Understanding the Role of Negligence in 18 Wheeler Accident Claims in Alabama

When a tragic car accident in Alabama involves an 18-wheeler, it’s often devastating for the motorcyclist involved. Because of the sheer size and weight differential, such accidents often result in severe, life-altering injuries, or worse, fatal consequences for the car driver and passengers.

If you or your loved one has been involved in a car accident with an 18-wheeler, it’s essential to understand the importance of proving negligence in your claim. Skilled Alabama personal injury lawyer Stephen Thompson can assist you in determining negligence and holding responsible parties accountable for their actions.

Negligence: An Introduction

Negligence is the backbone of personal injury law, which encompasses 18 wheeler accident claims. In legal terms, negligence refers to the failure of an individual or entity in exercising reasonable care towards others, consequently leading to injury or damage.

In a car accident involving an 18-wheeler, negligence could be due to various reasons. The driver of the 18-wheeler could be operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or the vehicle might be improperly maintained, resulting in a mechanical failure. Regardless of the reason, if negligence can be proven, the injured party may be eligible for compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other damages.

Role of Negligence in 18 Wheeler Accident Claims

To successfully pursue an 18 wheeler accident claim, the plaintiff - the injured motorcyclist in this case - must establish that the other party was negligent. This process involves proving four key elements:

1. Duty of Care: This refers to the legal responsibility that the defendant (the driver of the 18-wheeler) has towards the plaintiff in ensuring their safety. For instance, every driver on the road has a duty to drive safely to protect others on the road.
2. Breach of Duty of Care: Once it is established that a duty of care existed, the plaintiff must then illustrate how the defendant breached this duty. For instance, driving under influence or defectively maintaining the vehicle could be considered a breach of duty.
3. Causation: The plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant's breach of duty directly resulted in the accident. Additionally, it should be established that the accident was a foreseeable consequence of this breach of duty.
4. Damages: Lastly, the plaintiff must prove that they suffered damage due to the accident. This could range from physical injuries and property damage to psychological suffering.

Investigating the Role of Negligence

Given the intricate laws of Alabama, it is crucial to enlist the help of a seasoned personal injury lawyer like Stephen Thompson. An experienced Alabama car accident lawyer will ensure a thorough investigation is conducted, and all necessary evidence is collected to ascertain negligence. 

The investigation may involve obtaining the defendant's driving records, analyzing the police accident report, reviewing video surveillance if available, arranging expert witnesses' testimonies, and examining the vehicles involved in the accident.

Claiming for Damages

Once negligence has been established, it lays the basis for a personal injury claim where you could be compensated for a variety of aspects. These may include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, loss of income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, disability, and loss of consortium, among others.

If you've been involved in a car accident with an 18 wheeler in Alabama, do not hesitate to seek legal representation. Personal injury attorney Stephen Thompson understands the aftermath of such collisions and the daunting legal complications that often come with them. 

He can help you navigate this complex process, understand the roles of negligence, and effectively fight your case. It's important to remember that your focus should be on recovering from your injuries and returning to normal life as much as possible, and having a strategic and experienced Alabama car accident lawyer in your corner can make a significant difference in pursuing the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve. 

Remember your rights, and don't hesitate to reach out to legal counsel. A car accident with an 18-wheeler in Alabama can put your life on hold, but with strong representation and a supportive legal team, you can reclaim what you've lost and get back to life as soon as possible.

Free Initial Strategy Session

All Initial Strategy Sessions are Free. If you would like to discuss your options, you are invited to fill out one of the Contact Forms. I will attempt to contact you if I think I can help you.

During your Initial Strategy Session, I will asist you in creating a strategy on how to best pursue your claim, whether it be the result of a Car Accident Claim, 18 Wheeler Injury, or, Alabama Workers' Compensation Claim. At your Initial Strategy Session, you will receive the following:

• First - I will listen to your story. You will have a chance to tell everything to someone who wants to hear what happened to you.
• Based on the information that you provide, I will give you my best advice on both what claims you have, and the next steps you should consider to proceed with your claim(s).
• If your claim is something that I think I can help you with, I will explain the services that I can provide for you, and what the next steps are that we should take. We will start working immediately.
• If your matter is something that I do not think I can help you with, then I will attempt to put you in contact with another lawyer that might be able to help you.
• Either way, what should happen is we will put to rest some of the unkowns that you may be experiencing. We will start to shed some light on what you can expect, and how to best pursue the benefits you deserve.

Don't delay getting the recovery you deserve! Contact us today for your free Strategy Session!