophic, resulting in extensive medical bills, lost wages, and long-term pain and suffering. Holding the trucking company accountable allows local victims and their families to recover compensation for these damages. 

Imagine a scenario where a truck driver fatigued from exceeding FMCSA limitations causes a collision on I-65 in Birmingham. The resulting injuries could be life-altering for the victims.  Holding the trucking company accountable not only helps the victims recover financially but also sends a message to the local industry that prioritizing safety is paramount. 

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Birmingham  

If you’ve been involved in a Birmingham area semi-truck crash, here are crucial steps to take: 

• Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Seek immediate medical attention at a hospital or urgent care facility, regardless of how severe your injuries seem initially. 
• Gather Evidence: Document the scene of the accident as best you can. Take photographs of the damage to your vehicle and the truck, if possible. Collect any witness statements from other motorists and obtain a copy of the police report. 
• Contact a Birmingham Truck Accident Lawyer: Truck crash cases are complex, and an experienced personal injury lawyer specializing in trucking accidents can be invaluable. They understand the intricacies of Alabama law, can investigate the cause of the accident, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for your best interests. 

If you or a loved one has been involved in a Birmingham semi-truck accident, seeking legal representation is crucial. 

Burge & Burge, PC: Here to Help Birmingham Truck Accident Victims 

At Burge & Burge, PC, our firm has a proven track record of success in representing big rig accident victims. We understand the devastation these accidents can cause and are committed to holding negligent trucking companies accountable. Our experienced attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve.  

Contact us today for a free consultation and case assessment.