Commercial Trucking Accidents in Alabama: Understanding the Types of Compensation Available

Commercial trucking accidents, unfortunately, are all too common on Alabama roads. These collisions often lead to serious injuries, extensive property damage, and in some cases, even fatalities. Pursuing compensation following such an incident can be a complex and stressful process. Thus, it is essential that you consult with an experienced Alabama personal injury lawyer like Stephen Thompson for expert guidance through the legal labyrinth.

If you've been hurt in a commercial trucking accident caused by another's carelessness or recklessness, you may be entitled to a variety of compensatory damages to cover both economic and non-economic losses. Here, we look at the different types of compensation you could claim.

1. Medical Expenses

The most immediate and often substantial cost victims of commercial trucking accidents face are medical expenses. Whether it be for emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, medication, or long-term care, medical bills can quickly pile up. You are entitled to claim these costs as part of your compensation. Future medical expenses anticipated as a direct result of the accident can also be included in this claim.

2. Lost Wages

If your injuries prevent you from working either temporarily or permanently, you can recover lost wages. This includes the money you have lost during your recovery time and any future earnings you might lose if the injuries have left you incapacitated or with diminished earning capacity.

3. Property Damage

In collisions between commercial trucks and smaller vehicles, property damage to the latter can be severe. You can claim compensation to repair or replace your vehicle, as well as any other personal possessions damaged in the accident.

4. Pain and Suffering

Unlike the previously mentioned damages that have direct economic value, pain and suffering represent non-economic losses. They are subjective and pertain to the physical discomfort and emotional distress a victim experiences after an accident. Legal guidelines and precedents dictate how these damages can be calculated. An experienced Alabama trucking accident lawyer can better guide you in these matters.

5. Loss of Consortium

In the tragic event that a victim's injuries are so severe they disrupt their relationship with their spouse or impact their ability to maintain a marital relationship, compensation for loss of consortium may also be sought.

6. Wrongful Death

If a loved one is killed in a commercial truck accident, surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim. This compensation can cover funeral and burial expenses, loss of income that the deceased would have provided, loss of companionship, emotional distress, and other damages.

7. Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are awarded in cases where the defendant’s actions were especially reckless or malicious. The purpose of punitive damages is not just to compensate the victim, but to penalize the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.

Why Hire Stephen Thompson for your Truck Accident Claim?

Alabama has a unique rule known as the "Alabama guest passenger statute," which can affect certain damage claims, primarily related to negligence. This makes pursuing a commercial truck accident claim even more complex.

When dealing with commercial trucking accidents in Alabama, time is of the essence due to the state's statute of limitations. You have a two-year limit to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim following a trucking accident.

To successfully navigate the intricacies of pursuing a commercial trucking accident claim, your best course of action is to enlist a seasoned Alabama trucking accident lawyer like Stephen Thompson. He will ensure your rights are protected, and you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.

Remember, the aftermath of a commercial trucking accident can be a trying time filled with pain, stress, and confusion. However, understanding the types of compensation available to you is a critical step toward recovering and moving forward towards better days ahead. The Law Offices of Stephen Thompson is here to help every step of the way.

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!